When leaving New York to attend college in Florida, one of the biggest changes I experienced was the loss of the four seasons as I knew them. While I always had a distaste for winter, it felt weird not having it. I realized that, for each season, I had activities that got me into the spirit of the season.
Now that I’m back in New York, I’ve been looking at the seasons differently. I still have a distaste for winter, although a bit less. But I’ve been enjoying the good and bad of every season, as I know it’ll be a whole year before I experience it again.
I’ve decided to make lists of things I’d like to do each season, so I can take advantage of the good in each season and make the bad parts better. Here’s my list of things for Spring. And if you live in a different climate, that’s okay too! Feel free to use this list for inspiration as well and/or save them for when the weather’s just right for you. Not everything involves the climate but you’ll find much of it is Spring themed.
Let’s jump in!
Spring cleaning.
Had to include this for sure! Around this time I like to start swapping my winter clothes with my summer ones. This makes it an opportune time for me to go through these clothes and start making donations. I also take the time to reflect on how I organize my room and see where I can make improvements.
Start a garden.
In my house, we’ve been doing a vegetable garden for quite a few years now and it’s so rewarding. No matter what you grow, depending on where you live now may be the time to start growing, whether that’s inside or outside. Look up what you’d like to grow and what times of year are best in your area to get started.
Go hiking.
I think Spring is a great time to go visit one of the nature trails in your area. The weather is mild, and there are lots of flowers and trees in bloom throughout the season, and the variety of them in one place would be beautiful to see. My local newspaper had a guidebook to all the trails in our area, and I’d love to go to one soon that features a massive variety of birds.
(Now that I think about it, this may not be the best thing if your allergies are really bad. Or maybe you’d still go anyway. I don’t know. You do you.)
Have a campfire.
I realize that around here in the wintertime everyone just kind of huddles in their houses because going anywhere when there’s snow and ice and cold is such as a hassle. (Kind of an introvert’s dream!) But once it gets nice again it’s nice to have the first big get-together. Why not over a campfire? I like them around this time of year because it’s warm enough to be outside but also mild enough that the warmth of the fire is nice. And those pastel-colored marshmallows would be fitting for your smores, too!
Take lunch outside.
When I started working I would read outside on my lunch and this is my first season not being able to do so; I miss it so much! If you’re yearning to go outside when the weather starts to warm up this is a great way to do it.
Eat chocolate Easter eggs.
Well, it’s a must for me. Not just the creamy ones but also the ones with the hard shell. You know those? Yeah, those are my favorite.
Make a bird feeder.
I’ve been really wanting to do this ever since a woodpecker made himself at home in one of our trees. I even saw a hummingbird around last summer, which I didn’t ever think would come around here! If you’d like to bring a little more of nature into your backyard this is a great way to do it.
Have a picnic.
This is one of those things that I think are great for the first mild day when you’re longing to get outside. Have one solo or with others and enjoy the sunshine.
Visit the local farmer’s market.
If you live someplace cold like I do these usually shut down for the winter. But, come Spring, it’s nice to be able to go back, browse, and buy some fresh produce and other goods. Plus, the atmosphere has always been warm and welcoming to me and I think that’s perfect for this time of year.
Host a backyard wiffle ball tournament.
From the first nice day to the last nice day of the year, it seems like we’re always playing wiffle ball in my backyard. And while we’ve always been playing, my brother wants to make things official and have our second annual wiffle ball tournament this summer. This is a perfect way to have fun with friends, and I find that, no matter the age or athletic ability, it’s fun for everyone. Feel free to swap this out with other games – we’re also big on badminton, volleyball, basketball, football, and Kan Jam here!
Sign up for recreational sports for the summer.
This is great no matter your athletic ability, and if you’re looking to meet new friends, this is a great way to do it. Find out what kind of sports and activities are going on in your area and sign up! If you’re anxious about going alone, bring a friend – although many people sign up solo.
Host a board game night on the patio.
As long as it’s not too windy, having an evening get-together outside is a great way to meet up with friends and welcome the warmer weather. Make some appetizers or baked goods, pour some wine (or whatever you’d like), and enjoy the fresh air.
Go to a festival.
Find out what’s going on in your community and take a trip there! My college town has a sidewalk art festival every spring, which I think is very fitting for the season. Even if you have to go far, it’s interesting to see a new town.
Pick berries.
Last spring I picked blueberries with my sister-in-law, niece, and nephew. Not only was it fun and a great way to de-stress from my final semester, but I got a ton of blueberries. They had to be the best blueberries I’ve ever had, too.
When we got back we made some pie with the other bucket we got and had a bingo night. If you’re planning a spring get-together, it’s the perfect opportunity to bake for everyone.
Walk on the beach.
Depending on where you live it may be too cold to dip your feet in the water, but I always loved early morning walks on the beach come spring. There are also lots of bike riders and a rollerblading path at my beach – see if there’s something similar where you usually like to go. My beach also doesn’t charge parking if you go early enough, so if you’re looking for motivation to wake up earlier, there you go!
Have more coffee dates.
I love sitting outside a coffee shop, with a warm cup in my hands, on a mild spring or autumn day. Schedule some times to meet up with others and enjoy those last few days before it gets very warm.
Go on evening strolls with a friend.
Or solo, if you’d like. It’s the time of year here where I see people starting to walk around again after work. It’s also a perfect way to be out for the sunset. Plus, you won’t have to worry about mosquitoes just yet!
Go to a yard sale.
Everyone else is spring cleaning too – you know what that means! Check and see if there are any yard sales or thrifting opportunities in your area. This is especially great if you’re looking for a cheap way to decorate or even furnish your home. Many pieces I’ve taken and turned into DIY projects – and while the weather’s nice, you can get that done outside.
While winter’s getting wrapped up here, I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for spring. What do you like to do in spring? Let me know below.
Sincerely,
Julie Anna
