With the weather warming up and the first robins of spring making their appearance, it’s finally time to shake off the winter blues and get back outside to enjoy the season! Students are wearing t-shirts to school and preparing for spring sports, but there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the season as well. I’ve compiled a list to help you make the most of the perfect weather before the summer heat wave arrives.
- Have a picnic with friends
A springtime classic, going on picnics with friends or family is a great way to enjoy the outdoors together with the people you care about. Lancaster has a wide variety of parks to go to including Overlook, Buchanan and Long’s Park. There’s no right or wrong way to do a picnic, allowing the flexibility to be creative with your setup. You could do a potluck in which everybody brings their favorite thing to eat or a themed picnic where you can dress up fittingly and bring food related to the chosen theme.
A picnic doesn’t have to include just eating. Feel free to bring card games, musical instruments, a frisbee or any other activities that you can do together after you’ve finished your food. Make sure to have a comfortable blanket to sit on and enjoy hanging out with your loved ones in the nice weather.
- Go hiking
If you’re looking for another, more active outdoor activity to celebrate the warm weather, hiking could be for you. There are many beautiful trails around Lancaster for hikers of any kind, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Hiking is a way to both embrace the beauty of nature and stay active throughout the year. Spring is an especially good time to start, as you can see the world bloom around you once again after the cold winter.
- Take a trip to a farmers’ market
What better way to celebrate spring than by eating fruits and vegetables grown locally throughout Lancaster? From the widely popular Central Market in Lancaster City to Root’s Country Market, there are all sorts of vendors for everything from produce to handmade jams and whoopie pies.
If you’re looking for a real mix of items, the Green Dragon Market might be for you. As the largest Amish market in the country, over one hundred vendors gather each Friday to sell their wares, whether that be valuable antiques, upcycled furniture and other unique collectibles. It’s sure to be an adventure no matter what you end up finding.
- Go (mini) golfing
If you like competition, golfing is a perfect activity to take up in the warm weather. No matter your skill level, golf is relatively easy to pick up and can be a great way to release stress. Overlook Golf Course is one of the most popular in Lancaster, although there are plenty of other options in the area. If this seems up your alley, make sure to call ahead to reserve a tee time.
If regular golf sounds a bit too intense, mini golf is another great option, especially if you want to go with friends. The themed courses create a fun environment for some lighthearted competition, especially with some ice cream afterwards. Pelvo’s Putt Putt and Lost Treasure Golf are two great options nearby.
- Get brunch
My final suggestion is applicable year round, but something about spring brunch always seems particularly special. Lancaster is known for its amazing brunch spots all throughout the city. Shot and Bottle is one of my personal favorites, as well as the ever-iconic Rachel’s Café and Creperie. Other great spots include On Orange and Gracie’s on West Main.
No matter what you decide to spend your spring doing, make sure to get outside and enjoy the sunlight after the long winter.
