My Top 5 Ways to Beat Cabin Fever This Spring
I know, I know, this has been a brutal and neverending winter. The slush won't go away and I think most of us here on the east coast forget what green grass looks like. But fear not, though Mother Nature may not agree, SPRING IS COMING! If you are anything like me, cabin fever has truly set in and a day or weekend out is just what the doctor ordered.
It used to mean that going away anytime in March or April meant Mardi Gras or Spring Break and it was most likely to end with stories you would never want to tell in mixed company. Of course, we are a bit older now, and partying all night is so last year (or decade...). So, here are some ideas that can get you out of the house and enjoying that bright world outside your door. And you don't have to worry about your boss seeing the pictures your "friend" tagged you in on Facebook.
1) Wine Trails. (I said no partying all night, not don't have any grown up fun) There's a good chance that I said this in the Fall staycation post, but it is OK. There is never a bad time to go check out a vineyard, unless it is sweltering hot or in the snow. This is why Spring and Autumn are the perfect seasons. Google "Spring Wine Trail" and you will see what I mean. Delaware, Iowa, California, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are all represented on just the first search page. The buds are breaking and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Nothing breaks the winter blues like wine and cheese and good friends.
2) Visit a local zoo. So I know zoos are controversial to some, but I side with a well maintained zoo can do a lot of good. They keep some species safe from extinction and gives people an opportunity to see majestic creatures of the world they would otherwise not have the means to. The Philadelphia Zoo, for example, does a lot of good. They work with rescues, give daily educational presentations, and have a great children's zoo to inspire kids' love of animals and learning. And the best part of visiting in the spring is that it isn't so hot that the animals are hiding to stay cool. You have some of the best interactions when it is a nice 65 degree day.
3) Brunch and boating at the park. We have been staring at grey slush too long, it is time to enjoy some water that isn't frozen! Why not bring a blanket and friends to your local state park? Everyone can bring their favorite brunch item to share. If I were planning the menu, I would bring brie and fruit, deviled ham sandwiches, and donuts. But it is all up to you. Just you know, have fun. Maybe you want to bring pizzas. A lot of parks have grills for a great cookout! Afterwards, rent a few rowboats and bask while you digest. Just make sure to avoid fishing opening day (In Delaware it is the first Saturday of April, check your local laws) so that the pond isn't overcrowded! Also, don't forget to check the alcohol regulations for your park when suggesting a menu. Maybe a nice lemonade spritzer will be in place of a bloody Mary, but those rules do vary. If you are in Delaware, check out www.destateparks.com and in Pennsylvania check out www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ or search for your state to find locations and amenities.
4) Museum hopping. Most small cities even at this point have a vibrant gallery scene and probably an art museum and some historical sites to boot. So, get out of those spring showers, and make like a tourist. Local tourism websites will have your local attractions listed. Even better, find the more obscure places like the National Watch and Clock Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
5) Gardening day. Hit up your local farmers market or nursery, grab your shovel, and start planting! March is the perfect time to start seedlings indoors. You can then transfer these to larger pots for a container garden or into your backyard garden in May. It is a nice reminder every time you walk by your window table this March and April that soon you will have more fresh vegetables than you know what to do with! Remember, plant extra seeds so you can weed out the weaklings. Do not overwater in order to avoid mold on the seed. You can buy kits with everything you need or you can use an egg carton, some organic soil, and your favorite seeds. And finally, when they are ready to go outdoors, gradually get them used to the elements. For a full list of tips, I love the Burpee site on How to Start Seeds Indoors (I also love their seeds!)
Now put on your sunglasses and let's get warmed up!
It used to mean that going away anytime in March or April meant Mardi Gras or Spring Break and it was most likely to end with stories you would never want to tell in mixed company. Of course, we are a bit older now, and partying all night is so last year (or decade...). So, here are some ideas that can get you out of the house and enjoying that bright world outside your door. And you don't have to worry about your boss seeing the pictures your "friend" tagged you in on Facebook.
1) Wine Trails. (I said no partying all night, not don't have any grown up fun) There's a good chance that I said this in the Fall staycation post, but it is OK. There is never a bad time to go check out a vineyard, unless it is sweltering hot or in the snow. This is why Spring and Autumn are the perfect seasons. Google "Spring Wine Trail" and you will see what I mean. Delaware, Iowa, California, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are all represented on just the first search page. The buds are breaking and it looks absolutely gorgeous. Nothing breaks the winter blues like wine and cheese and good friends.2) Visit a local zoo. So I know zoos are controversial to some, but I side with a well maintained zoo can do a lot of good. They keep some species safe from extinction and gives people an opportunity to see majestic creatures of the world they would otherwise not have the means to. The Philadelphia Zoo, for example, does a lot of good. They work with rescues, give daily educational presentations, and have a great children's zoo to inspire kids' love of animals and learning. And the best part of visiting in the spring is that it isn't so hot that the animals are hiding to stay cool. You have some of the best interactions when it is a nice 65 degree day.
3) Brunch and boating at the park. We have been staring at grey slush too long, it is time to enjoy some water that isn't frozen! Why not bring a blanket and friends to your local state park? Everyone can bring their favorite brunch item to share. If I were planning the menu, I would bring brie and fruit, deviled ham sandwiches, and donuts. But it is all up to you. Just you know, have fun. Maybe you want to bring pizzas. A lot of parks have grills for a great cookout! Afterwards, rent a few rowboats and bask while you digest. Just make sure to avoid fishing opening day (In Delaware it is the first Saturday of April, check your local laws) so that the pond isn't overcrowded! Also, don't forget to check the alcohol regulations for your park when suggesting a menu. Maybe a nice lemonade spritzer will be in place of a bloody Mary, but those rules do vary. If you are in Delaware, check out www.destateparks.com and in Pennsylvania check out www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ or search for your state to find locations and amenities. 4) Museum hopping. Most small cities even at this point have a vibrant gallery scene and probably an art museum and some historical sites to boot. So, get out of those spring showers, and make like a tourist. Local tourism websites will have your local attractions listed. Even better, find the more obscure places like the National Watch and Clock Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
5) Gardening day. Hit up your local farmers market or nursery, grab your shovel, and start planting! March is the perfect time to start seedlings indoors. You can then transfer these to larger pots for a container garden or into your backyard garden in May. It is a nice reminder every time you walk by your window table this March and April that soon you will have more fresh vegetables than you know what to do with! Remember, plant extra seeds so you can weed out the weaklings. Do not overwater in order to avoid mold on the seed. You can buy kits with everything you need or you can use an egg carton, some organic soil, and your favorite seeds. And finally, when they are ready to go outdoors, gradually get them used to the elements. For a full list of tips, I love the Burpee site on How to Start Seeds Indoors (I also love their seeds!) Now put on your sunglasses and let's get warmed up!
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