We’re already a few weeks into the spring season, can you believe it?
Apologies if you’re in an area that just got snow a few days ago, as it probably doesn’t feel like spring yet. But rest assured, it’ll feel more like spring soon enough!
Pretty flowers were blooming last weekend when I went hiking with my husband and dog!
Last weekend I was in full-on spring mode wanting to try new things in the area. My husband is in between MBA classes (We’re getting so close to him being finished, and I’m excited for him to not have to work like a complete crazy person anymore!) and next weekend I’m leaving for a work trip, so it was the perfect weekend to spend some quality time together.
I like to think of myself as a pretty adventurous person who’s always trying to explore new areas near and far. So for our weekend at home together, I found a couple of new local activities to try. We had a lot of fun, & there’s definitely more that I want to do this season around San Diego. Today I wanted to share some ways that I like to take advantage of the spring season. Let’s get to it!
Be a locavore. Springtime is a great season for produce in most places, so why not take advantage of it and try a new experience that enables you to get closer to your food? Visit that farmers’ market you keep hearing about. Finally make a pitstop for that farm stand you always pass on the side of the road to see what they offer. I know that outdoor markets open up for some of you in April, so it’s the perfect time to start making it a weekly outing!
I adore stopping in at local farm stands and markets for some locally grown produce. I find that it allows me to try new foods and gives me ideas for adventurous new recipes to test out.
Last weekend my husband and I went strawberry picking for the first time together. The berries are so sweet and delicious, and you better believe that I am recipe creating with them!
Take your workout outside. Do you normally go on the treadmill at the gym? Go for a run outside! Are you more of a spin bike exerciser? Dust off your bike for a ride outdoors! Or you can just simply head to your backyard or to a nearby park for a bodyweight workout – with no equipment needed.
Need outdoor workout inspiration? Try this 15 move hotel room (& really anywhere!) workout or this quickie do-it-anywhere low-impact workout:
Last weekend Adam, Harley and I tried out a new hiking trail called Hellhole Canyon Preserve. I’m forever on the hunt for new hikes, which has been getting increasingly difficult as I check more and more hikes off my list. Hellhole Canyon was much nicer than its name would imply, and we all enjoyed a nice 5 mile hike together!
Views from Hellhole Canyon
Go to a limited time attraction/event. Check out local magazines, newspapers, and websites to find springtime only attractions in your area. One thing that’s definitely on my radar to do this year is to visit The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. It’s close to me and I haven’t done it yet, so I want to make a day out of it sometime this month.
On that note, I just got distracted from writing this post when I saw that The Flower Fields does wine tasting events. I might need to book that for a date night!
My walking buddy – who pushes me on the daily to get my steps in!
Find new parks to get your steps in. Has the winter cold kept you from moving as much as you’d like? I’m spoiled living in California these days, but I remember growing up in the northeast longing for warmer days so that I could move more outside. Well now is the time friends! Scope out new parks and trails to visit, and bring partners, kids, friends, siblings, etc. along to make it a family affair. I always find the fresh air so rejuvenating, and it’s a healthy, cheap way to do something new.
Last weekend we tried out a healthy vegan restaurant called EVE Encinitas & dined outside.
Dine outdoors. I always appreciate this time of year when we’ve sprung ahead and are experiencing glorious 7 pm sunsets! One of my favorite things is getting to eat dinner in my backyard as the sun is setting. Weekdays can be so hectic, and getting the chance to catch up with my hubby and throw the ball to my dog for a few is a relaxing way to wind down a bit.
If you’re planning on having dinner out, pick a spot that has outdoor seating. I like to take advantage of nice weather whenever I can!
Try new seasonal recipes. It shouldn’t be a surprise that one of my favorite ways to get into the spirit of any season is to bake and cook with ingredients that are in season. Here are a couple of springtime recipe ideas:
- creamy spring veggie & asparagus puree soup
- blueberry banana oatmeal protein pancakes
- spring veggie & fontina quiche
- apricot almond breakfast cookies (I haven’t seen apricots around just yet, but they’ll be coming soon!)
- lemon goat cheese pasta with asparagus
Go to an outdoor concert. I’ve loved outdoor concerts since I was a teenager, and have a lot of memories of seeing musicians like John Mayer at outdoor venues with friends. The last few concerts I went to were indoors and it’s been a few years since I’ve been to an outdoor one, so I’m on the lookout for any upcoming music events that sound fun.
Tell me… What do you have planned for the season? Anything cool that you’re looking forward to this spring?
I love Washington, but I’m a bit jealous of all your sunshine!! Those local eats, and strawberries, and HIKES all look marvelous!! I
I’m craving strawberries so bad now! I can’t wait to start seeing them in markets near me. Strawberry picking sounds so fun!
That vegan restaurant sounds amazing! I also love to check out local farmer’s markets in the summer. It’s been way too cold still here. We might even get snow this weekend!
Getting outside is huge for me…I love getting out to hike or run instead of going to the gym, and checking out new farmer’s markets is so much fun! I really need to go fruit picking this year…it’s on the top of my list!
nothing much planned for spring but i do hope to finally go on a hike this year! also thinking of starting up cycling outside with my husband again. i got lazy in january and haven’t done anything since then . need to start some good habits up!