Spring has arrived in Michigan to a flurry of snow, rain and sleet. Spring is drunk, but we’re excited anyways. In true 8THIRTYFOUR fashion, we’re sharing with you our favorite spring activities, not because you asked, but because we feel like it.
Take a Deep Breath
Going for walks outside and soaking in the sunshine is pretty much the best part of warmer weather. We can finally shed the layers of winter that we built up over the last three…who are we kidding five months. Take the dogs/cats/rabbit/hamster for a stroll around the neighborhood, breathing in that fresh air is great for your mental health. Commit to a 30 minute walk a few times a week, it’ll help with sleep and stress.
Get Active
It’s time to bust out the clubs (golf clubs you weirdos). While you can catch the occasional warm December day for golf (looking at you Mines), the golf season in Michigan officially spans from April 1 through October 31.
West Michigan has a number of courses available to all skill levels. If you’re looking for something quick, check out Sand Creek or Gracewil Country Club. If you want something a little more challenging, look to Thornapple Pointe, GVSU’s Meadows, The Mines, or Kent County’s Kaufman. Don’t forget to bring your birdie juice!
Grand Rapids also has the sport and social league, if you’re into kickball, volleyball or anything with balls, it’s the place to be.
All the Yummy Food
When it comes to simple joys, few things are better than good food, and spring couldn’t agree more. This is the time to set up your garden, see if those garlic really did overwinter, and to tell yourself you’re really going to remember to water the tomatoes this year.
Half of our team already has seedlings started indoors, and the other half are trying to figure out how many pre-potted flowers they can shove outside to make it look like they have a green thumb. Can’t grow anything to save your life? Fret not, friends. This is the season of farmers markets and foraging. Get out there and find something tasty (and not poisonous) to chow down on.
Explore
We have so many parks here, like have you guys even checked them out? From county parks to city parks, there is so much to explore. Whether you’re trekking through Provin or rollerblading Riverside Park, take the time to visit them all. This is a bucket list item for us along with all of these activities.
Whatever you do, get out in your neighborhood, parks and trails. There is NOTHING like Michigan in the spring, summer and fall. It’s spectacular. We’re thinking of starting a jazzercise group, let us know if you’re interested.
