12 Ways to Enjoy Spring

First posted on 04-13-2009

The weather has been a little unpredictable this year and we are still seeing frost warnings deep into April, but there is one undeniable fact: spring has arrived in the Ozarks. Despite gray days, color is starting to emerge everywhere. Early season flowers have begun to bloom, leaves are beginning to pop out and flowering trees are decorating hillsides.

So with that in mind, here are a few things you can do to enjoy the first warm days of spring.

Plant something
Lettuce, onion sets and other hearty varieties of vegetables can be planted this time of year. Plus, it’s a great time to start seed sets and tomatoes indoors so you’re ready to go after the threat of frost is over.

Take a hike
State and national parks offer lots of opportunities to hike trails and explore nature. Park trails are usually clear of obstructions and easy to mildly difficult walks although there are also strenuous trails that offer more of a challenge. Wildlife is starting to stir after the long winter months so be on the lookout for wild birds, deer, fox and other critters.

Fly a kite
Kites are cheap and easy to find so grab one along with a spool of string and head for some open field or a vacant lot and relive your youth. Better yet, introduce your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews to a fun experience.

Go fishing
Spring is a fine time to try the white bass, crappie or many other species as spawning runs are in progress. White bass and crappie can be caught from boat or bank this time of year as they spawn near shore in creek arms. But the old worm on a hook for bluegills or catfish is never a bad choice.

Play golf
Courses aren’t too crowded yet so it’s a good time to play or hit a bucket of balls at a driving range. If you’ve never tried golf, many courses and some ranges offer lessons and it won’t take long to start hitting the ball straight.

Visit a garden
Springfield has the Japanese Stroll Garden, Fayetteville a botanical garden and many larger Ozarks cities have similar offerings. There is already a lot of species in bloom so the visit will be worthwhile and colorful.

Ride a bike
A great way to stretch out after winter is to go for a bike ride. Whether it’s around the block, through the neighborhood or across a bike trail, the pace is your own - leisurely or timed.

Feed the birds
Many people quit putting out feed for birds in the spring but the feathered ones can stand that nutrition year round. And the added benefit is that song birds will grace our yard by staying pretty close to feeders. Don’t forget to hang a hummingbird feeder or two plus an oriole feeder for those birds commuting through the Ozarks.

Picnic
Warm spring days, cold chicken, and potato salad just go naturally together. Pack a basket and head for a lake, park or playground and lunch outdoors.

Walk the dog
Humans aren’t the only ones in need of a little exercise after wintering. Man’s best friend would enjoy a walk with you and stretch out a little, too.

Take in a playground
Every town has to have at least one play area with swings and slides for kids and for adults to remember their own childhoods.

Throw rocks in a creek
Spring rains fill even dry creek beds and there is something very soothing about watching clear water pass by on a trip to the sea. And there is also something enticing about the sound of rocks hitting that water, so grab a few stones and go plinking in a creek.