Looking forward to the days of spring.
While we can’t be sure how much longer our winter of discontent will last around this time of year in Missouri, we can be assured that glorious summer is eventually coming. But before that comes a sublime spring!
After a dark, cold winter made especially dreary by the pandemic, we have a reason for optimism with longer days and warmer weather. No, we’re not completely out of the woods yet when it comes to our public health concerns, but a change of season affords us cause to optimistically look ahead. The argument could be made that our best days are yet to come. Let’s explore some things bon vivants can do to safely celebrate the approaching spring.
If we’re not out of the woods yet, we can think about getting back to the woods. Higher temperatures and more daylight make it a perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. We’re very lucky to have several dedicated facilities to help do just that:
Jefferson City’s parks and Greenway Trail System offer well-manicured walk, jog, and bike paths that cross our city landscape.
The northern portion of the Greenway links across the Missouri River Bridge to the North Jefferson Trailhead of the historic Katy Trail.
“Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York; and all the clouds that lour’d upon our house in the deep bosom of the ocean buried.”
— Shakespeare’s “Richard III.”
Binder Lake is surrounded by a series of hiking, biking, and nature trails.
The Missouri Department of Conservation offers beautiful trails at the Runge Nature Center, where visitors can add an educational component to their commune with nature.
Prairie Garden Trust welcomes visitors to stroll through the woods and prairie from April through October. Visitors must let PGT know a day ahead of the first visit to the area.
All of these wonderful sites are conveniently right outside our back door, but there are other places to drink in the beauty of spring. Consider a day or weekend trip to Missouri Wine Country. Most wineries have tasting rooms open to safely greet, serve, and socially distance their visitors. Stroll the grounds, sample some wines, purchase a bottle, and relax.
And, of course, please remember to drink responsibly.
With still so much unknown about the projected status of the pandemic, it’s difficult to know just how safe it will be to gather in social situations. But many outdoor yard games allow people to socialize while maintaining recommended distances. What’s more fun than tossing bean bags in a friendly game of cornhole or whacking the ball through a wicket in a cutthroat game of croquet?
Our family recently discovered a fantastic yard game called kubb (pronounced “koob”). It’s a skill and strategy game originating in Sweden and is sometimes called “Viking chess.” Kubb sets come in various sizes, and I recommend the larger, tournament-size set for better enjoyment.
The best thing about all these types of yard games — they can be played while holding a beverage of your choice! So find ways to live The Good Life in the days ahead and remember that the best is yet to come
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