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As another summer cools off and schedules fill up, make it a priority to spend time outdoors!
1.) Fun, Easy Entry Sports – Pickleball and Disc Golf are both fun sports to start in any stage of life. Disc Golf is a self guided walk through a park while throwing frisbees. Pickleball is a fun low impact sport that can be played competitively or just for fun! These activities not only boost your cardiovascular health but also sharpen your reflexes and improve hand-eye coordination. Plus, the friendly conversation and laughter create unforgettable memories that will make you look forward to every outing!
2.) Dinner Outside In Your Backyard – Cool August evenings in Virginia offer the perfect opportunity to connect with loved ones. Gather with friends and family, share laughter and stories, and create bonds that deepen in the tranquility of your own backyard. As the moon begins to brighten the night sky, you’ll find yourself cherishing these moments of togetherness.
3.) Morning Meditation/ Yoga Outdoors – While evening activities are fantastic for winding down, don’t forget the importance of starting your day right. Embrace the ambiance of the early morning by practicing a calming meditation or jump start your morning with an invigorating yoga session outdoors. The fresh morning air combined with gentle movements or deep breaths sets a positive tone for the entire day. You’ll feel more focused, energized, and ready to take on life’s challenges.
4.) Sidewalk Chalk Art – You are never too young or old to express your artistic abilities. Get down and connected with the Earth as you explore your creative side. Whether it’s a sunset scene or a hopscotch court, temporarily add a pop of color to your patio or driveway. Brighten someone’s day by leaving fun art or messages on sidewalks or greenways.
5.) Stargazing – Stargazing is a relaxing activity that connects you with the vastness of the universe. Lay back on a comfortable blanket, away from the city lights, and let your eyes explore the glowing constellations above. Gazing at the stars not only invokes a sense of wonder, but also encourages mindfulness and introspection.
This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings, taking only 30 minutes and serving 6. One pot means less cleaning up after so you can get outside and enjoy your evening!
– 8 lasagna noodles (broken into 2-3 inch piece)
– 1 pound ground Italian sausage
– 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
– 1 cup water
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
– fresh basil, optional
Humpback Rocks: The steep 2 mile out and back hike to the gorgeous overlook is well worth the time and energy. If you want to make a day out of this hike, include a walk back in time with the Outdoor Farm Museum located across the street from the trail head.
For directions check out this link:
https://gohikevirginia.com/humpback-rocks/
Spy Rock: Spy Rock Summit boasts the best viewpoint in the Central Blue Ridge. It offers hikers a 360 degree view of the valley below. This is a 6 mile out and back hike, so make sure to pack a lot of water and some snacks for the trip!
Here are the directions and more information about the hike:
https://gohikevirginia.com/spy-rock-hike/
Skyline Drive: If you are looking for a quicker way to catch a sunset, skyline drive offers many pull offs that are perfect for watching the sun go down. Bring a blanket, pop your trunk, and soak in the breathtaking colors.
If sitting in your car doesn’t sound comfortable to you, Ravens Roost is a popular spot, located at mile post 10.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway . This spot overlooks Torrey Ridge and the Shenandoah Valley. There is a short path off of the parking lot that leads to a rock overlook perfect for a quick hammock set up or sunset picnic.
Our friends at The Neighbor Bridge, were looking for a way to provide access to food to the community and increase how much they can offer, so we designed and built the Little Free Food Pantry. The Neighbor Bridge is an organization dedicated to providing food, clothing and supplies to impoverished families through projects connecting neighbors and community. It is open to the public at the Augusta County Library to make donations. One side offers non-perishable food items, available to those in need, and the other is a Free Little Library. Thank you to The Neighbor Bridge for Sponsoring this and choosing us to help!
Other locations of Little Free Food Pantries: