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Welcome back, everyone. Does anyone else feel like spring break was a bit too short? Yeah, me too.
Here we are in spring quarter, which means the weather is going to be tempting us more and more to skip that lecture and go spend the day outside. So if you’re looking for a way to embrace spring, I’ve come up with a few ideas to inspire you. Don’t get me wrong, these are great ideas all year round, but they’re especially fun during this time of the year. Enjoy!
Hit the sand
Yes, of course I’m going to talk about going to the beach. It’s kind of a no-brainer in warm weather, but you’ve got multiple options to choose from on the Central Coast if you’re looking for a day of lying out on the sand, surfing or cooling off in the ocean.
To start, there is Montana de Oro State Park — it’s beautiful and perfect if you want somewhere a little less crowded. Avila Beach is another local option. In my experience, it can get more populated, but it’s absolutely gorgeous, and the town is right there if you need anything.
There definitely are times when I enjoy going to the beach in cooler weather, but something about warmer spring weather just calls for a lazy beach day in the sun.
Sweet treats
I’m sure many people would argue there’s really no “season” for ice cream, but it can be the perfect way to cool down on a warm day. And Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab in Arroyo Grande is more than just an ice cream shop. It has all the standard flavors, in addition to some more unique ones such as Merlot Raspberry Truffle and Honey Almond.
Also, on Wednesday nights, there’s an interactive lab show where a new flavor is created right in front of you. Doc Burnstein’s also has a variety of old-fashioned ice cream parlor offerings such as banana splits, sundaes and ice cream sodas. Trust me, you’ll find something you like. Doc Burnsteins’s Ice Cream Lab is the perfect spot for a cool treat and a little escape when you get spring fever.
A SLO tradition
Everyone knows the SLO Farmers’ Market is great, of course. And it happens on Thursday nights all year round, so you’re sure to always find something delicious to bring home. I’ve had so many great experiences at Farmers’. But personally, I think going on a warm spring evening is the best way to experience the Farmers’ Market. You can wander around, exploring and trying everything offered without worrying about getting too cold or dark. And the vendors get to show off so much great produce in the spring and summer months. Farmers’ is definitely a must-do here in SLO no matter what, but it is an especially great experience as the weather warms up.
Take it outside
There are people out there who don’t mind hiking or biking when it’s cold or raining, and I totally respect that. But, it’s much more fun to get that kind of outside exercise when it’s sunny and everything is green and blooming around you — and San Luis Obispo doesn’t disappoint in that department. There are a whole bunch of trails for you to traverse right here in the city, and some of them are also open to bikes. You’ve got more challenging ones such as Bishop Peak (which I have yet to dominate), but there are also a number of others if you want something a little less exhausting. And, somehow, getting exercise doesn’t seem like a chore when you’re out in great weather, right?
Boating on the bay
If you’re looking for a more original way to enjoy the warm weather, kayaking is a great option to check out. I tried it myself once at Kayak Horizons in Morro Bay and had a great experience. At first, I was a little nervous about falling over into the ocean like an idiot (and bringing down the other person in the boat, too), but it went smoothly. I really enjoyed getting to see the bay in a more unique way. It was so peaceful being out on the water, and Morro Bay is such a pretty setting, especially when it’s sunny. Kayak Horizons also offers guided kayak tours. Kayaking would be a great way to cool down and have fun on a warm spring day.