Once settled into a life of urban or suburban living, it can be hard to reconnect with nature. We tend to become stationary and fixed in office chairs, glued to Netflix and disinterested in the entirety of the outside world. Want to become a more outdoorsy person? Here are 13 easy ways to start!
1. Visit the Botanical Gardens!
Georgia boasts three beautiful locations (Atlanta, Athens and Gainesville), each garden offering a variety of unique plants and sculptures. Feel free to wander along the trails and stop to smell the roses.
2. Go for a hike.
Hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the serenity of nature. Georgia offers hundreds of trails — from state parks to the Appalachian Trail itself! Don't know where to start? Check out my "Hike Of The Month" series! Plan your day according to the difficulty of your hike, always pack plenty of water and leave no trace!
3. Revisit a childhood park.
Let the nostalgia wash over you by venturing back to a favorite childhood spot. Swing on your old elementary swing set, or try your hand at the monkey bars!
4. Head to the nearest farm for a "pick your own" day.
"Pick your own" farms are spread across the state — including apple orchards, strawberry/blueberry farms and pumpkin patches! Take a day trip to Athens' Washington Farms to pick juicy strawberries, or head north to B.J. Reece Orchards for a basket of crisp apples, fresh cider and apple cinnamon donuts
5. Watch the solar eclipse!
This year boasts a scientific celebration. The total solar eclipse can be seen across the nation, including Georgia! Grab some friends and head for north Georgia, and if you don't have any plans to celebrate on your own, check out some local events like Kayaking in Don Carter state park during the spectacular solar event.
6. Volunteer with your local Parks and Recreation or National Parks Service.
There are all sorts of things you could help with, and the Parks department could always use volunteers! Tasks can include: helping with programs (set up, education, food, even night hiking), land and water clean up (help collect liter and keep the trails maintained) and more!
7. Take up beekeeping.
Are you interested in helping declining bee populations or have a taste for fresh local honey? Consider becoming a beekeeper! There are dozens of books, classes and communities ready to help!
8. Plant a garden.
Gardening is exciting, relaxing and incredibly rewarding. You can grow a plethora of plants — from eggplants to wildflowers. Don't have a large yard? Grow flowers in window boxes or grab a block in a community garden this fall!
9. Visit an animal sanctuary or rehabilitation zoo.
Whether you are there as a volunteer or a visitor, these animal sanctuaries are sanctuaries for people as well as their furry occupants. Go interact with animals in their natural habitat while learning about each species. Unlike petting zoos, these are places of peace and tranquility for the residents. Athens offers the Bear Hollow Zoo (a rehabilitation and sanctuary zoo) and A New Hope (wildlife sanctuary).
10. Attend an outdoor event!
Whether it's the weekly farmers market, Food Truck Friday or Jazz night in the park, there are always outside events happening in your area! Downtown Suwanee offers a calendar each month of planned activities for the whole family — even your dogs! Your local National Parks division hosts a number of outdoor events throughout the year as well, including the greatly anticipated Owl Prowl.
11. Plan an outdoor party.
This could be a solar eclipse viewing party, Earth Day shindig, "screen on the green," Solstice celebration or a picnic with friends. Bake a cake and unleash your inner nature queen (decorations and floral crowns are highly encouraged). I once threw a party to view the supermoon in 2014 (basically you can always throw a party, right?).
12. Go camping.
Take a weekend to escape urban or suburban life, and pack up the tent! Venture into the great outdoors and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Your body with thank you — literally. Negative ions, found mostly in forests and open natural landscapes away from cities (containing positively charged ions) boost your mood and help improve health.
13. Take a drive!
Unwind behind the wheel and explore the expansion of this great country! Grab friends or head out solo. Pack a bag: change of clothes and shoes, food, water, a blanket, lighter and some cash ($10 - $20 for gas or dinner). Whether you go for an unplanned day trip or a month long cross country adventure, roll down the windows, and enjoy the ride.
