For the first time in what feels like an eternity, springtime, or as close as you can get in the ‘Sip, is coming early. It’s a wonderful thing to wake up in the morning and know you’re not going to freeze to death walking to class. As southerners used to 90-degree temperatures and insane humidity, it makes getting out of bed that much easier. Not to mention, you don’t have to layer your clothes and feel like a marshmallow all day. Now, all you need is a light jacket. While that’s an exciting idea, it’s not the only exciting one that comes with an early spring.

1. Getting outside

The weather is too gorgeous not to take advantage of it. Long walks, runs, or bike rides under the abundance of pine trees and a beautiful blue sky is a great way to get some exercise. If sports are your thing, you can get outside and play. If you’re feeling adventurous, go kayaking or hiking. The Okatoma isn’t far from Hattiesburg at all. Enos are popular these days. Take yours and go hang with the trees for the afternoon.

2. Tanning

It’s warmer now so of course that means it’s go-time for tanning. Spring break is right around the corner, too. Got to get a head start so you don’t blind everybody. Even though some pools are still closed, it’s easy enough to find a grassy field by a lake to lay out by. Not to mention it’s a relaxing way to spend a Saturday after a long week of classes. Grab a friend, some drinks, and some music, and call it a day.

3. Road Trips

With the trees and flowers starting to bloom again, it’s a great time to set aside a day or weekend to take a road trip. Gas is super cheap now, which helps us broke college kids out a lot. Plus, Hattiesburg is only about an hour and a half from the coast. Round up a few friends, split the gas money, and head to the beach! Ocean Springs is a cool little town. If you’re more historically inclined, Natchez and Vicksburg aren’t too far away either. So is everybody’s favorite, New Orleans.

4. No more sweater weather

Good riddance! Trade in all those layers for some shorts and a cute tee or a sundress if you’re feeling flirty. It’s time to unveil those leg and arm muscles you’ve been working so hard on. Winter clothes will be on sale, though. So, it’s the best time to go on a shopping spree. There’s no telling what you’ll find and how cheap it’ll be!

5. Chaco weather

Time to let all the little piggies breathe again! No more being stuffed inside boots and socks. Give ‘em some air and some sun. It’s also the perfect time to treat yo’ self and get a pedicure. Put away those heavy boots and unpack your sandals. This also means it’s time to put away the Uggs away for a while, too. I know I’m not the only one excited about that.

6. Festivals

The perfect time for a festival is when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. Hence, the majority of festivals happen in the spring. There are tons of music festivals that happen within driving distance of Hattiesburg. Of course, one is Hangout Fest. But another is Jazz Fest. And that lineup is something serious for classic rock and jazz lovers. If those don’t suit your fancy, there’s Buku in New Orleans and South by Southwest. Like I said, there are tons of them out there. If none of those seem like your cup of tea, take to the internet and just search. If you’re not into music festivals, there are plenty of cultural festivals, Irish fest, Celtic fest, and the like. You’re bound to find something.

7. St. Paddy’s Day

One of the most looked- forward to holidays of the spring is St. Paddy’s Day. This year, it seems like it’ll be warm enough to be quite a pretty day to get wasted and channel your inner Irish person. Jackson has a pretty interesting parade the weekend before. If you’re up for an adventure, get a group of friends together and check it out. There are also some pretty cool places to check out once the parade is done, too. There’s even an Irish pub, Fenian’s, that has some good music the night after the parade.

8. Romantic Dates

There’s really never a bad time for romantic dates. But there’s just something special about the spring. After all, according to Miss Congeniality, the perfect date would be sometime in April. The weather is nice enough to be outside and be comfortable for a walk along the beach or through the park, maybe even a picnic. The possibilities are endless. Go to a concert or to a festival. Go hiking or kayaking or whatever you think you’ll both enjoy doing.