It's official — spring has arrived in Lexington. The cherry trees are blossoming and flowers are popping out of the ground like the huns popped out of the snow in Mulan. Now that the weather is a constant 76 degrees and sunny you should definitely get outside your stuff dorm room and enjoy the weather. You only have four springs in Lexington, here are some four failsafe ways to make the most of them!

1. Go sit on the colonnade.

If the temperature is above 60 and the sun is out you can bet you'll run into most of your friends if you head out to the colonnade. Doing homework under the shade of it's historic columns or tossing around a frisbee is a pretty great way to spend an afternoon.

2. Head out to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The parkway is by far one of my favorite places to go to in the area. Just a 20-minute drive from campus you are greeted by it's stunning views. I never really understood why the Blue Ridge Mountains were called blue. I do now. If you make it to the parkway in the late afternoon (with takeout Thai of course) you will see the mountains set on fire in a wash of colors from the sunset. As the warmth starts to fade the mountains cool to a plethora of hazy blue ridges and layers. It's absolutely stunning and a can't miss experience during your four years at Washington and Lee.

3. Float the Maury River.

Grab a tube, your friends, and some age appropriate beverages and get your float on. Cool off in the Maury and work on that tan, you won't regret it! If you're feeling a little more adventurous and are a member of the Outing Club you can make a run to the OC Barn and check out some kayaks or stand up paddle boards to make it a little more interesting!

4. Take a hike.

Go on, get out of here. There are hundreds of hikes you can get to easily from campus. From Devils Marble Yard to House Mountain and more there are hikes for all levels of intensity! The Appalachian Trail runs right by campus so if you feel like you just need to get out of the library head out and see where it takes you! Make sure you take plenty of water and precautionary weather gear just in case but just know the views are stunning and the memories you make are well worth the extra sweat you have to put in to make it to the top!