The arrival of spring always sparks a renewed sense of energy and fresh beginnings. If you've been wanting to try a new hobby, join a club, or explore an unvisited part of town but winter dampened your motivation, now's your chance to restore it. There are ample ways for Independent Living residents to enjoy the spring weather. We've compiled a list of fun, unique springtime activities to help you make the most of the new season.
Visit a Nearby Farmers Market
After being cooped up all winter, getting outside and enjoying the fresh spring air is a must. Visiting a nearby farmers market allows you to embrace the spring weather while engaging with the surrounding community. Brandermill Woods' location in Midlothian, Virginia, offers easy access to local farmers markets, including Westchester Farmers Market and The Brandermill Market.
Spend an afternoon sifting through fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and artisanal soaps. Some farmers markets even have live music, local artists, and other cultural attractions to keep visitors entertained all afternoon.
Go for a Scenic Drive
During spring, the world comes alive. The trees regain their luscious green leaves and flowers sprout from the ground in vivid shades of red, pink, and yellow. Hit the road with a few friends and enjoy the spring scenery from the comfort of your car. You won't have to worry about snow or ice encroaching on the roads this time of year, making for smooth sailing down the tree-lined roads of Midlothian. Consider swinging by Pocahontas State Park or Swift Creek Lake during your travels to make the most of your spring outing.
Have a Picnic on Your Back Porch
Pack your favorite snacks, grab a pitcher of homemade lemonade or iced tea, and sprawl out on your back porch for a relaxing afternoon picnic. At Brandermill Woods, our Independent Living residents have access to three-bedroom cottages with private screened-in porches ideal for enjoying the warm spring weather without worrying about bugs or small animals invading your picnic. Invite over a few friends and kick back for a leisurely afternoon eating good food, playing games, or making plans for springtime excursions.
Make a DIY Craft
Crafts never go out of season, and spring is a great time to get creative and start that knitting or woodworking project you've been thinking about all winter. You can also create homemade seasonal decorations, including paper flower bouquets or garlands, to spruce up your cottage or apartment. With Easter just around the corner, consider a holiday-themed craft, such as dyeing eggs or crafting wreaths with colorful eggs and fake flowers.
At Brandermill Woods, we offer community amenities, including an arts and craft room and woodworking shop, to help residents fulfill their creative passions. It's also a fun way to socialize with other residents and participate in group projects.
Attend In-Person Classes at Your Local Community Center
Have you been wanting to learn a new skill or expand your knowledge on a favorite topic? Check out your local community center to see what spring classes they have scheduled. Attending in-person classes gets you out of the apartment a few days per week and helps you meet other people sharing similar interests. Plus, lifelong learning benefits older adults by boosting mood and confidence, improving cardiovascular health, and delaying cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia.
Some places offer virtual classes if you prefer learning from the comfort of your living room or in one of Brandermill Woods' community spaces, including the bistro or library. These are also ideal spots to congregate for study sessions with your peers.
Plant Flowers
There's no better way to celebrate spring than by contributing to nature. Planting flowers is a soothing, therapeutic task that gets you outside for the afternoon and gives you an ongoing activity to look forward to. Flowers or gardens in general require regular maintenance, such as watering and removing weeds. These tasks serve as physical activities and provide a sense of accomplishment from knowing that you're successfully keeping nature alive.
Gardening also enables you to mingle with other residents and form connections based on mutual passions. Consider starting a community garden with your neighbors and watch it grow and thrive throughout the season.
Install a Bird Feeder
Humans aren't the only living beings that enjoy basking in the spring weather. Install a bird feeder in your yard and watch the birds come flocking. This also presents another opportunity for a fun DIY art project. Try creating your own stake to hold the bird feeder in Brandermill Woods' woodworking shop or visit the arts and crafts room to paint the stake with bold colors or designs. You may feel a greater sense of satisfaction with your installed bird feeder knowing how much effort and creativity went into it.
Enjoy a Local Sporting Event
For the sports enthusiasts, the arrival of spring signifies a new season for some of your favorite local sports teams. The Richmond Flying Squirrels are back in action at the beginning of April, with a bustling schedule of baseball games to help residents partake in America's favorite pastime.
If soccer is more your speed, check out the Richmond Kickers. Their new season launches at the beginning of March and lasts until the fall. Plan a group outing with friends or family to support your local teams and make new memories you'll always cherish.
Schedule a Visit With Brandermill Woods
Midlothian, Richmond, and the surrounding areas of Eastern Virginia provide a wealth of springtime activities to help Independent Living residents stay active and entertained all season long. And Brandermill Woods' campus rests in the middle of it all. Our community features numerous services and amenities to help seniors lead vibrant, fulfilling lives, no matter the season.
If you're looking for a change of pace this spring, check out Brandermill Woods and the greater Midlothian area. Schedule an in-person visit today by calling (804) 621-7328 and experience everything our community has to offer.
