Springtime in Provo

Schools out and it is time to celebrate with this gorgeous spring weather! I for one love the sun and an excuse to go outside when it’s warm.  Here are some suggestions of springtime activities to do in the little town we know and love as Provo, UT.

1. Run outside with no make-up, bare feet, and wet hair.  There is an abundance of joy that comes along with squishing your toes in the grass, letting the breeze run through your hair, and allowing the sun to kiss and freckle your face.  The Vitamin D your body receives from the sunlight can also lift your spirits after a long, cold winter.

2. Dip your feet in the fountain and smell the flowers behind the administration building.  Since my freshman year, this has been my favorite spot on BYU campus.  The landscaping is beautiful and it usually is not too crowded.  It’s a great place to go to ponder.

3.  Finally read that book you have been dying to read!  I just started Erin Gruwell’s book of compiled student diaries called Freedom Writers.  I can’t put it down!  It’s inspiring and uplifting to see the influence of a teacher who cares about her students enough to go the extra mile to change their lives for the better. Enough with reading about Bowlby’s “Attachment Theory,” applying the pythagorean theorem, and memorizing each national capital city on the world map.  This is the time to set your own curriculum for summer learning instead of being assigned learning material on a syllabus.

4. Sleep with the bedroom window open.  The cool breeze feels incredible when snuggled up in your sheets and blankets.  The springtime air is a reminder that the bitter cold of winter is through and that summer is coming.  It’s a reminder that boots are off and sandals are on.  Finally, people will be able to see that fun new color you painted your toe nails.

5. Pack a picnic.  My favorite spot in Provo to picnic is the bridge crossing over the Provo River.  It’s lovely and secluded from the road.  I have so many memories of eating and catching up with good friends there.  There is grass near by to toss a frisbee or play catch.  Last spring I wrote a message in a bottle and left my phone number on my little message I sent floating down the river.  It was so fun to receive a text from a man fishing who said he found my note.  Another fun place to picnic is on the lawn outside Provo Library.  It’s a nice spot and close to wear I live.  If I don’t feel like eating PBJ or something simple, I order take out and bring it to my picnic spot.

6. Get snow cones at Hokulia!!  I typically think snow cones are incredibly lame and not worth the money or calories.  But Jonathan and Garrison have opened my eyes to this glorious springtime treat.  First, the flavors are incredible!  Second, they put ice cream in the middle.  And last, but certainly not least they top it off with sweetened condensed milk drizzled all over.  It is truly a tasty experience that must not be forgone.  It is located conveniently across the street from Helaman Halls.  And to think, I never went freshman year when it was right there!

7. Dance in the rain and jump in the puddles.  Some of my favorite springtime memories include cranking up the car radio and getting completely drenched while I laughed and danced along the driveway in the rain.  When the weather is warm enough getting wet rocks and a towel and dry clothing are only footsteps away.

8.  Go on a little hike or nature walk up Provo Canyon.  We live in Utah for crying out loud!  We are inches away from the majestic mountains.  This is the time of year to hike them and bask in the nature around.

9. Roast some weenies and marshmallows at a bonfire.  Lots of people are hot dog haters and I have no idea why.  Hot dogs are awesome.  They taste amazing and you get to call them weenies when cooking them over a fire outdoors–honestly, you can’t get much cooler than that in my opinion.  And s’mores are the best.  I make them over the stove during the winter, but it really isn’t the same as cooking them outside.

10. Take a road-trip.  Road-trips are a great way to see the country and bond with friends.  It’s a great time to talk and listen to each other as well as a time to sing and dance to the radio and listen to books on tape.  Driving from UT to VA with Melanie and Becca helped us form life-long friendships.  Driving from VA to UT with my dad got us hooked on Hunger Games as we listened to the first two on the car stereo.  Driving from UT to CA with my boyfriend to meet his family helped us become closer as a couple and move towards engagement.  Road-trips create memories and strengthen relationships.

I hope these ten suggestions pump you up for spring and summer!  Comment about your experiences trying these out or with more suggestions!