During the summer it is incredibly easy to waste the days away. Everything slows down in a lazy haze of heat. I don’t know about you, but I am determined to beat the long summer days and spend my free time being productive. So, I’ve compiled a list of things to do to keep active, instead of binge watching Netflix or napping.
Join a Yoga Class
Cleanse your body and soul by joining a yoga class. Surprisingly, Lancaster County has plenty of yoga studios – alone, Lancaster City has at least eight. No matter whether you’re looking for hot yoga, Hatha, Vinyasa or outdoor yoga, Lancaster County has it. The best part about yoga is that anyone can try it out: young, old, athletic, nonathletic (like me). And, the benefits are worth all of the deep breathing and chakra talk. Yoga can help stabilize your metabolism, increase flexibility and better your cardiac health. There are more reasons why you should check out a yoga talk than why you shouldn’t. I suggest you see for yourself!
Check out Lancaster’s Music Scene
Lancaster is full of incredible musicians. This is evident by Lancaster City’s Music Fridays. Every third Friday, musicians come from all around Lancaster County to perform on Lancaster City’s sidewalks, at restaurants and retailers. Also of note, if you don’t like the fast-pace of the city, Long’s Park hosts a concert every Sunday that features all different types of artists and bands. Not only is there music, but typically audience members also congregate in front of the stage to salsa, swing dance and get funky. Lancaster has a great abundance of music – take advantage of it!
Plant an Herb Garden
Even if you don’t have a “green thumb,” you can still keep an herb garden alive. If I can do it, anyone can! Earlier this summer I planted eight different herbs from Ken’s Garden and most of them have grown magnificently (besides my parsley, which was eaten by rabbits). Not only does growing your own herbs make it easier to add some flavor to your meals, but it is also more environmentally friendly. Instead of buying packaged herbs at your local grocery store, you can just pluck the plants from your garden!
Learn an Instrument
When I was a young child, my mother forced me to learn the piano. That didn’t work out too well. After years of agonizing lessons I still could not play chords or the melody or really anything at all. Now as an “adult,” I regret not taking my lessons seriously. However, it is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! Places like Menchey Music and Drum Etc offer music lessons for all different types of instruments for people of all different ages. Why not spend your free time this summer learning a new skill that will impress all of your friends?
Take a Hike
What’s better than exercising AND immersing yourself into nature? Plenty of things. But, that doesn’t mean hiking isn’t a fun way to spend your time! Lancaster is filled with many different hiking trails – perfect for those who hike every weekend or for those who have never hiked a day in their life. And, the best thing about hiking is that it doesn’t cost anything! Just grab a friend, a few granola bars and a water bottle, and you’re ready for a day of exercise and nature!