6 Things to Do While Waiting For Spring

This winter has brought long stretches of gloomy skies, occasional spikes of extreme cold mixed in with t-shirt temperatures, and only a pathetic few days of snow. People are tired of this fickle weather and wish spring would hurry up and arrive. Here’s a few things to do around the Patch while you’re day dreaming of green grass and blue skies.

Stop and smell the flowers. Dierbergs has the most Spring-y of flowers for sale—tulips. Grab a few blossoms to brighten your window sill.

Smell that smoke. Is the aroma of BBQ is more to your liking, but there’s not enough daylight (or warm evenings) to break out your own grill? Head over to Fenton’s Bandanas to satisfy your caveman cravings with smoked pork, chicken or beef. Bandana’s smoker never rests and each location makes their side dishes fresh every day.

Make a splash. It’s always swimsuit season at Riverchase. The indoor pool is open every day for lap swimming, but the water slide is only turned on during “open” swim times on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The pool is free for members. Non-members can get a day pass: $8 for adults and $7 for kids.

Stock up on sun block. Remember that sun block doesn’t last forever—it expires after about three years and should be thrown out if it’s been stored in high temperatures, like your car. Stock up now and you’ll be prepared on the first day of sun.

Keep sharp with trivia. February seems to be the big season for trivia nights. Check out Patch’s calendar to find an event to support a charity you love on a cold dreary night.

Plan a garden. Visit the gardening section of the library or Barnes & Noble for books about plants and gardening. The Fenton Feed Mill is also selling vegetable seeds and seed trays to start this spring’s garden right now in your window sill.