Fun and outdoorsy activities to do in and around Eugene as the weather starts to get cooler.
Quick note: Last year, I wrote a few date idea columns with several ideas each over the course of the school year. After this issue, I will write only one date idea per column, but that column will appear in every issue. I am also looking for feedback on my ideas, stories from dates you try out, and suggestions for the column, which you can submit using in the QR code below. Happy start of the school year!
Take a trip to the Lane County Farmers’ Market
As the close of summer approaches, we must find the time to enjoy the last fruits (literally) of the season while we hurtle into the chaotic life of school, sports, and other extracurriculars. Though I believe that the prime time of produce during the summer season has passed, it is still worthwhile to enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables that Oregon gifts us every year up until the last fruit has been picked.
With these sentiments in mind, I have decided that a wonderful send-off to summer would be a trip to the Lane County Farmers’ Market in downtown Eugene with a partner, friend, or family member. Peruse the numerous vendors as you smell the sweet aromas of local produce paired with freshly-baked bread. Maybe you could plan a picnic with your loved one with those fresh fruits and vegetables, or maybe you could plan to bake a tart or pie — the possibilities are endless! Whatever your plans at the market, it’s sure to fill you with those nostalgic and heartwarming memories of summer, and will most certainly set you up for the perfect school year.
Go thrift shopping
I hadn’t quite realized the wonders and thrills of thrifting until I went with a friend this past summer — what an experience! The clothes are cheap, the vibes are great, and you can usually walk out with a full outfit in a matter of minutes. So go thrift shopping with your love interests, your friends, or your family and get yourself an outfit. Enjoy perusing the endless section of jeans, the bottomless rack of cardigans, and the sundry selection of t-shirts surely brimming with treasures. Or, browse the appliance section of the store, finding just the right pots and pans for your cupboards and the correct lamp for some perfect nighttime reading light. Whatever you need, thrift shopping will bring great satisfaction and will be fun all the time.
Take a hike
Though I’m sure I’ve already written extensively about hiking for this column, I think that it is once again time to share one of my personal favorite activities. Take the chance while there is still some sun in the sky to take a hike, perhaps to a waterfall or through the woods or up a hill. Whichever hike you choose to do, you’ll be certain to be astounded by the beauty of nature and the silence of hiking. Enjoy some solitary time with your hiking companions – perhaps a romantic partner – and revel in the depths of conversation that you might reach with those companions. Take time to observe the sounds of the hike, too, whether they be the crashing of waves, the chirping of birds, or the rustling of leaves. If you notice these subtle sounds, you’re sure to make good conversation with your companion and time is sure to fly by faster than you would have thought possible.
Go rock climbing
I was reminded this past week of the pleasures of rock climbing when I went with a friend to Elevation Bouldering Gym. The relaxed yet supportive atmosphere, the soft music, and the numerous climbing routes made for a wonderful experience, even though I’m not myself a great climber (my friend is). There are routes for everyone, no matter the level, and it is quite fun to challenge yourself to complete routes that you might have deemed impossible at one point. Furthermore, it’s great to show your vulnerability to your partner while climbing, as you can feel embarrassed by your inability to do a certain route, yet feel accomplished by finishing another. Going climbing is guaranteed to be a fun, exciting, and relaxing time, so head off to a local climbing gym or climbing rock and send some routes!
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