Ah, Spring! A time to renew and refresh. It’s associated with new colorful flowers, spring break, getting outside, fresh air, spring cleaning and preparing for summertime fun. And it makes us at Stay For Vacay think about the fun things you can do in spring on vacation.
In a normal year, we are ready to get outside after being cooped up for the winter. We all know 2020 wasn’t a normal year and we have been cooped up for a year not just a season. So, you probably want to get out and do some fun things, safely of course.
We came up with some fun things to do this spring for different vacation areas. We took two types of vacations, one in the mountains and one in sunny Florida, and identified spring activities including hiking, biking and farmers markets. These can also be replicated in other vacation areas, so enjoy wherever you spend vacation this spring.
Hiking and Biking
Poconos
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau lists information on over 126 hiking trails which cover 261 miles of the Pocono Mountains. Trails range in difficulty and allow for hiking and biking.
Big Pocono State Park
There are over 8 miles of trails. Since Big Pocono State Park is a mountaintop, most of the trails can be steep with some trails extremely steep with rough grades.
Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation encompasses more than 70,000 acres and has over 150 miles of trails. Spring provides a weekly parade of wildflowers and flowering trees.
Florida
Kissimmee Trails and Bike Paths
The City of Kissimmee is working toward creating an expansive trail system for walkers, bikers, and runners. The trails combine routes through the urban core with segments that run through seemingly untouched parts of natural surroundings. The two main off-street paved trails in the City of Kissimmee are the Kissimmee Loop Trail and the Shingle Creek Regional Trail.
Mead Garden
Mead Garden, in Winter Park, has 47 acres in an urban setting. Explore hiking trails, creek, boardwalk and a pond.
Disney Wilderness Preserve
At the Disney Wilderness Preserve, you can hike, bird-watch and enjoy old Florida’s natural beauty. There is no fee, although donations are appreciated. The hiking trail includes a one-mile trip to Lake Russell. Those wishing a longer experience may continue along the 2.5-mile loop, which offers a closer look at the preserve’s natural communities.
Farmers Markets
Poconos
Monroe Farmers Market
Opening on May 1, the Monroe Farmers Market in Stroudsburg, offers quality produce, plants, flowers, eggs, dairy products, raw natural honey, fresh baked breads & pastries, jams, jellies, syrups, hand roasted gourmet coffee, homemade pasta, sauces, fine wines, and handmade soaps and candles. The outdoor season is open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon, May through October, in Courthouse Square in Downtown Stroudsburg.
Pocono Farmers Market
A twist on farmers markets, Pocono Farmers Market is located at a garden center. Staff goes to local farms weekly to bring back fresh picked produce.
Florida
The Market at Promenade at Sunset Walk
The Artisan and Farmer’s Market at Promenade at Sunset Walk is open every Saturday between 11:30am – 3:30pm. It is located on the property of Margaritaville Resort Orlando. Find local craft and specialty vendors from across Central Florida, including your weekly produce needs.
Orlando Farmers Market
The Orlando Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, gifts, jewelry, plants and more. The market is every Sunday from 10am-3pm in Downtown Orlando at Lake Eola Park.
Winter Garden Farmers Market
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is a hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm in Historic Winter Garden. It offers fresh produce, baked goods and artisan crafts.
Winter Park Farmers Market
The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is a produce, baked goods and plants market in central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am to 1 pm. It is located at the corner of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard in Central Park West Meadow.
We hope you like some of these activities. And check out the Poconos and Orlando for more ideas on things to do for your spring stay for vacay. Also, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for more updates.
