I cannot explain how excited I am for spring. After five days of absolute beauty and the most impeccable vibes, right before Lexington turned into Kansas from the Wizard of Oz, I started thinking about everything spring will bring. The sun will be shining, the Chessie Trail will be more active than ever, and the Hill will be alive with the sound of music (and die tables). Bad movie puns aside, there is so much to enjoy in our little slice of the Appalachians. While you’re dreaming about what to do when the weather turns consistently nice, here are a few bucket list items that you need to check off before we head out for the summer.

Floating the Maury

It might be hard to start with the best option, but I am going to do it anyway. Picture this: driving with your friends to Walmart or Dunham’s, grabbing a few inner tubes, and hopping in the river by Poles before figuring out how you’re going to get back to your car when you decide how to get out. I already went out and bought my float. Haven’t you? Keep a few rules in mind, and before you go, check out a guide to the river. 

Outdoor Adventures 

If you’re dedicated to hiking, you probably didn’t let the cold weather stop you and your old App Adventure hiking boots. For the rest of us, now is the time to explore the natural beauty around us. My personal favorite has to be walking the Natural Bridge Trail. Drive a few miles down the highway and explore one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen. While you’re there, see if you can find George Washington’s carved initials under the bridge, and send me a picture. Beyond Natural Bridge, try out House Mountain, Devil’s Marbleyard, the back campus trails, and everything else (quite literally) under the sun. 

Lime Kiln 

Are you getting tired of fraternity bands and fraternity-hired bands? Me neither, but I love live music even more. Lime Kiln, Lexington’s very own outdoor theater, will have announced its 2026 concert series by the time this article is published. What could be better than rounding up your friends and discovering the next big artist? 

Campus Activities 

Sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to get up and go to one of the places mentioned above. No need to worry. There is so much to do on campus! Let’s start with the one we all know and love: pickleball under Cadaver Bridge. There is nothing like dinking around while one of your friends who’s walking on the bridge heckles you from above. While you’re at Campus Rec asking for paddles and balls, ask what else they have to offer! Grab a spikeball net, a couple of disc golf discs, or anything else you’d like to stay active while you can’t stop talking to someone about how nice it is outside. 

The Rockbridge Bull and Oyster Fest

You may have already heard of the rest of these. They’re toss-ups, I know. But if you’re looking for a new opportunity to spread your roots and wear your boots, well, here it is! Hosted at the Virginia Horse Center, just down the interstate, is the Bull and Oyster Fest. You can expect live music, games, and, as the name implies, oysters. Even better, all proceeds go to the Rockbridge Area Health Center. Grab your oyster-loving buddies and go support the local community!

There you have it, folks. The start of your spring bucket list. On a serious note, it is amazing how lucky we are to experience spring in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Don’t waste it stressing about your spring term class. If you’re taking a stressful class anyway, you’re doing it all wrong. Spring has sprung. Go enjoy it!