Spring is one of our favorite seasons of the year and it's not just because of the busy real estate market. We love all the greenery returning, the later sunsets, and being able to keep windows open at night. 

We're also lucky to live in a place with such amazing springs and places to enjoy the return of warm weather. So here are some suggestions of some of our favorite things to do during the springtime in Charlottesville. 

1. Go to the Farmer's Market
   We live in an area surrounded by local farms and are lucky to have mulitple farmer's markets to choose from. Whether you're looking for seasonal vegetables, locally sourced meat, or handmade gifts, you're sure to find something at one of our local markets. 
   
   You can find a list of them by county here: vafma.org/find-market/
   
   
   
2. Eat Outdoors
   There are so many great restaurants in Charlottesville and many of them allow you to dine al fresco in the beautiful springtime weather. 
   
   Some great places for outdoor dining include most of the restaurants on the Downtown Mall, Tonic, Brazos Tacos, Bar Botanical, Marigold at Keswick Hall, Belle, Beer Run, and Kardinal Hall.
   
   (And we know this list is by no means exhaustive. As soon as we hit post, we'll think of a dozen more we should have included.)
   
   
   
3. Get Active in the Warm Weather
   There's nothing we enjoy more than finding an excuse to get outside in the beautiful weather. Don't be surprised if you see Rives sneaking out of the office on a quiet day for a game of tennis or if you see John at an evening pickleball match. We love any excuse to get outside and go for a hike, a bike ride, or a game with friends.  
   
   Some of our favorite spots for hiking include the Rivanna Trail, Ivy Creek Natural Area, and Humpback Rocks.  
   
   If you enjoy mountain biking, we recommend Preddy Creek Trail Park and Mint Springs Valley Park.
   
   There are also many places to play tennis, pickleball and even disc golf around town including the tennis courts at Pen Park and Darden Towe Park, the pickleball courts at Darden Towe or PVCC, and the disc golf courses at Meadow Creek Gardens and Walnut Creek Park. 
   
   
   
4. Enjoy Local Wine & Beer
   You can't beat a weekend that includes relaxing with a glass of wine, good friends, and beautiful views. 
   
   We've shared our list of our Top 10 Favorite Wineries before, so we won't repeat those. Although, if you want recommendations of a weekend wine tasting itinerary, Kelly is your girl. 
   
   But sometimes we like to relax with a beer instead. Some of our favorite breweries are Decipher Brewing, Hogwaller Brewing, Rockfish Brewing Company, and Blue Mountain Brewery (especially after a long hike!)
   
   
   
5. Experience Music & Art
   It's impossible to talk about springtime in Charlottesville without mentioning the return of Friday's After Five, everyone's favorite excuse to go to the Downtown Mall, listen to some live music, and run into some friends you haven't seen since you started your winter hibernation. 
   
   There's also the yearly Rivanna RiverFest and the Rivanna Roots Concert Series where you can enjoy live music by the Rivanna River. 
   
   If you're looking to add more art to your life, the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival always has wonderful local artists to support. And this year, the Charlottesville Arts Festival returns to the IX Art Park with vendors, music, and more.  
   
   
   
6. Work on Our Green Thumbs
   Whether you are an experienced green thumb (John) or just really appreciate the gardens that everyone else puts together (Christy), everyone can agree that Charlottesville is beautiful in bloom. 
   
   If you aren't the get-your-hands-in-the-dirt person who loves seeing other people's flowers, taking a tour during Historic Garden Week is a fun way to experience some local blooms. The Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is open daily for exploration. And if you want to see a truly impressive number of native plants and animals, the Quarry Gardens at Schuyler are a great way to spend a day. 
   
   For those of you who enjoy tending to gardens of your own, the Piedmont Master Gardeners are a great resource for tips and help. And many of our favorite local nurseries offer classes and advice to everyone who needs it. 

What are your favorite things to do in the spring?