Ways to Enjoy the Spring: Grace's Spring Favorites
By Grace Chai
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Spring is here, and it’s time to trade in those puffer coats for windbreakers. If you ask me what I’m looking forward to most about spring, I’d say that I’ll just be grateful to not be blown away every time I walk past the library on campus. In all seriousness though, to me, spring feels like a time of opening up. People emerge from their indoor lairs and start lounging outside, tossing a volleyball on the lawn or simply enjoying lunch with a side of fresh air. I love people-watching and seeing how people enjoy the season. Without further ado, here are some of my favorite things to do in the spring! I hope it gives you some inspiration on what to do as the weather warms up.
Visit the Smith Botanical Garden
Located in Northampton, the Smith Botanical Garden is a beautiful place to stop and smell the roses—literally. While the annual bulb show has concluded (check that out in March next year), the show that is spring in Massachusetts is just getting started.
After a brief bus ride that takes you past the Connecticut River sparkling in the spring sunshine, you’ll find lovely grounds filled with flowers and trees that stretch out their branches to provide shade on sunnier days.
It’s a good change of scenery if you’ve already explored Amherst’s green spaces and if you’re looking for more adventure after soaking in some natural beauty. Northampton is filled with various cafes, shops and restaurants that offer some fun diversions. Personally, I love heading to Familiars in the spring for one of their seasonal drinks, and stopping by the Tuesday farmers market behind Thornes Marketplace to check out some local produce and goods.
Check out local theater productions
Right on campus, you can find some performing arts gems. Among those are the plays and musicals put on by the students in the UMass Theater department. While I might be slightly biased (some of my closest friends studied theater), it’s genuinely so fun to lose yourself in a play for a little while. The actors and crew are talented and there are several different shows you can see at your convenience. Student tickets are $7 and it is 100% worth it to support your peers and the art of theater. If you can’t make it to a longer production, I’d recommend attending Fringe Fest, the department’s annual student-produced festival. The shows are free to attend, are in an intimate setting, and you can really feel the creativity infused in the productions. Tickets for all productions can be bought online: see the UMass Theater website for updates.
Find a new favorite outdoor study spot
There are so many fun places around campus to read a book in, chat with friends, or take a nap. One popular spot is the lawn between the ILC and the Student Union — there are tons of comfortable red chairs and seating on the campus center. Another spot I love that has slightly fewer chairs but is still lovely is the lawn by the path heading to the Fine Arts Center and near the library; there are nice trees to take shelter under and take in a deep breath of fresh air. Some more underrated spots include the library courtyard on the bottom floor; flowers bloom there when it gets warm, and on Founders Day, you might catch live music. And of course, the Honors concourse is a classic and more intimate location where you can catch the bright daffodils blooming.
Visit the Eric Carle Museum
Among some of the most iconic picture books of my childhood was the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and it wasn’t until I went to college that I learned that the official Eric Carle Museum is in Amherst.
The museum was founded in 2002 as a space for children, families, scholars and picture book enthusiasts to enjoy and is now an iconic local spot filled with over 20,000 objects representing more than 300 artists and a century of picture books.
Carle moved to Northampton in the 70s with his wife and the museum continues to be a large part of his legacy in spreading the joy of picture book art. Just a short bus or car ride away, you can take some time to revisit childhood nostalgia and pose with the giant cardboard caterpillar for an afternoon. If the weather is nice, there is an apple orchard surrounded by meadows nearby named after Carle’s late wife Barbara or “Bobbie” where you can take a stroll. Admission is $10 for students. If you fancy a local treat after enjoying some premier art, Atkins Farm is close by and their apple cider donuts are delicious all year round.
Make a spring playlist
It’s time for spring vibes, and there’s nothing better (and cost-effective) to do to set the mood than changing up your playlists and creating a seasonal mix of your favorites. Personally, I’ll be playing two of the new Noah Kahan songs that were just released: “Porch Light” and the “Great Divide,” the namesake of his new album, on repeat. Another thing I like to do when I’m making playlists is to curate one for when I’m walking across campus. Romanticizing the little things like watching the ducks swim across the Campus Pond while walking to class can make daily life more enjoyable and there’s no better way to do that than pretending you’re in a movie.
Watch a spring sport
Listen, I don’t follow that many sports closely, but soccer is one of my favorites. The World Cup is coming up this summer and will be played in the Americas, and I’m so excited to watch some of my favorite high-profile athletes play in one of the most-anticipated sports events in the world. If you’re not a soccer fan, there’s also plenty to look forward to: track and field and baseball are just some of the sports that are fun to watch, especially when it’s not negative degrees outside and you don’t have to fight the cold with your teeth chattering just to watch a game. If you prefer getting directly involved in the action, other great opportunities are intramural sports, many of which are accessible at UMass. From pickleball and flag football to soccer and ultimate frisbee, there are so many to choose from.
Enjoy live performances
As a performing arts lover, I couldn’t end this series without a plug for some amazing art right on this campus. Color UnCaged, the showcase featuring twirlers, the UMass color guard classes, and more, happens every spring and is sure to wow. It will take place at the Mullins Center. Other concerts to look at would be the annual UPC show, also at the Mullins Center. There are also tons of options at The Drake downtown to enjoy.
I hope some of these suggestions are helpful as you soak in sunshine and power through the end of the semester!
Featuring
Grace Chai
