How To Make The Most Of A Short Summer

Summer 2021 is giving many people high expectations, particularly after the world has spent much of the past year under restrictions and not being able to do much. Even last week, mask restrictions have been lifted in many places, and the numbers of those getting vaccinated are making this summer shape up as a welcome one.

Having said that, it can sometimes be difficult to stay occupied over summer break. Too often, people find themselves falling into a routine of doing the same things everyday. So in order to make this summer eventful, here are some things you can do in and around Fluvanna County to keep yourself occupied.

Shop local

The pandemic has been rough on everyone, but has been especially difficult for businesses, and more importantly,  small businesses. Now that jobs are getting back to normal and businesses are opening up, it is a good time to shop at locally-owned small businesses. There are many locally-owned restaurants in Fluvanna such as Wahoo BBQ and Rhetts Bar and Grill.

Going out to eat with friends may seem like a pretty typical thing to do; however, making a day out of it can make it a little more fun.  Fluvanna may be limited in its shopping, but they do have some new or hidden places, such as Feather and Fowl Antiques and Totes McGoats Body Soaps in downtown Palmyra, as well as the new Tractor Supply near CVS.

Charlottesville also has many small owned businesses, especially Downtown. Going shopping for the day is not only something fun to do with friends, but allows you to support businesses that may be struggling to stay open.

Get outdoors

If being outdoors is your thing there are plenty of options. One positive thing about living in Virginia is the variety of places to go hiking. You can hike locally at places such as Pleasant Grove (which features over 22 miles of trails) or the Saunders-Monticello trail on Route 53 next to Michie Tavern. Or you can go for a little drive to Humpback Rock or CrabTree Falls up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you want to get out of town you can go hiking in new places. Exploring new hikes gives you a chance to get away for the day and try something new. One 6- mile hike, Saint Mary’s Wilderness, is only an hour and 15 minute drive from Fluvanna, in Vesuvius, Virginia. According to HikingUpward, the hike varies in an “abundance of diverse sceneries.” This hike is perfect for summertime, not only for the hike itself, but because you can also cool off in the waterfall.

Play local

While a popular summertime activity is watching the sunset, you can spice up this activity by heading to Carter’s Mountain for their Thursday Night Sunset Series. This event occurs every Thursday where you can watch the sunset and enjoy live music overlooking the city of Charlottesville.

If you enjoy live music, stop by the Downtown Mall to listen to live music and enjoy food from various food vendors after a day of small business shopping at Fridays After 5. Or consider a visit to Chiles Peach Orchard, about a 45 minute drive from Fluvanna, which can also be a fun place to go with friends if you enjoy fruit and want to take advantage of being outdoors.

Although living in a small town may get repetitive after a while, there are always new things to try and new places to go. This summer is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of all the beautiful places and businesses in the surrounding area.