My Springtime Activity Wish List

I’m starting to feel really ready for springtime to arrive. I’m sure it’s partially (okay, maybe mostly) influenced by the abundance of super-cute spring clothes and accessories that are popping up in stores, but regardless of the cause I’m feeling antsy for some warm (or at least warm-ish) weather.

Even though Kevin and I have lived in Winston-Salem for a year and a half now, there are still plenty of activities in the area that we have yet to check out, and I’m thinking the re-emergence of warm weather could be just the right time to get some of those things checked off the list. Some of these are things that are best enjoyed when the weather is warm, but others are indoor activities and kind of season agnostic. Regardless, here are a few attractions in the area that I really want to try:

• The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte:

Have you guys heard about this place? It sounds incredible! White water rafting, zip lining, mountain biking, eco trekking — sign me up! This outdoor facility is the official training site for Olympic whitewater slalom racing, and the water portion is all man-made so the river intensity can be well controlled. My sister, Susan, has been to this place twice with friends and they’ve had a blast and Kevin’s gone before, too, so I think it’s about time I experience the Whitewater Center myself.

• The Ultimate Climbing Gym in Greensboro:

Just before Kevin and I moved away from Atlanta, Stone Summit — the nation’s largest indoor climbing facility — opened. (I even wrote about its opening for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution!) We only went a couple of times, but I loved climbing. The other day, for who knows what reason, I woke up and the first thing I thought was “I really, really want to go climbing.” Since obviously Stone Summit isn’t especially convenient anymore, I turned to le Google and found The Ultimate Climbing Gym just down the road in Greensboro. It was quickly added to my springtime activity wish list.

• Pilot Mountain in, well, Pilot Mountain:

Fun fact: For all you Andy Griffith fans out there, you know this rock as Mount Pilot instead of Pilot Mountain. This “mountain” is just a little ways down the road from Winston, and yet I haven’t been (except to drive past it on the way to Mount Airy, the town Mayberry was based on). Supposedly it’s a pleasant hiking experience, and I hope Kevin, Fulton, and I can check it out sometime soon. (Maybe we’ll pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it!)

• Airbound Trampoline Park in Winston-Salem:

An indoor facility full of trampolines? Come on — the 5-year-old in me is dying to try this out. Yes, it will likely be full of small and small-ish children, but still. This is definitely on my to-do list for the spring. (I have some co-workers who went and said they got tired out in all of 15 minutes. I believe it!)

• Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury:

This state park looks like a beautiful place to check out for a hiking outing this spring. With 12 trails and 18 miles of hiking options, we’d definitely be kept occupied during a day trip. Plus, it looks like the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are pretty remarkable. Hanging Rock is officially added to the wish list!

Fellow Winston-Salemites: What else should be on my must-do list of springtime activities?