02 January 2009

enjoying winter outdoors

In the colder months, I'm prone to get the itch of cabin fever. While I could take a skiing trip or participate in some similarly pricey winter sport, I remind myself that there are simpler ways of enjoying nature around me -- even in the city.

I'm fortunate enough to live near the great Prospect Park where it's not so unusual to take a stroll on a chilly January day.

Prospect Park ducks, geese, and swans on New Year's Eve

No matter where you live, I'm willing to bet there's somewhere you can walk (or take public transport) to and enjoy the great outdoors, despite the winter weather.

If you're in NYC, here are a few ways to get outside and beat the winter blues:


Witness a meteor shower (this Saturday!)
Need I say more?
Pelham Bay Park Ranger Station
Bruckner Blvd and Wilkinson Ave, da Bronx
7pm
[FreeNYC via nonsense nyc]


Take a hike (also this Saturday)
Hey! I'm Walkin' Here takes you on a 19-mile journey around southeast Brooklyn: Canarsie, Georgetown, Bergen Beach, Mill Basin, Flatlands, Midwood.
Meet at corner of East 105th St and Farragut Rd in Brooklyn
@ East 105 St subway station (L train)
at 10am
[BurnSomeDust via nonsense nyc]


Visit a garden
This Sunday (and the first Sunday of every month), Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts a guided tour to beat the winter blues.
1pm starting at the Visitor's Center
[BBG]

See also: NY Botanical Garden


Go birdwatching
Every Saturday, explore the nature trails of Prospect Park while learning about native and migrating bird species with Introduction to Birdwatching.
12 to 1:30pm starting at the Audubon Center
[Prospect Park]

See also: Central Park


Take a turn around the rink
Here are just a few locations for ice skating around the city: