23 Ways to Make This Your Best School Year Ever!

2 women shopping for clothes

Every beautiful West Virginia summer must come to an end eventually, and summer’s end is coming ‘round that mountain pretty darn fast.

And that means the educational preparation phase must begin! Regardless of whether you’re going into fifth grade, high school or even college, this list is bound to make that transition a little easier.

Start with the necessities:

lady getting her nails polished

Adam’s Office Supply has all the school supplies you’ll need. From very specific sizes of portfolios and types of pens to crayons and fun stuff, regardless of your grade in school this year, they can help you make the grade. (How punny!)

The first week of school definitely calls for new outfits. (This is more a necessity of confidence than an actual necessity, but I digress). Savvy Consignment has all the designer brands sans the designer price.

 

Get all your primping done at Tuscan Sun Spa. Nails, skin, hair, makeup – the works! Guys, feel free to get a nice cut at Tuscan or go old school (no pun intended – well, maybe a little) at Simple Cutz Barbershop.

Don’t forget your lunch:muffin, scone and cup of coffee

Health Naturally has all the packable foods you need: sweet treats, sodas, chips, yogurts. Sounds like your typical lunch box menu, right? Except their food is made with healthier alternatives and organic ingredients. Have a clean conscience as you pack your lunch (or your student’s lunch) with clean foods.

A homemade main course is a must for any good and filling lunch. Little Red Hen will make it for you! Get pepperoni rolls made from scratch plus all your breakfast needs (scones, bagels, coffee cake, deliciousness!).

Don’t forget an apple for your teacher! Speedway Market has that and plenty of other fruits and veggies to munch on. Dabbling deeper in nutrition? Enjoy a meatless Monday with all their vegetarian options, too!

After school snacks are necessary for any age, so get yours at Creekside Country Market. This is where you can get snackable cheese, meats and candies all made the Amish way!

Don’t forget your coffee!

Get caffeinated for the day ahead with a cup of joe at the Joe n Throw. Get it on the go (like a Nitro Cold Brew, pour over or dirty chai) or grab a bag of freshly and locally roasted beans.

But what to put it in…?

Be the cool kid in school with a one of a kind tumbler. Mountain Creative has a couple different coffee mugs perfect for school: Not only will you have the best coffee, but it’s the perfect addition to any outfit.

Brush up on your education:

Kerri’s Korner Bookstore is the go-to place for all things education. Whether you’re a teacher, a young student, old student, random person who needs to broaden his/her horizons, Kerri’s can enlighten you.

Stop by the Visitors Center for one of our new rack cards: Civil War! Marion County is brimming with historic locations that helped determine the fate of the Union.

Be College Chic:

antique vanity with oval framed mirror and chair

 

Unique dorm room decor is extremely hard to come by with the convenience of Target and WalMart. But there’s another inexpensive option to set your style apart: vintage. I don’t mean new things made to look vintage that anyone and everyone can buy at some chain. I mean, hit up your local antique stores like Arts and Antiques Marketplace, Pawntiques and Sweet Memories Antique Mall.

All you really need is one good vintage piece to make a room.

And if that doesn’t brighten up that dorm room, consider a plant. A plant? That’s right, a plant! It’s minimal work, pretty and some species even clean the air. Perfect! Now that you’re convinced of this now-essential and hip decoration, go to Mountaineer Landscape Supply.

Last hoorah:water falls

Rent some fun at Wood’s Boat House: kayaks, WaveRunners, boats and other aqua-adventure gear are calling your name!

If you’re more of a land animal, spend your last, few, precious days at Valley Falls. Hike the trails, sunbathe on the rocks, breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature… because soon you’ll be listening to the sounds of your alarm clock.

Although it will be open for a couple months longer, Dairy Creme Corner is a Marion County essential to the end of summer!

You know what helps to get through the first week of school? Looking forward to fun at the end! Take a load off with some international street food at Street Food Kitchen or relax at the Rambling Root with some Appalachian inspired German cuisine.  

Don’t stress:

But if you’re stressing about the new school year, take the edge off with a body wrap, scrub or massage at Spa Oasis. What they’re best known for, however, is their lovely salt pods. Float to your heart’s content in a pool of Epsom salt. You can’t put a price on relaxation!

Or better yet, get to the yoga studio. Main Street Yoga has classes geared to everyone’s ability. If time is of the essence, do a 15-minute refresh on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

So enjoy the end of the summer, but take heart! There’s no end to Marion County!

What are you most looking forward to in the new school year?

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,