My Marion Bucket List: Spring

Now that spring has finally decided to show its face around here, I took the liberty of making my bucket list.

I’m not planning to buy a farm, push up any daisies or live on a cloud anytime soon. Nonetheless, there are still a ton of things I’ve never done! And more specifically, there are so many things I haven’t done in Marion County in the springtime. I have to complete this list before it’s too late. And by too late, I mean too hot.

This is the spring for adventure both in and around Marion!

Spring technically began March 20. It’s May and it just got warm, which means I only have a short amount of time to complete the challenge before spring ends June 21.

Along with making my own bucket list, I thought of some things you should add to yours, too.

The Webster Wood Chopping Festival is every May in Webster County. This is one I’ve already gotten to experience, but if you haven’t, you should. It’s a different culture and a different sort of entertainment. Fascinating to say the least!

festival

Midway at WV Three Rivers Festival

If you’re looking for a festival a little closer to home in the springtime, The West Virginia Three Rivers Festival is a must. This is one I’ve already gone to and can say with certainty, you have to go before you … I mean before summer comes. The pepperoni roll eating contest is quite the sight (like a train wreck that you just can’t look away). The rides, food vendors, and live music make this festival a party. And the fireworks show is incredible! (And I don’t even like fireworks.)

Now, it’s time for my list, the things I’ve never done…yet.

I have never been to Greece. It’s sad but true. And although I won’t actually get to go to Greece this summer, I’m going to get as close as I can. Oddly enough, the closest I can get is Clarksburg. June 8 and 9 is the 17th Annual Greek Food Festival! (How have I not known about this for so long?) Food, music, dancing – it’s going to be Greek … I mean great!

metal miner at mini golf course

Big John at Coal Country Miniature Golf

Aside from gym class, I have never played baseball, softball or anything that required hand-eye coordination. And that lack of ability has prevented me from fun. It’s time to enjoy life and head to the local batting cages at Coal Country Minature Golf & Batting Cages. I’m not going to get hit by the ball, and I’m going to win. I don’t know exactly how to win, but I will.

(For your bucket list: If you’ve never played a round of mini-golf at Coal Country, go! It’s wildly different than any putt-putt place you’ve ever seen.)

This is the year I’ve decided that my severely impaired hand-eye coordination will not hold me back from new experiences. I’m going golfing! So everybody just look out for flying clubs and rogue golf balls. First, my plan is to practice at the White Hall Driving Range (another activity I’ve never done before), and then I’ll move onto Apple Valley Golf Course. This should be fun… FORE!

Having lived on West Side and graduated from Fairmont State, I’m a little ashamed to admit that I have never been to Hoops. Never. Why? The name just seemed so athletic, which is, as we’ve established, something I am certainly not. But, that will not hold me back any longer from what I’m sure is incredible food. My plan is to get food I’ve never had anywhere: jerk salmon and some Don’t Worry Be Happy wings. It’s a foolproof plan.

bikes for rent

Bike Rentals at Pricketts Fort State Park

Riding my bike up and down the hill where I grew up was the one quasi-athletic activity I loved. Do I still love it? The goal is to find out at Pricketts Fort. With their convenient bike rentals, paved trail and beautiful scenery, I think it will make for a lovely ride (unless I fall down).

Either my lack of hand-eye coordination really hinders many aspects of my life or I am not an artsy person. Regardless of the reasons for my lack of creativity, I’m going to paint things. Yes! I’m going to paint things on canvas like a professional. Arts and Antiques offers two painting classes per week, and no experience is required. It’s kismet.

pick your own blueberries

Blueberry Ridge Farms

All my life I’ve wanted to be a farmer. I can’t grow anything, though. The solution? An organic blueberry farm. Bunner Ridge is home to Blueberry Ridge Farms, which has tons of blueberries waiting for me to eat them! Very rarely have I had the opportunity to harvest my own food. It doesn’t get any more local or fresh than this!

It has been years since I’ve stayed at a bed and breakfast, and I’ve never stayed in one around here. But this year, that’s going to change. A Nature’s Song Bed and Breakfast is my kind of getaway. Ponds, fishing, hiking and the sweet sounds of nature are exactly what I look for in a staycation.

My hunger for nature cannot be sated, but Wild Acre Farm can give it a try. This is a newer place in Barrackville that has a retreat space, organic farms (and foods) and a beautiful labyrinth covered in flowers. Nestled among Marion hills, the sight (from what I can see on Facebook) is breathtaking.

The last challenge on my spring bucket list is actually to write another blog: a food blog. There is one food group in Marion County I know shamefully little about, and that’s hot dogs. So, prepare for an amazing blog of comparisons and contrasts among all Marion County hotdog providers. And yes, that does mean I’m going to try each and every one because, well, I never have.

Stay tuned for that hotdog blog plus more seasonal bucket lists!

What’s on your spring bucket list?

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