In these uncertain times, Spring Break is looking a bit different from years past. Per the CDC, we’re asked to step back from the normal, to not gather together in large crowds, or if we must, to ensure we keep our distance. This means – no flying, dining out, or doing any of the usual Spring Break barbecues, family gatherings, and activities.
There is no making light of the situation. However, we are doing our best to stay positive and hopeful.
Since we’re self-isolating and staying home – we wanted to provide a little guide for how you can make the most of your Spring Break Staycation at our Briarstone at Nesbit Lakes in Roswell, Gardens of Harmony, Stephen’s Point and Mountain Crest communities.
Here are a few ways you can stay busy and have fun this Spring Break at home:
- Be in Nature: Social distancing doesn’t mean you and your family need to stay indoors all day every day. Your community is located near gorgeous walking trails, lakes, and wide-open spaces where you can maintain the six-foot distance rule. At Briarstone you can enjoy a picnic at the private lake. At Gardens of Harmony, you can take your kayak out on the water and fish. At Mountain Crest, you can utilize the community’s many sidewalks or go for a stroll on the nearby Big Creek Greenway trail. If you own a boat at Steven’s Point’s covered courtesy boat dock, you can take that out for a spin around the lake.
- Take a Scenic Drive: When was the last time you and your family hopped in the car and just drove? With the majority of the country working from home, and with all the restaurant and bar closures and canceled events – the roads are quite peaceful and empty. Take this time to show your family some of the beautiful sights outside your community’s gates. The beautiful Lake Lanier is located 50 miles north of Atlanta and is a short drive from the Mountain Crest community. You can also drive through the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is just 78 miles north of Atlanta or take the Ridge Valley scenic byway, a 76-mile loop from Armuchee.
- Play Games: There are so many games you can play in the comfort of your home with your family. If you have a family of three or more, play a little Cranium, Monopoly, Uno, Pictionary, or Heads Up. If there’s just two of you at home this week, Monopoly Deal, SkipBo, Go Fish, and Rummy are all fun two-person games.
- Cook Up a Feast: We’re no longer dining out these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a restaurant experience in your home. Now is the perfect time to teach your kids how to cook and put your beautiful kitchen to use. Cooking a homemade meal is a great way to spend some quality time with your family. Make your at-home dining experience restaurant-worthy by using your best China, lighting some candles, and decorating a yummy dessert.
- Create Your Own Splash Park: The Splash Park at our Briarstone at Nesbit Lakes in Roswell is a favorite family-friendly amenity within the community. While running around and playing in the water feature isn’t a possibility right now – you can use this amenity as inspiration for your own Splash Park. Set-up a slip n’ slide, run the sprinklers, and fill-up the kiddie pool in your backyard on a warm sunny day and let your little ones loose. Children are feeling the effects and stress of the times too, so a little exercise, creative fun and fresh air will do them good.
- Do a Virtual Yoga Class: Homeowners at Gardens of Harmony and Mountain Crest love the convenience of having full gyms and fitness centers within their communities. While this is a luxury we’re looking forward to having available again soon, it doesn’t mean you and your family can’t exercise at home. Kids of all ages benefit from a little yoga, and there are plenty of kid-friendly yoga videos available on YouTube you can do in the comfort of your home. Create some space in your living room and layout some mats or beach towels. Stream an instructional video and enjoy an hour of stretching and breathing as a family.
- Build a Fort: Kids at our Briarstone at Nesbit Lakes in Roswell, Gardens of Harmony, and Mountain Crest communities love to meet their neighborhood friends and play on the community playgrounds and push each other on the swings. However, while we maintain the six-foot distance rule this Spring Break, we’re recommending making at-home playgrounds. No matter what your age is, you’re never too old to build a fort or an obstacle course at home. Utilize safety pins, clothespins, sheets, and other household items, and get creative. From the comfort of your new fort, you can have movie marathons, picnics, play games, or whatever else you can dream up!
Have fun this Spring Break, but most importantly, stay safe. There’s never been a better time to enjoy your home and spend time together as a family. Make the most of social distancing, Staycation and stay hopeful.
