We’re finally only days away from the first day of spring, and yes…the ground is still covered in snow and we’ve got at least one more chance of additional snowfall this week, but it’s time to start thinking ahead and planning all the fun things we’d like to do once the weather warms up, the snow melts away and the trees start waking up from their winter slumber. 

Here are the top 10 things we’re looking forward to doing in Morgan County this spring: 

Pansies

Second Friday & Saturday
Okay, we know this is slightly pre-Spring, but on March 13 and 14, we strongly urge you to get out and enjoy Second Friday Open Studios Night at The Art Sanctuary in downtown Martinsville. Then spend Saturday wandering along the Rural Routes to Main Street Cultural Trail to check out all their special Second Saturday events (hopefully without any worries about road conditions). 

Hunt for Treasure
Antique shops and flea markets are another great reason to get out and about in early spring. Even if it’s not spend-all-day-outdoors warm yet, the weather will almost certainly be nice enough to lure you away from home for the day. Explore a few of our favorite shopping spots around Morgan County – the Antiques Co-op in Morgantown, Morton Avenue Antique Mall and TraderBakers in Martinsville, and of course in Mooresville you won’t want to miss Open Market Antiques, and Yellow Moon Antique Mall.

Take a Hike 
As soon as temperatures hit the mid-forties and fifties, my family immediately starts looking for excuses to get outdoors and explore. Morgan County is full of great hiking options, ranging from paved trails at Pioneer Park in Mooresville to more rugged hiking at Jimmy Nash Park in Martinsville. Hit up Morgan-Monroe State Forest for a day in the woods, or Burkhart Creek Park for exploring prairie and wetland habitats. 

Spring is for the Birds
That’s right - early spring is one of the very best times for birding in Indiana. As colorful songbirds migrate back northward, many will be passing through central Indiana and they’re much easier to spot before all the leaves return to the trees and bushes. Strike out on your own with a set of binoculars and a birding guide, or call in the experts – Indigo Birding Nature Tours will gladly customize a guided excursion in Morgan County and beyond for your group. 

Watch for Spring Flowers 
The Morgan County Master Gardeners will host their annual GardenFest on March 20 & 21, the first official weekend of spring! There you’ll find gardening information from the experts, knowledgeable speakers, garden arts and crafts, spring flowers and more. In addition, watch for the first wildflowers of the year at the area’s many outdoor parks. You’ll find information on what to look for here on the Morgan County Parks website… and don’t forget about the thousands of daffodils that make an annual appearance on the grounds of Link Observatory and, more recently, along the highway 67 medians as well, courtesy of the Morgan County Master Gardeners. They usually begin blooming in April. 

Catch a Movie
Also on the first weekend of spring, another special annual tradition begins in Morgan County – Centerbrook Drive-In will open for the 2015 season on March 20! Get the family together and head for the movies. Pricing is still only $8 for adults, $4 for kids and free for ages 5 and under, what a bargain when you get to see TWO great movies! Remember to bring cash for admissions; first movie begins at 8:15 pm, second movie at 9:45 pm.

Enjoy the Ride
Watch for signs of spring from horseback – Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides in Morgantown can fix you right up with an enjoyable ride where you can watch for wildflowers, birds and more atop a trusty companion, all while keeping your own feet out of the mud! They’ve even got an honest-to-goodness chuckwagon – call 812-272-0702 for more details or to schedule your ride.

Tour a Local Farm 
Meet the friendly sheep and llamas (the humans are friendly, too) at Sheep Street Fibers or learn more about the process of making honey at Hunter’s Honey Farm. Either way, getting out on the farm is a fabulous way to learn more about nature and celebrate the changing seasons! Be sure to bring your camera. (Update: Sheep Street Fibers has sadly closed their business since this post was written.)

Hit the Links
If you’re a golfer, take advantage of those nice early spring days to get in some practice on the links. Choose from four courses – Eagle Pines Golf Club is a par-70 course with an old farmhouse pro shop; Foxcliff Golf Club is a par-71 course with great playability for all levels; Heartland Crossing Golf Links is a par-72 course with a dramatic, picturesque landscape; and Martinsville Golf Club is a par-71 course with a classic design and natural beauty. Take your pick and book that tee time! 

Take a Back Road
Last, but certainly not least, who can resist a beautiful drive in the country? As the grass and trees begin to turn green and the redbud and dogwood trees begin to bloom, much can be seen from the comfort (and warmth) of your personal vehicle along the rural highways and back roads of Morgan County. Stop off for an enjoyable lunch along the way and see the gorgeous scenic beauty of Morgan County at your leisure. 

Daffodils

For more information on any of these spring activities, or for a personalized recommendation based on your interests, contact Visit Morgan County at 765-346-1321 or info@visitmorgancountyin.com. Think spring! It’s only days away…

**Photos from the Morgan County Master Gardeners.