Refresh, renew, relax…reset. Spring is here!

If summer is the time for dancing in the streets, then spring says, “wake up, warm-up!” The vernal equinox—Saturday, March 20, in the U.S.—is a perfect time for an energetic reset and signifies new beginnings. No matter where you are on the map, the advent of a new season brings fresh opportunities for re-discovery. Our recommendations might put a little spring in your step or, if needed, make space for a little “no time” to relax.

Photos courtesy: Coddle Creek Farms @coddlecreekhoneyfarm, Blue Goat Dairy @bluegoatdairy

Atherton – Charlotte, NC

Atherton Farmers Market, open on Saturdays from 8am-1pm, is a community hub in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood showcasing the best the region has to offer from small local farms and artisans. Stroll along the 4.5-mile Rail Trail that connects to the market at Tremont Street before loading up on provisions.

Lakeside Centre – Boca Raton, FL

Pick up a super healthy picnic lunch at CoreLifeEatery and enjoy the communal green space at Lakeside. Bring along your canine companion; dogs are welcome on the patio!

Photo courtesy: Muse Paint Bar @Musepaintbar

Mosaic – Fairfax, VA

Muse Paint Bar is now taking in-studio reservations for art classes with a skilled instructor. Choose Rainbow Forest, Moonlight Abyss, or Unicorn for kids and family. Muse follows strict COVID-19 protocols for everyone’s safety, so booking in advance is required.

Park Road Shopping Center – Charlotte, NC

If you’re hoping to jump-start that DIY project you’ve been planning all winter—or dive into a little spring cleaning—Blackhawk Hardware is the place to be. Green thumbs will find all their needs to start seedlings indoors while there’s still a chance of frost outside.

Princeton Shopping Center – Princeton, NJ

The patio at Nomad Pizza Company is now open! For lunch solo mio, take a book or leave a book at the Little Free Library and settle in for a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza made with farm-to-table ingredients. Pretend it’s June in Italy—instead of March in New Jersey—and treat yourself to gelati from Rita’s.

RiNo – Denver, CO

Get a head start on the weekend with First Fridays in RiNo Art District, when many locations open their doors after-hours for events ranging from art openings to live music. Re-charge over the weekend with a soak at Samana Float Center or yoga at Transform.

SouthBay – Boston, MA

There may be a chill in the Northeast, but open-toed shoe season is around the corner and when the gloves come off, bring on the glam. It’s never a bad time for a mani-pedi at Sky Nail & Spa. Public parking across the street is free for up to two hours, which is plenty of time to indulge.

Union Market District – Washington, DC

The brainchild of restaurateurs Greg Algie, Nathan Beauchamp and Paul Carlson, Hi-Lawn at The Rooftop is a fun, laid-back and welcoming green space—AstroTurf, specifically—with seasonally changing fare, creative draft and juice box cocktails, hosted picnics, lawn games and outdoor music, all with stunning 360-degree views of D.C.

Did someone say brunch?!

Some of our Places are in warmer climates, where patio seating is common, but weekend brunch is anything but! Here are some of our favorite spots:

• Tazza Kitchen in Trenholm Plaza – Flavors of the world unite in Columbia, S.C. around Tazza’s signature wood fired cooking. By reservation only and closed on Sundays, so be sure to book your table and time slot in advance.
• Yebo Beach Haus in Andrews Square – Beginning in March, Yebo Ski Haus in Atlanta becomes Yebo Beach Haus, in keeping with the transition of the seasons. The menu and décor also change, so grab a front-row seat.
• Étoile Cuisine et Bar in Uptown Park – No one should miss Sunday brunch, from 11am-3pm. Come with an empty stomach, as Etoile’s authentically French cuisine is considered by many to be Houston’s best.