I know what everyone expects from a Physical Therapist who says that I have 6 things for you to do this weekend…
…you are all thinking that I am going to give you 6 exercises to stay healthy…
…BUT not this time.
I really want you all to get back to the activities that you love, and I know that this Memorial Day Weekend will be unlike any that we have ever seen!
The good news is that there are still 6 activities that you can do that do not include the beach or the yard. (Although, the yard could keep you busy all weekend, but haven’t we all had too much time to be working on the yard).
1. Walk the Lake
Congers Lake and Rockland Lake are OPEN. This has been the standby activity over the last couple months while we are all in quarantine.
There are some of you who haven’t made it to either of these Lakes lately. They are in full bloom and just a great outdoor activity. Take a walk or go for a jog and enjoy the fresh air and peace and tranquility that only a lake can provide.
Just make sure you follow your social distancing procedures by entering in the correct entrance and following the posted one-way signs.
2. Hike the Hook
The 61-acre Nyack Beach State Park boasts a riverfront trail the runs from Nyack to Haverstraw along the Hudson River with spectacular views. There is also a trail that takes you to the top of Hook Mountain.
Nysparks.com/parks/156/details/aspx
3. Walk over the Hudson
Haven’t had enough of the Hudson River? How about taking a walk over it?
Check out “The Worlds Longest Elevated Pedestrian Bridge” from Highland to Poughkeepsie< NY.
The Walkway Over the Hudson entrance is located at 87 Haviland Road, Highland NY 12528 and is open from 7 am until Sunset.
4. Picnic in the Yard
Don’t want to hike or walk? Are you a little nervous about how many people will be out?
How does a Picnic Sound?
Call your favorite takeout restaurant and order some appetizers, salads, and sandwiches, get a blanket and some beach chairs, and tell everyone in the house to stop watching TV or playing Xbox and head out to the yard for a picnic.
Bonus activity: Talk! But not about the problems or disappointments from the last 2+ months. Talk about what the first thing you will do when everything is open, what your goals for the rest of the year are, or maybe just re-connect.
5. Get back to Nature at Bear Mountain
A lot of Bear Mountain is Closed, like the Zoo, museum, Merry-Go-Round, Gift Shop, The Inn Spa and Restaurant, and the trail shelters.
So that leaves the Natural Beauty of the Hudson Valley. Head out for a hike—just make sure you have your snacks and water for the day! Check out the link below for the suggested Hikes!
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/attachments/BearMountainSuggestedHikes.pdf
6. Take in a Concert
The parade is cancelled, but you still want to be festive and remember all those who made this country great. Take in a Concert…Virtually… of course
The Tappantown Historical Society is commemorating Memorial Day with a Virtual Concert performed by the Ministers of Apollo in Monday, May 25th at 1 pm. These talented musicians will play Revolutionary War Themed Music featuring the Fife and Drum.
Register for this event through the Tappan Library. (A recorded version will be available to those who register if you cannot make it at 1pm)
http://taplib.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=6657&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2020/05/13
You can Learn more about the Ministers of Apollo on their website earlyamericanmusicandarts.com.
Memorial Day is the “Unofficial Start of Summer” and I am fully confident that this summer will be one of the most welcome summer’s ever…as we are now in the process of opening back up and getting back to “normal”.
I can only hope that the “new Normal” includes some new and creative events and that this Memorial Day Weekend is the start of some new activities that will change your activities away from the commercial and towards the happy and healthy.