Even though it seems as if winter hasn’t even come yet, we now can start to get ready for spring as it’s heading to Utica, New York.

Spring is a funny time in Utica. You can never be sure of the weather, but everyone is dying to get outside to do things.

Here’s a list of five things you can get out and do in the spring around Utica New York that will make you feel great:

Of course there’s always yard work and home improvements these things are a never ending task for homeowners. The most important thing when doing these is planning. A lot of homeowners have great ideas a great revision but sometimes they need help executing their plans. The homebuilders and remodelers Association of the Mohawk valley puts on a home show every year. This is a great place for homeowners to go to get new ideas and even connect with some of the people who can help you do the home improvement projects you have in mind.

Take a hike! Hiking is the type of activity that you’ll have to be careful of the weather, but you can be one of the first on the trail this year. There are so many places to go on a hike in the Greater Utica area, local parks with hiking trails, State parks and even some secret places you might StumbleUpon. These are the places you need to be careful of the elements. In most cases these trails are going to be muddy, and that can be messy. Be prepared, bring an extra pair of shoes and maybe even a change of clothes just to be on the safe side.

Another great hiking opportunity in the Utica area is the “urban hike”. this is a lot easier for some, basically all you have to do is get outside and start walking. But to make it interesting you can pick out a certain town or neighborhood in the city that you have not really had a chance to explore. Look up a few places you may want to stop at, a store, a restaurant, even a coffee shop or a bar. Plan your walk around this. It’s a great way to experience different parts of the city you haven’t had the chance to see yet.

You can always go fishing in Central New York. Fishing season officially starts on April 1st. It’s a great way to spend some time outdoors and relax. Even if you’re not that good at fishing you can still go out, cast a line in and have some time to think. Make a day trip out of it, pack a lunch, bring some friends and really try to embrace nature. If you don’t know where to go the people at your local sporting goods store would love to help you or you can check some online resources. This way you may better your chances of catching the big one.

If you’re adventurous go camping. It’s a great way to start to embrace the warmer temperatures, you’ll be living in it. One of the best things about going camping in spring is that there’s not so many campers out there. You’ll be the daring one, everyone else is going to be waiting for the ground to dry and the warmer weather of summer. There are so many great places to go camping. The Adirondacks are just a short drive away. I’ve never had a greater feeling than waking up out of my tent in the Adirondack Mountains. It’s one of the best ways to get in touch with mother Earth.

Lastly one of my favorite things to do in spring in the Utica New York area is to go kayaking. There are so many places you can go kayaking. If you don’t want to leave the city you can go down the Mohawk River or the barge canal. Kayaking down the Mohawk River is one of the best experiences you can have. I always think about the early settlers who came to the Central New York area, I imagine I am one of them, and I’m seeing this land for the first time. The water is a little higher in the spring, be careful because the rivers and streams will be running faster.

Again you can always head north. Kayaking on Hinckley lake in the spring is very peaceful. It’s one of my favorite places to go and it’s just a short drive North of Utica.

No matter where you choose to go kayaking, make sure you wear a life jacket. The water is cold and and it is dangerous if you were to fall in.