Five things to do at Sweet Briar this winter
Posted on January 20, 2017 by Janika Carey
January. The quiet, sluggish aftermath of marathon naps and too many Christmas cookies. Also, you’re back on campus, and you’re (sort of) ready: It’s time to dive into your spring semester classes, and maybe revisit those lingering New Year’s resolutions. If there’s one thing that will get you motivated, it’s the fun stuff that happens at Sweet Briar in between classes and study time. Here are five great things you can do on and around campus in the cold(ish) winter months:
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Sled in the dell: This isn’t Canada, but every once in a while, Sweet Briar does get covered in a thick blanket of beautiful, sparkly snow. If there’s enough of it — and you’re really lucky — classes might even be canceled. Of course, a snow day means only one thing at Sweet Briar: Swipe a tray from the dining hall (just be sure to bring it back) and hurl yourself down the front dell!
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Photo courtesy of Wintergreen Resort
Ski or snowboard at Wintergreen: Thanks to our close proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, snow sports are always an option. The Outdoor Program sponsors several skiing and snowboarding trips to nearby Wintergreen Resort during January and February, so make sure to check their Facebook page for updates. If you’re more of a sit-down kind of person, try tubing!
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Explore the trails: Whether you’re walking, running or riding a horse, Sweet Briar’s endless trails (okay, 18 miles of them) are perfect for all your outdoor adventures — no matter how cold it is. The best part? They’re right outside your dorm. Or, venture further afield: We’re next door to a million acres of national forest land and wilderness areas. Bundle up, head out and embrace your inner nature child.
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Check out downtown Lynchburg: If frostbite isn’t your thing but you love to work out, take a trip to downtown Lynchburg! You can carpool with the Outdoor Program to Rise Up Climbing, an indoor rock-climbing gym near the YMCA. (Up, up, Sweet!) For all you art lovers and foodies, get to know downtown’s other jewels: from Riverviews Artspace, a popular gallery stop during the monthly First Fridays, to Bootleggers, a fancy new restaurant serving gourmet burgers — and many, many others.
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Warm up at Daisy’s Café: Tired? Cold? Toes itching? You really don’t need an excuse to treat yourself to Daisy’s delicious latte, or a steaming cup of heavenly sweet hot chocolate — or whatever it is your freezing heart desires. In addition to organic, locally roasted Trager Brothers Coffee, Daisy’s also has sandwiches, pastries and, best of all, a cushy couch to rest your tray-stricken bones. Aaah.
