With a few weeks of winter still left this year, temperatures are continually fluctuating and the days seem to finally be getting a bit longer. In attempts to combat the frigid weather, compiled is an extensive list of fun activities to do with your friends and family. All of the invigorating activities are located within a 20 mile radius from West Morris Mendham High School for your convenience.
While the weather must cooperate to sled, if there is enough snow accumulation within the last few weeks of winter, Mendham High School has a large, steep hill that can be used to sled down. The hill is located on the right of the football stadium facing the visitor stands, behind the scoreboard. With its close proximity to many of the students at West Morris, this option is both convenient and extremely cost effective, making this activity primarily free as many people already own sleds and snowboards.
The areas around Mendham have many small local businesses to support, such as Simple Coffee. With cold weather, warm drinks are a great way to feel cozy and remain in the winter spirit. Simple Coffee is a favorable cafe as it provides an extensive menu with quality products. Senior student Rachel Havey states, “I love going to Simple Coffee with my friends. It is within a walking distance from the school, and they have a nice seating area to hang out in.” Unlike many large coffee shops, their cafe provides a smaller but quiet area to rest in and do work productively. Leading big chain competitors frequently have lower prices, however their quality and sustainability is often overlooked. Small businesses focus on their quality and are often more environmentally friendly with the production and disposal of their products. While their pricing may be more expensive, their products are much higher quality than larger competitors.
Many people may overlook the importance of staying active in the winter, however maintaining physical health is equally as important as keeping mental health in good condition. Working out can be extremely beneficial. Surrounding Mendham are many available gyms, such as the YMCA, which has multiple close locations consisting of Randolph, Somerset Hills, and Cedar Knolls. There are also other gyms such as Nitroflex located in Chester and Planet Fitness in Succasunna and Morris Plains. Working out can also be done in the convenience of your home using free weights or taking a walk around your community.
While many people enjoy gallivanting in the cold weather and embracing the cold temperatures, others prefer remaining indoors, which can also be very entertaining and cost effective. There are countless hobbies to pursue during the winter. Painting can be both therapeutic and entertaining as you hone in on artistic abilities. Watching movies with friends, family, or by yourself can be relaxing and enjoyable. Many streaming services have thousands of movies to choose from, including Max, Netflix, and/or Hulu.
With three months of winter, the season may seem grueling and never ending. But, by finding activities to do by yourself or with family and friends, the cold and seemingly never ending season can go by much quicker. By utilizing the snow, finding fun within your own home, and supporting businesses, especially the smaller ones, you and the community can both benefit greatly.
