Just Try It In February

The first month of 2019 is in the books! Marked by strong temperature swings, it wasn’t always easy to stay active. Here are our “Just Try It” ideas for February to help keep your wellness plan on track, discover a new hobby, or stimulate your mind. (If you missed it, check out January’s list.)

Each month, we’ll suggest different activities. “Just Try It” and let us know how it turned out by tagging @BuncombeRecreation on Instagram or Facebook and using hashtag #JustTryItBuncombe

• Week #6 (Feb. 4-10) – As Black History Month, many organizations highlight African-American historical figures and accomplishments throughout February. At 1.7 miles, the Urban Trail is a casual hike through downtown Asheville that tells the area’s history though imaginative public art and interpretive markers. The trail is divided into five distinct eras, each of which has a symbol carved into pink granite blocks placed in the sidewalk along the way. The final leg of the hike is The Age of Diversity and is marked by an eagle, a nod to the historic significance of Eagle Street as the center of Asheville’s early African-American community. Markers commemorate craftsman James Vester Miller, “The Block,” and The Eagle Hotel that once stood near the stagecoach stop.
• Week #7 (Feb. 11-17) – Valentine’s Day offers a great opportunity to think about ways to help prevent heart disease. Only 22 percent of U.S. adults meet physical activity recommendations for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. You can start by breaking your workouts into 10-minute chunks three times a day. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has plenty of tips for incorporating healthy choices during American Heart Month and the rest of the year.
• Week #8 (Feb. 18-24) – February is also Library Lovers Month. Visit one of Buncombe County’s 13 public libraries and discover books, art, book clubs, story times, and other community events. If you live close enough, leave the car at home and take a short hike through your neighborhood. If that’s not an option, try parking a few blocks away from Pack Memorial Library downtown and check out what’s new along the way.
• Week #9 (Feb. 25-March 3) – As the month comes to an end, will we be looking at a return visit of the polar vortex or the beginning of a sunny run up to spring? On days when the temperature does tick up, head to Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa. Take a walk along the one-mile figure eight trail that loops around two ponds, enjoying winter birding before leaves return to block your view. Some stunning late-winter and early-spring flowers and shrubs offer bold colors to take you from the chill of winter to the sunshine of spring. Download a plant identification app before you leave the house and easily become an “expert” with the push of a button!

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