If you made a resolution to “get fit” or “stay fit” in the New Year, it’s possible that you might be slightly off the path at this time of year. Not to worry! Spring is the perfect time to get back on track and find some balance, whether that be physical or mental health.
If you’re not a hiker or biker, consider gardening to get back into shape! Read on to learn more about two wonderful greenhouses in our region.
Nurture Your Health
Kraken Athletics & Strength Training, Milton
Offering High Intensity Hybrid Training (HIHT), Ladies’ Only Boot Camp, and personal training, this community-centered fitness center focuses on functional fitness through a mix of weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises. They emphasize personalized coaching and cheering one another on so everyone can experience firsthand that movement is medicine! There’s no intimidation factor, with options for beginners like a Saturday community class and a fundamentals class for beginners.
The Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness, Lewisburg
The Miller Center, powered by Geisinger and WellSpan Evangelical, is home to the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA and offers a fitness center, group exercise classes, a turf field, pickleball and basketball courts, a golf simulator, plus nutrition education programs and personal training.
While this is a membership-based destination, they do offer day passes for just $12 and 3-day passes for adults. If you have family or friends visiting and inclement weather is in the forecast, this can truly be a lifesaver and boredom buster!
Balanced Spirit, Coal Township
Offering facials, massage therapy, a soothing salt lounge, and an infrared sauna for detoxification, pain relief and stress management are within sight at Balanced Spirit. While you’re there, visit their retail space for aromatherapy and candles, natural skincare, artisan soaps, herbal support, and thoughtful gifts.
Rooted Relational Therapy, Mifflinburg
Spring into mental, emotional, and relational health with compassionate, professional relationship therapy and transformational intensives. Morgan and Doug Richard offer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) for couples, families, and individuals in a supportive, empathetic environment.
Easy Walking Paths
If you’re looking for easy walking or biking paths this spring, consider one of the following:
Watsontown Towpath Trail
At 2-miles out and back, this nature trail parallels the Susquehanna River. With a natural, red clay surface, this is an easy stroll for all ages. The trail also serves as a history lesson on the railroad and canal system that used to run through town. Public parking is available at the riverfront park next to Canal Street in Watsontown, on the east side of the river bridge. The trailhead can be accessed by walking the path from the park down and under the West Brimmer Avenue Bridge.
Shikellamy State Park Marina
Offering scenic river views year-round, this is one of the most picturesque places to walk (or bike) in the Susquehanna River Valley. In the summer months, boats are docked at the marina and picnic pavilions and restrooms are available. The marina is truly a gem in the River Valley!
Buffalo Valley Rail Trail
The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, which is a 9.3-mile stretch between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, is the perfect trail for biking, walking, running, and exercising your pet (on leash). The surface is paved asphalt and gravel and the pathway is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and multiple bikes in a group.
Many other hiking and biking options are outlined in this Outdoor Adventure Awaits Blog.
Isle of Que
Another destination with scenic river views is the Isle of Que, which is accessed by crossing the East Pine Street bridge in Selinsgrove. The Isle of Que is ideal for easy biking and up-close river-watching. Expect to see lovely historic homes, a well-maintained “downtown” and nature and birds galore near the river’s edge.
Keithan’s Bluebird Gardens
A flower lover’s dream! Located on a 1.5-acre tract along Sunbury's riverside, the park still contains some of the exotic trees that Charles Keithan imported from around the world and planted here in the 1920s, as well as representative species of two of his favorite plants - azaleas and rhododendrons.
Read more about this fascinating hidden gem here – plan to take family pics here in late April or early May when the flowers are in full bloom. The garden is located in the southern portion of Sunbury between Front Street and Second Street.
Milton State Park
Milton State Park is a convenient location for walks and picnics along the Susquehanna River. The Park is an 82-acre island in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It features wildlife habitat, picnic facilities, walking and biking trails, a children's playground, soccer fields, a boat launch, and great fishing spots along the Susquehanna River.
R.B. Winter State Park
R.B. Winter State Park covers 695 acres. The focal point of the park is Halfway Lake which is filled by spring-fed mountain streams and contained by a hand-laid, native sandstone dam. Open year-round, the park provides diverse opportunities for recreation. The park is located seventeen miles west of Lewisburg on State Route 192.
Spring Gardening & Greenhouses
Gardening is another way to get into shape and fortunately, it’s almost time to plant! Empty out the trunk and head to Engle’s Farm & Greenhouse in Middleburg or Reiff’s Nursery & Greenhouse in Mifflinburg, near Vicksburg.
Engle’s is situated on 18 acres and has over 70,000 square feet of greenhouses filled with annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, fruits, trees and shrubs, and more! Check out their website for a virtual video tour of the greenhouse.
Reiff's Nursery & Greenhouses has been a cornerstone of the SRV’s gardening community for over three decades. As a family-owned business, they have cultivated a reputation (gotta love that pun!) for providing an extensive selection of plants, garden supplies, and expert services since 1989. They have grown to become the region’s largest nursery and greenhouse in the area, offering a diverse range of unique plants that cater to both novice gardeners and seasoned horticulturists alike. Check out their website for more information on spring blooms and seasonal promotions.
If you don't enjoy gardening or don’t have the space for a garden or potted plants, but still want to experience fresh spring fresh flowers, check out Graci’s Flowers & Gifts in Selinsgrove. For over 55 years, Graci’s has been providing customers with flowers, gifts, collectables, candles and so much more.
Their arrangements are sure to brighten your day and lift your spirits for weeks to come.
Gilly’s Lilies in Mifflinburg offers unique, personalized floral arrangements for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays, and – “just because.” Their mission is to craft floral designs that are “authentically and exclusively yours”. Read more about their approach here.
