10 Ways to Celebrate Spring in Washington County

Spring has sprung! The rain from the storms earlier this month did its job, and now Washington County is in full bloom. We're seeing highs mostly in the 70s for the foreseeable forecast, and while more rain is inevitable this time of year, there are still plenty of beautiful days to look forward to.

It's easy to get so caught up in our work and responsibilities that this time of year slips past us in the blink of an eye, but in the event that you can make the time for it, there are many wonderful ways to make a memory or two with your family this spring without even having to leave town!

Explore the John Hay Center

Take a walk through Washington County’s past at the Stevens Memorial Museum in Salem. From pioneer cabins to Civil War artifacts, it’s a rich, warm dive into our local history. Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 to 5.

Visit Beck's Mill

Check out the historic grist mill, the reconstructed home of George Beck, the town of Beck's Mill, hiking trails, and more! Located at 4433 S Beck's Mill Rd. Salem, you can learn more and plan your visit here!

Take the Kids to Riley's Place

DePauw Park, better known as the home of Riley's Place, is located west of the Salem square off Market Street. It is complete with two and three story wooden castles and other structures for your kids to play on, along with swings, slides, and similar playground equipment.

Plan an Outdoor Family Day

Take the family to Delaney Park, the Knobstone Trail, Lake Salinda, or John Hay Lake for a variety of outdoorsy fun, including fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, bird-watching, camping, and more! Pack a picnic lunch, or bring takeout from your favorite locally-owned restaurant or café. And on the way home, don't forget to...

Treat Yourselves to Ice Cream

It's that time of year! Whether it's Cheddar Depot, the Salem Apothecary, H&R Bakery, Little Twirl, or Six Scoops, find the closest locally-owned ice cream shop to you and finish your family day out on a sweet note!

Hunter's Ridge Winery

Looking for something a little more grown-up? Hunter's Ridge Winery, located at 9945 East Garrison Hollow Rd, Salem, offers a wide selection of high-quality wines, a relaxed atmosphere, and peaceful outdoor spaces where you can unwind. Check out their online calendar and plan your visit around one of their upcoming events!

Check Out the Community Theatre

You don't need to go to Louisville for quality stage productions - just head over to the Washington County Theatre! The nonprofit theatre, located at the Gary W. Hartsook Hall behind the Salem Church of the Nazarene, is gearing up to perform the side-splitting comedy Southern Hospitality June 6-8. Before that, the Pied Piper Children's Theatre will be performing the original musical Lullaby for a Lonely Child April 25-27, and the Pied Piper High School group will be reprising their production of The Addams Family Musical May 10 at the Salem Middle School. Follow them on Facebook for more information and audition announcements!

Catch a Game

Three school districts = countless opportunities to enjoy watching a competitive sport while supporting the kids of the community. Even if your child isn't in a game, chances are some of their friends are. Keep up with Salem Schools, West Washington Schools, and East Washington School Corporation to find a game you can take the family to without breaking the bank.

Salem Speedway

Racing season has begun at the Salem Speedway! Located off Highway 56 west of Salem, the Speedway roars to life with upwards of 12-15 "Special Events" per year. With a season stretching from April to November, each event is "Special" in its own right with sanctioning bodies such as ARCA, the Must-See Racing Xtreme Sprints, the Ken-Ten Pro Late Model Series and the Top Speed Modified Tour helping bring the finest in professional automobile racing to the world-famous facility. Just like theatre or a ball game, you don't have to leave town to find quality racing entertainment - it's right here in town!

Plant Something

There may be no simpler, cheaper, more wholesome way to make a sweet memory with the family than to plant something together. Celebrate the season of new beginnings by transforming your backyard with a vegetable garden, a tree, or a flower garden! Don't know where to begin? Check out local gardening specialists like Mrs. Gray's Greenhouse to help you get started with veggies and herbs, Dirt + Design for tips on container gardening (better for people who don't have much yard space to work with), or go to the City Hall parking lot on Friday, April 25 (11 to 4) to get a free pecan tree from the Salem Tree Board!

Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or into sports, the arts, or just want a simple day out with your family, you can do it all without leaving Washington County.

Happy Spring!