As temperatures start to rise, the blooming cherry blossoms and warm sunlight against our skin signal the start of spring. You know what that means for us: It’s time to get outdoors and shake off those winter blues! We took part in three springtime activities to soak up the beauty of longer daytimes and brighter skies.
Finding new scents and candles at the De Anza Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the De Anza Farmers’ Market, located at De Anza College, provides visitors with a diverse mix of fresh produce, artisanal goods and local foods. Arriving about an hour after opening, we first encountered countless stands selling and offering samples of different types of oranges and apples.
Going further into the market, the selection expanded beyond oranges and apples. There were local café shops alongside food trucks, offering selections ranging from warm pastries to refreshing boba drinks. Tip: Remember to bring cash to avoid paying the extra processing fee some stands charge for using a credit card!
In addition to food and drinks, we were impressed by many unique stands that added a charming touch to the market, such as honey stands and soap stands. We both purchased honey straws and beeswax candles from Dave’s Backyard Bees, which are unique products unavailable in chain stores. The honey straws offered a pop of sweetness while the all-natural beeswax candle carried a subtle and warm honey scent when lit, making it a cozy addition to any space.
Another standout was Harji Naturals, a small business specializing in handcrafted soaps made from all natural and vegan ingredients. After talking to the founder, we learned that he started this business with his wife after their child suffered from eczema that he hoped would help with the condition.
While looking around the booth, we noticed car air fresheners for $10 each. Unlike the artificial and overpowering scents of typical air fresheners, they were made of 100% vegan and cruelty free material, adding a subtle and refreshing scent. In fact, we went back to the farmers’ market a couple weeks later just to buy the car air freshener for the second time. We just can’t settle for any other air fresheners.
The short but memorable visit perfectly reminded us why we love exploring farmers’ markets — there are always niche and unique finds that make our days brighter.
Falcon rating: 5/5
A mini charcuterie board-themed picnic by the lake at Shoreline Park
As sunny spring weather rolls around, enjoying a charcuterie board with a friend is a perfect way to spend the day. To prepare our wooden board, we arranged salami, crackers and goat cheese with fresh strawberries on the side, capturing both sweet and savory flavors. We recommend buying a board with barriers on the side to prevent any snacks from falling!
We easily transferred the small wooden board to a picnic bench, where we sat. While eating, we gazed at the view of the Shoreline lake at the nearby Shoreline Park. The board itself was simple but the beautiful weather and view made the experience especially memorable.
Overall, it was a fun incentive to create an aesthetically pleasing and tasty spread of food as well as spend a relaxing time in the park. It required little effort and resulted in an incredibly special and exciting experience. All you need is a nice place, warm weather and your favorite delectable snacks to enjoy the perfect miniature picnic!
Falcon rating: 5/5
We enjoyed a walk in the cool breeze at Shoreline Park
After enjoying the charcuterie board, we took a stroll along the path framing the lake at around 7 p.m., passing through a cool and gentle spring breeze. The stillness of the water mirrored the breathtaking sky, where vibrant pink and red hues stretched across the horizon, illuminating the evening in a warm, golden glow. As time passed, the sky shifted from the streaks of pink and red to a gentle dark blue.
In retrospect, arriving earlier might have allowed for more time to take in the sights, but there was something magical about watching the final moments of the sunset give way to the calm of the evening. However, the 25 minute drive home in the dark was slightly tiring.
Despite the late sunset hour, we felt safe at the park due to the many families and couples walking around.
Additionally, the park features the Shoreline Lake American Bistro, a cute breakfast and lunch area alongside beautiful views of the lake. The park also offers rentals for equipment such as bikes, pedal boats, sailboats and more; clubs and racing activities; catering events as well as team activities.
The arrival of spring has brought warmer weather, and beautiful colors. What better way is there to enjoy this season than a visit to the park?
Falcon rating: 4/5
