New Year’s Resolution – Get Outside!
This is the time of year that we relish after those long, hot, tortuous days of summer. Why not make a New Year’s resolution to get outdoors and enjoy your city or town?

If you’ve got sunshine in southern Arizona, a hike up a mountain trail is the perfect way to spend your winter afternoon. The Town of Marana has numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, including more than 30 miles of trails in the Tortolia Mountains. The Town offers free Saturday morning guided hikes for individuals to get exercise, have fun and meet fellow hikers. Put it on your list to breathe in the fresh air and join them for one of these events!

City of Mesa has a way to get outdoors and support a great cause! Their sixth annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K/10K is being held on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Mesa Riverview Park. Participants of all ages and ability levels are encouraged to sign up. The race will bring together the entire community to support sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. For more info or to register, visit www.RunWalkRollAz.com. Be sure to check our Mesa Parks & Recreation for even more outdoor opportunities to start 2015 off right!

If a relaxing afternoon in the park is more your speed, look no further than the City of Surprise’s 2nd Sunday in the Park. Enjoy an afternoon at the park with live musical entertainment on the second Sunday of each month. The free family event is fun for all ages. Upcoming shows will be held on Januray 11, February 8 and March 8. Click here to find events happening in Surprise all year long!

And don’t forget about SNOW! Northern Arizona and the White Mountains have plenty of opportunities to ski, snowboard and build snowmen. Check out the Great Arizona Road Trip for more ideas for cold weather adventures and year-round activities!

A New Year is always a good time to learn something new!  Cities and towns are the best places to gain a little knowledge. From history museums to library cards, here’s to a resolution of lifetime learning.

Did you receive an e-reader for the holidays? If you find your Kindle still sitting under the tree, pull it out of its package and bring it to your local library! Many city and town libraries offer digital check-out of your favorite books. The City of Safford is hosting a workshop to help you learn how to download those audiobooks straight from the library website!

If you’re in the mood for mystery, the Scottsdale Public Library has a great way for you to get into the reading scene. Local author Jana Bommersbach will be visiting on Sunday, Jan. 25 to talk about her debut novel, Cattle Kate. Bommersbach is an award-winning journalist and author of The Trunk Murderess and Bones in the Desert. Find out more and RSVP here.

Check out your local city or town library for storytimes, technology workshops, digital downloads and good ol’ bookshelves for a New Year learning experience!

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to brush up on your city’s past, your local history museum just might be the place to go. Many of Arizona’s cities and towns have museums full of artifacts and memorabilia to help you learn about those who came before you.

The Tempe History Museum is an especially fun place to learn something new in this New Year. Featuring “The Tempe Sound,” the museum is offering a look back at Tempe’s rockin’ past. Visit the exhibit to check out relics of bands who once graced Tempe’s streets or attend a lecture series to learn more about music and music history. Find out more at www.tempe.gov/museum.