Country Places, Inc.

The beauty of our planet never ceases to amaze our senses and connecting with the Earth is part of the human experience.  

While some new land owners are looking to immediately start building a homestead, others will hold on to property some length of time before improvements are made.  Both serve as opportunities for getting to know the land and cashing in immediately on the benefit of recreation.

Whether it's hiking and fishing or camping and star watching, it's a bonus of land ownership to spend time with your friends and family doing all sorts of recreational activities.  Getting out and into the great outdoors is a different experience for everyone but generally involves some type of therapeutic relaxation or beneficial activity, both mental and physical.  Yet, as exploring nature promotes responsible land stewardship, it must be done safely.

Low Risk/Exertion

    ▪    Camping. One way to enjoy land and nature, both near and far, is spending time camping in a myriad of shelters including motorhomes, also known as RVing.  This past-time continues to grow in popularity and is enjoyed as a social outlet for many that avidly camp.  It is also the quickest method of incorporating the amenities of home into a property.

    ▪    Hiking. Another way to get to different areas for viewing natural beauty is by walking.  Our personal mode of transportation since the toddler phase, it has been shown that routinely engaging in hiking will reduce health risks and has various overall health benefits.
    ▪    Nature Watching. Even if you're just sitting, taking in the wonders and beauty of the outdoors can certainly provide enjoyment to all of the senses.  A study shows that direct contact with nature leads to increased mental health and psychological development.  There is a very popular and coordinated niche for those into bird watching.

Moderate Risk/Exertion

    ▪    Horse Riding. Around for centuries, horseback riding, referred to as trail riding or hacking, is the number one equine activity for horse owners.  Sometimes also called trekking, pleasure riding of this type is generally done on nature trails and roads as opposed to an enclosed area like a riding arena.

    ▪    Hunting & Fishing. These wildly-popular hobbies are on the top of the list for many families when it comes to recreational activities.  There is a wild array of niche areas within hunting and fishing that appeals to most all ages in year-round conditions.  Of course, securing the proper licenses before participating is important.

    ▪    Off-Roading. A good time for some is to take their vehicles on to unsurfaced roads or trails made from gravel, mud, sand, snow, rocks or riverbeds.  In most cases, specialized vehicles like ATV's, SUV's, heavy-duty trucks, snowmobiles, mountain bicycles or motorcycles are necessary to traverse these types of natural terrain.

    ▪    Motorcycling. This form of motorized transport is one of the most affordable and popular types of motor vehicles in the world making it an excellent option for recreation.  This not only helps in enjoying the immediate area but is perfect for exploring nearby parks or public lands.  Be aware that helmet laws differ by state.  For example, Kentucky and South Carolina only mandate helmet use for riders 20 and under.

Higher Risk/Exertion

    ▪    Bicycling. Introduced in the 19th century, biking is now an extremely popular method of transportation and recreation.  It's also a great workout and can be great bonding time for the entire family. Bikes can be usually inexpensive to rent or purchase.

    ▪    Climbing. For the more skilled adventurer, nature climbing has been enjoyed by thrill seekers for decades.  In this activity, climbers ascend steep objects for fun and sport.  Of course, extreme safety should be observed by amateurs.  Yet, the activity is challenging and exciting to the many who participate around the world.

    ▪    Gliding. Begun as a sport in the 1920's, gliding is the piloting of an unpowered aircraft using naturally occurring currents of the rising air to remain airborne and fly from a higher part of the terrain.  Obviously, safety also plays a large factor in the execution of this activity.

    ▪    Water Sports. There is a long list of water sports that occur both in and on the water including swimming, snorkeling, diving, boating, skiing, rafting, rowing and so much more.  This is perhaps one of the largest niche sectors of outdoor recreation and can, with specific safety precautions, be enjoyed by all ages.

Serve as a role model for your kids, friends and family by suggesting any of these activities for spending time with each other and the Earth.  Connecting with nature is an innate need and is beneficial in so many ways.  Go outside and enjoy!