It’s mid-spring. The great outdoors is calling. It’s time to renew that connection with the outdoors. Many of us, and here at the inn included, are thinking about planting. Maybe it’s flowers, perhaps some vegetables, and here I always like to have some fresh herbs for cooking, well er, at least to garnish the plates. (I’m looking forward to the new herb guild and learning more about recipes and cooking with herbs.) The perennials are up, including a favorite around here, rhubarb. The maple leaves are opening and the flowering trees are gorgeous.
Activities are definitely also “waking up”. Downtown Honesdale is kicking off the tourist season with Train Day, May 7. There are activities for young and old alike. There will be street vendors and fun, not to mention riding the Stourbridge Line. If walking Main St. and shopping is your outdoor activity there’s a special treat in store (no pun intended!) for you. The Greater Honesdale Partnership is kicking off its Partnership Passport. Shop all summer long visiting participating merchants and qualify for prizes.
For those of you who want more strenuous outdoor activities, how about Biking Wayne County? Ride from Honesdale to Hawley through beautiful rolling hills. Then enjoy a 
relaxing ride back to Honesdale on the historic Stourbridge Line train. End the day with a complimentary beer tasting at Irving Cliff Brewery. It sounds like a great day, and you could relax at the James Manning House for the night and enjoy a wonderful breakfast in the morning!
Sshh! I know another secret, for you anglers……….the streams and lakes have been stocked with trout again this week. There’s some great fishing around these parts!