When one sets out and about, usually it is with a purpose. Certainly there are a few occasions where we go “walkabout” like in Crocodile Dundee and there really is no destination, but again, usually there is a purpose. Too often our journeys out and about are focused on specific needs, like groceries and other household shopping needs, running the kids from one activity to another, filling the tank, and other tasks. Filling the tank… sometimes you just need to refuel yourself so you can continue to run yourself ragged with the other stuff, and this week, we are talking area destinations where you can do just that.

Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall, the Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings is a great destination to find a little place to rejuvenate. The 25acre park owned and maintained by the City of Hastings has some breathtaking views, areas to sit down and relax, trails to walk or jog on to get that heart rate climbing, plenty of historic surroundings to help not only appreciate where we are, but also, how we got here, and so much more. If you are feeling a bit stressed and just need a little break from reality, grab yourself a bottle of water or a cup of coffee from your favorite place and head to the falls. For that matter, if you are out and about near the corner of County Road 47 and Vermillion Street by Ardent Mills, you may as well just take a few minutes for yourself. You deserve it, right?

The planning process is what gets in the way for most of us when it comes to getting out and about for things that stray away from daily life tasks. It is like we get so busy focusing on things that we forget to focus on ourselves. As a society, we don’t often to impromptu very well. Some people do and “good for them.” Yes, the quotation marks are to indicate a bit of snark and sarcasm. Here is another while out and about that can be done in both Cottage Grove and Hastings and it is sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who are in the vehicle. Stop at Dairy Queen and grab a cone. If you are in the area of 80th Street in Cottage Grove just off Highway 61 or passing through Hastings on the same road only south by 10 or so miles, the treats await you and why not, you deserve it, right? Plus, for those who have a hard time with winter, nothing says Spring is near like the reopening of the local DQ stores.

Speaking of the Hastings Dairy Queen, did you know that owner Scott Jelley donates DQ certificates to Cycling Without Age – Hastings to give their riders a special treat should they desire one? Probably not, and now you do, but what is Cycling Without Age – Hastings? Cycling Without Age is an international nonprofit organization based in Denmark. The organization was introduced to the Hastings Area Rotary Club by local Rotarian, Dr. Lon Peterson and it has taken off. The program promotes the dream of providing elderly citizens the opportunity to experience our city and trails from the seat of a “pilot” driven tricycle. More can be found about the program and the Hastings Area Rotary Club at www.hastingsmnrotary. com. Cycling Without Age – Hastings now sports four “trishaws” and is always looking for new volunteers to become pilots as well as folks interested in taking a ride, so if you know of any area Seniors, Veterans, Shut-ins, or physically unable to ride a bike type people, check out the Rotary website and get them connected to the program. It is a great way for those who no longer are able, or struggle with getting out and about, the opportunity to do so, and they may even get to enjoy a free DQ treat. They deserve it, right?

Which brings us to the final point. Next time you are out and about doing the daily grind, feeling frustrated, out of breath and not knowing which way to turn, remember that at least you are able to get out and about. Not saying you don’t need a break in the action from time to time, we all do and we need to take time to make time for ourselves, even if it is just a quick stop to enjoy some scenery, catch some fresh air, have a cup of coffee (or five), and recharge. There are however plenty of folks in our world who no longer can get out and about like they used to do. If we all take a page out of the playbook of organizations like local service clubs and try to find opportunities for these folks to get out and about again, it will inherently make our world a little bit better for all. After all, we deserve it, right?