Spring is officially here and warm weather is right around the corner. As winter’s grip on the North Country finally loosens, Potsdam will transform and begin to flower. Take a walk outside and listen to the birds singing. Maybe you’ll catch some rays of sun or hear the croaking of the spring peepers. Whether it’s your first spring in Potsdam or just one of many, you’ll find plenty to do this spring season! Here’s a few of my favorite things to do during spring in the North Country.
Getting Outside in Spring
The days are getting warmer, slowly but surely! If you aren’t a fan of cold weather and spent the winter bundled up inside, now is your chance to get out and enjoy all the North Country has to offer.
Maple Weekends
Maple syrup is a huge part of the culture in Northern New York. Many local families have their own sugar bushes and produce maple syrup. The New York State Maple Weekends, which usually take place towards the end of March, are a great way to learn more about how maple syrup is made. Local producers open up their sugar shacks to the public, showing them their equipment, answering questions, and even giving out free samples. In past maple weekends, I have even gotten to tap a maple tree and collect sap myself! Check out the Maple Weekends in STLC website for a full list of dates and participating producers. Bonus: these events are usually a mix of indoor and outdoor, so even with the unpredictable spring weather, you’ll have a chance to warm up in the sugar shacks – especially if they’re boiling the syrup while you’re there!
Birding
Spring is a great time for birding, as the birds are all returning from their winter migration. On Clarkson’s campus you might be able to see American robins, Canada geese, chickadees, and more. Consider venturing off campus too. There’s great trails nearby where you can see even more birds. The Visit STLC website has some great resources for birding trails, and information about annual I Bird NY challenges. So far this year I have spotted several great blue herons, Bald eagles, blue jays, and red-bellied woodpeckers. Depending on what time of day you go, you might be able to spot some owls too.
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s Markets across St. Lawrence County will begin opening for the season in May and June. The Potsdam Farmers Market is in Ives Park on Saturdays from May through October. There is also the Canton Farmers Market, which is open Tuesday and Saturdays May through October in the Village Park. Check out the STLC Farmer’s Market Field Guide for more information on exact days and times.
Hiking
Spring is a great time to go hiking, whether you stay in Potsdam or drive farther away. One of my favorite local trails is the Munter Trail, which is right near campus. There are tons of hikes in St. Lawrence County, and the Adirondacks are nearby too. For those looking for a challenge, you can become a “46er” by hiking all 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Even if you aren’t that ambitious (I’ve only done two high peaks) there are plenty of shorter trails too. Not sure where to start? Joining the Clarkson University Outing Club is a great way to get into hiking, as you can go on hiking trips with other students.
Staying In During Spring in Potsdam
Let’s be honest. Spring in Potsdam brings warmer weather, but it brings rain too. Sometimes you just want to stay dry, and that means finding indoor activities to keep you busy.
Drive-In Movies
This one is a bit of a mix between staying in and going out, but sitting inside your car counts as staying in, right? 56 Auto Drive-in Theater is located in Massena, NY. It’s about a 25 minute drive from Clarkson. Drive-in movies can be a great way to experience the movies under the stars while enjoying the comfort of your own vehicle. As the spring evenings get warmer but still maintain that refreshing crispness, pack some blankets, your favorite snacks, and gather a group of friends for a nostalgic night out. The drive-in typically opens for the season mid to late April. They offer double features at a fraction of regular theater prices. You can tune your radio to hear the movie audio and create your own perfect viewing environment.
Spring Performances
Many of the performing arts clubs on campus have their spring showcase in the month of April. Be sure to check out KnightLife or the calendar of events to find out when groups are performing. This year there are performances by the Dance Ensemble and the CU Orchestra, and the Clarkson Theatre Club is doing a production of Grease. SUNY Potsdam also has a ton of performances this time of year, especially through the Crane School of Music, which offers everything from symphony orchestra concerts to jazz ensembles and vocal recitals, often at little to no cost for students. These performances showcase the incredible talent of local students who have been perfecting their craft all year long. Spring performances provide a welcome break during the busy end-of-semester rush and offer a chance to support your classmates and friends as they share their artistic passions. Whether you’re into dance, theater, music, or all of the above, the Potsdam area comes alive with creative energy as the weather warms up.
Switch Up Your Studying
While poets celebrate spring as a season of growth and renewal, students know it as the countdown to finals week. As deadlines loom, you might find that you need a break from your usual study spots on-campus. Luckily, Potsdam has three coffee shops within walking distance from campus: Jernabi Coffeehouse, Old Market Coffee, and Park Bros. I find that the walk or drive there can be a good break from studying, and the change of scenery can help you refocus on the material. Treat yourself to a signature beverage, claim a sunlit corner table, and watch how new surroundings help you conquer even the most challenging material. Your brain (and GPA) will thank you.
Games & Gaming Communities
Clarkson’s gaming scene offers entertainment options for every type of player. Clarkson has several clubs including CU Laser Tag, D&D Club, the CU Gaming Society, and the CU Gaming Club. CU Laser Tag hosts weekly meetings on Fridays to play laser tag. The D&D Club helps connect DMs and players at the beginning of each semester and hosts one-shot games during the semester. The CU Gaming Society members meet on Saturdays and Sundays to play a variety of board games. The CU Gaming Club hosts weekly meetings where students can come to play a variety of games on the Nintendo Switch, a gaming PC, or an Xbox. Whether you’re looking to make new friends or simply need a few hours of escapism from end-of-semester pressures, Clarkson’s gaming communities offer the perfect indoor retreat. You can find more information about exact meeting times and locations for each of these clubs on KnightLife.
Conclusion
Spring in Potsdam offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and indoor activities that can help you make the most of the season. Whether you’re stepping outside to explore the natural beauty of the North Country, checking out local farmer’s markets, or enjoying a cozy evening at a drive-in movie, there’s something for everyone. As the days get longer and warmer, Potsdam comes to life, providing plenty of opportunities to relax, recharge, and make the most of the season before finals arrive. Enjoy the transition from winter to spring, and embrace all that Clarkson has to offer!
