Ten Ways to #OptOutside In Rochester, NY

By now most of us have heard about REI’s #OptOutside campaign. Outdoor supply retailer REI, or Recreational Equipment, Inc., is closing all of its stores this Black Friday to encourage would-be shoppers to enjoy the outdoors. My favorite part? REI’s employees are getting a paid day off to #OptOutside as well!

I have to admit – I’ve been a Black Friday shopper in the past. I know, I know – shame on me. I have a hard time resisting a good deal, and waking up early the morning after Thanksgiving used to be a fun tradition. Ever since stores began opening earlier and earlier, now creeping in to dinner time on Thanksgiving Day, I’ve had a hard time justifying the craze. This year I decided to set a goal to purchase all (or at least most) of my Christmas gifts locally, and I’ve already made a list of Rochester-based retailers and businesses to visit for everyone I’ll be shopping for. This means I’ll be skipping Black Friday to #ShopSmall on Small Business Saturday.

Since my #SmallBizSat plans leave me free on Friday, I’ve decided to #OptOutside with Black Friday Hikyoga™ at Corbett’s Glen Nature Park in Penfield, NY. You can learn more or register for this event at www.helloyogagirl.com/optoutside/. Interested in what else there is to do outdoors this Black Friday? I’ve put together a list of ten ways to #OptOutside right here in Rochester!

1. Run the Rochester Marathon course (or part of it, anyway!) on the Genesee Riverway Trail through Turning Point Park.
2. Climb the stairs on the Devil’s Bathtub Trail at Mendon Ponds Park.
3. Mountain bike on the winding trails at Dryer Road Park.
4. Play a game of kickball with friends on one of the many fields at Genesee Valley Park.
5. Hike the Crescent Trail footpath in Perinton, NY. Enjoy the view after climbing to the Woodcliff scenic overlook!
6. Cycle the Erie Canalway Trail.
7. Go birding at Durand Eastman Park.
8. Geocaching at Highland Park.
9. Play tennis at Cobbs Hill Park.
10. Join me at Hikyoga™ at Corbett’s Glen Nature Park!

How will you #OptOutside this Black Friday? Share your plans in the comments below!

Keep exploring,