Local farmers markets brought us joy over the past year, allowing us to gather outdoors (with masks) to buy local food and crafts. Despite pandemic-driven modifications, shopping at outdoor farmers markets allowed us some semblance of normalcy. Before winter hit, we enjoyed picking apples at the many apple orchards around the Valley, not to mention running through corn mazes and stocking up on fall food staples. Many of us strapped on our helmets and hit the Chippewa Valley’s bike trails, taking advantage of our natural surroundings. –Ashly Curtis