It turns out that one of the best ways to spend a fall afternoon in Georgia is pretty much the same as in the States (when there’s not football on TV, of course):

At least once every fall season, I like to zip up a hooded sweatshirt, throw on some hiking shoes and head out to a place where the ground is soggy and covered in a blanket of yellow and orange. This year, Borjomi Park — about an hour northwest of where we live — provided the scenery. The weather was perfect — crisp, cool and partly cloudy — and it was a national holiday, meaning we both had the day off of work. However, it seems that most Georgians are not accustomed to venturing out to parks, coastlines or other recreational areas at any time other than the month of August, leaving the park pretty much empty for the two of us crazy Americans to explore.

There was even a ride -- a lot of joy for 2 lari ($1.21).

The only thing missing was food and drink for a picnic, but on our way back home we stopped at a new-ish restaurant near the park that had some (surprisingly) solid pizza margherita (and VH1 Classic on the TV).

It’s so easy to take for granted what’s “in your backyard,” so to speak. I hope you find the time to take advantage of your natural surroundings, whatever they are and wherever you are. It’s not always easy to get out there and do it, but when I do, I certainly never regret it.