- Things that make your area special
- Pick up milk, bread and paper
- Get the kids and dog out of the house
- Take a break from your routine
- Meet friends you haven't seen in a while
- Exercise for 30 minutes
- Plan something for the weekend
- Release your mind
- Get more information
Snapshot
Get up early and visit the nearby Organic Growers Markets on the corner of Northey and Victoria Streets, Windsor. From 6am to 10.30am every Saturday, you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, bread, coffee, snacks and plants. Best of all, the fruit and veg are chemical free! Did you know that during the 1850s, the Stafford area was known as 'Happy Valley'? The name changed around 1880 after the Under Secretary of Education requested a more distinctive name for the local school.
Shopping
Forgot a few things at the regular grocery shop? Why not leave the car keys behind and pick up what you need on the way home from the bus stop, or take a walk or bike ride to the local shops. Check the map for local convenience centres. The major shopping centres of Chermside and Stafford City are a bus ride away, with entertainment arcades and cinemas.
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try Grinstead Park in Alderley, Bradshaw Park in Lutwyche, Burnie Brae Park in Chermside or the recently created playground at Lanham Park, Grange for family fun.
For dogs: check out the local off-leash areas where Fido can release canine tension. Try Grange Forest Park or Kedron Brook near Montrose Street Bridge, Grange or Shand Street, Stafford.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area. Visit Raven Street Reserve with its 24 hectares of native flora and fauna. Start at the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre and explore the five major bush trails as well as the bikeway, parklands, picnic areas and playground. Take a trip to the Sparkes Hill Reservoir in Stafford, a suburban bushland oasis cared for by the Sparkes Hill Bushland Group.
Meet friends
No need to travel far for coffee or a meal - catch up with friends at Wilston Village, a perfect meeting point with an international flavour.
Exercise
Who's got time? Everyone, if you make exercise part of your everyday life. You could walk to the nearest bus stop and catch the bus to work, or take the kids to school. 3 x 10 mins daily exercise is recommended for good health. Or, go for laps at the Newmarket Olympic Pool on Alderson St (you'll double the exercise by walking there). For fun and fitness, try your nearest Active and Healthy Park, including Keong Park at Stafford, Grinstead Park, Alderley or Downey Park in Windsor. Why not join your local 'gonewalking' group for fitness or leisure walks with trained walk leaders? For details about walks in your area, phone Council on 3403 8888.
The weekend
Escape from the city to the great outdoors: and in Brisbane, you don't have to go far. Take a picnic to the Banks Street Reserve Bushland, Grange Forest Park, Raven Street Reserve, Huxtable Park, Bradbury Park or Emerson Park. Try Prentice Park, WA Jolly Park and Bradshaw Park, which offer a number of bike and walkways, some running alongside Kedron Brook.
Learn
Release your mind at Chermside or Grange Libraries, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access, even storytelling sessions for children (phone libraries for details).
Useful info
Chermside Library 3403 7200 Grange Library 3407 2523 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
