If you live in the beautiful and cultured Sonoma County, then you are likely well aware of all that the area has to offer in terms of vineyards, hiking trails, and scenic landscape. But if you’re sick of hosting wine dinners and you’re looking for a unique way to entertain your friends and family, you might find yourself racking your brain for a solution that doesn’t revolve around the vino that this California county is famous for. So if you need some inspiration for a fabulous party that will stand out in everyone’s minds for years to come, here are just a few unique entertainment ideas that will wow your guests and have them clamoring for you to host more soirees.
- Murder mystery. There’s nothing quite as much fun as dressing up for an era-specific murder mystery. And you don’t have to wait for Halloween to host one, either. While you could certainly buy one of the boxed sets to get things going, a flair for the dramatic and a talent for plotting could provide the skills you need to set up your own elaborate murder mystery. And since most of the boxed versions only accommodate a handful of players, you may have to wing it, anyway. You’ll need a backdrop (the roaring twenties, the cold war, etc.), character backgrounds for each player, snippets of information to hand out at opportune moments, and of course, a handful of people who are in on the plot. It’s a lot of work, but it will definitely yield a fun and memorable evening for all in attendance.
- Scavenger hunt. Remember how much you loved this type of game when you were a kid? Why not give it an adult twist? Now that everyone can drive, you’ll be sending guests hither and yon to secure wine labels from specific vineyards, take digital photos of Jack London’s house, and pick up some artisanal cheese from a local vendor. If you play it right, you can actually have guests assemble an entire meal by the time they return! And of course, you’ll have to provide a prize for the winner, so make it a wine tasting for two at the vineyard of their choice (or have the whole party meet at a predetermined vineyard once they’ve got everything on the list).
- High tea. You can sip a beverage of a different sort when you opt to host a high tea instead of a tasting party. This elegant affair is very specific in its traditions, so inform guests beforehand of how to dress (ladies must wear gloves, for example) and then teach them how to properly drink tea and nibble crumpets once they arrive. Not down with traditional British tea? Try the intricate Japanese tea ceremony instead.
- Singing waiters. If you’re going to bother to hire a catering company for your lavish affair, why not mix the entertainment with the food service? Having a wait staff that sings and dances to entertain your guests is definitely a great way to spice up your average dinner party and make it a night no one will forget.
- Interesting entertainers. If you’re tired of the same old bands and DJs that you’ve used a dozen times, consider hiring a magician, a comedian, or a troupe of celebrity impersonators to entertain at your party. It will definitely be a step outside the ordinary and it could just make your party the event of the year.
Leah Gallin writes for Noel Qualter a popular magician Kent that performs at parties, weddings, and corporate events.
The Health Benefits of Hiking
While some look to gym memberships or personal trainers to achieve personal physical fitness, others see hiking as a more pleasant option. Hiking not only develops optimum physical health but promotes social, psychological and spiritual well-being as well. Hiking is also hugely enjoyable.
Hiking as an Aerobic Activity
The Mayo Clinic reports that, depending upon one’s size and weight, one hour of hiking burns about 400 to 600 calories. As an aerobic activity, the health benefits of hiking are substantial. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, the pump that keeps us all going. A strong heart simply functions better, improving circulation throughout the body. Exercise increases the production of the “good” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while it reduces damaging low-density lipoprotein (LDL), helping to keep plaque from clogging up the works.
Hiking as an aerobic exercise boosts the immune system, too, lessening susceptibility to the cold and flu. Exercise improves muscular strength and increases bone density, two aspects of physical health that not only enhance longevity, but improve the quality of a longer life. Regular aerobic exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of developing a host of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and cancer.
The aerobic aspect of hiking doesn’t just improve physical well-being, but promotes mental health as well. Studies show that regular, aerobic exercise slows cognitive decline as we get older. Aerobic exercise produces endorphins, brain chemicals that react with opiate receptors, giving us a sense of well-being, a “natural high.”
Psychological Benefits to Hiking
Stress, that “fight or flight” physical response that is hardwired into us to help us cope with perceived threats to our survival, is damaging to health when it becomes chronic. While stress enhances some body systems, it suppresses others, such as the immune system. Our bodies are not intended to thrive in a chronic state of imbalance. Hiking reduces stress. Hiking in natural surroundings removes you from the pressures of daily life, offering new perspectives, both visually and mentally.
Taking a hike “clears the head.” Research shows that short-term memory works better when you are walking than when you are standing still, enhancing cognitive abilities like learning and reasoning. Simply being outside has been shown to improve emotional moods.
Hiking increases stamina and energy, and as stamina and energy improves, hikers are able to undertake longer and/or more difficult treks. Activities such as hiking that include completing short-term and long-term goals build character. Reaching goals helps us to feel more confidant, to quell anxieties and to take the risks that may enhance personal development.
Refreshing the Spirit
While hiking can occur anywhere, hiking in nature provides benefits beyond improvements to physical and mental health. Being in a natural environment reminds us of the innate beauty of our planet and gives us a new appreciation of our place in the order things. Nature revives, renews and reinvigorates the soul.
The Versatility of Hiking
Essentially, all you need to hike is a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes. There is no expensive equipment to buy, dues to pay or extensive training to undertake. However, many hikers enjoy exploring various areas in which to hike, as well as planning for special hiking excursions. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects about hiking is that one can hike either alone or with others. Hiking with friends and family provides opportunities to share quality time together. Memories of these shared experiences can last a lifetime.
If you live in the beautiful and cultured Sonoma County, then you are likely well aware of all that the area has to offer in terms of vineyards, hiking trails, and scenic landscape. But if you’re sick of hosting wine dinners and you’re looking for a unique way to entertain your friends and family, you might find yourself racking your brain for a solution that doesn’t revolve around the vino that this California county is famous for. So if you need some inspiration for a fabulous party that will stand out in everyone’s minds for years to come, here are just a few unique entertainment ideas that will wow your guests and have them clamoring for you to host more soirees.