According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends only 7% of their life outside! Luckily, for residents of Simple Life, the percentage of time spent outdoors is likely higher. This is because living in a small cottage can often inspire folks to connect and share life beyond the walls of their own home.
Some people are able to create small outdoor kitchens, outdoor living rooms, or even a small seating area around a fire pit in their yards while living in these neighborhoods. With limited indoor space, getting out and spending time in your outdoor living area is often appealing!
In this article, we’ll explore some outdoor living space ideas, how to take advantage of your backyard space, and ways to enjoy more fresh air in your life. We’ll also explore the benefits of outdoor living and where to explore in North Carolina to get some fresh air.
Let’s get started by exploring the benefits of outdoor living spaces and how they can not only create a focal point for your entertainment but also enhance your life!
The Benefits of Simple Life’s Outside Living
Our residents are spending more time outside, and it has significant, wide-ranging health benefits. Recent reports reveal that exposure to green space reduces the risk of type II diabetes, even cardiovascular disease, stress, and high blood pressure. Besides helping you live a longer, even healthier life, spending time in nature can ensure you live a happier life, too. Plus, it can help improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Of course, all communities by Simple Life feature signature community amenities, including sports courts, walking trails, and swimming pools, making it easy to enjoy outdoor relaxation and fitness close to home. Even if you don’t have a big backyard space, you can use your outdoor patio to create multiple seating areas to soak up the fresh air and spend time socializing, even around a fire pit, just steps from your bedroom.
Plus, our communities are located in areas with abundant natural beauty and easy access to outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, and fishing. There are plenty of small outdoor spaces for you to indulge in independently or among friends as you get out and take advantage of Simple Life’s community design. Whether you feel like venturing out or staying close to home, finding something to do outside when you live in a Simple Life community is a breeze.
Outside Activities in North Carolina: How to Get Fresh Air
If you are living in or visiting a tiny house cottage home in our Flat Rock, NC community, there are so many activities you can try and many sites to visit. Here are some of the best outdoor spaces to visit, from small outdoor parks and trails to the largest focal points, to learn more about the local history and culture.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
The home of poet Carl Sandburg and his family, this site is located on 264 acres that include 5 miles of hiking trails, a dairy goat farm, and offers daily tours of the Sandburg Home should you choose. It’s one of the best places to get some fresh air, enjoy some beautiful weather, and even sit in a seating area with some friends on a nice afternoon. (find out more)
Sky Top Orchard
A pick-your-own apple orchard offering family-fun activities including hayrides, farm animal viewing and feeding, Sky Top is open 7 days a week beginning in early August and operates through the first Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you’re eager to explore beyond your outdoor living area this year, this is a must, and you may even bring home some delicious fruit for your outdoor kitchen! (find out more)
Pulliam Creek Trailhead
Pulliam Creek Trail is a 5.7-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail featuring a beautiful river perfect for moderate paddlers. The trail is mainly used for hiking, walking, running, plus nature trips and is best used from March until October. For those with furry friends, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs can also use this trail!
Create an Outdoor Living Area in Your Home or Neighborhood
For those who want to have more ways to enjoy covered outdoor spaces, there are so many tips to try in your home. If you have an outdoor patio, you can start by finding some outdoor furniture to create a small outdoor living room. It’s a great way to take advantage of any outdoor space you have, especially if you live in a place like North Carolina, where the weather is nice, and you have gorgeous views to indulge in!
If you have a backyard, you can always build a fire pit. If you live in the Simple Life community, you can use the community fire pit and seating area to spend time with friends and family. You may even want to use the outdoor kitchen or make a small one at your cottage home for entertaining and making the natural world around you the focal point of your home.
No matter how you choose to create an outdoor living area, it’ll be a decision that truly changes how you interact with your community and those around you, while also improving your health.
Outside Living: The Key To Happiness
Spending time outside makes you happy! While researchers still aren’t really sure what causes this link between the outdoors and happiness, many studies have shown that our moods take a positive shift when we spend time outside surrounded by nature. Not only that, but there are so many ways to get fresh air and spend time outside. Whether you build an outdoor kitchen or living area or choose to gather around the seating area near the fire pit on an autumn night, it’s up to you.
Jump into your simple lifestyle today, and let living in a smaller, more space-efficient space inspire you to get outside and explore! Explore our North Carolina cottage homes to implement some of your outdoor living space ideas with views of the majestic mountains nearby. Visit our website today to start your search.
