It’s that time of year again.

The store shelves are being filled with notebooks, pencils, backpacks and all other sorts of back to school items. Whether or not you are looking forward to it, there are many ways to get ready for the first day of school and celebrate the end of summer break.

1. Finish your summer bucket list

a.    Get outdoors and head to that trail you have been meaning to hike all summer. 
b.    Don’t forget to stop at your local ice cream shop to try a flavor you haven’t had a chance to try yet. 
c.    Check out the Dabble Box at the Eau Claire public library and get your MakerSpace creativity on! 
d.    Make sure to take a stroll about downtown and check out each of the cool sculptures we have hanging around. 

2. Back to school shopping 

Leave your kiddos behind, grab a cup of coffee and stroll the aisles at your favorite store to enjoy some “you time” before the craziness of school time starts back up. And if you're not ready for the separation yet, you can use school shopping as a fun bonding opportunity with your kids. Have fun letting them try on clothes for you, grab lunch and end your day getting the backpacks packed and organized. 

3. Farmers Market

Enjoy some family time at the farmers market and grab some local and fresh grub for your kiddos’ school lunches. 

4. Local events

There is a never-ending string of events happening in Eau Claire that you and your kiddos can check out as a way to get into the fall spirit. From the Leader Telegram’s Buckshot Run to the United Way Community Block Party, from the Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard Fall Festival to the Cleghorn Harvest Fest—there is something fun for everyone. 

5. UW meets EC—for college kind

Calling all Blugolds! Here is your chance to explore and see what downtown Eau Claire has to offer. Take a walking tour of the city and its local businesses, taste samples of delicious food, check out some live entertainment and maybe catch a concert. 

As you can see, there are many ways to celebrate getting back to school.  Go ahead and squeeze every ounce of fun out of this summer and create some great memories! And while you’re out and about be sure to #CaptureEC.