Lost for Spring Break?
Spring Break is only two days away and budgets may be tight, but that doesn’t mean fun is out of the picture.
Anywhere is possible for Spring Break. Even if the cash flow isn’t there for a hotel room there is always a place to stay at www.couchsurfing.com, and it is easy, as well. Make a profile, search for the destination, e-mail the people that have a good vibe and enjoy the break.
Not everyone has the week off but if a few days are an option, pack up the car and head to one of these sweet destinations. Can’t pay for gas? Carpool or hitchhike your way to happiness.
St. George, Utah
Being that St. George is warmer than Cache Valley and is a mere six-hour drive, it automatically takes the money on being a destination for a quick trip for Spring Break trip. With an In-N-Out Burger, climbing, camping, hiking and biking, it is a last-minute trip that won’t break the bank.
One way to keep the New Year’s resolution going during the Spring Break holiday and have a little fun is the Spectrum 10K on March 14 at 9 a.m. in Ivins City Park, 55 N. Main Street. The price is $25 per runner and the registration deadline is March 11. Call (435) 627-4560 for more details.
If running isn’t your thing, check out the Saturday Morning Exploration on March 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Tonaquint Nature Center, 1851 S. Dixie Drive. It is a free event open to the public. Call (435) 627-4560 for more details on the event.
Most hotels offer a weekday rate that is well worth traveling for. But in a place like St. George, why not find a place to camp out under the stars?
Moab, Utah
A mecca for all things outdoors, Moab offers a short distance trip packed with adventure. With Arches National Park, Canyonlands and a trails, Moab is anything but boring. If skydiving isn’t on your list of Spring Break to-dos but you still want the warm weather and the great vibe Moab seems to have, check out their museums, local restaurants or horseback riding. For more information on trails to bike, places to stay and basic details, visit www.discovermoab.com.
Goblin Valley, Utah
With its crazy scenery and rock formations, Goblin Valley is worth at least a two-day trip. Situated 12 miles from Hanksville, Utah, a six-hour drive from Logan, it is an escape from the university and mankind since Goblin Valley isn’t as well known as its sandstone counterparts such as Arches. No need to look for a hotel to stay at when the cost $16 per night to stay in the state park, but if a warm bed is a must, Hanksville is the closest place to stay. Visit www.utah.com/stateparks/goblin_valley.htm, for more information regarding the park.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A must-do on the checklist of “things to do before graduating from Utah State,” Jackson Hole might be one of the only redeeming qualities Wyoming has. Skiing, bars, outlet shops and the Bar-J Wranglers are just a few things that Jackson has to offer. Tucked away against the Teton mountains, if the scenic drive doesn’t take your breath away, the bill at dinner will. Although Jackson is a pricey place to go, with a group of friends it can be cheaper and more fun. Check out the weekday deals at hotels or find some one on www.couchsurfing.com to stay with.
Hot Springs Trips
With midterms finally over, everyone could use a little relaxation. If traveling a long distance isn’t an option, spend the day at one of the many hot springs located within two hours of Cache Valley. Maple Grove, Crystal and Lava Hot Springs are three of the most popular. Get a group of friends together, stay the night at Maple Grove and soak all night long. The Detroiter trailer is $38 per night. Get a couple friends in on a night or two and Spring Break will no longer be spring broke.
Park City, Utah
A city known for its skiing, celebrities and sites, Park City can be fun for a day trip or a few days. Full of places to ski and eat, get the best of what the mountain has to offer and the local food. Lots of hotels have great deals that students can afford, especially when split between a couple friends. Find a room for a few nights by checking www.utah-hotels.org – some rooms are as low as $68 a night. Check out www.dininginutah.com to get a list a great restaurants in town, especially if you have food allergies.
Durango, Colo.
Known to many of the locals as a drinking town with a skiiing problem, Durango is the skier/drinker paradise. Ski all day or soak at Trimble Hot Srings and then hit up Durangos downtown for a drink and a bite at Steamworks Brewing company, the local brewery in town. With all the eclectic inns to stay in Durango and things to do, a trip down there will not be boring.
–ch.jensen@aggiemail.usu.edu