Spring Break

Spring break always seems glamorous during high school. As "senior slide" kicks in while graduation comes into sight, dreams of road trips, Caribbean beaches and Mexican parties dance like rum-soaked sugar plums in students' heads. Of course, once reality—and bank statements—set it, those ideas quickly leave, and everyone jets home to watch reruns of ‘90s shows for 10 days. It does not have to end up like this, however; though perhaps not as exciting as international or tropical trips, all parts of the U.S. have plenty of their own areas to explore and activities in which to partake. It just might take some creativity.

One of the best ways to take advantage of Spring Break is to flex all the muscles that became permanently clenched during midterms and go outside. Students from the southern states have the luck of going home to warm temperatures and sunny beaches.

"I guess one way to save money and have a great spring break is take advantage of the early warm weather down South and bum it on the beach," Kevin Fitzgerald, FCRH '12, said.

For those going back to northern or midwestern states (and Colorado), beaches are hardly an option, but this year's snowfall means an extension of the ski and snowboard seasons, and many mountains are offering discounted tickets in March for those willing to be a little flexible with their schedules and work around peak days.

Students who do not come from either extreme are blessed with more options. Take out that bike that you do not need on campus and take in any emerging greenery, or just enjoy the fresh air with a stroll through a park. Depending on where in the country you are, try something a bit more strenuous: mountain hikes are often free, and those around water may be able to find deals on kayaking or white water rafting. In California, San Diego is known for its beaches, while Yosemite is one of many state parks where you can see the state's famous sequoias. Pennsylvania's Fairmont Park is a prime spot to stroll through, especially to watch regattas on the Schuylkill River along Kelly Drive on Sundays.

If physical activity is not your forte, try heading to the nearest city and exploring areas you have never been to before. Now that, for the most part, wind chills have subsided but steam is not yet rising from the pavement, wandering through obscure streets is still enjoyable. Find that vintage store that your friend's friend was describing, or go discover that insanely good diner featured on the Travel Channel. Midwesterners swear by Branson, Missouri, as a good place to catch a show, while Philadelphians flock to Franklin's Fountain for delicious milkshakes and to be entertained by servers clad in 19th century couture. Other areas offer their own attractions.

"Being from New Orleans, there's always great music and great southern food to enjoy," Fitzgerald said. "Makes flying south for the spring well worth it!"

"San Francisco probably has some cool free concerts in Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Gardens (seriously cool) are great, and so is the Academy of Science," Caitlin Meyers, FCRH '12, said. "Berkeley's famous Gourmet Ghetto is awesome for food adventures, and Telegraph Ave [is] for the hippies [and] the ice cream place featured in UP is in Oakland--it's called Fenton's."

With Saint Patrick's Day on Wednesday, there are sure to be events all week, and there are bound to be events, exhibits, plays, games or concerts to fill in other days. With no pesky Wednesday night or 8:30 a.m. Friday classes, there is no excuse for missing that one band you want to see.

March is also a good time to be a tourist in your own area. School days mean no crowds, especially since most school-age kids are between vacations. Sure, Fordham is located in the Mecca of tourist attractions, but every city has its own historical quirks. If this brings back bad memories of kindergarten and bus buddies, just think of all the juicy and scandalous facts that probably flew right over your head at the time.

Want to stick even closer to home? There is no better way to kick off Spring Break than a nice shopping spree. New York may be one of the fashion capitals of the world, but its prices are not quite as nice; however, now that spring styles are popping up in stores, you have an excuse to stock up while still not blowing next semester's book money on one belt. For guys, now is the time to head to Best Buy to buy the newest video games without paying an arm and a leg on tax (and you even have time to play it).

Each city also seems to upgrade whenever students leave for school, so take the time acquaint yourself with the new features; Ridgewood, New Jersey, for one, has switched out many of its stores along its Main Street. Whether it is a new skating rink, a new gym or a new mall, the novelty of it will be worth the trip.

Of course, there is no shame in staying home and watching the Lifetime movie channel or ESPN all day, making vague plans with that one quasi-friend who is also home, and if you can make it to Aruba, props to you. For the rest who want a little excitement without the airplane and hotel costs, it just takes a little digging.