As we hit the mid-point of the spring semester (if you can even call it spring), students are navigating through midterms, anxiously waiting for summer, and of course gearing up for spring break. If you are like me, those nine days are full of glorious naps, Netflix binging and possibly a little spring-cleaning. Others are packing their bags and heading for warmer waters for some fun in the sun. However, if you have no plans whatsoever, have no fear, for there are plenty of local trips and activities to partake in during spring break.
One of the many great things about living in a metropolitan area is there are several day trip activities that you can take. With Philadelphia and NY only a train ride or car trip away, there is no reason you have to sit at home during spring break. While day trips may not be as exciting as Cabo or FL, if you are limited to where you can go, it can turn a boring week at home into a series of mini adventures with friends or family.
“Anything that takes you out of your daily schedule is a treat and should be appreciated,” said Robyn Asaro, Assistant Director of Study Abroad. “Whether it’s bike riding on Sandy Hook or studying abroad in Australia. One benefits by living more in the moment and seeing life through ‘new eyes,’” she said.
And there are several things you can do, especially on a budget. If you love the arts, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC is filled with different pieces spanning across cultures and centuries from the Egyptians to the Renaissance era. The museum takes donations instead of having ticket prices, so along as you make some sort of donation you can spend hours in the Museum, never seeing the same piece twice.
Not a fan of NYC? No problem. Many towns within the area have places to go and hang out for the day. Buddy Valastro, or better known as the “Cake Boss” recently opened up a new bakery in Red Bank, and there is also Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash comic book store in the area along with multiple restaurants and thrift stores. For music lovers such as myself, the Stone Pony in Asbury Park has a Sunday showcase every week. If you are from out of state or not from the local area, you can always check your town’s community calendar to see what events are going on in your neighborhood.
There are also students who are taking the week to help out. “It’s nice finally having the time to do community service,” said Kelly Chapman, a senior, who is going to be working at soup kitchens over the course of the break. Along with this act of kindness there are groups of students who are taking the annual school sponsored trip to Guatemala.
Along with these acts of kindness, spring break can also be a time to re-connect with family members.
“I plan on visiting my grandmother over break down in Florida,” said Nash Weiner, a sophomore. “I don’t get to see her very often, so I when I get the chance I spend as much time with her as possible because she is such a special person in my life.”
So whether it is day trips, community service, or taking a vacation to the tropics, there are several ways to enjoy your spring break, even on a budget or without transportation. However, there is one thing we all must remember: no matter where we go or who we are with, do not worry about capturing everything on Instagram or twitter, just simply enjoy the moment and relax.
PHOTO TAKEN from web.mta.info
