How do you make the best out of spring break if you’re “spring broke?” Spring break has long been viewed as a tradition where college students spend their week off with all-inclusive party packages somewhere tropical.
Unfortunately, this cannot be a reality for everyone. These trips can be a chunk of money that students who are already in debt just do not have. If you’re one of these “spring brokers,” don’t be a pessimist just because you’re stuck at home this spring break. There are still a ton of local places to go and enjoyable ways to spend your days off without flying 1500 miles or spending $1,000.
Staying in proximity to Philadelphia this break? Well, there are multiple ways to make the most of your week off in March. The Flyers play rival, The Pittsburgh Penguins at the Wells Fargo Center on March 15 at 1 pm. You could buy tickets and tailgate with friends. Tickets begin at around $95.
Not so much into hockey or sports in general? You can still find other entertainment in Philadelphia if you enjoy music. Rapper 2 Chainz featuring Pusha T will be at the Tower Theatre the following Saturday, March 22, at 8 pm. Tickets are around $60.
If you are 21 or over, splitting a hotel room with friends for a night out in Atlantic City is another option. Our week of spring break happens to be the same time that the Tropicana is hosting Whiskey Week.
The first Sunday of spring break, March 16, RiRa Irish Pub is holding a Polar Bear Plunge at 9 am. Radio station WMGM will be there and proceeds benefit the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. The rest of the week, there are whiskey and bourbon tastings each night with seminars on these spirits along with restaurant specials. You can even book a package for one night or more ahead of time by going on the Tropicana’s website.
Laurel Weber, a junior communication major, is from Sicklerville, NJ, which is near Atlantic City. She said, “I like to go there because I live so close. I usually go and meet friends there to watch Flyers games, plus, I’m a Roulette master. Atlantic City is a small and fun vacation getaway that we’re lucky to have so close to us.”
Philadelphia and Atlantic City might not apply to you because your city of choice is New York City. If that is the case, this bustling city always has plenty for you to do with your time off. With the week away from school, it’s a perfect time to finally treat yourself to a Broadway play. Check out one of the many shows now playing such as “Kinky Boots,” “Matilda” or “Pippin.” Times and dates vary throughout the week but you can find a fit for you on the Broadway website.
Other talent acts in NYC during spring break include a comedy show with Michael Che on March 20- 23. Che is an up-and-coming standup comedian who has already written skits for “Saturday Night Live.” He has also appeared on “Late Night with David Letterman.” The show is promised to be full of laughs and tickets are just $33.
Have you ever thought of using spring break as a way to give back? Mary Harris, a specialist professor in communication, said, “A fantastic way that students can spend part of their spring break is by volunteering. There are many nonprofits and volunteer programs that students can reach out to, where they can contribute their time. Some ideas include: helping care for animals at a shelter or rescue, visiting senior citizens in nursing homes, volunteering at a local soup kitchen, or participating in a beach sweep.”
There are plenty of places to enjoy this spring break on a budget. The list goes on, just take a look at your local city’s event calendar. Life is too short to spend the whole break watching Netflix. Sure, relaxation is fine, but make sure to get out and go on an adventure at least one day of the week.
Though you might not necessarily be getting away this break, you can still feel like you’re on vacation by doing something out of the ordinary close by. This will also allow you to discover all of the hidden gems that the area offers.
PHOTO TAKEN from snapshots2011.wordpress.com
