Spring Break is a time that everyone looks forward to. Kids, teens, college students, and families alike will start planning their trip and counting down the days as early as Christmas. However, this year, several events are being canceled and vacations are being changed due to the current health risks that accompany public transportation across the world at this time.
Airports and planes can spread illnesses due to the increase of high-touch surfaces and recycled air. So maybe it’s not the best time to be jet setting to Paris or even Miami, but that doesn’t mean Spring Break is ruined. Plenty is going on stateside and it’s just a car ride away.
We encourage you to be adventurous and stray away from the usual hotspots like Los Angeles and New York. Experience something new with one of these exceptional, unexpected getaways,
Durham, North Carolina
This contemporary, Southern city is filled with amazing restaurants, affordable lodging, and exciting activities. We suggest staying in downtown Durham to fully experience it all. Notable places to stay include The Durham Hotel, the 21c Museum Hotel, and the Unscripted Durham Hotel. Here, you can eat your way through the city alternating between both local, southern comfort foods and tastes of foreign lands, such as delectable Spanish tapas. On rainy days, indulge in beautiful art at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and on the nice days, hike a few of the exceptional trails that wind through the city.
Austin, Texas
South by Southwest may be canceled, but don’t write off your trip to the city just yet. Austin is best known for its vibrant music scene and notable dining, but there is so much more that makes Austin come alive. Maybe food and music isn’t your scene, in that case, it’s a good thing that Austin is covered in art from pop-ups to murals to galleries and more. Austin locals take pride in keeping their city unique so even if you’ve already checked this city off your list, always expect your next visit to be different from your last.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, like many areas of the Midwest, is often overlooked. This is a shame because St. Louis is a flourishing hub for creatives. Hundreds of unique restaurants and a competitive nightlife help the town to stand out. When it comes to shopping, you have everything from vintage to high-end. If you’re traveling with kids, or are a kid at heart, a trip to the City Museum is a must. What used to be the International Shoe factory is now a place filled to the brim with weirdness and wonder. You’ll feel like you’re in a dream the whole time as you wander through caves, crawl on your hands and knees, and discover secret slides as you wind through the building.
Atlanta, Georgia
Not just the home of two popular television shows, The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Walking Dead, there’s a rich history and subtle electricity that flows throughout all of the city. If a guided walking tour isn’t your preferred method of exploration, The Beltline Trail is a great way to take in the city. Although it’s a 33-mile stretch, you can effortlessly take detours to see the Ponce City Market for food, shopping, and drinks or to see the countless works of public art. However, a must-see on your list has to be the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site where you can walk through the home where Dr. King was born. But even more impactful than the house, the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King and his grandfather were both pastors, plays Dr. King’s sermons which allows you to deeper understand just who he was.
Nashville, Tennessee
Don’t let the music fool you, you don’t have to be a country music fan to appreciate the rich culture of Nashville. If you do enjoy country music, you’re in luck as you can hear live music every day, at any hour. Although the majority of lower Broadway is populated with country music enthusiasts, East Nashville is known to have a more hipster vibe. For a quieter memory of Nashville, take in the views as you enjoy a glass of wine at Arrington Vineyards and its sprawling 92-acre property featuring 16 acres of vines. If feeling adventurous, you can also see the city at night on a walking ghost tour, many affordable options can be found on Groupon. It’s also worth noting that Nashville isn’t just famous for its music scene, but also the delicious food.
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not able to take your dream trip this time around. The open road is waiting to lead you somewhere new! Where will you go this spring?