If you are looking to escape the bitter temperatures of Ohio, or embrace the cold and romp around in the snow, here are five affordable, drivable destinations to consider for Spring Break:
(Distance from Wright State, according to Google Maps)
Chicago, IL (310 miles)
It is likely you will only scratch the surface in terms of sight-seeing when visiting the Windy City because of its sheer size, but that should not discourage anyone from visiting this Midwestern gem.
Food connoisseurs will salivate at the local cuisine (try a heaping slice of signature deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s). Shopaholics can visit the Magnificent Mile for every materialistic need they could desire. Priceless works of art are on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, including the infamous “Ferris Bueller” painting for an admission price of just $18.
Lodging in Chicago will not break the bank either- check Groupon or Travelocity for downtown hotels under $100/night.
Myrtle Beach, SC (621 miles)
The good news for those who are tired of scrapping ice and snow off their car or bundling up in layers is that according to visitmyrtlebeach.com, the average air temperature in Feb. is 61 degrees. This will not make the water (52 degrees) warm enough to swim in, but it will make outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Visit The Carolina Opry for musical entertainment or stroll down the 1.2 mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which National Geographic rated as the #3 boardwalk in America.
Gatlinburg, TN (351 miles)
Hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, check out famous movie autos at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum or camp, bike and hike the Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg offers a wide range of activities for the tourist with cabin fever or the one with cabin lodging in mind.
St. Louis, MO (372 miles)
A short drive and an average hotel price of $81/night, according to explorestlouis.com, may be reasons alone to venture over to The Show Me State’s biggest city.
Hockey fans can rejoice now that the strike has ended and pucks are once again flying at the Scottrade Center, home of the St. Louis Blues. Take in a game, and then take in a mouthful of Midwestern fare at one of St. Louis’ many restaurants.
Those who are old enough to drink alcohol and therefore old enough to gamble, St. Louis is home to a Hollywood Casino property, similar to what you would find in Lawrenceburg, IN or Columbus.
Cleveland, OH (207 miles)
It is not necessary to leave the Buckeye State to enjoy spring break, and Cleveland can satisfy just about anyone who is looking for big city thrills.
Cleveland boasts a diverse downtown scene with bars and restaurants aplenty. Check out the Winking Lizard Tavern for a mind-blowing beer selection and top-notch chicken wings. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is a Cleveland staple, will keep visitors busy for hours.
