Last week I saw students frantically trying to cram for finals. I watched various different groups practice for presentations, along with people going to and from the library with a bag of Doritos in one hand, as they shoveled a sandwich into their mouth with the other.
I thought about about how much money Red Bull would make, along with Starbucks and every other source of caffeine people use finals as an excuse to buy. I was surrounded by faces of regret...wishing they wouldn't have procrastinated so much. I saw faces of determination, relief, focus and much more too.
Thankfully though, Winter term has come to an end. Classes are now finished and it's no secret that we're all only thinking about one thing, and that is, Spring Break is finally here!
Maybe you're off to Hawaii with your family or on a road trip with friends. Maybe you have no plans at all, but to lie in bed, binge watching your favorite Netflix TV shows and taking advantage of home cooked meals. Either way, you can't wait to actually have time spent doing what you want.
If you're like some people though, you could be under the impression that because you don't have plans to travel or go far away, that you can't have just as good of a time wherever you are already. I know firsthand that this is not true, since not once have I ever left Oregon for Spring Break.
You might not be able to wear your new pair of shorts or favorite bikini with the bipolar weather we've been experiencing lately, but Oregon—specifically Portland, has a lot of activities to keep you busy, regardless of what it is you like to do. I know that even as a student living in the heart of downtown, there is still so much I have yet to explore.
For a few ideas of what this might entail, here is a list of only 10 of the places and things I have found to do in Portland and surrounding areas so that even if you are sticking around, you can ensure yourself a killer spring break.
1. Hawthorne District
Delicious food, thrift shops, and bookstores. This cluster of neighborhoods makes up one of Portland's most unique spots and is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
2. NW 23rd Street
Located in Northwest Portland, 23rd street features two of things that Portland is best known for: Salt and Straw Ice Cream and Blue Star Donuts. In addition, it is filled with all kinds of different restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
3. Forest Park
Who wouldn't want to check out the largest urban forest in the United States? Whether that's through hiking or running, Forest Park is 5,157 acres of pure beauty.
4. Portland Saturday Market
Come check out local artists, bands and food, all while in close proximity to Portland's Waterfront Park.
5. Portland Japanese Garden
"The belief that trees and stones house a spirit is never more on display than during winter in the Portland Japanese Garden."
6. Powell's City of Books
Because sometimes all you want to do when it's wet and dreary outside, is to curl up and get lost in a good story.
7. Art Museum
Even when it is raining, Portland has places like the art museum to go and admire. Sometimes it's relaxing to be in a place so full of creativity and perplexity.
8. Multnomah Falls
Especially during the changing of seasons, this place is absolutely incredible.9. Oregon Zoo
You're never too old for the zoo.
10. Oregon Coast
If you're looking for a change in scenery but still wish to stay close, the coast is only a short drive form Portland. Take some time to walk on the beach or bay front, get lost in the comfort of clam chowder, or fly a kite in the cool breeze of March.
