Green grass, blue skies, lots of sunshine and most importantly, free time.

As students, we don't have much free time during the semester and this leaves us counting down the days to the weekends and soon-to-be spring break. Some students are lucky and get to go to the beach for the week. And then some people have to work and stay in town.

Here are some things you can do if you are stuck in Dahlonega over spring break:

1. Go hiking

There are plenty of places to go hiking in the North Georgia mountains. A few favorites include Preacher's Rock in Suches, Mount Yonah in Cleveland and the Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats in Cumming. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air!

2. Float down the Chestatee River

Weather permitting, you can pack a lunch and float down the Chestatee River with some friends. Appalachian Outfitters will pick you up for free at the end of the trip and take you back to your car. You can buy tubes there or rent kayaks for free in the UNG Rec Center. Look out for all the wildlife including fish, turkey, deer and turtles. The turtles will be sunbathing on logs at the end of the trip. They are so cute! Bring your phone and take some pictures!

3. Go on a picnic at the park

Pack a lunch and head over to Yahoola Creek Park! They have picnic tables located by the creek, trails you can hike and ball fields you can play on. If you are lucky, there will be other people there with their dogs and you can play with some pups!

4. Volunteer at a local organization

Lots of campus organizations require service hours, and if you have a free day over Spring Break, this is your opportunity! It also just feels good to give your time to an awesome cause. A few favorite local organizations always looking for volunteers include TLC Humane Society, Gold City Convalescent Center, and The Community Helping Place. Call them up and see how you can help!

5. Go out on St. Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day typically falls on Spring Break, and this year St. Patty's Day is on a Friday! Make sure to wear green and stop by our Irish pub, Shenanigans. We also have other great local spots including Spirit's Tavern and various wineries and tasting rooms. Get out there and celebrate!

6. Tan on the drill field

With all the students gone for the break, the drill field will most likely be empty. What a perfect way to soak up some sunshine! Enjoy the quiet and peaceful campus before the break ends and the craziness begins again!

7. Go for a run around the reservoir

If you didn't go to the beach for spring break, you had an excuse to not work out and get your "spring break bod." Now, however, you have to work on your "summer bod." There is a trail that spans around the reservoir for about three miles. It is also beautiful, so get out there, enjoy the scenery and get some exercise.

8. Take a day trip to a local city

Atlanta is only an hour away from Dahlonega and there is plenty to do there! You can enjoy Piedmont Park, visit Ponce City Market or go shopping. There are also other towns in close proximity that have beautiful town squares such as Helen, Gainesville, Blueridge and Jasper. Explore this beautiful state we call home!

Happy Spring Break! Get out there and have some fun!!