For the lowly college student without a dime to his or her name, spring break is simply a time of sorrow. For those students, this week only means seven days of staying at home with your family that insists on hearing every little detail about the semester (as if you want to relive the spring semester slump). While others are living the beach life, you spend your days receiving constant reminders of why you chose a college away from home. As much of a bummer as it can be, it’s always good to try to make the best out of any situation, right? Well, for the Arkansas State student who finds themselves stranded in the Natural State for the break, here are a few ideas that may make feelings of beach deprivation subside.
1. Spend a day (or two) in Hot Springs.
Hot Springs is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the state, so why not spend a day exploring all it has to offer? You could visit the Hot Springs National Park or the Alligator Farm. On a hot day, you could take a dive at Magic Springs and Crystal Falls. If you’re looking for a more lavish trip, visiting a spa would be perfect. Hot Springs is the perfect place in Arkansas to venture through!
2. Visit the Haunted Hotspots of Northwest Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas is a breeding zone for haunted scenery. The Crescent Hotel and the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs offer ghost tours and even allow guests to spend the night in their haunted rooms. Tilly Willy Bridge in Fayetteville is said to be the location of a horrible car accident that left a family dead. People have also claimed to see the ghost of a Confederate soldier wandering around at War Eagle Mill. You should visit these interesting places, but only if you dare, of course.
3. Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas’s first state park has a number of fun activities to offer. This trip will, of course, appeal to the outdoorsy student. Lots of camping, hiking and swimming will probably be on the agenda. You can walk along one of the park’s many trails or even gather some friends together for a picnic.
4. Pinnacle Mountain
For the outdoorsman just looking for an awesome workout with a great view, Pinnacle Mountain is definitely the place to go. The park offers a number of trails and a beautiful view once you get to the top. You can even camp three miles away at Maumelle Park. Guided horseback riding is also provided!
5. Visit downtown Little Rock.
Little Rock is hands down one of the liveliest cities in the state. Downtown Little Rock has a variety of restaurants to offer, so you’re bound to find something you like. There’s live music and lots of places to shop. To entice the kid in you, you could visit the Museum of Discovery—the oldest museum in Little Rock—which has tons of cool exhibits.
You may not be traveling very far on spring break, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the week anyway. Once you discover all that Arkansas has to offer, you will realize that staying in state for a week may not be so bad.
