Staff Writer
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| Eleni Krakowski relaxes at the library. |
Not everyone has the funds to go to a ski resort or rent a condo on the beach for spring break. So what can you do when you are strapped for cash, other than sit around the house? Luckily, there’s a plethora of inexpensive activities to fill those hours of boredom.
For students in search of an intellectual activity, museums would seem a logical first choice. The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), for example, has free admission to their permanent collection and reasonably priced tickets for their special exhibits. The special exhibit NCMA will be hosting during spring break is El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote You About Africa, and it follows the work of El Anatsui’s African-inspired sculptures. If you are more of a stargazing type, the Morehead Planetarium offers admission for only $7.25. One could also take a trip to a zoo or aquarium for a rather low price. If you are looking for something simpler, the library is of course free, and books provide an endless source of entertainment for the intellectually inclined.
For those who prefer outdoor activities, the area is not short on those either. Jordan Lake offers the opportunity to rent kayaks and canoes, as well as the chance to simply enjoy nature. Additionally, camping sites cost anywhere from $13 to $48 per night, depending on the type of site required (though campers must be 18 to reserve a campsite). There is also an abundant number of parks around the Triangle where you can enjoy a simple picnic, hiking, or biking expedition. Those that enjoy the outdoors may also enjoy Durham Bulls baseball games for between $6 and $30 a ticket, starting April 5, or a day trip to the beach.
If you’re looking for more strictly entertainment options, there is always the classic Redbox movie marathon. At only $1 per night for each movie, this can be a fun way to spend an otherwise eventless evening at home. But what if you are looking to get out of the house? Carmike 14 Blue Ridge Cinemas shows slightly older movies for only $2 a ticket, and even new movies at places such as the Regal Beaver Creek only cost about $10 per ticket at most, even less if you see a matinee. If you have a bit of extra cash to drop, a day spent at Bush Gardens, Wet n’Wild, Adventure Landing, or participating in indoor skydiving can be just as exciting as vacationing on an exotic island.
These are just some of the things that North Carolina offers, and many more local events can be found in papers and online. Having an exciting and fun spring break doesn’t always have to break the bank.
