Do you have big plans for Spring Break? Or do you never really have plans at all? Why not live it up in boring ol’ Virginia? Sure, being a homebody over Spring Break doesn’t really sound fun and exciting, but allow me to open your eyes up a bit. The top 5 things that bring the party to Virginia are right at your fingertips.

1. Nature at its Best

Virginia State Parks hold the joys of camping, hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife watching, and so much more. All of this can be yours for the fun if you visit one of our most famous parks: First Landing Park. Located at 2500 Shore dr. Virginia Beach, 23451 with a contact station that’s open 24 hours, First Landing will have you never wanting to leave. Visit the beautiful oceanfront, go biking on one of their beautiful biking trails, or make like summer camp and pitch a tent with your friends. Go ahead and give them a call at (757) 412-2300 and rent a cabin or book an activity. But I must warn you, prices do vary depending on age and activities. Visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/parkfees.shtml for price and fees information. Get in touch with nature and learn about the real beauty of it.

2. Amusement Parks and Roller Coasters

Not a nature person? That’s not a problem. Take a well-deserved trip to Busch Gardens, Kings Dominion, or Go Karts Plus. I guarantee all of them will be open on your week off. Ride stomach churning roller coasters or chow down on a funnel cake the size of your face. I’ve heard of a few famous rides that I think you’ll find to be pretty amazing. For example, The Griffin, Apollo’s Chariot, The intimidator 305, or The Comet. Buy season passes or day passes for the ride of your life.

3. The Key to Creativity

Looking for a place to let out your creativity? Or wanting to better improve your skill? Just looking for a hobby? Go down to the Starving Artist Studio for a Spring Break camp. Explore your creative side on April 7-10 from 9am to 12pm for only $150. It’s not every day that you get a chance to work with clay pots and paint in every color you can imagine. Find a muse, paint your heart out, and do what you love. Come to Starving Artist Studios at 157 Herman Melville Ave. Newport News, Virginia, 23606 (in Port Warwick).

4. Films for Fun

Looking for a movie at a local theater? Don’t worry, I got you. Visit the Paragon in City Center, AMC 24 in Hampton Towne Center, or Regal Cinemas in Kiln Creek to feast your eyes on a few movies that will be playing this Spring Break. Cinderella, Run All Night, Insurgent, and Fast and Furious 7. Those are just the popular ones. Pick fantasy, mystery, action, or romance for your movie of the night. Tickets will range anywhere from $7 to $12. Enjoy your night at the movies.

5. Just for the Sales
   

Come back to school with new attire and show that you’ve had an amazing Spring Break. Think of all the skirts, dresses, shorts, sandals, bathing suits, and swimming trunks. Now imagine yourself in one of them… or all of them. There might even be some shades that you can get your hands on. Thank me later, but I found out about the amazing sales at Forever 21, Pacsun, Aeropostale, and Tilly’s. I know there are more stores but come on, those are our favorites. Show up at Patrick Henry, Greenbriar, Lynnhaven, or Peninsula Town Center before everyone else gets their hands on the sale that should be yours! Don’t even get me started on the Outlets!

Whatever you decide to do over Spring Break, just be glad you’re not sitting behind a desk under fluorescent lights. Get out, enjoy the sunshine, and don’t count the days until you have to return!