Get out of town: Spring “blink” 2013

By Margaret Wallis| gargoyle@flagler.edu

Photo via 8tracks.com
Little more than one week separates Flagler students from Spring Break, or “spring blink” as it has been affectionately deemed by students and faculty. In a recent survey of 50 Flagler students, cost, time and academic obligations were cited as the top reasons to stay in town over break.

But before you decide to spend that four-day weekend wisely prepping for the latter half of the semester, consider the brevity of life. Four days is more than enough time to take a spring break trip that, at the very least, will be more memorable than the subject matter of your upcoming final exams.

On a tight budget? No worries. With a little planning and an adventurous attitude, you can stay entertained on any budget. The key to budgeting for your trip is making sure you have more money for food and fun than you will need for gas, as well as a place to stay if it’s an overnight trip.

St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, GA

St.Patrick’s Day is a big celebration in Savannah. The city has celebrated the holiday since 1813. This year’s celebration starts, quite luckily, on the same day as spring break. Savannah City Market will teem with live music, Irish food and drink, and 400,000 anticipated visitors. Admission to the celebration is free. The festivities begin Thursday, March 14 at and continue through St. Patrick’s Day. Hotel rooms within walking distance are available for as little as $20 per night (nightly cost divided by four).

Antiquing in Mount Dora, FL

Historic Mt. Dora is home to some of Florida’s best antiquing. Every weekend, the Renningers Antique Center opens its 117-acre market which features a farmers market, flea market, and nearly 200 antique shops. With a drive time under just two hours, this could easily be made into a day trip. But if one afternoon isn’t enough time for you to comb through 200 antique shops, consider splitting the cost of a night at a historic bed and breakfast with a friend.

A Spiritual Experience in Cassadaga, FL

Cassadaga is a community of spiritualists, including but not limited to psychics, mediums, and yogis. Visitors can have their palms read, visit the town’s quirky shops and sites, and the lucky few may even encounter spirits departed. Cassadaga welcomes skeptics and believers, and at just over an hour drive from St. Augustine, is the perfect place for a day-long spiritual journey.

If your schoolwork load is too heavy and your wallet too light for you to hit the road, keep in mind that St. Augustine is a spring breaker’s dream. Try doing your homework on the beach. It might not be the stuff of MTVs Spring Break specials, but your inland, snowed-in friends will be green with envy.