Don’t know what to do for spring break? No need to worry this article will cover five destinations that will keep you busy during the week and wishing you had more days off.
These five destination spots are all located in the same region which makes it easier to visit them.The first Destination spot is South Carolina, the City of Myrtle Beach.
It is a residential and vacation community at the heart of South Carolina’s Grand Strand coast. Myrtle Beach is known for the crazed location and beach front.
It draws in college students and smokers with the smoke shops and small shops along the strip of second avenue pier.
This is a beach you wouldn’t want to take your mother.
If you do want to check it out with your family, I advise you go in the morning. If you want to catch the young crowd, go after 8pm.
For those who like to go swim, the best time to go is during the evening, because at night baby sharks come close to the beachfront.
The night is also when fishers come out, so if you want to fish, go past dawn.
A cool place that is close to the beach is Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, the cost is $23.99 for ages 12 and older.
There is a spotyou can go where the floor moves and you look up at the glass and the fish and sharks swim above you.
They also have mermaid shows where trained girls wear a tail and swim in the tank with the fish. Another attraction allows you to feed stingrays.
If you’re small, you can go and climb in a tunnel to see the penguins and pop your head in fish tanks.
They allow you to touch the fish as another exhibit. Some of the ones they include in this exhibit could surprise you, like the jellyfish.
Hilton Head Island allows you to spend the day at the beach relaxing in the sun and sand.
You can surf, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, fish, or build sand castles.
Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor are both islands you get to by boat and you walk around.
Learn about where the American Civil War began and Fort Sumter’s role as a National Park Service site from park rangers and visitors.
There are men who served in the war and give demonstrations of how to load and fire a rifle that was used in the war.
Visit Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island to get an up close experience with 171 years of seacoast defense.
There is an inside and outside area with historic artifacts which have descriptions. Do not go if it’s more than 80 degrees outside, though.
I made the mistake of going when it was 95 degrees, the breeze from the water was great until you are walking around without AC and no water.
Just bring water and don’t go when it’s humid.
Caesars Head State Park One, one of the most popular trails at Caesars Head, is the four-mile round trip Raven Cliff Falls trail.
This hiking trail leads to ascenic overlook where you can view the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls.
There is also a 6.6 mile round trip hike to a suspension bridge that crosses the creek above Raven Cliff Falls.
You can plunge into the water offa bridge with the view of the waterfall below.
Moving on to a specific part in South Carolina, Charleston, and some of my top recommendations.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has been considered one of the most beautiful gardens.
An interesting fact about Magnolia Plantation is that it has survived throughout the American Revolution through the Civil War, till this day.
It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and one of the oldest public collection of gardens in America. Another cool spot is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
I recommend going when it’s past dawn; it’s breathtaking at night when it’s lit up.
It gets busy at rush hours but clears quickly most weekday mornings.
If you plan on getting to certain attractions, go early to beat traffic.I’d recommend parking at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
There aren’t clear signs from the parking lots to the walk-on ramp, but walk toward the second overpass and you’ll see a paved sidewalk.
The Mt. Pleasant side gives you a shorter walk time and you get to the first viewing platform much quicker than if you climb from the Charleston side.
This is so you’re able to view the USS Yorktown and the Charleston skyline.
Moving on to North Carolina, they have Folly Beach
This beach is gorgeous. It’s long sandy beach will have you wanting to stay an extra couple of days.
With it’s beautiful sunrises, peaceful mornings, and close restaurants, Folly Beach is a top recommendation.
Not to far from Downtown Charleston, which means you can add both places to your list. Regardless of the season, this beach is lovely for photography of sunrise or sunset, strolls, exercise, and peacefulness.
Not overcrowded in either season. The beach is clean and they have restrictions on alcohol consumption, which means that people are well behaved.
If you want to party, head to Center Street for an abundance of bars, bands, and food. Captain’s kitchen is a little seafood shack that has a great variety of affordable food.
So if you want to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the weather and scenery, I recommend this shake.
If you’re not sure of what to order, the shrimp burger and Monster Fish Sandwich are always my go-todecisions.
We got a sampler plate of scallops, soft shell crab, and clamstrips that were cooked just right. It was also fast and the service was great.
Mount Mitchell State Park is my next suggestion. Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.
It’s free for all to enjoy and the scenery is just breathtaking.
A tip for going, is to bring a jacket or an extra layer of clothes.
Temperatures are usually 10-30 degrees cooler than Asheville.
Weather conditions can change rapidly.
Take rain gear along if you are hiking. You never know, even if you check the weather the possibility of rain is likely.
Remember to bring snacks and lots of water.
Stay on the trail so you don’t get lost. Make sure to jot down the rangers number in case you do get lost.
Watch the weather and try to visit when skies are very clear in Asheville, because sometimes it gets really cloudy.
Moving on to Kentucky, specifically Mammoth Cave National Park, you can go on a shuttle bus and the tourguide will take you into a cave.
You’ll be able to explore for a bit and see certain parts of the cave that have holes that people can crawl through.
Another place is Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, which holds an exact replica of the Louisville Slugger 34-in Babe Ruth120-foot bat.
Admission includes a free Souvenir Mini Bat after the factory tour.
Guests will see bats being made on every tour, every day.
Allow at least an hour to enjoy the entire museum and factory experience.
You can buy a Personalized bat that can be ordered when you arrive for pick-up after your tour, or they can be shipped.
They allow you to put your favorite team or your name on the bat.
They have batting cages if you feel like swinging the ol’ bat around.
Check out the 21 century Museum Hotel, you don’t even need to be a hotel guest to see the collection.
The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Proof on Main, works with regional farmers, showcasing Ohio River Valley culinary artistry alongside the art itself.
The hotel has a multi-venue contemporary art museum, boutique hotel and chef-driven restaurant.
It is definitely different from other hotels, all the more reason tocheck it out.
The hotel was founded by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, contemporary art collectors and preservationists, who collaborated their museum into a hotel and restaurant.
In Tennessee, I recommend booking your hotel at the Gaylord Opryland resort and convention center, where 9 acres of lush indoor gardens and cascading waterfalls are beautifully designed.
Its beautiful conservatory can be enjoyed all year round.
You can plan weddings, parties, or even hold a convention there.
Your hotel room has french doors that you can open and enjoy from the comfort of your balcony.
There are shops in the hotel as well, even a radio station.
I recommend going to the Jack Daniel’s there.
It was so cool, and the food was amazing.
You can hear live music and enjoy your food.
If you’re into the show American Pickers than you’ll love the store Antique Archaeology.
The guys from The show opened their second location in Tennessee and it is in a building that is shared with different shops; I recommend to check them all out.
Mike’s ice cream and coffee bar is located by Jack’s Bar-B-Que in Beale Street Historic District which gives you three places all in the same area.
Mike’s is a great shop.
I went twice, and got the red velvet ice cream and a red velvet shake.
Both make me want to drive there again just to get it.
Fall out boy members stopped in and got ice cream recently, so you’ll never know whos walking around.
Jack’s BBQ was amazing, so authentic and right on the strip.
It’s packed but the food is worth it.
One of the greatest finds was Margaritaville Island There are parrots that you can look at around in different cages.
They have Ole Smoky Moonshine, for those (21 and over) so you can go and buy some fresh.
I recommend going past 6pm so you can catch the night fountain show.
The fountain is surrounded by rocking chairs and you can sit and watch the water dance and play music.
There are restaurants and shops that you can look at.
If you get hungry, try the Margaritaville restaurant, and if you don’t make it in time, walk down the strip and try Mellow Mushrooms pizza.
Florida is a long drive but is so worth it, especially the Keys, Molasses Reef, Island Dolphin Care, The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
Each place is nature packed with dolphin petting,watching butterflies in a garden, or even feeding animals.
It’s a great place to get your nature on.Miami is also a great place to check out with it’s beautiful long beach and clean sand.
South Beach, Ocean Drive, is one of the most iconic streets, like Beverly Hills drive, mostly because of the movies it’s been featured in.
Wynwood, known for its many colorful murals, is one of the city’s most “happening” districts.
Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works by some of the world’s best-known street artists.
So if you want some cool pictures for instagram, I suggest going early in the morning to get the perfect lighting and beat the crowds.
Other spots to check out for food and culture is Española Way, Little Havana, Little Cuban Cafe, Havana Bistro & Cafe, Dina Bella Cuban Cuisine.
All have great food with beautiful music to enjoy from morning till the night.
It’s a great idea to hit all five spots in a one week trip, and you’re able to do it if you plan ahead and do it right.
Since each place is so close, why not check them out and see what each place has to offer?
Traveling during spring break, there will always be a time where you will end up in a crowded place.
So it is good to stay clear from certain attractions such as Disney world and traveler destinations.
I’m not saying to go someplace shady like shark diving with people who don’t have a license.
I’m saying do the research and find beautiful places that aren’t visited as much.
Be careful where you go and never travel alone unless you’re okay with it.
Be cautious and read signs.
Be sure to never hike or mountain climb at night, unless you’re experienced.
Refer to my previous article, on how to plan right for your trip.
This article can help you determine whether you want to visit these places, andis also good to help you understand how to plan for trips in general.
I hope you enjoy your spring break and keep my recommendations in mind.
Priscilla Vargas
Features Reporter