Looking for a fun and unique place to visit on your summer break? Below are students’ narratives of cool vacations across the nation!
Seattle
I’ve learned that some of the best vacations are located in hidden gems across the nation. If you’re the kind of person who prefers hiking over city trekking, then a summer trip out to Seattle may be your next destination!
My family trip included a hike up to Twin Falls, a day at Pike Place fish market and a morning trip to the beach. Pike Place had amazing fish, obviously, but what I found most enchanting were the artists selling handmade jewelry that caught the essence of Seattle perfectly. The hike up Twin falls was also unforgettable. I loved finding amazing landmarks on the trail. I was amazed that I could easily fit into the hollowed out truck of a tree that wasn’t in a redwood forest.
What really made the trip memorable was the fact that I could connect it to other vacations and landmarks in my life. I had my parents take a picture of me on a large stone right out on the river. I’ve gone on small hikes in different states but I always try to find a river so that I can recreate that photograph. It means so much to me that I can look back at these different trips and see how I’ve always appreciated the beauty of nature.
At the end of the day, the memories we bring back will last the longest. So I encourage you to check out the Seattle area the next time you want to get away from the city life and Chicago. There are so many hidden gems out there and bringing back stories is one of the most enriching experiences I can imagine.
~ Jaclyn Sarna
Biology/Biochemistry Major
Guest Contributor
Maui
Out of the very few times I have taken a vacation, my absolute favorite destination I have visited is Maui, Hawaii. Maui is the equivalent of a tropical paradise, with numerous beaches, forests that look like jungles, ungodly beautiful sights, and a very deep, fascinating culture.
Citizens on Maui live by the “Ahola Spirit,” a very relaxed, fun-loving and stress free way of life. No one is in a hurry, and people are extremely friendly and very “chill.” The beaches are very well kept, and sitting in the sun and merely swimming in the ocean can make an entire day of fun. However, my favorite activity to do in Maui was to snorkel. I had the opportunity to snorkel in the middle of the Pacific, and was able to witness Green Sea Turtles, and have the luxury of a school of fish being right under me. My favorite place to snorkel was a beach on Honolua Bay, a tiny little body of water that feeds into the Pacific. To find the bay, one must literally travel through a “jungle.” It is a forest full of beautiful tropical plants, no paths leading anywhere and the tallest trees I have ever seen. While snorkeling in Honolua Bay, I was able to see “Nemo,” “Dory,” and the tank gang from Finding Nemo. The coolest animal I was able to see was an eel. Near Honolua Bay and all around the island is numerous areas of volcanic rock—and are very addicting to climb all over.
I also had the opportunity to parasail, which is having a parachute on your back while pulled by a boat. Going over 800 feet in the air and pulled at 40 miles and hour, I was able to experience a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean in the air. I have never seen a more beautiful blue of the ocean, and numerous inactive volcanoes in passing. Being 800 feet in the air, it is very easy to see the snow falling on top of the volcanoes, or the rainbows from the high altitude rains in the mountains.
The culture is very deep to the people on Maui, and I also had the chance to attend a Luau, which is a Hawaiian celebration and feast with dancing and acting. The Luau I attended was about the history of Hawaii, foundation of the kingdom, and the founding of the culture and “aloha spirit.” The food that was served a Kalua pig—an entire pig roasted in an underground steam oven. Numerous foods were also served—squid luau, roasted mahi-mahi, Shoyu chicken, and pipi kalua.
Maui was a beautiful paradise that I would definitely return to. I hope to return one day, and to experience more of snorkeling, the sights and spend even more time on the beach. I highly recommend anyone to pay a visit to Maui to see a true, beautiful paradise on Earth.
~ Jaclyn Salmon
Nursing Major
Guest Contributor
Devil’s Lake
My absolute number one favorite place for summer fun is only about 4 hours from home: Devil’s Lake.
It’s a great place to go for camping, or even for anyone wanting to stop by for a day or two of outdoor fun. Located three miles South of Baraboo, Wisconsin, this park is open year round from 6 am to 11 pm.
Devil’s Lake is a state park that also is open for camping in tents or campers, if you book ahead of time. The place tends to book rather fast, but the lake is open to anyone wanting to come in for the day to come and explore the lakefront.
The lake has beaches that are open for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or even just sitting out in the sun. There are two mountain bluffs that host walking trails that are perfect for those who want to explore the forests.
This is also a frequent spot for people who have the equipment to rock climb, and one whole bluff is a scattering of boulders that are fun to scale if you are looking for a challenge. It is tradition in my family to visit this amazing site, and that at least one morning we scale the east bluff before dawn, to reach the top in time for the breathtaking sunrise as it comes in over the hills. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of standing at the top of a rocky bluff, the wind on your face and the early sun on your back, looking out on a blue lake below.
If you aren’t up for a long walk, you can also walk along the lower path that circles the lake and take in the nice waves. Devil’s Lake is a fantastic getaway where you are able to see nature at its finest.
~ Jen Szalko
Art Education Major
Guest Contributor