Break out the swimsuits, put away those books, and pick out your favorite Instagram filter—it’s almost that time again! With spring break right around the corner, those seven glorious days of freedom are the only things getting me through the month of February. At Rhodes, we are lucky because the spring break possibilities are endless: Memphis’ perfectly situated Mid-South location makes it driving distance from tons of fun destinations. Here’s how to plan the perfect spring break getaway—without breaking the bank.
Nashville
What better way to spend spring break than retracing the steps of your favorite characters on NBC’s Nashville?! Look no further than Music City: Nashville, TN. From the Grand Ole Opry to the historic Tennessee State Capitol, there’s something for everyone in Nashville.
Get There: Catch the 4-hour Greyhound bus there and back for only $45.
See:
• Explore the grounds, gardens, and mansion at the Hermitage, the home of our 7th president, Andrew Jackson.
• Don’t miss the “Smithsonian of Country Music,” also known as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
• Check out the Parthenon---
the world’s only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple.
St. Louis
While STL isn’t the usual spring break destination, the city is full of eclectic tourist destinations that go way beyond the world famous arch. Plenty of Rhodes students call St. Louis home, so be sure to bring along a native as a tour guide!
Get There: The 5-hour Megabus trip costs around $60 there and back.
See:
• Enjoy free admission to the nationally renowned St. Louis Zoo.
• Rent a paddleboat and explore Forest Park, home to the World’s Fair Pavilion.
• There is seriously no place else in the world like the once-abandoned-shoe-factory-turned-museum/theme park/giant playground known as the City Museum.
Gulf Shores
Of course, this wouldn’t be a comprehensive spring break guide without the typical Gulf Shores shout-out. Every year, thousands of students flock down to the Alabama beaches to escape the dreary weather and get the true spring break experience. Grab a group of friends and spilt the cost of a condo or house rental in order to stay on budget!
Get There: Unfortunately, the best way to get to Gulf Shores is to simply brave the 7-hour drive. Bring along a few friends and split the gas cost for a more efficient trip!
See:
• Head to the Gulf Adventures Center at Gulf State Park for zip-lining and kayaking.
• The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is a must see: it’s a home for nesting turtles, migratory birds, and the Alabama beach mouse.
• Sign up for a Historic Downtown Pensacola Bike Tour or rent bikes and simply explore the city your own.
New Orleans
If you’re not able to venture down to NOLA for Mardi Gras, consider spring break as the perfect time to explore this unforgettable city! Whether you hit up the French Quarter for delicious Cajun food, Bourbon Street for live music, or Jackson Square for the beautiful scenery, there’ll never be a dull moment in NOLA.
Get There: Take the 8-hour Amtrak train to get there and back for $100.
See:
• Explore the Garden District via the St. Charles Streetcar and take a self-guided tour of the city’s most stunning and historic mansions.
• Preservation Hall is a can’t-miss music venue for Traditional New Orleans Jazz lovers.
• Spend hours on Royal Street exploring the various art galleries spread out over several blocks.
Staycation
Spring break means you can justifiably experience Memphis through the eyes of a tourist for a week! Use the week off to check off everything on your Memphis bucket list, whether it’s touring Graceland or eating your way through the best barbecue according to TripAdvisor.
Get There: Just fill up your car with gas so that you can drive all over Memphis for a week of exploring!
• Pack a picnic lunch and head down to the Beale Street Landing and Mud Island Riverwalk.
• Learn about the untold ghost stories of this historic city with a Memphis guided ghost tour.
• Enjoy the spring weather and go horseback riding at Shelby Farms.
• Cheer on the Women’s Lacrosse Team—they play March 7th and 10th.