By: Sydney Nazloo
There is nothing else like the dull ache of a spring break spent at home. While your friends are out in the world, enjoying this earth’s many beauties, you are alone in your bedroom watching Netflix and eating Cheez-Its. You may be alone for this coveted week in April, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
Take a hike There are tons of places to hike just a few hours outside Charlotte. Boone is about two hours away and offers loads of hiking options such as Elk Knob and Rough Ridge. Less than an hour’s drive away is Crowder’s Mountain. This spot is popular among AK kids and other Charlotteans. If you’re looking to get outside with little to no drive, Four Mile Creek Greenway is only about 10 minutes away.
Go wander Charlotte is full of fun and interesting neighborhoods to explore. Plaza Midwood features great places to eat (Dish, Zada Jane’s) and loads of cool antique and vintage shops. NoDa is home to the famed Amelie’s French Bakery as well as other great places like Cabo FIsh Taco and Smelly Cat. Here you can also find small concert venues and galleries to check out local artists and musicians. South End is host to fun events like Food Truck Friday (held every single Friday night) and gallery crawls.
Try out some new recipes Even if you’re not a great cook, experimenting in the kitchen is always a fun time. It’s also a good way to expand your horizons and explore new kinds of food. Whether you bake something classic (like sugar cookies) or something a little more adventurous (like Thai coconut red curry), messing around in the kitchen is a great way to spend time (plus you get to eat!).
Road trip With a car and some friends, the world is your oyster. Charlotte has the advantage of being located within driving distance of some really cool places.The mountain towns of Boone and Asheville are only about 2 hours away and are fun to explore. If the ocean is more your style, Wilmington and Myrtle are just a three-hour drive from Charlotte. Pack up your car in the early A.M. to ensure maximum beach/mountain time and pack a picnic lunch for the way down.
Read a book Contrary to what you’ve been told, reading is cool. There is a book out there for everyone, literally everyone. Hit up your local library or an independently owned bookstore for a novel that strikes your fancy. If you don’t know where to start, try a website like whatshouldireadnext.com or ask a librarian or your token bookworm friend for suggestions.
Work out Remaining completely inert for a whole week sounds appealing to even the most athletic high school students, but it is important that you maintain your health even when school is out. You don’t have to become the next CrossFit god of AK to stay in shape. Try going for a run around your neighborhood or searching “yoga for beginners” on Youtube. If you belong to a gym, make it a goal to go every day of break. Whatever you do, be sure you stay safe and stay hydrated.
Lie around The stress of high school can take its toll on students. Don’t feel ashamed if you need to stay in bed and veg out on Netflix and junk food for a day or two, but it’s a good idea not to make it a habit. Taking a day to decompress is beneficial if you feel worn down by the routine and stress of school. Take it easy; you’ve earned it.
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