Spring Break is just around the corner! March 31st marks the first day of the long awaited break. April 10th is the day that we have to leave our happy places behind to school the next day. One major worry that people have is what do I do with this time? Lucky for you, we live in a hotspot filled with exciting things to do. Check out these fun and affordable places to visit!

1)  Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is one of the major tourist attractions in the area. The drive is only 1 hour and 26 minutes from Damascus. The park has 300 square miles of beautiful mountain views, hikes and waterfalls. There are several entrances, although it is highly recommended that you go through Thornton Gap Entrance Station rather than Front Royal Entrance. The easy hikes are from Pinnacles Picnic Ground to the Jewell Hollow Overlook and the Limberlost Trail. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Hawksbill and Old Rag trails. 

2) Into photography? Do you need a beautiful scenery for your pictures? You can visit Sherwood Gardens in Baltimore, Brookside Gardens in Wheaton and McCrillis Gardens in Bethesda. The Sherwood Gardens are open 365 days a year every day from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and admission is free. The garden has beautiful fields of tulips with a wide variety of colors. Green, flat landscapes of grass for picnics, strolling and of course taking mesmerizing photos are among the main events for the day. The Brookside Gardens have a more artistic look, admission is also free and the gardens are open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The garden has many different areas by name: Aquatic Garden, Azalea Garden, Butterfly Garden, Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Style Garden, Trial Garden, Rain Garden and the Woodland Walk. The Formal Gardens areas include a Perennial Garden, Yew Garden, the Maple Terrace and Fragrance Garden. The McCrillis Gardens gives off forest vibes, but you’ll definitely see extra splashes of color in the spring. Admission is free, and they’re open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

3) Wanna fun activity to do with your friends? Something cheap, simple and that goes with the vibe? Make a bonfire, bring a speaker, food (hot dogs, marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, coffee hot chocolate, etc.) and everyone brings their own chair to chill, chat and have a good time! 

4) Want to stay inside? Chill? Have some you time? Make a list of all your favorite movies or TV shows and binge watch. Or make a list of must see movies or TV shows. Or both! Get your warmest, fluffiest blanket and get some of your favorite snacks to eat (for a bonus, light a fire). 

5) Mrs. Renehan said to grab that book that’s been collecting dust on your bookshelf and lose yourself in a new world of excitement.

   There you go, these are some of my most recommended activities for all types of people who can’t figure out what to do for the 2023 Spring Break!