Written by Alexandra Gautier
Whether at home, vacation, or staying in Salem, be sure to make the most out of your Spring Break!
Things to do on vacation will vary depending on where you are going, but the following are a few fun and affordable options.
- Look into free events for the duration of your stay on the area’s tourism website or hub. Sometimes there will be festivals, live music, and other family friendly or nightlife events listed.
- Visit local museums – many of them are free or cheaper for college students, so bring your Maroon IDs!
- Search “free walking tours” on Yelp! to get better acquainted with the area. Ask your tour guide at the end of the tour for recommendations on food and places to visit – the locals always have the best inside information.
- Explore a nearby national or state park to get some fresh air, observe scenery, and learn more about the local ecology and environment.
If you find yourself staying in sunny Salem for spring break, you may have more fun than you think!
- Go for a hike while it’s still relatively cool outside at McAfee’s Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, or Sharp Top Mountain.
- If you’re of legal drinking age, explore the local wineries and vineyards such as Olde Salem Brewery, Valhalla Winery, and the Big Lick Brewing Company. Here, you can spend time with good company while enjoying a delicious drink and supporting local businesses. On weekends, many breweries will have live music.
- Visit Black Dog Salvage – a giant store for repurposed furniture and smaller items. This is a great place to find affordable home goods.
- Take a drive to Carvin’s Cove or Smith Mountain Lake to cool off (should it get warm enough during the break to do so).
- There are several free or inexpensive museums in downtown Roanoke, such as the Taubman art museum (with Maroon ID) and the pinball museum.
- There are also plenty of opportunities outside the city limits. Within a 20-minute drive you could be touring the Dixie Caverns or the town of Christiansburg for shopping, attractions, and restaurants. A 40-minute drive can take you to the drive-through Virginia Safari Park or to explore the Natural Bridge State Park. In just under an hour, you could visit the historic national D-Day memorial in Bedford. And in just two hours, delve into the home of one of our nation’s founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
