Five things to do during spring break in the mountains
When it comes to small, hidden gems, Lees-91探花 knows a thing or two, but what do you do over spring break if you’re not leaving the high country? Here is our list of five things you can do over the vacation to get the most out of your fun, relaxing spring break.
1. Looking to get outside? Discover an airplane crash.
Photo courtesy of Jack Thyen
Of course you could just stay on campus and hammock by the mill pond, but why stay in one place when you have miles of woods to be explored? Check out the Grandfather Mountain Crest trail, where about 3.1 miles in to the 11-mile trek, you can see the remains of a single-engine plane that crashed in the 1980s.
2. No beach, no problem: Relax by the falls!
Photo courtesy of Dave DeBaeremaeker
Sure, it still may be too cold to swim, but who says you can’t grab some lunch, a few friends and enjoy one of several natural waterfalls in the area? Check out Laurel Creek Falls also known as “Trash Can Falls” by many locals or “Snake Pit” in the same area. Did you know that the reason many swimming holes have less-than-attractive names is to deter non-locals?
3. Want to stay in and play with pups? Of course you do.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Michael Joslin
What is better than volunteering for a good cause? Being able to play with furry friends while doing so! Spend some time helping one of a few local humane societies including the in Newland or the in Boone. Want to help but can’t volunteer? Check out Panera’s fundraising night, Thursday, March 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. where a portion of the proceeds will go to the Watauga Humane Society S.N.I.P.S. Committee.
4. Learn a new skill and put on your dancing shoes!
Photo courtesy of Boone Unified Dance Scene
Every Thursday night from 8 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., Reckless Arts in downtown Boone host Blues Dance Thursdays. Don’t know how to dance? From 8 p.m. until 9 p.m. one featured dance teacher from the area will take you through the basic steps you can use to impress your roommates once classes start again. The event is geared towards beginners with no prior experience. $5 door cover, $20 for a five-visit stamp card.
5. Have lunch at 5506' above sea-level.
Photo courtesy of Beech Mountain Ski Resort
You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal with a view to match. Take the ski lift at Beech Mountain Ski Resort to the top and enjoy lunch with some friends with an almost endless view of the Blue Ridge Mountains–dress warm!