As winter break becomes more of a reality at an hourly rate, the chances of it becoming more boring also increases. To fight Netflix-at-home syndrome this winter break, call up some friends and start a quick little road trip. Here are some options in the surrounding area:
New Orleans:
The Crescent City is full of viable options this time of year. Beignets, cafes and the French Quarter are all easily accessible, not to mention the Audubon Zoo and New Orleans Museum of Art. New Year’s Eve in New Orleans is also a treat, but the city can become packed relatively easy, and parking prices will shoot up in popular areas. There are multiple concerts and events during the entire month of December, so a visiting student would be hard-pressed to not find anything of interest.
Houston:
Houston is full of popular attractions and cuisine, from Tex-Mex to giant po-boy’s at Beaucoup Bar & Grill, The Galleria and a variety of art galleries, including Art Car Museum, The Menil Collection and Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Houston has many parks and ongoing free events throughout the year, as well as a great nightlife and music scene. Visitors also have access to Space Center Houston, which is a great experience for all ages.
Austin:
While Austin is usually thought of when the words “weird,” “south by southwest” and hipster end up in passing conversation, the city has a rich history with excellent museums and government buildings to boot. If you’re not into history and museums, Austin has a number of mazes, panic rooms and escape games to keep you occupied. Sixth Street is infamous for its college town nightlife, but Austin’s hottest street can be a great place to catch a bite to eat during the holidays.
Lafayette:
Lafayette is full of cajun spirit, food and atmosphere. There is a historical Creole influence throughout Lafayette from the Atchafalaya Basin to the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum. For the travelers who want to explore wildlife and the ecosystem, swamp tours are also offered, in addition to canoeing and birding. Lafayette has a full range of clubs and bars, with traditional Creole music and food readily available.