Because of cash shortages, work schedules and major school work, many college students will not be able to join their friends on the sunny beaches or beautiful ski slopes this Spring Break.
If your friends have left you here to waste away in boredom, have no fear. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in and around Baton Rouge.
Grab one or two of your fellow abandoned friends and head off to enjoy some fun right under your nose.
While it never is fun to stay home thinking about friends who are having more fun, try to make the most of it.
If a job is keeping you in town, work as much as possible to earn some extra cash.
“This Spring Break, I’m working so that I can have money to party during the summer,” said Mark Woodard, an accounting sophomore. “Normally I take my beach trips in July. Also, this way I won’t have to sacrifice important study hours.”
Woodard plans to work at least 30 hours at the Wal-Mart pharmacy over the break and put his earnings straight in the bank.
He said he also hopes to get organized early for finals.
If you are lucky enough to be stuck in town because of reasons apart from school and work, find something fun to do.
Enjoy the University campus outside of the normal business of each school day. Take a day to enjoy a picnic on the lakes, visit Mike the Tiger’s cage, grab a couple of scoops at the Dairy Science Ice Cream Shop and walk under the oaks and arches.
If you are eager to get away from the campus, head in a completely different direction. Spend a day relaxing in the Big Easy.
Visit New Orleans’ favorite spots. Walk around the French Quarter, take a tour of Jackson Brewery, shop in the River Walk, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and stroll down Bourbon St. while reminiscing about Mardi Gras adventures.
Right in time for Spring Break, the 20th Annual French Quarter Festival is April 11 to 13.
New Orleans is expecting about 300,000 visitors to enjoy Cajun music, food and dancing according to the Web site FrenchQuarterFestivals.org.
Fourteen stages will feature different types of New Orleans music including zydeco, rhythm and blues and contemporary jazz.
New Orleans also has several interesting voodoo museums, which explore some of the traditions of the city’s historical natives.
For another taste of history, visit the National D-Day Museum in downtown New Orleans to discover the role the city played in World War II.
If money is not a problem, check out what show is playing at the Saenger Theater or spend a day riding roller coasters at the Six Flags theme park.
If you are not able to make the trip down the Mississippi to New Orleans, take pleasure in some activities closer to home.
Baton-rouge.com suggests touring the city’s downtown area. Learn more about the familiar sights of the Old State Capitol, USS Kidd and the old governor’s mansion.
Most people enjoy returning to their youth. Head to the Baton Rouge Zoo and check out the lions, tigers and bears for less than $4.
For those who are 21, fill one evening at Argosy Casino cashing in your hard-earned dollars and listening to visiting entertainment.
If working hard, studying for upcoming exams or enjoying the excitement of the area is too much to handle, waste away your holiday on the couch in front of the television or head to the mall and drown your sorrows in a new wardrobe.