By Amelia Bickel
Elm Staff Writer
As the first half of the semester comes to an end, students at Washington College can look forward to a well-deserved spring break. Some may already have plans or be looking for ideas for what to do during this time off.
For those staying on or near campus for the week, there are still locations nearby to explore and relax over the break.
Betterton Beach
Betterton Beach is only a 20 minute drive away offers a quiet and simple outdoor experience. According to the Kent County website, the park has a beach with a volleyball court, a picnic pavilion that overlooks the beach at the mouth of the Sassafras River, a charcoal grill, and a fishing pier. Round up a group of friends to have a beach day, picnic, volleyball tournament, or simply get outside and explore the park.
Tuckahoe State Park
Half an hour from WC campus, Tuckahoe State Park is a great location to spend the week soaking up the fresh air.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources says the park offers 54 camping sites, each equipped with a camping pad, picnic table, and fire ring. Those interested in camping should make reservations through the website and check the Maryland DNR website for detailed instructions and information about how to camp and what to pack.
The park has a lot to offer, with picnic sites and 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Even for those who are not up for a full-fledged camping stay but still are interested in outdoorsy activities, Tuckahoe State Park is a beautiful option nearby. If you are feeling adventurous and looking for a challenge, the park also offers self-guided Orienteering Courses that can be downloaded for free on the Maryland DNR website.
Delaware Beaches
With many options such as wildlife refuges, parks, and towns, the Delaware Beaches are only about an hour-and-a-half away from WC campus and offer lots of activities to explore this spring break.
Cape Henlopen State Park is one of many state parks in Delaware and a great option for anyone looking to experience coastal wildlife and spend time outside.
According to the Delaware State Park website, “Cape Henlopen is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts around the world,” as it offers not only beaches, but also nature trails for walking and biking, campgrounds, picnic areas, the Nature Center, and the Fort Miles history museum.
The quaint seaside town of Lewes is also near Fort Miles. Like Chestertown, Lewes is another great Delaware Beach location. Check out the shops and restaurants such as Lewes Oyster House downtown or visit the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal to eat, drink, and enjoy the weather and view as the ferry docks and departs for its trips.
Rehoboth Beach is a busier area, famous for its avenue and boardwalk. This beach offers a variety of shops and food, just a short stroll from the sand. Rehoboth is also connected to Lewes and the State Park by a biking and walking trail for anyone looking to get their steps in.
Washington D.C.
If a city experience is more up your alley, Washington D.C. is another option nearby. Just under two hours away from the college, D.C. is a bustling place full of memorials, museums, and attractions.
According to their website, the Smithsonian Institution offers 21 museums and galleries, 17 of which are in D.C., and a zoo, all with free admission. Visitors can check out dinosaur fossils and more at the National Museum of Natural History, visit Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao at the National Zoo, and stroll through art museums and sculpture gardens. Reserve free entry passes for the African History and Culture Museum and the Air and Space Museum on their websites, which can be easily accessed from the Smithsonian Institution website.
D.C. is also home to a wide variety of famous and beautiful memorials in the National Mall and Memorial Park, such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, World War II memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which offers free admission. Visit Washington DC’s website for a full list of memorials and options for guided tours of different areas and attractions throughout the city.
Try to make this spring break restful and refreshing. No matter where spring break takes you, be sure to take care of yourself.
Photo by Olivia Long.
Photo Caption: The Eastern Shore, including Chestertown, has plenty of perfect hangout spots.