Spring break is more than just a week off from classes. It is also a great opportunity to travel, explore and have fun. While most of us don’t have the time or the money to travel to places like Italy or the United Kingdom, there are plenty of places relatively close to Kansas City that provide plenty of things to do. Here are some of those cities for people looking for something to do over spring break.
St. Louis
Located at the opposite end of the state, St. Louis is a great place to travel if you are looking for fun things to do with a relatively short and inexpensive trip. At about a three hour and 50 minute one-way drive, you wouldn’t have to spend too much on gas. In regard to activities, I would recommend the City Museum. Unlike any museum I’ve ever been to, the City Museum is like a giant playground composed of old industrial and building materials. In this museum you are actually able and encouraged to play with, touch and experience the art in a hands-on way. This museum has something to do for people of all ages, and tickets are only $16.
When it comes to food, you have to have some St. Louis style pizza while you are there. St. Louis style pizza is made on a thin, cracker-like crust cut into squares instead of wedges. It is made with a delicious blend of cheeses called Provel and is one of my favorite pizzas. If you are looking for a specific place to get some good St. Louis style pizza, Imo’s is always a good option.
Chicago
If you are willing to travel a little farther – about 7.5 hours – and are seeking a big-city experience, Chicago is the place to go. There is something for everybody in this city: plenty of stores for a fun shopping trip, lots of tourist attractions like the Bean at Millennium Park and plenty of parks for people looking to enjoy nature. It’s also a great place for sports fans. Even though the baseball season hasn’t officially started, the Chicago Bulls will be at home for part of that week. I would also recommend a trip to Navy Pier, especially if the weather is nice. It has a little bit of everything, and the ferris wheel at Navy Pier will give you a great view of the city.
If you want some good food, I will be recommending pizza again, but Chicago style pizza is very different from St. Louis style pizza. Deep dish pizza is commonly served in Chicago, and it is some of the best pizza I have ever had. For those looking for something other than pizza, there is an endless amount of good restaurants, but if I had to choose, I would recommend the Cubby Bear. It is a bustling sports bar with live music, good food and an overall fun atmosphere.
Memphis
Also about 7.5 hours away is Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is a fun, lively city with lots of history. Beale Street is a definite go-to spot in Memphis, as it is full of restaurants, shopping and music. It provides an atmosphere that isn’t very common in this area. For any history buffs, the National Civil Rights Museum is a must-see. Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, this museum is not just informational, but incredibly moving and relevant today. For food, although Memphis barbeque is not as good as Kansas City barbeque, I would still recommend it because of the unique flavor.
Dallas
With a drive just over eight hours, Dallas is the furthest city of all the ones on this list. But if you are willing to make the drive, you will be rewarded with a great experience. If you are looking for thrills, you should check out the Six Flags amusement park. If you want to relax and spend time enjoying nature, check out the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden near White Rock Lake. You could also catch Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines center. My favorite place to go in Dallas is the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Located in the building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President John F. Kennedy in 1963, this museum provides fascinating insight into the life, death and legacy of President Kennedy and is a must-see for any history buff.
No matter where you end up going for spring break, or if you don’t go anywhere at all, I hope everyone has a safe and fun spring break.