Take the strain out of spring break with these easy-to-plan trips.
By: Kylee Sutherland
The stress of moving back to school and the pressure of classwork often consume the first few weeks after Christmas break. Before you know it, spring break is almost here, and you have zero plans. To help calm your spring break FOMO, here is a list of places to visit that don’t require a lot of planning.
1. Panama City Beach, FL
With miles of white sand and beachside bars, Panama City is a combination of relaxation and nightlife. There are opportunities to scuba dive or lounge on the beach during the day and visit seafood restaurants with live music at night.
2. The Blue Whale - Catoosa, OK
If you're looking for a unique Instagram post and a funny memory to share, the Blue Whale is the place to visit. The quirky 80-foot-long blue sperm whale has been around for over 40 years and is located alongside Route 66.
3. Fredericksburg, TX
Settled by German immigrants in the 1800s, Fredericksburg is full of history and Texas charm. Main Street has a row of restaurants with authentic German cuisine along with breweries, wineries and shopping spots throughout the city.
4. Underground - Oklahoma City, OK
The Underground is a series of tunnels and skywalks built - you guessed it - under downtown OKC. There is a restaurant in the tunnels, and the Underground displays art and photo galleries.
5. The Center of the Universe - Tulsa, OK
This destination is an acoustic anomaly that has puzzled visitors for years. Any noise you make standing in the middle of the circle is echoed back to you louder than the original sound. Can you figure out its secrets?
6. Charleston, SC
Charleston is home to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, and the Rainbow Row, 13 pastel-painted row houses in the French Quarter. A mix of old architecture and new, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
7. World's Largest Cowboy Boots - San Antonio, TX
Since we're all Cowboys here, it felt only right to include this attraction. These 40-foot-tall boots are designed to look made from ostrich-skin and prove the saying is true: everything's bigger in Texas.
8. HOPE Outdoor Gallery - Austin, TX
Local artists turned blank concrete slabs into a public art gallery. When you visit, you have the chance to appreciate others art or even make some of your own.
9. Praying Hands - Tulsa, OK
These hands, made from over 30 tons of pure bronze, stand outside the entrance of Oral Roberts University. As the sun goes down, the fading rays fall on the statue and turn the bronze into a deep gold, the ultimate setting for a golden hour picture.
10. Fort Worth Water Gardens - Fort Worth, TX
Waterfalls, water vapor bridges, and deep pools complemented with futuristic architecture provide a soothing place to visit and rest, and, of course, take pictures.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, don’t forget the most important part of this week off; have fun!
Photographer: Abigail Evans