Three Tantalizing Trip Ideas for Spring Break
As Old Man Winter’s time runs out to make way for the beauty of spring, many begin to consider journeys to embark on for a season of memories. It’s the part of the year where we get a renewal on life – flowers begin to blossom, critters begin to come out of hibernation, snow turns to rain and the sun shines brighter. What’s not to love about springtime? The spark of spring officially begins with the equinox on March 20th, and there are typically two weeks around that date where many across the nation get a spring break. With time off work and school, it’s a superb time to get out and explore! I’m passionate about travel and tourism, having been to nearly all fifty states and to over twenty-three countries across the globe. It’s my background, receiving a bachelor’s degree in recreation and tourism (yes, that’s a thing!) from Colorado State University. It is what brings life to my soul. I love the opportunity to share some insight into destinations and provide travel tips. So, with that said, I’ve come up with a list of three possible trips that you may wish to consider for your own springtime adventures. Lots of folks think beach and party, however we’re going to look into some alternatives that may get you away from the college crowds. These trips do have an adult focus, but any of these may be tailored for families.
1. New Orleans
Anyone that knows me has likely heard just how much I love the city of New Orleans. It’s part of my heritage. Every time I visit, I feel so at home, and I, of course, must indulge in at least twelve shrimp po’ boys. It’s the food, the music, the culture and the history. March and April are perfect months to travel down to the Big Easy. The temperatures and humidity are moderate, it’s after Mardi Gras, so the crowds aren’t horrendous (there may still be crowds, it’s a popular destination!), and, importantly, it’s before hurricane season, which is typically June through November. There are so many things to do while traveling to New Orleans, but we’re going to focus in on the French Quarter area for this trip idea, as you’ll be in the heart of history and have everything mostly within walking distance. The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré (old square en français), is the oldest part of the city, with establishment in 1718 along the banks of the Mississippi River. While the French may have established the city, the Spanish took over in the 1760s. It eventually became a part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase, in 1803. Many of the original buildings of the French Quarter were wooden structures and, sadly, were lost to either decay from the swampy climate or to fires in the late 1700s. With Spanish rule of the city, structures were rebuilt with better, more fire- and water-resistant materials. So, when we consider the sense of place in the French Quarter today, we’re looking at French and Spanish influence. Regardless of how we look at it, it’s most certainly an iconic worldwide destination.
Within the French Quarter, you have many options for places to stay. Anything from historic B&Bs to modern, luxurious hotels. I sometimes try to find something that is in between. I would recommend a hotel that is near Jackson Square so that you’re in the heart of the quarter. It gives you a central point for getting around and is off Bourbon Street, which often gets noisy and full of crowds partying throughout the night. If parties would be your thing, there are plenty of places along Bourbon! My favorite hotel is the Omni Royal Orleans, but, again, you have many options. Once you’re settled with a hotel, you’ll want to fill up on some beyond-delicious food and stroll the streets of history. My style of travel in the French Quarter is to eat, drink, walk, repeat. You’ll get full from food, have a fancy drink and then deplete your energy by walking, so it will be necessary to replenish with more food, more drinks and more history!
So, where and what should you eat and drink? Where should you be sure to visit? With so many options, it truly is up to you. I recommend starting the day with some beignets, essentially a square donut covered in powdered sugar. Now, nearly everyone goes to the original Café du Monde on Decatur Street. You certainly could, but you may be missing out on a better beignet. I’ve tried them from many restaurants, and the one I have landed on and always go back to is Café Beignet. There are multiple locations, but the one on Royal Street would be my top pick.
Once you’ve had your beignets, make your way to Jackson Square where you may visit the Louisiana State Museum and see St. Louis Cathedral. The park opposite the cathedral is great for photos, with the iconic statue of Andrew Jackson on his horse. There are often street artists selling goods in the area, though it may feel like a tourist trap. So, from there, head to Decatur Street and to the French Market. You’ll see Café du Monde, but also be able to explore the market with ease. You may even hear a brass band walking by you. Once you’ve had your fill at the market, head back toward Jackson Square to St. Peter Street and get some lunch at the Gumbo Shop. A visit to New Orleans isn’t complete without some gumbo! They make good drinks, but once you’re done with lunch, I would recommend walking up St. Peter to Pat O’Brien’s and getting a hurricane; they invented it, after all. They have a beautiful courtyard, a great place to sit back and have fun. Be careful, the bartenders are often generous!
From there, make your way to Bourbon Street. Walk from one end to the other and hop on in to any of the bars or restaurants that call to you. While on Bourbon Street, don’t forget to stop in at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. She was the voodoo queen and you may learn all about her there at her shop. It’s also a must to visit Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, supposedly the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States!
Taking in the sights, I recommend heading southeast on Bourbon to Canal Street, the edge of the French Quarter. Go southwest on Canal Street, making your way to the Sazerac House. Advance reservations are required, but the museum is free. It’s a newer museum with incredible exhibits and tastings, looking into the history of libations of New Orleans, including the official cocktail of the city – the Sazerac. Yum! After you’ve explored the museum, you may visit the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone, where the cocktail was invented. Or, head back into the French Quarter walking along the banks of the Mississippi River.
As the sun begins to set, it’s time to go to Frenchmen Street for some jazz. There are several venues and bars along Frenchmen to enjoy a jazz concert, my favorite being d.b.a. Check out the venues ahead of time, as some require a cover, may be closed certain days of the week, or offer two concert times during the late afternoon and into the evening. Another option for a jazz concert is getting tickets at Preservation Hall along St. Peter in the heart of the Quarter. Another fun activity is to take a carriage ride/tour. You’ll find those along Decatur Street in front of Jackson Square. Or, for those that are not faint of heart, take a haunted tour and visit all the spooky places, such as the Lalaurie Mansion and St. Louis Cemetery #1. Just be sure to book a tour with a legitimate guide and not a knock-off. You may book a tour at one of the several New Orleans Welcome Centers within the French Quarter.
On other days of your trip to New Orleans, I recommend visiting some other museums, such as the New Orleans Jazz Museum, the Museum of Death and the renowned National WWII Museum, which isn’t in the French Quarter but absolutely worth it to explore.
There’s so much to explore in New Orleans, the list could go on for days! This is just a small sampling of some of my beloved places. Regardless of what you decide to see, I’m confident you’ll have an incredible time in the Crescent City.
2. The Heart of Texas
It’s time to get your boots and cowboy hats out. We’re heading to Texas! You know the saying, “everything’s bigger in Texas!” They’re not lying, and this trip will indeed cover a large area. Be sure to set aside at least five days for exploration. Our journey by blog will be from the Dallas-Fort Worth area south along the I-35 corridor to Austin and ending in San Antonio. You may also do the trip in reverse. This part of Texas is wonderful to visit during the springtime. As with New Orleans, the temperatures and humidity are not unbearable, and the crowds are tolerable. There are the beaches down in Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, so the crowds may gravitate there or out of state to places such as Miami or Myrtle Beach. Since we’re not here for the beach, let’s dive into the start of our adventure in Dallas.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metro area is the fourth largest in the U.S., with a population of over 7.6 million, according to the 2020 census. With that many people, you may bet that there’s a lot to do and explore. The exploration begins with an immersion into the quintessential old-west lifestyle. Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards area to see all things cowboy! You may wish to stay at the historic Stockyards Hotel, from 1907, where famous celebrities such as Chuck Norris, Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker and Tim McGraw have all stayed. Visit the Livestock Exchange Building to explore all the activity that occurred in the stockyards, and be sure to stop by the Stockyards Museum to learn all about the history of this area. A behind-the-scenes Herd Experience with the Fort Worth Herd is a must! It will give you some insight into life on the trail with roping, branding and even cattle drive demonstrations with longhorn cattle. For some drinks, go to the White Elephant Saloon and then go to Cattlemen’s, serving up mouth-watering steaks since 1947. As time allows, you may visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and John Wayne: An American Experience museums. For some evening activities, catch a country concert at Billy Bob’s Texas or Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, or for a honkey-tonk good time, you may test your line dancing skills at the Rodeo Exchange. It’ll be grand, I’m sure. Now, let us not forget that we are in Texas, where barbeque has become a staple cuisine. For some of the best BBQ in the state, head to the southern end of Fort Worth, to Goldee’s where brisket reigns king. However, you’ll find all your favorite smoked meats here, from beef to ribs to pulled pork. They even make some amazing banana pudding and homemade bread. Are you salivating yet?
Let’s now head to the Dallas side, where we’re mostly looking at the downtown area. Again, with such a large city, there’s no shortage of things to do! Start your day by walking through the Dallas Farmers Market, perhaps getting some local produce to snack on or gifts to take home to your loved ones. From there, make your way to Dealey Plaza, the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. A little macabre, yes, but an important part of American history. You’ll be able to visit the Grassy Knoll, the Texas School Book Depository (today the Dallas County Administration Building), the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. Take it all in, and once you have had your fill of history, head northeast into downtown Dallas. For some great food, I recommend grabbing a bite at The Woolworth, but you’ll have a huge selection of restaurants to choose from there. Follow your nose and your stomach, I always say. For a great place to stay, get a room at The Adolphus – passion project of Adolphus Busch, yes, cofounder of Anheuser-Busch. This was Dallas’ first true-luxury hotel, built in 1912. Notables, such as presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush to her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, have stayed here. You should treat yourself like royalty and stay as well!
Continuing with our activities, there are three places I highly recommend. Pick and choose as you please. The Dallas World Aquarium is incredible, especially if you love seeing and learning all about marine life. Just to the north of the aquarium is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, one of my top science museums in the nation. It has five floors of extensive exhibits dedicated to science and nature, covering anything from prehistoric time and fossils to the exploration of our universe. Be sure to have at least three hours set aside for a visit to this museum.
Animals and science not your thing? No worries, we have you covered. You may go to the Dallas Museum of Art and find your creative side exploring the many exhibits of art, from sculptures to paintings and everything in between.
No spring-break trip would be complete without a little nighttime fun. For such outings, I recommend going to Deep Ellum, the entertainment district of the Dallas area on the northeast side of downtown. Here, you may listen to live music, get your libations at any of the many bars, indulge in the tasty foods from the concentration of fantastic restaurants and food trucks in the area, and find your quirky side exploring the murals on the buildings. So many options, what to choose?
OK, now that you’ve had some time to see the Dallas and Fort Worth areas, it is time to hop in the car and head south to the capital of Texas, Austin. Of course, your first stop has to be the Texas State Capitol, a grand granite and marble structure that is hard to miss. Speaking of, have you heard of the Capitol Collection? No?! Well, I’m happy to share. My colleague and owner of Treasure Box Tours, Kevin Snow, is also the creator of the Capitol Collection – a booklet where you may get a dated stamp from each capitol building in the United States. Kevin traveled 16,503 miles to visit every single capitol and provide them with these hand-designed stamps. It’s a must-have if you love visiting capitols. Even if you’ve only been to a handful, you may start collecting your stamps today. Don’t have your Capitol Collection book? Great news: you may purchase one at the Texas capitol here in Austin!
Once you’ve toured the capitol and its grounds, there are three museums that may intrigue you. Just to the north is the Bullock Texas State History Museum, where you may learn all about the facts, legends and lore of the Lone Star State. Another incredible place to visit is the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center. This museum “works to create a space where the global contributions of all Black people are celebrated” through the exhibition and preservation of African-American history, expression and culture. If you’d like to tap into your inner child, head over to the Texas Toy Museum, with rotating exhibits on all things toys! Another place to be sure to hit up is the Congress Avenue Bridge to see the large population of Mexican Free-Tailed bats! Don’t worry. They won’t fly into you, as they’re on the lookout for insects and begin to fly at sunset. If you reach the bridge before sunset, you’ll surely hear them chattering. A great lookout location to watch the bats and their nightly flight is Statesman Bat Observation Center, located on the south side of the bridge. The best time of year for viewing the bats is late March to early October. Should you be visiting in mid-March, please note that there is a chance of them not being there.
For a great, luxurious place to stay in the downtown area, I recommend the Fairmont Austin. It’s a part of the Fairmont family of hotels, so you know you’re in for a treat when you stay here. Plus, it’s Austin’s third-tallest building, standing at 595 feet. Why not enjoy the high life while in Texas? Of course, there are many options for your accommodations, ranging from budget to historic. Ultimately, it will be up to you and your desires.
Let’s talk food! Here in Austin, you have plenty of options to satiate your senses, but I’d like to focus on one restaurant. That is Franklin Barbeque. While in Texas, you may as well indulge in some of the best barbeque in the world! Franklin has been consistently rated as a top barbeque joint, and as Texas Monthly would say, “serving the best barbeque in the known universe.” One may not go wrong with ordering some great grub from here, but be prepared to stand in line, sometimes for more than an hour. You may want to arrive early! With activities, accommodations and food covered, let’s continue southward to San Antonio.
As you head south, you’re going to be in Texas Hill Country, and you’ll notice! If you enjoyed the bats in Austin, definitely reach out to the Nature Conservancy to see if you may visit the Bracken Cave Preserve, home to North America’s largest population of Mexican Free-Tailed bats. There are millions of bats that call the Bracken Cave home for a portion of the year, and it is a surreal experience to watch them start their flight at sunset, creating a tornado of bats. Yes, that actually happens! There are so many bats, that they’ll show up on doppler radar from local weather stations. It’s really a wonderful thing for this part of Texas, as insects in the south may be large and true pests. The bats do their best to eat the problem for us. How awesome! The Bracken Cave Preserve is just north of San Antonio, so it would be on your way before entering the city.
Once you have reached San Antonio, you’ll want to head into the heart of the city and stay near the River Walk. There’s a reason this is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike! It’s wonderful to stroll along the San Antonio River for shopping, eating and staying the night. There are several hotels along the River Walk, but one that has always been an easy stay with comfortable, clean rooms is the Hyatt Regency. If you lean toward history, you may wish to stay at the Crockett, dating back to 1909. Definitely be sure to spend some time on the River Walk itself, whether you stay there or farther afield. Start on one side and work your way down in either direction, and then cross over so that you see everything this area has to offer.
Many folks would say that one may not visit San Antonio without going to The Alamo. Don’t miss your opportunity to uncover over 300 years of history and “remember the Alamo.” This is just to the east of the River Walk, a short walk or drive, should you be interested. There are plenty of other things to explore while in San Antonio. I’d recommend checking out the La Villita Historic District, to see art galleries and visit local shops, or head to the observation deck of the Tower of the Americas, standing 750 feet tall and take in all the views.
When it comes to finding food in San Antonio, we’re going to put our focus on Tex-Mex, of course. You may find a restaurant along the River Walk, but if you want to spread your wings and find some genuinely delicious cuisine, be sure to stop by El Milagrito Café, Blanco Café, Garcia’s, La Fonda on Main or Rosario’s. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure.
Your time in San Antonio will round out your Texas adventure. There’s always room for more exploration, and feel free to modify your journey to meet your needs. I hope that with your visits to all three city areas, you’ll have discovered something new and created long-lasting memories!
3. Colorado’s Front Range
Our third trip for spring break exploration is along the Front Range of Colorado. This is my home, perhaps yours too, and while many may wish to get out of the state, perhaps to somewhere warmer (March is often Colorado’s snowiest month, after all), there’s so much to see in Colorado to pique your curiosity and wonder. Visitors and locals alike also think of going straight into the mountains to the ski resorts, skipping over all the excitement that the Front Range has to offer. We’re going to look at this journey from the north to the south, with plenty of stops along the way. Colorado’s Front Range has the concentration of the state’s population stretching along the I-25 corridor. With all of those people, there’s plenty to discover. You may wish to spend anywhere from three to six days traveling along the Front Range for this trip.
The adventure should begin on the north end of the Front Range, in Fort Collins. Home to Colorado State University (go Rams!), Fort Collins is a large city with a small-town feel. A great place to stay is at the Armstrong Hotel in Old Town. Old Town is the historic part of the city and offers many restaurants and shops to explore, great for strolling. Did you know that Disneyland’s Main Street USA got part of its inspiration from Old Town Fort Collins?! When Walt Disney was creating his first theme park, he wanted to have the feel of small-town America. He sent his creative team out across the nation on the search for what he was looking for. Harper Goff, who helped create Main Street USA, grew up in Fort Collins, so in the 1950s he returned and photographed some of the buildings of his childhood to use as models for Disneyland. As you go strolling the streets of Old Town Fort Collins, you may recognize some of the buildings of Main Street USA!
While in town, some great restaurants to be sure to visit are Choice City Butcher & Deli, Coopersmith’s, Ginger and Baker and the Silver Grill Café, a fantastic spot for breakfast where you may get oh-so-delicious cinnamon rolls. Yum! On the north end of Old Town is the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, an interactive museum for all ages. Be sure to catch a show at their OtterBox Digital Dome Theater!
Head south from Old Town and take a visit on the CSU campus. A walk along the original part of campus, the Oval, is a great photo opportunity. The students may be on spring break themselves, so don’t be surprised if it seems a bit quiet.
Fort Collins, and much of Colorado, is conducive to outdoor activities, so hiking may be what you’re looking for here. If so, head to the trailhead for Horsetooth Mountain. Once at the top, you’ll have serene views of Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins. If hiking wouldn’t be your jam, head northwest to the small town of Bellvue, and visit the Morning Fresh Dairy Farm, home to Noosa Yoghurt.
Continue your adventure south from Fort Collins into the Denver metro area. This is the powerhouse of Colorado, with nearly half of the entire state’s population residing in the metro area. It’s also the capital, so don’t forget to stop by the capitol building to get your stamp! Denver has so much to offer, so I’m only going to touch on a few items. Should you be interested in exploring more in-depth, I recommend getting one of our self-guided Treasure Boxes to explore all parts of the city. For now, I’ll highlight some of the key sites to visit, places to stay and restaurants to try.
Some great museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Meow Wolf, an immersive experience into art. Denver Botanic Gardens is also a wonderful place to visit during the springtime, especially as some of the plants come into bloom. Taking a stroll in City, Washington or Cheesman Parks is also a peaceful way to spend your time in the city.
When it comes to accommodations, I love Denver’s oldest still-standing hotel, The Oxford, built in 1891. This hotel is in the LoDo historic district and serves as a great spot to take in some luxury, while having many restaurants and bars nearby. Union Station is also right there, which serves as the transportation hub of the city. If you like haunted things, you may ask for the Murder Room! That’s a tale for another day, perhaps.
For the gastronomy of the city, it’s tough to make any one restaurant recommendation, there are just too many great local restaurants to choose from here. Denver is certainly not a food-desert. Instead, I recommend going to certain areas of the city to find the meal of your choice. Don’t forget to follow your nose and your stomach. The LoDo area has been revitalized in recent years, with a focus of bringing folks back to the area that was once Skid Row. There are lots of restaurants, you will find something. You may also explore the RiNo area to the northeast of downtown, the Highlands or South Broadway. All three areas offer an extensive selection of eateries.
Let’s carry on heading south to Colorado Springs, at the foot of Pikes Peak, known as “America’s Mountain.” This is the city where I was born and raised. In my humble opinion, *cough cough*, Colorado Springs has the most beautiful backdrop of any city along the Front Range. It’s just hard to beat that view of Pikes Peak from almost any vantage point! The Springs, as it’s known locally, is home to several military bases and the U.S. Air Force Academy. As you travel south on I-25, on the north end of the city, you will see the academy’s football stadium and campus on your right. There is a pull-off along the highway for you to get great photos.
There are some fun things to explore in the downtown area of the city, such as the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, where you may take in and learn about the history of the area. One of the most popular destinations, however, is Garden of the Gods, on the west end. Here, you may walk among the gods amidst stunning red sandstone structures carved out by Mother Nature herself. Just west of Colorado Springs is a separate city, Manitou Springs. This is a great place to visit and walk along the main avenue. There is a penny arcade there, which is loads of fun for all ages.
When it comes to places to stay, I would recommend the Cliff House in Manitou Springs, a historic hotel with themed rooms, or at Colorado’s only five-star, five-diamond resort, the Broadmoor, on the southwest side of Colorado Springs. A stay at the Broadmoor is incredible, from beautiful rooms to amazing food. Looking for a great place to eat in Colorado Springs? Edelweiss German Restaurant or Panino’s (or both!) will be sure to please. If you’d prefer something that offers a little more of a quirky experience, you may wish to try out Fargo’s Pizza!
Ah, with the splendors of three cities so far, there are two more to visit and explore! The trip will keep on trekking south for about an hour until you reach Pueblo. This city is full of history and amazing culture. At one time, it was considered the Pittsburg of the West, because of the steel industry in the city. Be sure to visit the Steelworks Center of the West to learn all about this history. If you didn’t want to travel to San Antonio for the River Walk, you may find a smaller version here in Pueblo, along the banks of the Arkansas River! Called the Riverwalk, it’s near downtown and offers some great restaurants and shops with a light strolling along the river. You may also visit the El Pueblo History Museum in this area, or a little farther north, tour the historic Rosemount Museum.
When it comes to eating here in Pueblo, one must be sure to get some good old fashioned green chile. There’s a debate among Pueblo, CO and Hatch, NM on who has the better chiles. Well, that will be up to you to decide, perhaps with a future trip down to New Mexico. Pueblo is known for its chiles, and every September celebrates with the Chile & Frijoles Festival. We’re a bit too early for that, so finding some chiles at a local restaurant will have to suffice. I would recommend trying out Rita’s, a family-run Mexican restaurant near the downtown area.
For places to stay in Pueblo, a tried-and-true hotel is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pueblo Downtown. Comfy beds, clean rooms and great service. It’s also conveniently located near downtown and the Riverwalk.
There’s one more city on our list, so continue south until you come close to the Colorado/New Mexico border, entering the city of Trinidad. The city is often overlooked, but I promise there are many amazing things to discover. Let’s start with a place to stay overnight. Here, I would recommend the Tarabino Inn, a cozy B&B in the heart of downtown. It’s a great jumping-off point for your adventure in Trinidad.
Some really good places to eat are also in the downtown area, including Moose’s and Bella Luna Pizzeria.
While in Trinidad, be sure to visit the history museum that is also downtown. Then, go a little farther afield to Colorado’s newest state park, Fisher’s Peak. It’s a short drive south of town. There are two small hikes you may consider doing once you’re there. Otherwise, take in the view, read the signs and breathe in the ambience. Ahhh.
Return to Trinidad and make a visit to the Art Cartopia Museum. The museum came into being due to the delightful success of ArtoCade, Trinidad’s yearly art-car parade, dedicated to building community through the arts. You’ll be able to see some of the wildest cars your eyes have ever experienced. Once you’ve had your fill, round out your day by going to Simpson’s Rest to take in the views of Trinidad. It’s also a fantastic place for photos, including the Trinidad sign!
At this point, you’ve now completed your Colorado Front Range adventure, touring the five main cities from the northern to southern edge of the state. Each city has a unique identity and offers up a wonderful array of places to see. We’ve barely scratched the tip of the iceberg, but I hope you have found something amazing along the way.
There you have it folks! Three terrific spring-break trips that you may take at your leisure. From the sights and sounds of New Orleans, to the sensations of Texas and the beauty of Colorado, springtime in these areas is well worth your time. Bon voyage!
