Don't Let Spring Break the Bank
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Learn about budget-friendly ways to spend your spring break!
By Brooke Girse
Learn about budget-friendly ways to spend your spring break!
Spring Break is meant to be a time for students to take a much-needed break from the everyday stress of responsibility, and just have fun and relax, but when you’re living on a budget, finding ways to enjoy spring break can mean more stress than fun. In fact, it might feel as if you have to forget spring break altogether. Fortunately for students living in southeastern Idaho, there are plenty of things to do without the added costs of airfare, hotels, and Ubers or rental cars. Here are some fun ideas for a relaxing and exciting staycation right here at home without breaking the bank.
Visit a hot spring
Whether there is snow, rain, or sunshine, a soak in a natural hot spring is always a good idea! Lucky for us, no matter where you live in southern Idaho there is always a hot spring nearby. One of the most well-known is Lava Hot Springs, located 30-35 minutes away from Pocatello. Lava Hot Springs has 5 natural mineral water outdoor hot pools with temperatures that range from 102 degrees to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. They are open daily from 9 am to 10 pm Sunday - Thursday and 9 am-11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Feeling hungry after a soak? Stop by the Riverwalk Thai Food restaurant located just above the hot pools, for some delicious Thai food at a reasonable price.
A lesser-known hot spring in the Idaho Falls area is Heise Hot Springs. It’s a local, hidden gem located 30 minutes away from Idaho Falls in Ririe, Idaho. Their indoor natural mineral hot pool has a temperature of 104 degrees, perfect for relaxing, and a freshwater pool kept at about 92 degrees, perfect for swimming. They are open Monday-Friday from 2 pm - 10 pm and 10 am - 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Prices are $12 for those over the age of 12. But you can’t go to Heise Hot Springs without stopping at the Heise Pizza Parlor, known for their “legendary pizza”. Just up the road from the Hot Pools, Heise Pizza Parlor is locally owned and operated. After soaking in the hot pools, dry off and relax by a cozy fireplace located just below Kelly Canyon ski resort.
Hit the slopes
Living in Idaho means living with unpredictable weather, and getting nearly a foot of snow in some areas in the springtime can be a blessing or a curse. If you love the snow, then you know that a ski trip to one of our local ski resorts is perfect for a spring break staycation this year. If you have never been skiing, now might be the time to try something new.
If you’re in Pocatello and you don’t want to travel far, Pebble Creek Ski Area is less than half an hour away. They have classes available for beginners available on weekdays during spring break. The price for lessons is $75 and includes a group lesson in the morning, a lift ticket, and rental equipment. For experienced skiers, the cost is $69 for the full day or $54 for a half-day pass. If you decide you want to spend your spring break skiing daily, 5-day passes are available for $276, so you pay for 4 days and get an extra day for free
As mentioned before, Kelly Canyon is just up the road from Heise Hot Springs. Daily lift tickets range from $59-$99 and discounts are available to college students with valid student IDs. Since Heise is at the bottom of the hill near Kelly Canyon, it makes a great place to ski during the day, refuel with some pizza, and soak your aching muscles in the natural mineral hot pool.
Take a day trip
Road trips are the best. It’s always fun to jump in the car, with your favorite road trip playlist and explore a new area or visit some of your favorite nearby towns. If you live in Pocatello, a day trip to Idaho Falls can be both entertaining and inexpensive. You can spend the afternoon walking around the greenbelt feeding the ducks and admiring the scenery. No need to drive anywhere for lunch, there are plenty of restaurants nearby in downtown Idaho Falls within walking distance from the falls. And if museums are something you are interested in, there are three in the area: The Museum of Idaho, The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, and The ARTitorium. If you’re interested in marine life, Idaho Falls has the East Idaho Aquarium. There are plenty of stores for shopping and restaurants to eat at, and when you have had your fill, you can finish your night at the Mountain America Event Center cheering on the local hockey team, the Spud Kings. They have two games scheduled during the week of spring break.
Stay home and recharge
Even if you can’t afford to leave town or you have to work, there are plenty of activities for you to do right here in your own town. See what is playing at the Bengal Theater, which is always free for students. Go to the Museum of Natural History. Check out the Spring Fair at the ICCU Dome March 21st-23rd, or Season of the Note Mania-The ABBA tribute at the Stephen Performing Arts Center on March 23rd. Or you can simply stay home to recharge your batteries, make self-care a priority, and take a much-needed break from your regular responsibilities.
Whether it’s relaxing in the therapeutic mineral waters of the local hot springs, getting a little physical activity on the slopes at the local ski resorts, clearing your mind on a fun day trip out of town, or a rejuvenating self-care week at home, be sure to do something you enjoy, so you can get back to school refreshed, recharged, and ready for the rest of your spring semester.
Photos:
https://www.isu.edu/stephens/venues/
https://www.lhermitagevancouver.com/blog/planning-your-vancouver-staycation/