Top Places to Travel Spring 2013

Has Spring Fever awakened your travel senses? If so, check out our list of gorgeous springtime travel destinations. There’s plenty to do and see; it’s just a matter of narrowing down where to go. Happy travels!

New York City, New York

Baseball season brings about Yankees and Mets fans to the stadiums ready to cheer on their favorite teams.  The beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden brings families together to check out the scenery, and the Tribeca Film Festival (April 18–29) is an event most people do not want to miss!   Last, but definitely not least, don’t forget to check out the new Steins’ exhibit Matisse, Picasso, and the Parisian Avant-Garde at the Met.

Miami, Florida

Treat yourself to some amazing food and drinks at the Miami Wine & Food Festival (April 18–21); Sports fans are eager to check out the new state-of-the-art Miami Marlins stadium. I heard that aquariums are set behind home plate!

Toronto, Canada

There are plenty of cultural options here, like museums, theater, art galleries, and shopping.  Since this is a harbor town off Lake Ontario, there are also plenty of affordable outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, biking, and canoeing, especially around the Toronto Islands. The ethnic food scene is one of the best in the world because most people that presently live there come from all around the world.

Nashville, Tennessee

This is a beautiful city, with much to do.  This spring, a brand-new, $585 million, 118,000-square-foot convention center will be opening downtown.  Nashville is still the capital of the country music world, so don’t forget to check out the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum.  Put on those cowboy boots and explore this beautiful city.

Denver, Colorado

Take a tour of the Denver Art Museum. The 10-acre Toyota Elephant Passage at the Denver Zoo will leave you filled with excitement!

 
- Denver Art Museum [Photo Credit]

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Plan Your Very Own Spring Fling Party

 

                         Photo Credit 

     Spring has finally arrived!  I have been daydreaming about the beautiful, sunny weather for months.  There are plenty of fun things that spring brings- (try saying that sentence 5 times fast!)  One of the great things about spring is the Spring Fling!  For some that do not know what this is, it is an annual festival for the students at the end of each Spring semester, usually beginning on the Friday of the second to last week of the semester and continuing until Saturday night.  It is a very large social event and tradition held for many years.  It’s a time of the year to celebrate… life?  Well, all I know is that it’s fun, especially when you have your very own Spring Fling!  Since many schools do not offer Spring Fling festivals, this does not mean you can’t have one yourself!   Here are some tips on planning your very own Spring Fling party:

Decorations

Think: Colorful.  Start off with a couple of colorful balloons- yellow, orange, green and pink.  If you want to go a bit further, try this sun balloon: http://bit.ly/WCJrcJ

Place flowers around your party area.  Nothing says Spring more like a bunch of flowers surrounding you.

Party Favors

Keep it simple, yet fun.  Give away colorful sunglasses as party favors to your guests as they walk in.  That way, they will also be part of the décor of your party.  Try these: http://bit.ly/13akGtE

Food

Spring is all about nature, and being outdoors, so remember to keep it fresh and colorful.  Here are some ideas:  Appetizers- fresh fruits and veggies with ranch dip. Main course- grilled chicken and fresh sweet pepper shish kabobs served with a spinach walnut and cranberry salad. Desert- Pink, green, and yellow frosted cupcakes.

Drinks

Punch bowl, Iced Teas, fresh fruit smoothies, and lemonade.

Games

Pass the Orange: All you need are two teams of adults, and two oranges. Divide the adults so that there is an equal number on each team.  The adults on each team stand next to each other. Give the first adult on each team the orange. Once you say, “Start,” the adult will place the orange between his or her chin and neck, and then without using hands, pass it to the next member of the team in his or her chin and neck. The team that gets the orange to the end of the line first (without dropping it) wins the game!

Pin the Bee on the Flower: This is a copy off of the classic pin the tail on the donkey game and requires a few props.  Draw a colorful flower on a large piece of poster board. Cut out a Bee drawing from construction paper with a piece of double stick tape on one side. Players take turns trying to stick the bee on the flower while blindfolded.

Egg Spoon Race: An egg spoon race encourages guests to get up from their seats and enjoy the spring weather. Players assemble at the starting line holding an egg balanced on a spoon. They must race to a chosen location and back to the starting line without losing their egg, and cannot hold onto the egg while running. Using hard boiled eggs is generally recommended, especially if the game is to be played indoors.  You don’t want this to get messy!

 

Last, but not least, blast some of your favorite tunes, and have a great time!