Have you ever taken in all the sights, sounds and smells that Elgin has to offer?

Here’s your chance to spend your spring break actually doing something besides watching Netflix and playing video games.

You don’t even have to spend money to participate in some of these things!

Plan a potluck, it’s a great way to broaden your horizons and try new things with your friends. Who knows, you might walk away with some new recipes and a few new favorite meals.

Another option is to make or grab yourself a lunch to have a picnic in the park. Local parks include Wing Park, Lords Park, or Burnidge Forest Preserve just to name a few. They have all the makings for an aesthetically pleasing lunch. They also have fresh air, and who doesn’t love fresh air? But please remember to pick up your garbage and throw it away. We want to keep those parks in tip-top shape so we can continue coming back to relish in its grandeur.

If you’re feeling adventurous or need a good dare while playing Truth or Dare, try the brown sugar chipotle sandwich at Dunkin Donuts, it’s only $4.09 and sounds like an interesting mix of flavors. If you end up trying this during spring break let us know how it was, and we might put your response in the paper!

Like movies? So do your friends. Plan a day to have a movie marathon have everyone bring their favorite movie along with their favorite snack to sit back, relax, and enjoy each others company.

If you’ve never been to Elgin’s downtown area, you’ve been missing out. Let me tell you some things you can get into while visiting. First and foremost, you’ve got to try Elgin Public House on Chicago Street. I’ve tried quite a few different things from there, and all have been delicious. Fried pickles, they got them, burgers, they have those too, they even have a bison patty you can try if you’re feeling dangerous.

After your meal at Elgin Public House, you can walk across the street to Top Notch and get yourself a tattoo (only if you’re 18 and over.) This will cost some money, but if you’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo why not let this be your excuse, just go out and get it. What a marvelous way to remember your spring break by permanently documenting it on your skin.

If tattoos are not your thing, but you appreciate art we’ve got you covered. Around the corner from Elgin Public House is an art gallery called Side Street Studio Arts. It’s open Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 3 pm. Side Street Studio Arts has a friendly staff along with wonderful artwork from local artists. Who knows, you might recognize a few names.

Have a Tinder or Bumble date during spring break, and don’t know where to meet? Try downtown Elgin’s Blue Box Cafe. If you’re a Doctor Who fan this place was made for you, and if you’re not a Doctor Who fan, this place is still made for you. The Blue Box is a coffee bar and deli, with tasty food, delicious drinks, and a laid-back environment. You can even meet up with your study group if you feel like getting some work done during spring break.

Or if you’re not into spending time with friends over break here are some things you can do by yourself, but still enjoy your time.

On Tuesday and Thursday at Marcus Elgin Cinema you can see a movie for $5. Just make sure to bring your student ID on Thursday’s if you want to get in for $5. Go see that movie you’ve been meaning to see or see a movie you normally wouldn’t have chosen, it’s only $5! Not to mention it’s a pretty cheap date idea if you’re looking to take that special someone out while on a budget.

Pick up a book that’s not a textbook. Reading a book during your break will help keep your mind active and your imagination wild with ideas. It’s a productive way to spend your free time alone with no interruptions.

Organize your study space. This will give you time to yourself, along with preparing your study space for a smooth ending to the rest of the semester.

I hope that at least one of these spring break suggestions has sparked your interest. Get out there and try something new during spring break! If you’ve tried one of our suggestions let us know at [email protected]. Whatever you end up doing remember to enjoy your time.