Let’s face it. Most of us can’t buy an airplane ticket to Cancun or to Paris for every Spring break, especially since Spring break is only a couple weeks away. Most college students attempt to live within a budget, making it even harder to save for a fun getaway. However, there are a number of low price activities located in the Hudson Valley which college students can check out during Spring break without having to go to the big city or jump on an airplane.
One of my recent discoveries is The Castle in Chester, NY. The Castle is only thirty minutes away from Mount Saint Mary College. The activities available at this location include mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, an arcade, roller skating rink, laser tag, laser maze, a climbing wall, and a driving range. The prices range from as low as $6.00 for go-carting to as high as $9.00/person for an evening of roller skating. The Castle is open Wednesday thru Sunday. There are an endless number of things to do in The Castle so you definitely won’t regret on coming there. It’s a place where everyone is assured of having fun.
After a fun day at the Castle, another activity one can engage in during spring break is hiking. The Hudson Valley abounds with great hiking trails that you and your friends can explore to your heart’s content. The best thing about hiking is that it is free. There are different types of trails for all levels of hikers, from beginners to the most advanced. There are many great scenic trails ideally suited for the beginning or casual hiker. One of my favorites is on Cornwall’s Black Rock Forest Trail. A trek that is more for the advanced hiker is the Shawangunk's mountain trail, which covers more than 100 miles. The trails are well maintained and adequately marked so it is difficult for one to get lost. It is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy nature and all its surroundings.
If you’re over 21 and enjoy a good wine, one of the best treats the Hudson Valley can offer you are its great selection of wineries. You and your friends can treat yourselves to a full day on the Shawangunk wine trail. Your first stop will be at Adair Vineyards located in New Paltz. Adair Vineyards tasting is only $4 per person and all their grapes are locally grown. Your next stop on the wine trail is Whitecliff Vineyard. This Vineyard has a beautiful view of Shawangunk Mountain. It is well known for its famous Chardonnay. The tasting at this location costs $5, which includes your selection of four reds and four white wines for your tasting delight. The third stop is Baldwin vineyards in Pine Bush, which costs $4 per tasting. Your last stop and one of my personal favorites is Brimstone Hill Vineyard in Pine Bush. Their tasting will cost you only $2 per person. Their white wines are reasonable priced and you can actually walk though the vineyard and take pictures. Going on a wine trail hike will be an exhilarating experience for anyone’s Spring break. Just don’t forget to bring enough snacks like cheese and crackers.