Popular spring break options: Cancun, Florida, the Bahamas, Binghamton … yes, you read right, some students will be spending their spring break right here in Binghamton. Now you might ask yourself, what is there to do in this city while your friends are frolicking on warm beaches?

It may surprise you but Binghamton and the surrounding areas have plenty to offer a college student with nothing to do for a week.

Though many students look for warm weather, some may want to enjoy the last few days of the cold. Greek Peak, though they are no longer making snow for the season, will be open for skiers. Located 37 miles away, Greek Peak is just a short drive away and students can hit the slopes one last time.

As we all know, Binghamton weather can be very unpredictable. If we have a few days of warm weather, you should hit up the Nature Preserve on campus. You can hike through the trails and check out Binghamton University in the early spring.

If you are going to explore campus, you should also try venturing out to the City. Nice weather will give students a chance to visit some of the parks in the area, such as Recreation Park.

Nathan McKenney, a senior biology major, said he will be spending his spring break in Binghamton and looks forward to the possibility of warm weather.

“I’ll be working most of the time, but I hope that we get some nice weather so I can go to Recreation Park with my friends,” McKenney said.

The Roberson Museum and Science Center or the ART Mission and Theater can fill those rainy afternoons residents of Binghamton are all too familiar with. Jean Marie McGowan, a senior pre-med major, said she would be interested in spending a day at the Roberson Museum.

“The Roberson has a lot to offer students,” McGowan said. “The planetarium at the museum sounds very interesting, and I would like to visit it someday.”

Take this time to engage in some new activities. Be creative in your Binghamton spring break by branching out and doing things you normally would not do.

As many students are aware, Binghamton is the self proclaimed “Carousel Capital of the World.” Though not all the carousels of the area are open for the season, you can get a jump-start by riding some of them. After riding them all, you can get a button stating your completed them all.

If you’re on a fake-animal-riding kick, perhaps riding a mechanical bull at Magic City Music Hall’s “Honky Tonk Night” is something you might like. This can be done while listening to country music and square dancing.

After midterms and working hard for half a semester, leaving Binghamton for a day or two may be what you need. Hit the road with a couple friends and see what the neighboring areas have to offer.

A little over an hour away, west of Binghamton, is Ithaca, a fun town to just walk around. Little shops, restaurants and the Ithaca Beer Company will provide some escape from your stressful semester. If you seek some scenery, Ithaca has some state parks to take in such as Buttermilk Falls State Park.

Another mini road trip destination is Corning. Also located just over an hour away west of us, Corning is home to the Corning Museum of Glass. The museum offers special rates for students, and you even have a chance to make your own glass.