Students across the country will soon flock to Florida beaches to celebrate spring break season. But that isn’t always easy on a college student budget.
So, here are a few ideas that can help you make the most of your time off.
Watch a “whodunit” show (March 11-20)
The St. Petersburg City Theatre will host a production of Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee, the famous author’s first piece written for the stage.
The tale, which is a part of an installment in Christie’s stories, features detective Hercule Poirot, a Frenchman with a keen nose for the truth. The plot follows the classic “whodunit” style and is sure to please even reluctant theatergoers.
The play runs March 11-20 and offers $10 student tickets with a valid university ID. Go to http://www.spcitytheatre.org for more details.
Go back in time at the Renaissance Festival (Feb. 6- March 20)
The Bay Area’s annual Renaissance Festival is well underway.
Spend the day dressed up, or go in your 21st century garb, and watch people dance, joust and sword fight while eating massive amounts of delicious food.
Festival-goers of all ages prepare to learn the May Pole dance, one of several authentic activities available at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival.
The festival only operates on weekends.
Student tickets can be purchased in advance from Walgreen’s for $11.95. For more information visit http://www.bayarearenfest.com/
Serendipitous with Strawberries (March 3- 13)
Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival has one main element of an excellent festival – food.
And if you have time in between eating, check out the mechanical rides and daily live music performances.
Advance tickets can be purchased at Publix for $8.
Go to http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/ for more information.
Take a Hike
The Weedon Island and Boyd Hill Nature Preserves are available for exploration.
On opposite ends of Pinellas County, the parks offer distinct natural features and are perfect for an afternoon stroll.
A small fee of $3 is required for the Boyd Hill area, but Weedon Island is free.
No pets are allowed in nature preserves.
Kiss a Manatee
Or at least blow a kiss from the viewing area located by the TECO power plant on Apollo Beach. Manatees frequent the area during the colder months because of the warm water running out of the plant.
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Admission and parking is free.
Across the Skyway: Sarasota
While the beaches in St. Pete are great, Sarasota is home to Siesta Key – a quaint beach-side mecca for eating and drinking. The sand is even whiter and finer than those in Pinellas County.
While you’re there, stop by the Ringling Museum of Art. Tickets are just $5 with a student ID.
Go to https:#www.ringling.org/ for hours and more information.
Roller Coasters
Busch Gardens is holding its annual sale on “pay for a day, play for a year” cards.
For $99, you can gain access to the main park as well as its neighboring water park for an unlimited number of days through the end of 2016.
No matter how you celebrate spring break, stay safe, relax, and enjoy.
