It may seem like Winter is never-ending, but Spring is right around the corner and if there is one way to beat the winter blues, it is thinking about the next adventure. We came up with the perfect spring break destinations you may not have thought of yet. We’ve done our research and considered factors such as crowd control (nobody really wants to be swamped with drunken college goers), budget, and activities available. Here are our top picks. We’d love for you to share your favorite hidden gem destinations in the comments!
Spring Break Destinations You Have Not Thought of Yet:
PHOTO: Our State
Asheville, North Carolina
This is a great spot for avoiding all those pesky crowds that typically come with spring break. It’s packed with tons of outdoor activities, great shops and food, plus the amazing mountain scenery. There are also a ton of local breweries to check out, which we love.
PHOTO: Our State
PHOTO: Girls Verses Dough
Must-Dos in Asheville:
- Take in the views of Blue Ridge Parkway.
- There are so many options for hiking trails in the area. Here is a great list to help you get started.(Our favorite one involves a waterfall.)
- Explore the Biltmore estate. (You’ll feel like you just traveled to France.)
- Shop The River Arts District (There are more than 165 local artists and crafters are at work.)
PHOTO: Treats & Trends
PHOTO: Local Adventurer
Must Eats in Asheville:
- Green Man Brewery (Has a great IPA.)
- The Funkatorium and Wicked Weed Brew Pub (The menu will seem a bit wacky, so your bartender is your best friend.)
- 12 Bones Smokehouse (DON’T skip out on the corn pudding.)
- All Souls Pizza
- Smoky Park Supper Club (It’s a unique concept and is housed in shipping containers. The Carolina shrimp are AMAZING.)
PHOTO: Asheville Glamping
Where to Stay in Asheville:
- Asheville Glamping (From teepees to yurts to fabulous travel trailers this is your ultimate glamping paradise.)
- Bunn House (A historic, yet super luxurious option.)
- Princess Ann Hotel (A whole lot of charm at this location.)
PHOTO: Love & Loathing
PHOTO: Whimsy Soul
Scottsdale, Arizona
Arizona is probably not one of your first thoughts when you think of an amazing art scene, but it should be. Scottsdale has so much to offer for the entire family. Amazing views to hike, sunsets to-die-for, comfortable lounging poolside in March (yes, please), hundreds of jaw-dropping galleries and art museums to visit, and some really amazing eats. The desert terrain really gets all of our creative juices flowing too. You can even take a short day trip to Sedona or Grand Canyon National Park.
PHOTO: Arizona Balloon Safaris
Must-Do’s While in Scottsdale:
- Hot air balloon tour of the city (A MUST MUST DO!)
- Sunrise hike on Sun Rise Peak Trail
- If you want a more challenging hike: Camelback Mountain
- Bike around town with LimeBike, simply rent a bike and drop it off at easy to find stations around town.
- Wine tasting and shopping in Old Town (Lots of fabulous local artisan made goods here, save room in your suitcase.)
- There are hundreds of fabulous golf courses if that’s your thing.
- Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the US so be sure to schedule some time for pampering yourself.
PHOTO: Ruze Cake House
PHOTO: Broma Bakery
Must Eats in Scottsdale:
- You MUST eat and enjoy a happy hour at Diego Pops
- Grab a sweet treat at Ruze Cake House (It is like walking into the instagramable daydream of a sweet shop, seriously.)
- Lunch at Cowboy Ciao (Perfect places to grab a bite when shopping in Old Town, get their famous chopped salad. IT IS THE BEST.)
- Dinner at The Fat Ox (You’re going to need a reservation for this one, but it is totally worth it.)
PHOTO: Saguaro Hotel
Where to stay in Scottsdale:
There are many fabulous resorts and even Airbnb options in Scottsdale some of our favorites include:
- The Andaza Scottsdale
- Hotel Valley Ho (Great for poolside drink sipping.)
- The Saguaro Hotel (The colors alone are a reason to stay here, you’ll feel like you just walked into a storybook. Good luck putting your camera down.)
PHOTO: City of Austin
Austin, Texas
G calls this place home for some of the year, and there is no better time to see Austin than in the spring. There are tons of fun activities the whole family will enjoy and some great budget-friendly options too. The weather is lovely (not too hot yet) and the scenery is divine. G has a full insider’s guide and itinerary you can see HERE. The following are our team’s favorite high notes you must do if you plan on going to Austin for spring break.
Must-dos in Austin:
- See a show: Austin’s famed music venues include: The Moody Theater, The Mohawk, Emo’s, Stubb’s and The Erwin Center look up who’s playing while you’re in town and schedule time to go (Its an experience like no other.)
- Visit Barton Springs Pool (Something truly amazing and so uniquely Austin.)
- Take a tour of the murals of Austin (There are so many great ones to see, your Instagram feed will thank you.)
- The Broken Spoke is G’s favorite place to go two-stepping, and no experience is required.
- If shopping is your thing check out Uncommon Objects and JM Drygoods, (Both are filled with fabulous and unique finds.)
Must Eats in Austin:
- The Mixta con Pollo Rostizado at La Condesa (You can only going during the week for lunch, but G says it is a MUST.)
- 2nd Bar and Kitchen (Here they serve a fried egg and avocado Sandwich we’d kill for.)
- Tacodeli (An Austin institution with the BEST TACOS EVER, seriously.)
- Midnight Cowboy The perfect spot for a drink. (Important to note: it disguises itself as a massage parlor on the outside, but inside serious mixology is going on. Book in advance and wait for instructions.)
Where to stay in Austin:
- Hotel Saint Cecilia (G says this is her favorite in the whole country, need we say more?)
- The Austin Motel (BEST LOCATION)
- South Congress Hotel (great pool, shops, and restaurants)
