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Spring break destinations in Duluth
BY JAMI REINHART
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
ISSUE: 78/24
TYLER SWEENY/STATESMAN
It’s almost here; the week that offers students a much-needed break from tests, homework, early-morning classes and for some, even the cold temperatures: spring break. “Most of my friends are leaving [for spring break], so I am going down to the cities,” said senior Chloe Respet. “It’s just the time of year when there’s not much to do here.”
While many students may be heading home for break, or for those that have been preparing for a while now, visiting the tanning salon or putting in more hours to earn some extra spending cash, there are others who may be staying in Duluth over spring break. “I have been here for a few spring breaks, and it’s been fine,” said sophomore Amy VanOvermeiren, who is native to the area. “It is cold, but it’s not that bad. I have gone tubing before, which was really fun.”
Though to some, Duluth may not seem like the ideal vacation hot spot, it’s possible that it may have more to offer than expected. So if you find yourself wondering what to do, don’t let the cold weather and dirty-white landscape get you down. If the winter weather is not bringing you down, or you’d like to take advantage of its departing months, stop by Giant’s Ridge, March 15-16 for its Spring Carnival: Slush Cup and Wig-Out Weekend.
The Spring Carnival offers an outdoor barbeque, a swimsuit ski/board competition, Wigs and Ridge Doo’s, games and contests, live music, bagpipers, prizes and specials. Giant’s Ridge is also offering $20/day lift tickets Monday-Friday through March 21 for college students when they show their college ID. If you are a fan of the snow, or if mixing the cold weather temps with some warm-weather trends sounds appealing, check out Spirit Mountain for its traditional Spring Break Luau on Saturday, March 24.
Some of the events at the luau include four live bands, barrel jumping, plastic sled races, box racing, water skipping, furniture races and a Hawaiian costume contest. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of some of the events. “It’s our big end of the year celebration that leads us into spring,” said Director of Marketing and Sales at Spirit Mountain Briana Johnson. “It’s a really fun day to come out and celebrate. Even if you don’t ski, there are plenty of events to take part in or watch.” Whatever the reason for not traveling outside Duluth for the week, if indulging in the snow and chilly temps does not sound like the ideal break, the city has some indoor activities to offer, too.
For starters—though it may not be comparable to the real deal—if it’s the nice golden tan you feel you will be missing out on, try a couple sessions at a local tanning salon, like Mt. Royal, AJ’s or Sun City. After getting started on a golden glow, why not take a day or two vacation to the indoor tropical locale at the Edgewater Resort and Water Park? Though it may seem like a splurge, compared to the price of airfare or an all-inclusive trip, a night or weekend stay at the Edge could be a nice substitute for missing out on the true tropical temps or beach-like feel. Take a look at the deals offered during its Spring Break Splashin’ Weekdays, offered March 9-April 3.
For those looking to save some money, Fitger’s annual Bockfest will be held March 13-15 in the Fitger’s Courtyard. Among some of the offered amenities during the Bockfest are the Blackforest torte eating contest, stein races, campfires in the Courtyard, a beer drinking competition and live entertainment. If you are feeling brave, jump into Lake Superior for the Polar Bear Plunge event and receive a free T-shirt. “It is open to anyone,” said Mall manager at Fitger’s Tami Tanski Sherman. “It’s all free, with the exception of the food and the beer, and there are a lot of prizes that will be given to the winners of the events.”
New to this year’s Bockfest is a special German Bockfest menu, featured by the Midi Restaurant and Wine bar. “The food will be amazing,” said Tanski Sherman. So, if you are one of those staying around town for spring break, create your own tropical vacation right here in Duluth, or enjoy winter while it’s still around.
