Things to do before Summer Break

Despite the fact that it’s snowy and grey in Massachusetts today, spring will soon be upon us. Which means that the best part of the year, back at Wes, will be before us very shortly.

Spring! The time of open windows, blooming flowers, and buds on the trees. The time of lazy weekend afternoons, lounging on Foss Hill between classes, and dinners on the steps behind Olin. Spring Fling and 4/20 and WesFest and Zonker Harris Day (I hope) will bring us all outside in the balmy breezes and fresh spring suns, laying on blankets and towels on the increasingly green grass. Walking around campus without jackets, and bike rides around town. Walks down Main Street and along the river. Collecting bruises as we repeatedly ride down Foss Hill on a narrow strip of soap-soaked plastic sheeting. Spring!

Mm, spring. I can feel it.

So, when I’m looking for weekend getaways (because, between classes and work and volunteering, that’s the only time I can get away), here’s what I’m thinking:

Swimming holes: I came across a nice site cataloguing swimming holes across the country, and it has several listed in Connecticut. Take a look at the photos! Let’s go jumping off of bridges, or hurtling off of rope swings, or even riding down rapids on our bums! The water may be a bit cold, but this looks far too fun to pass up.

Hiking: Even just in Middletown, so much remains unexplored for me. A trip to Wadsworth Falls is a must, and I’d like to see the Little Falls, as well. The Maromas lands are just begging to be hiked, and the area around the river is always interesting. We could see how close we can get to the old missile silos in the P&W site. Then, too, there’s Mt. Higby, which I hear has spectacular views all the way to the Sound. I’ve never visited, and would love to go. Plus, it’s only a few miles west of 324 Wash.

Beaches: ‘Nuff said. But we need to expand our beach portfolio beyond Harvey Beach and Sound View Beach. I love them both, but let’s explore some of the other beaches along the coast. Like things away from the Sound, so we can get some actual waves from the Atlantic. Maybe we could even hit up Misquamicut or Watch Hill in western Rhode Island. Hell, we could even take a day trip to Newport on a nice Saturday. I’m sure my friend Drew would be happy to show us around and take us to the beaches.

Six Flags: The theme park opens April 12. Unfortunately, Hurricane Harbor opens up after we leave school (I think). But we can get discount tickets through AAA, eat cotton candy, and ride the roller coasters all day long.

Music: I’ve already got tickets to The Weakerthans show up in Northampton. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for other exciting shows coming up before school gets out. (Hint: Janet, Dar Williams is playing in Northampton on the same night as The Weakerthans!)

Gambling: Now that most of us are 21, we can legally gamble in Connecticut. We should totes hit up either Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods. Maybe get a room, stay the night, and gamble away some money at the poker tables. We could even pick a weekend where there’s a good musical performance, and go see that, too. This would be expensive but infinitely fun!

Ferries: How awesome is this: between Hartford and I-95, there’s only one crossing over the Connecticut River.* Duh, it’s at Middletown. But wait! I discovered today that two more crossings exist, and they’re equally as cool as our Arrigoni Bridge: ferries! There’s a ferry from Rocky Hill to Glastonbury (north of us) and a ferry from Hadlyme to Chester (south of us). They’re small little things, holding about ten cars with some bikes and people, and the best part is, both are only $1 for cyclists and pedestrians. I don’t care that these things lack any practical value, I just want to go across the river in a ferry at least once (or, well, twice)!

Dining and drinks: Crack-o’-dawn breakfast at O’Rourke’s is an absolute must. One night, post-party, we will not go to bed, and will instead walk downtown and get breakfast before the sun comes up. And it will be delicious. We should also try some new restaurants on the weekends; we’ve been kinda lackluster in getting away from campus most weekend nights. Also, I have yet to experience Bar Night. We should probably do that at least once, since almost all of us are 21.

Biking: I’d like to bike down to the coast from Middletown. It’s only 27 miles via Saybrook Road and Route 154. We can pack a lunch and refresh ourselves at the beach before heading back.

Picnic: We’ve got a big backyard and an even bigger plot of empty land behind it. I say, Why let it go to waste? Plus, those huge trees we’ve got back there will be beautiful with leaves on them. We should pack a picnic and lay out a blanket in the backyard, bring out some music and maybe play a game of kickball. Or even just throw the frisbee around. Totally easy, totally appetizing, and totally fun. We can even invite all our friends.

Oldies Party: How could I forget about my Oldies Soirée? It’s got class, it’s got classic music, and it’s definitely happening as described.

I’m sure more ideas will come to me (especially in the outdoors category that I love so much), but for now this is all I can think of. Any other suggestions?

* EDIT: I think I’m wrong. Route 82 crosses over the river to our south, into East Haddam. Oops.