Spring break is fast approaching. While many of you have reservations booked to exotic, tropical destinations, some may not have the working capital to sponsor such vacations. Today I present you with a plan for the nine days of spring break for those stuck in Troy. Whatever you decide to do, remember: it is entirely unacceptable to do school work over break. You must relax and unwind. Enjoy your youth.
Day 1, Saturday, March 6: Sleep in. Then head into Albany for the MAAC Division I College Basketball Tournament at Pepsi Arena. Games are scheduled for 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. Afterward, enjoy the eateries on Pearl Street for dinner. Take note that RPI may be playing in the ECAC Hockey Tournament on campus this weekend, so you are expected to be at the Field House for those games.
Day 2, Sunday: Sleep in. Spend the day in Saratoga Springs. Start with brunch, such as the Sunday Jazz Brunch at the Inn at Saratoga, downtown on Broadway. Wander the streets of this fine city, and enjoy the fact that you are visiting during the off-season, without 10,000 rude tourists from New York bumping into you in every shop. Lament the cold weater. Stop into Bailey’s Cafe, at the corner of Phila and Putnam, for a hot chocolate. Consider taking in the unique dinner-and-a-movie experience at the Off Broadway Theatre and Grill, in the shopping mall on Congress Street, just south of Broadway.
Day 3, Monday: Sleep in. Take a free guided tour of the historic nineteenth century state capitol building on State Street in Albany. Reservations are necessary, so call well in advance to the Visitors Assistance Desk at the Office of General Services at 474-2418. Spend the remainder of the day visiting the New York State Museum at the Empire State Plaza.
Day 4, Tuesday: Sleep in. This is a culture day. Drive east on Route 2 for about an hour to Williamstown, Massachusetts. Walk the campus of Williams College, and visit the museums and galleries of this quaint town. Continue to North Adams to visit MassMoCA, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
Day 5, Wednesday: Do not sleep in. Instead, go skiing! My informant at the RPI Ski Club suggests Gore Mountain. He says that, for a price, they will hook you up with skis, lessons, and an all-day lift pass for some truly excellent winter fun. Figure about an hour on the Northway to Warrensburg, then a half hour on scenic country roads to the mountain in North Creek, New York.
Day 6, Thursday: Sleep in. Head east on Route 7 into Vermont, for a peaceful day in charming Bennington. The GM has a soft spot for this town, after spending a magical day there with a friend this summer. Start your adventure with a visit to the Bennington Battle Monument, a 306 foot high stone obelisk commemorating an important battle in the Revolutionary War. Then drive downtown and park on Main Street in the heart of the town. Enjoy lunch at All Days and Onions. Walk back toward the center of town, and note Shaffe’s Men’s Shop on your left, where your GM’s top hat was purchased. Make sure you also stop at the Village Chocolate Shoppe a few doors down for an incredible snack.
Day 7, Friday: Three days left. An exciting weekend in New York City? A getaway to Boston? Or a relaxing weekend on the couch with a fine selection of video games?
Regardless of what you decide, make sure you plan a vacation for your brain, so you will have the endurance to finish off the semester in high academic standing.
