Spring Break not just for the kids

Weather patterns of snow and rain have worn out their welcome for some travelers by now who want to emulate this year’s college spring breakers in looking for somewhere else to go.
 

College breakers are usually associated with beaches such as those found in Cancun and Florida but if you want to avoid the sun, there are many diverse areas that have emerged in recent years as “spring breaks” for adult and family travelers.
 

Here are some:
 

—It’s that time of year again when boys will be boys, and baseball’s spring training begins. All these areas from Arizona to Florida are in sunny destinations, a welcome relief to winter-bound residents. Besides, it’s easier here to get an autograph than during the regular season.
 

—Yosemite National Park has long been a magnet for nature lovers. “In summer, this burst of affection can make the park feel a bit crowded. But in the spring, there are less people competing for prime photo ops,” says eHow.
 

—A highlight of Hawaii in the spring is beating crowds. The state also offers a variety of events such as the week-long annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Thousands of leis decorate the city and cover the statues of the state’s most beloved figures, ranging from kings to Olympic swimmers.
 

—Las Vegas. “All the same basic levels of debauchery (as college spring break), but with better food and drink options,” suggests College Crunch.
 

—Washington, DC appeals to the budget-minded adult who finds tons of free museums. But it also appeals to the entire family because of its many historical sites. St. Louis has laws requiring free museums, so it is also a Mecca for tourists with small wallets.
 

—New York City also has spring break style crowds and its hotels are expensive but it has also been known for years for its great food and diverse sights, including its many art museums.
 

—Orlando has long outgrown its theme park roots and expanded into a desirable destination for everyone. This is also a golf mecca with so much to see for both adults and children that tourism officials say you can spend months and only visit a tiny fraction of all the attractions.
 

—Guests booking the west’s many dude ranches have declined to the point where they are an endangered species but getting away to rope cows and ride horses is a real get-away for cramped city tourists who are tired of the congestion and yearn for the wide open spaces.
 

—Another place to get away is the famous Wisconsin Dells, which only boasts a metro population of 5,000 people but bills itself as the water park capital of the world thanks to the indoor and outdoor parks that cover close to 70 acres.
 

—Mid-March isn’t too late to get some skiing done. In fact, you can often get milder temperatures and better snow packing. It’s late enough in the season that you can avoid most other tourists.
 

—The Appalachian Trail is more than 2,100 miles long; needless to say, this is not something you can just breeze through during spring break. But it covers so much ground and is easily accessed from so many states that it’s perfect for weekend- or week-long excursions. The official site can help you plan your trip.
 

—If you have the time and inclination for a longer spring vacation, and a longing to see acres of colorful tulips, a long-favored destination is the Netherlands. The largest flower garden is the Keukenhof, near the towns of Hillegom and Lisse, and it has been welcoming guests since 1949.
 

By David Wilkening