First in a series about day trips from Davidson.
For those of you who aren’t flying somewhere exotic for spring break, you can still scratch your traveling itch. All you need is a full tank of gas and a day open to adventure in order to maximize Davidson’s great location in North Carolina. Day trips are a perfect way to get away from campus, bond with friends, and explore a new place. With all of these locations within an hour of Davidson, you’ll have the chance to knock out a number of them in our week break.
Just remember to make a good playlist, choose a new audiobook, or download some podcast episodes before you leave!
1. Anne Springs Close Greenway (1 hr)
Take a day off from New Dorm’s gym and get your exercise from walking this greenway in South Carolina. With over 40 miles of trails, this beautiful spot will be worth the $5 daily fee. There’s also camping, boating, fishing, and geocaching if any of those activities strike your fancy. Plus historical trails, an old mill, lakes, fish ponds—connect with your inner nature lover with a day in the woods.
2. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (1 hr)
Although admission is $12.95, these botanical gardens are picturesque enough to feature in many couples’ wedding pictures. Bring a picnic basket. Bring a book to read in the grass. Bring art supplies to draw the scenery if that’s your thing. They even have yoga sessions!
3. U.S. National Whitewater Center (45 min)
Whitewater and flatwater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, slalom, rock wall climbing, ropes courses, mountain biking, and zip lines: this place has something to get your heart racing. We’re lucky enough to be within an hour’s drive of the official Olympic Training Center for whitewater slalom racing, which means these facilities are legit. You might not be an Olympian in training, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your feet wet.
4. Lazy 5 Ranch (20 min)
All of you eating house girls know about Carrigan Farms (a.k.a., The Quarry), but did you know that there’s a zoo nearby with domestic and exotic animals from six continents? It all started with a baby giraffe, and now the zoo cares for a range of endangered species, like Grevy Zebras and Ring-tailed Lemurs. For $11 you can see a world of animals right in Davidson’s backyard. Wagon rides that include a chance to feed the animals are only $16.
5. Historic Gold Hill (50 min)
This cute historic village, founded in the 19th century, offers a variety of options for exploring. If you’re 21, go on a wine-tasting tour at their award-winning vineyard or visit their micro-brewery. The Gold Hill Mines Historic Park has a hiking trail that take you past an old ore mine and a jail. Every Friday evening there’s a “Montgomery Store Bluegrass Jam” at the restored general store for music lovers.
We’ll keep our fingers crossed that the nice weather will hold for you to discover these beautiful places. If the weather gods don’t favor us with sunny skies, remember these places when you need to get away from campus in the midst of finals!
If you are interested in writing an article for Her Campus Davidson, contact us at davidson@hercampus.com or come to our weekly meeting Tuesday at 8pm in the Morcott Room.