From Feb. 18-21, Brown University students get a brief respite from classes to celebrate President’s Day. And with the long weekend comes an excellent opportunity for students to pack in fun activities they may otherwise not have time for in their daily schedules. Here are a few ideas to take advantage of the extra time allotted during President’s Day Weekend.
Plan an Adventure!
The long weekend provides a perfect opportunity to travel with friends less crowdedly than Spring Break, the typical time for college trips. Both Boston and New York City, which are hot spots for tourism in the country, are close by, and this weekend provides a perfect opportunity to spend a couple of days at one of these locations and soak up the sites. Amtrack tickets are available for purchase to New York for under $200 for the long weekend, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offers a $10 weekend pass for unlimited train rides.
If budget or time constraints make a longer trip impossible, a day trip to Boston on the weekend is a great option. Many tourist attractions and activities are free, and the MBTA weekend pass lessens the transportation cost to only $10 round trip. In addition, transportation to Newport on the Rhode Island Transit Authority (RIPTA) is free with a Brown University ID. Students can pack a meal from a dining hall and spend the day looking at the mansions on the famous Cliff Walk, visiting the beach, or tool around the different shops and restaurants.
Take Advantage of Free Admission to Museums
Many museums in Boston have free or discounted admission on President’s Day. The Institute of Contemporary Art, for example, offers free entry to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes art-making activities and free viewing of films directed by women. Other free museums include the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and the RISD museum (free on Sundays).
Plan a Yummy Restaurant Date with Friends
College students typically have hectic schedules and don’t have time for prolonged meals on a regular week. Students can take advantage of the extra time afforded by organizing a nice lunch or dinner with friends. Wickenden Street and downtown Providence have many restaurants with different price ranges, including Ellie’s, Los Andes, Bellini, Brickway, the Salted Slate, and Pasta Beach. If living space allows, students can collectively grab ingredients from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods to cook and enjoy a homemade meal together.