Sadly, Ohio University only gives students a single day for fall break, but that does not mean it’s impossible to make the most of it.
However, as college students, finding something fun that fits the budget can be difficult. Here is how to plan a fun and relaxing vacation for fall break while not breaking the bank:
Utilize public transport
Want to leave campus, but you need a mode of transportation? Utilize the public transit systems around Athens. Unfortunately, Athens Public Transit is currently suspended on Saturdays, so make sure to plan around this. For a higher price, the GoBus can pick you up and take you around the entire state.
Take a road trip
Road trips are a fun, cheap and exciting way to drive around and marvel at the changing leaves. The Morgan County Scenic Byway is a 39-mile route that winds around the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Even the cheaper tickets may be pricey for those trying to save, but the route ends near The Wilds, a non-profit safari park and conservation center open to the public.
Ohio Art Corridor
Spend a day exploring part of the Ohio Art Corridor, which spans throughout Southeast Ohio and into Athens. It’s completely free and is a way to discover new areas of the state. Wolfe Garden, located in front of the fourth floor of Alden Library, is a stop on the route!
Go for a picnic
A cheap way to spend the long weekend is to have a picnic with friends. Explore OU’s 1,800-acre campus and grab food from a new restaurant. Appreciate the changing weather while picnicking!
The Ridges
Situated on the edge of campus is The Ridges, a historic area surrounded by gorgeous scenery and hiking trails. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a way to escape campus without actually leaving. One of the buildings is home to The Kennedy Museum of Art. The academic museum is free to enter and explore. Check out the current exhibits or browse the collections created by OU students.
Hunt for Bigfoot
Seriously, Ohio is known for its love of Bigfoot. The state is ranked No. 4 in the country for sightings and there are numerous festivals each year to celebrate the cryptid. Salt Fork State Park is a prime area to search for Bigfoot. Since the 1980s, 36 sightings of the mysterious squatch have been reported. Even an episode of Animal Planet’s “Finding Bigfoot” was filmed there. Searching for the legend is a cheap and unique way to spend the long weekend.
Go outside
Spend some time reconnecting with nature after spending hours studying in the library. Athens is covered with public hiking trails, offering picturesque views of the Appalachian mountains and the fall leaves. A few notable areas and trails to check out include Strouds Run State Park, Rock House Trail and Radar Hill Trail.
John Glenn Astronomy Park
Located in Logan, Ohio, this non-profit park is one of the few places left in Ohio where the night sky remains nearly untouched by light pollution. There are programs available to the public almost every weekend and on non-program nights, anyone is allowed to stargaze on the park grounds.
