Spending Spring Break in St. Cloud

If Spring is (as the saying goes)  just around the corner, then spring break in St. Cloud is just up the block! Many students are flocking to warmer climates for the break or just want to get out of town. However, that can be expensive and many students can’t afford to go on a trip and will be staying in St. Cloud over the break. While it might not look quite like spring outside, we have come up with a few ideas to help you make your hometown vacation just as fun as traveling somewhere else:

“Happiness is a State of Mind”

First off, treat staying in St. Cloud as if you were on vacation in a new town. Go exploring. Use this as an opportunity to try that new restaurant or bar down the street. St. Cloud has many amazing restaurants so there are plenty to try out. Go with your friends and just have a good time trying new food.

“When Was The Last Time You Did Something For The First Time?”

Another way to explore is by going into areas that you might not have even known existed. Check out the Paramount Art District, explore Downtown, learn more about the city's history at the Stearns History Museum. Just take this time to really connect with the city that many of us call home

Be sure to take a look at what events are going on around you. Try and catch a show by The GREAT Theater or see if any restaurants or venues are having live music. If you do a little digging, you can find some really cool events and activities in St. Cloud.

Students, ask if any of these events offer student discounts. You work hard at school and you should take advantage of any reward you can get! Check out coupon sites to see if there are any restaurant or event deals going on around you.

“You Take Out What You Put In”

Another great way to spend your spring break is by giving back. There are always volunteer opportunities going on all you have to do is look for them. Volunteering is a rewarding way to spend your time. Not only are you helping others, but you can build your resume and it makes you feel good about yourself. Plus, it’s free.

If you are still having trouble figuring out what to do, please check out the visitors bureau for even more information on activities in St. Cloud and to help you maximise your hometown vacation. You can always check out the visitors tab of the city's website to learn more about the happenings in good ol’ Granite City. From all of us at St. Cloud Greater, have a happy and safe Spring Break!

Romantic Ideas for a Valentine’s Day Date in St. Cloud

Cupid’s favorite holiday is right around the corner. To celebrate with your loved one, look to these ideas to melt away the winter blues, and enjoy a Valentine’s Day in St. Cloud.

Explore one of the many delicious local restaurants and growing breweries in central Minnesota like The White Horse, Nick’s Third Floor, or Beaver Island Brewery. Surprise your partner with delicious and tantalizing baked treats and goodies from the Cold Spring Bakery.

To add a bit of culture and theater to your night, visit Songs in the Key of Love with the Andrew Walesch Big Band at the Paramount Theater to listen to some classic and romantic jazz and big band music. For a romantic show and delicious dinner, watch An Evening of Love Songs at D.B. Searle’s Second Floor. This show features Matt and Julie Velline, a husband and wife duo performing acoustic covers of timeless love songs.

For a more untraditional take on theater on Valentine’s Day, take a peek at Heartless: A Big Bad Anti-Valentine’s Day Show, a Twin Cities-based burlesque show at Pioneer Place on Fifth.

To get active, visit the Skatin’ Place, Airmaxx Trampoline Park or one of the bowling alleys in St. Cloud for a little dose of retro excitement.

For a couple that loves the great outdoors, visit one of central Minnesota’s many lakes and ponds for an ice skating adventure. Skate together and dare each other to perform flips and spins. With the abundance of snow on the ground, go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding or snowboarding for an adrenaline rush on Valentine’s Day.

For an extra treat that’s sure to be a Valentine’s Day hit, sign up for a relaxing couple’s massage or pampering spa treatment after a day of excitement and activity.

If you are homebodies or want to have a low-key Valentine’s Day date, “snow yourself in” for the night, and try one of the ideas below:

• Create a romantic dinner menu of your favorite foods
• Grab some new wines or beers and have an at-home tasting
• Have a movie marathon of your favorite movies or romantic classics
• Drink wine by the fire
• Engage or host a game with friends as a group date
• Venture out into your backyard and have a snow building contest or a snowball fight

There are plenty of unique ideas to choose from in central Minnesota. If you weren’t able to get reservations at the hottest restaurant in town, fear not. It’s still pretty easy to enjoy Valentine’s Day with your loved one and show them how much you care with a romantic date in St. Cloud.