As spring breaks kick off across the Pacific Northwest, we’re thinking about the many hardworking women and men who teach our children and help shape their futures. Hey, teachers need a break too! Here are our top-10 spring break ideas for 10 types of hard-working teachers, and just about anyone else in need of relaxation.
Spring break top-10:
- History. From Oysterville to Ilwaco, and everywhere in between, a visit to the Long Beach Peninsula and Pacific County brings history to life. Make sure your list of historic stops includes Oysterville Cemetery, Fort Columbia State Park and the Knappton Cove Heritage Center, once known as the Columbia River’s Eliis Island. Hey, this is Lewis & Clark country, so you better be ready to explore on your spring break!
- Music. Ready to “rock the pickle”? Sure you are. Pickled Fish atop the Adrift Hotel hosts hip nightly music, often with a cool Pacific Northwest vibe. Grab a drink, check out the view of the Pacific Ocean and groove. The Peninsula Arts Center and the Sou’Wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort also frequently host music.
- Art. Artists abound throughout Pacific County. The 26th annual Peninsula Arts AssociationSpring Art Show in downtown Long Beach is April 7-9 and offers the perfect opportunity to see creations from the local art community. Can’t make it that weekend? No worries. Pick up an Art Trail Map at the Visitors Bureau and wend your way between eight art galleries between Ilwaco and Ocean Park.
- Culinary. This is a fun one! Seafood is a staple on the Long Beach Peninsula and one look at our menus will tell you why – fresh Dungeness crab, fresh Willapa Bay oysters, fresh Albacore tuna, fresh Chinook salmon, fresh cranberries and wild mushrooms. See a trend? Fans of fresh love the Long Beach Peninsula, so get ready to eat your way through spring break.
- Environmental Studies. Peninsula history transcends Lewis & Clark; there’s a natural history hiding in plain sight that’s both fascinating and formative. Find your way to Long Island and immerse yourself in old-growth forests and the remnants of the island’s logging history, or take in the view from the Beard’s Hollow overlook in Cape Disappointment State Park and see how the topography has been shaped by ocean tides. And don’t miss Salty Talks at Salt Hotel & Pub in Ilwaco. The community lectures illuminate myriad topics. The next Salty Talks is April 12 and the topic is “Secret Lives of Crabs: Behavior of Dungeness crabs determined by Benthic Video Imaging and Acoustic Technology.”
- Language Arts. Nora Roberts and James Patterson aren’t usually considered required reading. But, hey, this is the beach! Step 1: Stop by Banana Books in Long Beach and Time Enough Books at the Port of Ilwaco to find your favorite beach book. Step 2: Kick back and enjoy!
- P.E. Fans of physical education have lots to learn about the Long Beach Peninsula. Up for a hike? Maybe a beach run? How about a stroll on the Discovery Trail or a walk Raymond’s art-lined Willapa Heritage Corridor? Or maybe you’d like to rent a kayak and take to the water? Do it all in Long Beach, WA! This area’s fabulous proximity to nature puts exploration at your fingertips. Get out and enjoy.
- Computer Science. Taking a relaxing trip to the beach doesn’t mean you have to disconnect from your favorite devices. Wifi is available up and down the Peninsula, so you can accomplish a bit of work in the midst of all this relaxation. We know teachers never slow down. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available to keep you on the move. Find EV stations at the Shelburne Inn, Adrift Hotel, Cedars Ocean View Inn, Breakers and downtown Long Beach.
- Foreign Language. Learn to speak the language of letting go – let go of your worries, let go of your concerns, let go of your responsibilities, let go of stress and anxiety and tension. Let the soft patter of breaking waves wash away your worries and let … them … go. We’re all about relaxation on the Long Beach Peninsula. Give it a try and let go or your worries this spring break!
- Mathematics. The Long Beach Peninsula is about 2.5 hours from Portland and less than 3.5 hours from Seattle. No matter which direction you’re coming from or how you crunch the numbers, you’re just a short drive from spring break relaxation. The only question remaining: What are you waiting for?