12 Variety
The Oracle | TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013
LOCAL
Minnesota staycation destinations Spring break is fast approaching and for those of us not jetting off to warmer destinations, staying in Minnesota often equates to staying at home. While sleeping in and watching reruns on the couch is always an option, a staycation doesn’t have to mean resigning yourself to a sedentary spring break. It’s the perfect time to check out some fun and cheap destinations here in Minnesota.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts Distance from Hamline: 7.8 miles Estimated cost: Free Website: http://www.artsmia.org/ 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis
Spring Break is a great excuse for checking out any of Minnesota’s artistic and historic museums. Most museums offer discounts to students, but the MIA is completely free for anyone and therefore an even more enticing destination. The museum updates pretty frequently, so even if you’ve visited in the past, you’re sure to find at least a few new exhibits. However, the rotating special exhibits do require a ticket.
Jena Felsheim Senior Reporter
Uptown Theatre
Distance from Hamline: 8.7 miles Estimated cost: $10 per ticket March 29 movie: “The Room” March 30 movie: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Website: http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Minneapolis/ UptownTheatre.htm 2906 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis The Uptown Theatre is always a fun way to spend a weekend night with friends. During spring break, they will be hosting two midnight showings. Tommy Wiseau’s awe-inspiringly bad masterpiece “The Room” is slated for Friday, and the ever-enjoyable “Rocky Horror Picture Show” follows the next night. The crowd during these midnight showings is always infectiously energetic, so be prepared to make a lot of noise and some fast friends.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Distance from Hamline: 7.7 miles Estimated cost: Free Website: http://garden.walkerart.org/index.wac 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis Like the Como Zoo, the Sculpture Garden is a Minnesota staple. Home to the giant spoon and cherry that has graced many a postcard, the Sculpture Garden is a free and fun way to unwind in the middle of the semester.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Distance from Hamline: 1.9 miles Estimated cost: Free admission (food and other purchases range from $5-10) Website: www.comozooconservatory.org/ 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul No list of cheap entertainment is complete without Como Zoo. St. Paul natives are no doubt already intimately familiar with the park, but for unaware out-of-staters: It’s a park, a zoo, a small amusement park and a conservatory all in the same area. Basically, the perfect place to spend an entire day. Pro tip: If you live on campus or in the area, consider biking instead of driving. Parking is likely going to be crazy during spring break.
Macy’s Spring Flower Show
Distance from Hamline: 7.4 miles Estimated cost: Free for the show, possible charges for the events Website: http://social.macys.com/flowershow/#/ minneapolis 8th Floor Auditorium, Macy’s, 700 On the Mall, Minneapolis Although it’s technically spring, Minnesota has a way of lingering in winter. Even though the snow may stubbornly refuse to leave, you can still pretend spring is in bloom by visiting the flower show. Every year, Macy’s hosts the show based around a theme. This year’s theme is India, and the vibrant flowers are sure to be a welcome distraction from the snow outside. The show also sponsors several events during the week, including a performance by a folk chalk artist and a cooking show.
ILLUSTRATIONS | BRE GARCIA, ORACLE