Spring Break is almost here. It’s a time to forget about classes and homework.

The weather will hopefully become warmer, so we can get rid of the multiple pairs of clothes. It’s a time to hang out with friends and have fun and not just study.

There are places in the area that are always allowing for a good time and a small travel.

1. Crystal Bridges Art Museum. Located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas, is a free art museum located approximately an hour away. The permanent exhibits and trails are always free but the special exhibits cost extra. There is also a small coffee shop and restaurant located in the museum. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Monday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday to Friday.  The museum is closed on Tuesdays. For more information, persons interested may call 479-418-5700.
2. Eureka Springs, Arkansas. A small city about an hour and a half from Joplin. Located in the mountains, Eureka Springs is full of small, locally-owned shops and small cafes perfect for shopping with friends and hanging out. For photographers, Eureka Springs is  a creative place to play with a camera. Eureka is also home to one of the most haunted hotels in the country, The Crescent Hotel, open to any and all visitors.
3. If the weather permits, small hiking trails can be found in the Joplin area. Places such as Grand Falls located on South Riverside Drive in Joplin, is a place to watch the waterfall and enjoy the beauty and The Wildcat Everglades which is about a four-mile loop trail.
4. Springfield. About an hour down I-44 is a town full of restaurants, malls and clubs.
5. Third Thursday. The first Third Thursday of the year takes place on March 21 in Joplin. This is a chance to hang out with friends and walk along Main Street looking at pop ups for local businesses and eating some good food.
6. Bookhouse Cinema and Pub. Located at 715 East Broadway, Joplin. This is the perfect place to hang out with some friends in the area. You can grab a bite to eat, food catering to everyone and play a boardgame. There are also movies. Tickets information and movie times may be found online at bookhousejoplin.com. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday. For more information, persons interested may contact 417-825-5161.
7. Branson. About an hour and a half away, Branson is full of a variety of shows featuring musicals, stories and comedians. It also has multiple outdoor shopping centers and things to do with family and/or friends. A popular place in Branson is Fritz’s Adventure. Perfect for the cold weather but wanting to do some activity. There are indoor climbing walls, tunnels, ninja warrior walls, a zipline, and a three-story ropes course. It’s located at 1425 MO-76, Branson. For more information, persons interested may call 417-320-6138 or visit fritzsadventure.com.
8. Soar, Joplin Trampoline Park is located 1502 S Madison Street, Webb City. Hours are 1 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday. It costs $18 to jump for two hours. For more information, persons interested may call 417-717-0535.
9. Discover things you like to do. This could be a chance to expand your horizons. Find that hobby or learn that new thing you’ve been wanting to do.
10. Relax. This is a time where there isn’t any homework to stress about until summertime. Sleep in and take personal days that will make you feel energized and better.