Mount Pleasant getaway: Spring break ideas for staying in town

Every year as March approaches, students talk about flying to Florida, California, Mexico or anywhere warmer than Michigan. However, not all college students have the extra cash to splurge on big trips across the country. It’s always hard hearing friends talking about lying in the sun on a warm beach on their week off but if you aren’t making a journey to a different state or going home, here are a few fun things to consider doing on your week off if you are still hanging out in Mt. Pleasant.

1.   Feeling a bit lucky? The Soaring Eagle Casino, located at Soaring Eagle Boulevard and South Leaton Road, offers many attractions for people all over Michigan. From slots and bingo to poker and concerts, this local spot will not disappoint. The Soaring Eagle even offers great room packages if you want to have parents and friends from out of town come to spend a couple nights. The “Luck O’ The Irish” package is available during the month of March and includes first-class accommodations, 1 Pilsner glass filled with beer nuts per person, and a variety of beer choices. Other normal rates start at $129. The casino also has a swimming pool and a night club that is 21 and up on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays open from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. in case gambling isn’t really your thing.
2.  The Brass Café and Saloon is a great and popular restaurant. If you’re looking for a bite to eat and a good drink, this may be the perfect spot. This family owned, locally-focused establishment, located at 128 S. Main St., attracts many people in Mt. Pleasant for its great food and band performances. Wednesday’s Big Bowl and Wine Night has an all wine special for 20 percent off and pasta specials. For big bowl specials, you can pick your favorite meat, veggies, sauces, seasonings and noodles. For more information such as band performance schedules, check The Brass Café’s website.
3. If you’re looking for some historical information, the Ziibiwing Center located at 6650 E. Broadway is a museum for Native American studies and artifacts of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and other Great Lakes Anishinabek. The Ziibiwing mission statement states that the center “promotes the society’s belief that the culture, diversity, and spirit of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe of Michigan must be recognized and supported.” The permanent tribal collections include educational, sacred and ceremonial collections of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, managed by the Center. Centuries of old artifacts come to life and educate the tribal community. Admission is only $4.50 for college students (with student ID), so instead of sitting at home bored, take some of that free time to learn about some local history.
4. In the mood for a movie and some good popcorn? Celebration! Cinema on East Pickard Road is the only movie theater in the city. Act Of Valor, The Lorax, Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance, Project X and Safe House are some of popular titles currently out in theaters. You can check out other movie titles and times on the Celebration! Cinema website. The weather has been quite gloomy lately, and there’s nothing better to do than catch a movie with a good friend or family member on a cold night.

So if you can’t afford an extravagant vacation, don’t fret. Mount Pleasant may be a small town but by taking the time to search, you may discover some true gems worth exploring.  Spring break is supposed to be an escape, so spend your week of freedom trying something new or maybe just kicking back and enjoying family time. No matter the plans, hopefully this break will be a fun one.