Ways Vermonter can still take that spring break “trip” during COVID-19

Those plans to take a trip for spring break while the kids are out of school may have long been cancelled by now. But, there are ways to “get away” while adhering to social distancing rules meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

COVID-19 is the official name of the disease related to the coronavirus that first started to affect people at the end of 2019. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and breathing trouble. Most develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, which can be fatal. 

For Burlington School District and many others across Vermont spring break is next week, April 20-24.

Here are three ways to “take a trip” while in self isolation.

Vermont Scenic Route Driving Trip

You can pack up the family and take a driving trip to explore the budding spring in Vermont. There are a plethora of scenic treks through the Green Mountain state within a couple of hours drive from home. You could even pack some food for the trip to prevent having to leave the vehicle. One thing that could get tricky is a restroom stop, so plan ahead.

Here is a collection of some of the most scenic byways that traverse the state. Drives include the Stone Valley Scenic Byway, Connecticut River National Byway, Lake Champlain Byway, Molly Stark Scenic Byway, The Shires of Vermont Byway, Mad River Scenic Byway, and the Green Mountain Byway.

Travelers get a peak at the Green and Adirondack mountain ranges, views of Lake Champlain, covered bridges, historical sites, state parks and the Vermont Long Trail, green farmland and a reminder of why Vermont is home.

Education can be incorporated into travels. There is a mobile app for the Green Mountain Byway for listeners to hear a collection of 26 stories featuring the history and environment of the eight major cities on the byway path.

Noël Simonson’s family camped out in their yard. (Photo: ~Courtesy of Noël Simonson)

Camping in your back yard

Were you planning a camping trip for spring break? Those plans don’t have to be completely foiled. You can look to your own yard for a place to pitch a tent, roast marshmallows over the fire and sing camp fire songs. You could even decorate your outside space with Christmas lights and spend time learning the constellations. It could also be an easy way to get away from the digital world for a time.

Turn home into a destination

Decorate your home into the place you were planning to travel or a destination you have always wanted to visit. You can make the home environment reflect the locale, prepare and cook regional cuisine and do a craft project related to the area.

You can take a page from a Gilmore Girls episode, which you may know if you have gotten very familiar with the Netflix catalog. When the character Rory misses out on a trip to Asia, her mom transforms their home into an Asian wonderland with sites and icons from the culture decorating the room. The two wear kimonos and make dessert sushi. Watch Season 7, episode 2 entitled, “That’s What You Get, Folks, For Making Whoopee.”

Contact April Barton at [email protected] or 802-660-1854. Follow her on Twitter @aprildbarton.

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