Close to home Spring Break Getaways

By Jennifer Kinser

The sky high gas prices have no doubt put a crimp in more than one person’s spring break vacation plans. If you're looking for a fun family getaway a little closer to home, try one of these 4 vacation destinations. They are all within a 3 hour drive of Bedford.

Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park

Located at the Holiday Inn North in Indianapolis, Caribbean Cove is an indoor water park. The 50,000 square foot water park is connected to the hotel and is only for hotel guests. Each room comes with up to 5 admissions to the water park. As of Sunday night, the hotel still had rooms available for spring break week at $249.00 a night. If you are looking for a little more to do, the hotel is located close to the Clay Terrace shopping center and the Fashion Mall. The drive from Bedford will be around 2 hours and you can find more information and book a room at www.carribeancovewaterpark.com .

Owensboro, Kentucky

Located west of Louisville and just across the state line from Indiana, Owensboro is a perfect family vacation destination. If you are a fan of Bluegrass music, Owensboro is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum.  Visit Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse in Kentucky for live family entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. They feature comedians and a variety of music genres.

For the nature lover in the family you can visit the Western Kentucky Botanical gardens. The gardens are open year round to allow for self guided walking tours. Science lovers will enjoy the Science and history museum, also located in Owesboro. More information can be had at www.visitowensboro.com. Be prepared for about a 2 and a half hour drive to Owensboro.

Cincinnati, Ohio

This bustling city is just under a 3 hour trip from Lawrence County. With so much to see and do, you could easily find things to do to fill your Spring Break week.

 Museum lovers and history buffs will enjoy visits to the American sign Museum and the Cincinnati Fire Museum. The Fire Museum is located in a restored firehouse near downtown. The sign museum houses over 2800 pieces of signs and sign related historical pieces.

 Animal lovers can visit the Newport Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo. The Aquarium features over 70 exhibits and 14 galleries. Sharks, Jellyfish and penguin encounters will delight kids and kids at heart. The zoo also features a botanical garden all located on 510 acres. Over 500 animal species are represented. A 4D special effects theatre, also located at the zoo, is currently showing SpongeBob Squarepants.

For special accommodations, The Argosy Casino and Hotel is located about 30 minutes from Cincinnati in Lawrenceburg Indiana. For the kids, the Sheraton Regency North Hotel in Cincinnati also houses the Coco Key Indoor Water Resort. According to their website, they offer up to 4 water park admissions per hotel room. Room rates for Spring break week run about $199.00 a night. www.cincyusa.com offers this and more travel information for the area.

Louisville, Kentucky

A short one and a half hour journey and a quick trip across the Ohio River will bring you to Louisville. With an active nightlife scene and tons of family friendly activities this Kentucky city offers something for everyone.

Railroad enthusiasts will enjoy the Kentucky Railway Museum. The Museum is located south of Louisville in the town of New Haven. The have 22 mile round trip train excursions as well as a 3,000 square foot model train center. The train excursions are only on the weekends until later in the summer, so be sure to check their schedule.

The Louisville Science center serves over 500, 00 people a year. It houses different interactive exhibits as well as an IMAX movie theatre. When you think of Kentucky, you think of the Derby. The Derby Museum offers a close up look to all things Derby.

The Louisville Zoo offers over 1300 animal exhibits. They are open daily and offer hotel and admission packages on their website.

Nothing is better on a warm spring day than a picnic in the park. E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is located in Louisville. It features a BMX bicycle track, walking trails and a model airplane field. There are also quite a few places to picnic. If the water is more to your liking, visit the Waterfront Park. Children’s play area, special picnic areas and the great Lawn are only some of its features. The park also features several sculptures and walking and jogging trails. It is open from 6am-11pm. More information on Louisville can be found at www.louisville.com .

A few last tips

Be sure to check gas prices before your trip online. You do not want to fill up the tank before leaving home only to find gas .50 cheaper per gallon just down the road. Also when booking your hotel do not assume the special booking websites such as hotels.com can get you the very best rates. Before you book check rates on the hotels website or give the property a call directly to get the best rate possible. If you do a little work before your vacation can ensure you a relaxing and budget friendly spring break trip.