Spring Break is right around the corner and everyone is making vacation plans. Cruises and beaches are the first two things that come to mind when thinking about planning a trip for a week - there’s no better way to ring in spring by getting tan lines. However, I’m going against the “rules” of spring vacation week by suggesting different options. As much as I love a tropical setting, I've visited these places and have found them to be charming, exciting, and/or invigorating! If you’re still deciding what to do for spring break, here are a few places you should definitely visit!

1. Niagara Falls, NY

This destination probably isn’t the first place to pop into your mind when planning a spring vacation, however it should be added immediately. You can see one of the “Seven Wonders of the United States” and also take the opportunity to visit another country (make sure you bring your passport if you're going to cross into Canada). You can literally cruise into the falls by taking the “Maid of the Mist” boat ride. Raincoats are provided, but be prepared to get drenched anyway! You can also hike behind the falls and explore the caves. It’s also likely that you’ll see a newlywed couple taking photos – it’s a romantic and popular spot for nuptials! Finally, if you visit in late spring, the temperatures are very mild and comfortable. This is definitely a must-see if you haven’t already!

If you’re ever in the Washington, D.C. area, I highly suggest leaving a night open for Alexandria, Virginia - specifically Old Town Alexandria (just 20 minutes away from downtown DC). Along King Street, you’ll find La Tasca Tapas restaurant, which has wonderful Spanish cuisine. And the blackberry sangria is to die for! Then enjoy homemade ice cream from Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream Co. With lots of little shops, boutiques, and entertainment peppering this artsy district, you’ll be amazed at the charm of this place. Also, if you’re a fan of “Remember the Titans”, you can visit the school the movie was based on: TC Williams! It’s a sweet, quaint town with a lot to offer!

3. New York City, NY

The city that never sleeps – it’s true! From all of the different neighborhoods you can visit (Tribeca, Chinatown, etc.) to every major landmark (Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, etc.), you’re bound to have a busy trip! Visit Battery Park and see the Statue of Liberty; head to the iconic 5^th Avenue for some shopping. At night, trek to the 102^nd floor of the Empire State Building and gaze at all of the city lights. Make sure to take in a Broadway show (they’re VERY energetic), or you can just walk around Times Square – the heart of the city. Don’t forget to make the most of a beautiful day by exploring everything Central Park has to offer! With this city comes tons of delicious food from all ethnicities, but my personal favorite is Justin Timberlake’s Southern Hospitality (featuring his Memphis grandmother’s recipes). You definitely need to spend a week in this city to enjoy everything it has to offer.

4. Savannah, GA

If you are a lover of history, amazing food, spunky bars and lots of shopping, then Savannah is definitely a place you need to visit. Take a ghost tour in a REAL hearse to find ghosts in old insane asylums. Quench your thirst by going on bar crawl tours on River Street; feed your inner soul at Paula Deen’s “Lady and Sons” restaurant – true southern cuisine with the best fried foods and sweetest desserts in the south. Take a trip to Tybee Island and play in the Atlantic Ocean; take a history tour to find out if you’re ancestors ever landed in Savannah. This cobblestoned city is a wonderful place to make vacation memories - there’s literally something for everyone.