With spring break fast approaching and what feels like an overwhelming amount of exams and assignments to be completed, an escape is needed. Luckily, in Baltimore there is so much that is offered that gets you off campus and gets your mind off of the three essays, five exams, and two projects that you have due before you get to jet off to a beach or go home and sit on your couch to binge watch Netflix for a week. So, whether it’s over the weekend as a study break or something to look forward to coming back to Charm City, here are some of the hidden gems of Baltimore:

1. American Visionary Arts Museum

This is not your typical museum, as you learn just approaching the outside. It’s impossible to miss with the glass mosaics lining the outside walls or the giant sculptures also featuring eye-catching mosaics. Inside brings you to even more outlandish artworks that are sure to be a lot more entertaining to stare at than your essays.

2. Lexington Market

Why feel overwhelmed by assignments when you can feel overwhelmed by options for food? The obvious solution is to try everything. With over one hundred vendors you can’t go wrong. Not only is this an amazing indoor market full of food, but full of history as well.

3. Edgar Allan Poe House

When in Baltimore, visiting Poe’s house is a must. The little row home is settled downtown, and is full of fun historical aspects of his life including many original pieces. There is a fun souvenir shop where you are also greeted by the friendly employees and volunteers that are full of knowledge about Poe and the Baltimore area. This spot is also conveniently located a short distance from Westminster Cemetery where Poe is buried.

4. Autobahn Indoor Speedway

If you’re looking for a more thrilling way to blow some steam off, there is no better place to go than the speedway. There are two different grand-prix style tracks that allow you to go-kart race with your friends.

5. The Inner Harbor

This may seem like an obvious one, and while there is so much more to Baltimore than the harbor, there is a reason it’s such a big tourist attraction. What could be more fun than playing tourist for a day and paddling around in paddle boats or trying one of the many restaurants in the area. If all else fails, there are plenty of stores around for retail therapy.