Affordable spring break fun in our own backyard

Numerous Central Texas State Parks and privately owned local cabins offer a scenic Hill Country outdoor getaway to local college students looking for fun and affordable Spring Break options that many overlook.

Rob McCorkle, a media relations coordinator with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, acknowledges that Garner State Park usually holds the No. 1 spot for overnight camping in the state. Nestled on the banks of the crystal-clear Frio River, this park’s popularity remains high among the younger crowd for the inner-tube river floats and nightly outdoor dances.

“Our customer service center for camp reservations has been fielding over 3,000 calls a day lately. I can’t really say for certain, but the numbers do suggest an increase in people seeking a cheaper vacation,” said McCorkle.

You can find more information on Garner State Park and even purchase an official T-shirt here.

Maryalice Partain, a public relations representative with Blanco State Park, discusses how this particular park stretches roughly one mile along the Blanco River, another beautiful fresh water gem in the Hill Country.

Planning a trip to Blanco State Park gives people “a chance to be outside and on vacation, but not too far from Austin or San Antonio,” said Partain.

Adrienne Brammer, a staffer of three years at McKinney Falls State Park, believes the close proximity to Central Austin adds a great deal to the day visitor traffic and campers in the park. Spring break brings increased visitation, as does the annual South by Southwest Music Festival in the spring.

“We have been full for the last two weeks and have even had musicians playing in the festival staying out here instead of a hotel in downtown,” said Brammer.

Lisa Yaklin, proprietor and manager of Frio River Cabins, highlights the slight differences offered by her cabins. The traffic at Frio River Cabins generally peaks in the summer, though some do plan Spring trips.

“Frio River Cabins is a family-oriented mom and pop operation with generally families visiting, though we welcome all to check us out,” said Yaklin.

Whether visiting a Texas State Park, or privately owned area cabins, a wealth of fun outdoor activities for a lot less money than spring break trips to Florida or Mexico can be found right in our own backyard.

Austin’s Largest Music Festival Has Mixed Effects on Residents

The South by Southwest Music and Media Conference was expected to attract a record number of attendees in 2010 and while some Austinites welcomed the events into the Live Music Capital of the World, others found the influx of people to be an impediment to their daily routine.

The SXSW events from March 12 to March 21 invited tens of thousands of people, both performers and spectators, into the city. The music portion alone brought in nearly 2,000 showcasing acts across 88 stages with over 11,000 conference participants in 2009. Though the number of registered participants in the music division is expected to remain unchanged in 2010, this estimate does not include the unregistered acts that played last week and the expected 40% and 25% growth in the Interactive and Film segments of the conference, respectively, according to an interview with Hugh Forrest, director of the festival, on www.Austin360.com.

While the official figures for 2010 have yet to be tabulated, Austin locals have noticed the swelling attendance and expressed concern with the strains such a flood of visitors has put on the city’s transportation infrastructure and how it affects them.

Angela DeLaney, who lives near South First Street and Barton Springs Road, has certain expectations of travel in Austin. DeLaney waited at her residence Wednesday for her boyfriend to arrive, but said, “it literally took him an hour to go the distance of a mile and a half.”

The inconvenience brought on DeLaney and her boyfriend has undoubtedly damaged their opinion of the events, DeLaney saying, "My first SXSW in Austin as an Austinite was a giant fail. It caused more harm than good."

Even the patrons of public transportation, Capital Metro Austin, had trouble getting around while SXSW activities were under way.

Brigette Gonzalez, a history major at the University of Texas, stood at a bus stop on Lamar Boulevard surrounded by pedestrians who were waiting to cross the street. “The bus totally ignored me,” Gonzalez said. As she watched, the bus whizzed by without stopping. She suspects the bus driver could not distinguish her from the pedestrians and thus left her waiting for the next bus to arrive.

Gonzalez, an Austin native, is no stranger to the annual SXSW mayhem, but reflecting on this year's happenings said, "This is just too insane."

According to the SXSW website, the 2009 festivities were directly and indirectly responsible for bringing in $103 million to the Austin economy. The importance of this kind of activity was not lost on even the less-than-pleased citizens of Austin.

“It’s good for business, that’s the only thing I see good about it,” said Gonzalez.

Beyond the economic effects of the events, participants and attendees made note of the unique encounters afforded to them by such a large gathering of media enthusiasts.

“I had never heard a real phonograph in person before,” said Matt Woolly, an audio production student at the Art Institute in Austin, “but that was the most spectacular sound I had ever heard.” Woolly continued his praise of the festivities, saying, “When this many people gather for a common reason, music in this case, it is incredible.”

Not everyone in Austin falls so clearly to one side of the love-hate spectrum, though. Some Austinites detest the traffic nightmares, but find overwhelming value in the experiences provided by SXSW.

“I’m from Austin, and it’s a [expletive] hassle,” said Jackson Dyre-Borowicz, cell biology major at the University of Texas and life-long Austinite, “but I’m so into music, it didn’t matter.”

The SXSW conference is not only a showcase of musical talent from around the world, but also of the local Austin music experience. A central component to this experience is the welcoming Austin population. Adhering to Texas’ motto of friendship, Dyre-Borowicz said about the events as a whole, “I guess I feel like I was getting to share my city. I’m not too selfish with my town.”

Cruisin' beats Padre for any ole' Spring Break

South Padre, Texas is considered a popular hot spot for many college spring breakers, yet for those people wanting a change in scenery, a crew ship may have been the solution.

This spring, Carnival cruise line offered an all inclusive, five day, four night cruise package out of Galveston, Texas to Progresso and Cozumel, Mexico, all for $300. For many people who look into affordability when it comes to spring break plans, Carnival’s package was a deal.

“This was super cheap for my friends and me. When we saw the price of the cruise we had to jump on it. We definitely saved a lot more money than we would have if we had gone to South Padre,” said Brian Butler, a junior at Baylor University.

Not only was the price appealing to the public, but Carnival offered various activities and entertainment aboard ship for people of all ages to enjoy, which was especially convenient to people that came with families and not just friends.

“My kids were always occupied with some sort of activity going on that was appropriate for them, and my husband and I were able to enjoy shows and events suitable for us. It was a great balance,” said Diane Johns, mother of two from Houston, Texas, who vacationed with her family during the break.

Excursions in Mexico can be purchased aboard ship through the package desk, another guest service that Carnival offered. Excursions are offered for both Progresso and Cozumel, ones that have been popular among tourists before, which anyone can choose from.

“My girlfriend and I choose the ATV tour excursion through the village in Progresso. We had to wake up and get out there early, but it was worth it and we still got some beach time in. I would definitely recommend it,” said Jake Harrison from Dallas, Texas.

Similar to Harrison, Texas State University freshmen Paige Hawthorne chose a beach excursion in Cozumel, Mexico.

“My girlfriends and I paid for the beach excursion to Carlos N’ Charlie’s. I had the best time there. It was right on the water and we got unlimited drinks, along with taxi fare there and back with the package. It was a great deal,” said Hawthorne.

People who were satisfied with the excursions and activities being offered also took note of the quality of service from employers aboard the ship as well.

“I’ve been on a lot of cruises before and Carnival by far has the best service. All of the workers were so friendly and helpful, not to mention by room was cleaned three times a day. Nothing stresses me out more than bad service and I never once had that problem this week,” said Rachel Brechner, 29-year-old from Sugarland, Texas.

Carnival was able to suit both college students on spring break to families on vacation all for an affordable package deal. The everyday entertainment along with excursions in Mexico was the ideal spring break for Texas State University senior Trevor Stermer.

“Usually my fraternity brothers and I just go to Padre for spring break, but this year we definitely enjoyed the cruise a lot more. There was more for us to do than just be out on the beach every day. Our favorite spot was the casino for sure,” said Stermer.

According to the students and families aboard Carnival, choosing a cruise for spring break was the way to go. Carnival cruise line runs other package deals throughout the year which can all be found on their website.

Spring Break in San Marcos

For most students, spring break was about taking vacations with friends. For others, it was just a time to continue working. But, to everyone spring break was a chance to escape school and stress.

Affordability is the key reason whether a student takes a vacation or stays in town to work. A majority of Texas State University students went on vacations, but a surprising amount stayed in town.

"I had to work during spring break because I recently bought a puppy, and I'm currently paying him off," said Chelsea Dubocq, Texas State nutrition major.

A break does not have to be taking a vacation. Students who stayed in town to work found other ways to enjoy their spring break.

"Yeah I had to work, but I still had a great time in San Marcos. I went to the river and pool on my days off," said Kelsey Barton, Texas State sophomore.

San Marcos seems to be a beautiful location to spend spring break, and it is affordable. Some students stayed in town because they are saving money, or did not want to spend much during the break.

"I stayed in San Marcos during spring break because I'm trying to save money for a future vacation," said Jesus Olivas, Texas State junior.

Money may have been a main factor as to why students took a vacation or not. Either way, spring break was an opportunity for students to enjoy time away from school.

"It was just nice to hang out with close friends, and not have to go to class everyday," Barton said.

A lot of students stress out over school, and spring break was their time to simply relax.

"I don't need to take an expensive vacation. I'm using this week to take it easy," Olivas said.

With many students out of town for spring break, San Marcos was not as active. Some shops on the square periodically shut down because students were not in town. Whether they know it or not, students have fascinating control over San Marcos. Students keep the city in good business.

"I didn't open my store for a few days because business was so slow during spring break," said storeowner of Retro Exchange, Mona Yarovinsky.

It is amazing what an impact spring break has over a single city. The break brought in visitors and removed many students from San Marcos.

Whether you stayed in San Marcos to save money and work, or took a vacation, spring break should have been a delightful and relaxing time.

Story 2 Quotes

Interview with Chase Katz, a 24-year-old white male from Houston, Texas. He graduated Texas State in the fall of 2009 and is now working at the Kolaches shop on Sessom Dr.

Q: What effect has the downturn in the U.S. economy had on you?

A: Personally, I had none. I had help from my folks.

Q: Have you adjusted any spending habits since the economic downturn that began in the fall?

A: No.

Q: What do you think should be done to help people during these difficult financial times?

A: Health care would have been an excellent thing. I would much rather see my money go to that than to some guy on food stamps who can't get a job, quote on quote.

Story 2 Quotes

Interview with Alaina Walburn. Phone number 817-937-2119
Sophomore Mass Communications major at Texas State, Hispanic female, middle class, age 19.

1) Q: What effect has the economy had on you?

A: "Nothing on me personally but it has had to cut back."

2) Q: (if a student) Has the economic recession had an effect on your ability to pay for college?

A: "No, but I did decide to become an RA to make things a little easier for my parents."

3) Q: Have you adjusted any spending habits since the economic downturn that began in the fall? If so, will you tell me about how you've adjusted?

A: " We [the family] don't go out much anymore. We don't drive unless absolutely necessary, or we carpool. We take our lunch to work, or school, rather than buying it, and we don't get the extra TV packages like HBO and those kinds of channels." (She says last comment laughing)

4) Q: What do you think should be done to help people out during these difficult financial times?

A: " We need a war, like WWII, to get the economy going. The government should be more concerned with finding people jobs rather than worrying about a new health care plan."

Story 2 Quotes

Katherine Lindsey of San Marcos, Texas: 17-years-old, black female, senior at San Marcos High School. Lindsey visited Texas State University campus while participating in a mentor program.

1. Q: Has the downturn in the U.S. economy had an effect on you?
A: "No, I'm still in high school."

2. Q: Has the economic recession had an effect on your ability to pay for college?
A: "No, I'm in high school."

3. Q: Have you adjusted any spending habits since the economic downturn that began in the fall? If so, will you tell me about how you've adjusted?
A: "Gas-wise, yes, I have made spending adjustments."

4. Q: What do you think should be done to help people during these difficult financial times?
A: "Make gas a little cheaper."