Spring break can be fun at home

Isn’t it remarkable how much more elbow room there is when folks disappear for spring break?
By Friday afternoon, the difference was noticeable. Also noticeable were the cars lined up at bank drive-thrus as those heading out of town replenished their wallets.
By the weekend, traffic had diminished nearly to ghost town levels.
The exodus to Myrtle Beach or Orlando or other vacation spots had made that big a difference.
But what about the rest of us, those of us not heading south to warmer climes? How should we spend spring break?
How about these suggestions?
•Take a local history tour. The Jay County Historical Society’s museum may not be polished, but it is extensive. And its collection is unique, quirky, and as local as you can get. Then head east to Fort Recovery. Let the kids run down the hillside by the stockade and check out the state-supported museum. If you still have some energy, head north to Geneva and visit Limberlost State Memorial, the former home of novelist and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter.
•Stop by Arts Place in Portland and check out a photographic exhibit by Mercer County’s Mike Lamm. The exhibit ends Friday and is worth a look. Mike’s a pro, and he worked for years at The Daily Standard in Celina. Anyone who likes to take pictures will pick up some ideas. Plus: It’s free.
•Take a hike. No matter how much of a couch potato you might be, you still ought to be able to make it around the pond on the paved path at Hudson Family Park. If you have your boots and aren’t concerned about getting muddy, try the Trail of Trees at the park or any of the county’s nature preserves. If you need a map that tells you where the nature preserves are located, stop by Community Resource Center and ask the staff at Jay County Chamber of Commerce.
•Go for a drive in the country. Meander. Sure, it’s not good for your carbon footprint, but it will be good for your blood pressure.
•Cook out on the grill. Okay, some of this week’s temperatures make that a little iffy. But it will give you a taste of warmer weather.
•Stop by your nearest library and pick up a book. Better yet, pick up two. And pick up something you’d never usually think of reading. If this is going to feel like spring break, you need to do something out of the ordinary.
•Go to Muncie for something other than the mall. Check out Minnetrista and wander around its grounds. Stop by the Ball State University campus — if you can find a place to park — and visit its art museum, an often overlooked gem.
You get the picture.
There’s plenty to do right here within your reach. The family budget won’t be stretched, and you’ll feel better about yourself.
And, besides, when those folks get back from Myrtle Beach and Orlando, you’ll have something to talk about. — J.R.