Breaking Away By Susan Salaz

For the perfect spring getaway, find a place that suits your style. The six destinations we bring you here have something for everyone and are anything but typical.

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For the Art & Design Aficionado:
Columbus, Indiana 
Drive time: 1 hour
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If you’re an architectural enthusiast or appreciate beautiful design, add Columbus, Indiana, to your destination list. This small town has a big reputation, boasting an array of buildings and public artworks by the world’s most famous architects and artists, including I.M. Pei, Henry Moore and Dale Chihuly. Spring is an enchanting time to visit, with the perfectly placed aristocrat pears, magnolias and dogwoods blooming in early April. Experience the unique landscape on one of the many tours available, guided or self-paced, showcasing all of the highlights, including the Miller House and Garden, designed by Eero Saarinen.

For the Equestrian:
Lexington, Kentucky
Drive time: 3 hours
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The rolling hills, vast country landscape and lush pastures, framed by miles of white fences known to the Bluegrass Region, come alive with spring. “As the horse capital of the world, there are multiple equine offerings you can experience,” says Martina Barksdale, Director of Communications at VisitLex. Tour a stud farm or visit a nursery, where future Thoroughbred champions are raised; go behind the scenes at feed mills and medical clinics; or experience the thrill of Thoroughbred racing at the iconic Keeneland and harness racing at The Red Mile.

For the Hiker & Biker:
Brown County, Indiana
Drive time: 1.5 hours

The rolling hills of Southern Indiana are an idyllic escape from city life, offering both a relaxing retreat and outdoor adventure. Nicknamed “Little Smokies,” Brown County State Park boasts miles of impressive hiking and mountain biking trails that take you through lush forests, across babbling creeks and on to stunning vistas. Outside the park, unwind with a walk through the quaint town of Nashville, or visit the T.C. Steele State Historic Site to explore the beautiful gardens that come alive each spring and tour the home and studio of one of Indiana’s most renowned artists.

For the Mountain Lover:
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Drive time: 6.5 hours
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As the snow melts away and the trees begin to bud, springtime in Gatlinburg is a unique and unforgettable experience. The charming downtown area features local shops, restaurants and a variety of family activities. Or you can escape to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where picturesque trails and scenic lookouts offer views of rushing waterfalls, blooming redbud and dogwood trees and abundant wildlife. The park is famous for its spectacular wildflower display, with mountain laurel, rhododendron, flame azaleas and more, putting on a breathtaking show this time of year.

For the City Slicker:
Chicago, Illinois
Drive time: 3 hours

Welcome to the Windy City, where the hustle and bustle is part of the everyday scene. Spring is the perfect time to visit downtown Chicago, with its world-class attractions, thrilling nightlife and endless entertainment options. For a true taste of the culture, visit a museum. The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and The Art Institute of Chicago are all a short walk from Millennium Park and the famous Navy Pier. Be sure to make your way to Magnificent Mile, stroll through the high-end fashion boutiques and luxury department stores, and encounter elegant dining options.

For the Beach Comber:
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Drive time: 12 hours

Hilton Head Island is the ultimate spring break getaway, with miles of pristine beaches, warm weather and plenty of activities. Amazing resorts, award-winning golf courses, miles of bike trails and nature reserves abound, surrounded by some of the best white sand beaches on the East Coast. The first eco-planned destination in the country, the island is lush, tropical and full of trees. “Things were built around the trees, not the other way around,” says Hallie Martin-Hanlin, communications director at Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, adding that no streetlights are allowed, making the evening star show worth the trip.