Looking for something fun to do over spring break?

For those who will spend midterm break on campus, running out of fun ways to keep busy during the whole nine days without classes could be easy.

Cecilia Lapp-Stolzfus, a first-year from Washington D.C., discusses why spending some time in Goshen is important for students attending the college. “I find it much more fulfilling to be involved in a larger community than just the college because the town of Goshen has more age and economic diversity.”

Since downtown is close to Goshen College’s campus and a vital part of the Goshen community, it is important to become familiar with the city you live in, Lapp-Stoltzfus said. “As someone who isn’t from Goshen, I want to feel like I know the area and feel like I’m a part of it.”

If you are in need of an off-campus escape, something fun to do with friends, or just an opportunity to explore, here is a list of activities to consider for your spring break agenda.

1. Habitat for Humanity

Help Habitat for Humanity build a house during your free time. They will need help from February 24to 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Sign-ups are in Westlawn Dining Hall through the remainder of the week.

2. Eat around the globe

Frances Fonseca, a first-year, discussed the culinary diversity that downtown Goshen has to offer to people wanting to try new things. “There’s Venturi’s, known for its Italian cuisine, Los Primos serving up Latin American food, Memories of China, and the Golden Monkey, which has a Vietnamese twist to all things food,” she said.

3. Explore Downtown

Make a visit to the South Side Soda Shop and try some of their original fountain phosphate; visit the Olympia Candy Kitchen on Main Street; stroll through Ten Thousand Villages or Better World Books. If you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy downtown Goshen, next week is a wonderful time to do it.

4. The Farmer’s Market

Located in the historic Mill Race center (near Rachael’s Bread), the Goshen Farmer’s Market offers year-round indoor selling space for local farmers, bakers and artisans. They’re open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5. Scavenger Hunts

Make a list of tasks to complete for points, add a time limit and throw in a little reward for the winner, and you’ve got yourself a creative way to pass the time – not to mention, a great way to bond with friends.