In the words of singer Alice Cooper, "school's out," but for many students it is starting all over again with summer classes.
Their only chance to get out and experience summer is a quick weekend vacation, but it isn't always easy to find the perfect thing to do.
If students are looking to stay closer to Auburn for the weekend, Atlanta has weekend packages at low rates.
With CityPass, students can purchase a packet that includes one ticket to each of the following: Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola, Inside CNN Studio Tour, Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Atlanta Botanical Garden, and High Museum of Art or Atlanta History Center.
Each packet is just under $70 and can be used within nine days of the purchase.
"It's great, because you can spend the time over two weekends with a week in between," Susan Wilson, a CityPass representative, said.
Wilson explained what a CityPass is and why it is convenient.
"It's a booklet of actual tickets, not vouchers or coupons, for immediate admission to the most popular museums and attractions," Wilson said. "So there's no planning necessary. It saves about 50 percent off the cost of visiting each attraction separately."
Wilson also explained why Atlanta is appealing to young people.
"College-bound students are great customers for CityPass, because it is a great way to explore the new surroundings," Wilson said.
For a more traditional summer destination, a few nearby beaches offer quick getaways. Gulf Shores, which is just more than four hours south, offers parasailing and several dinner cruises, not to mention sand and sun.
Pensacola, Fla., which is about three hours and 45 minutes south of Auburn, is a great beach for seafood dining and exploring museums if the sun doesn't suit.
For the music fans out there, Lake Martin is having its annual July 4th Blast. It will be held at the Lake Martin Amphitheater from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
The blast will feature music from Shades of Blue, Homeland, and Sweet Young'Uns and will conclude with the annual fireworks show. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.
Downtown Birmingham is having its City Stages weekend concert series from June 19 to 21.
Jim Taylor, City Stages attendee and public relations representative, said the City Stages atmosphere is perfect for college students.
"When I was in college, City Stages was a great way to celebrate summer and mingle," Taylor said.
The weekend will feature headliners such as Styx, Plain White T's, and Dierks Bentley, as well as more than 40 other bands ranging from rap to big band to school bands.
Taylor said the number one reason to attend City Stages is the low ticket price.
"It's cheap," Taylor said. "At $40 for the entire weekend, City Stages is and has always been a deal you can't beat."
Another popular summer concert phenomenon located in Manchester, Tenn., could be called a modern day Woodstock, Bonnaroo.
The four day and night experience lasts from June 11 to 14, and general admission tickets range from $225 to $250 per person. The Web site gives all types of informative lists for first-timers, such as "what to bring," "what not to bring," and "what to know before you go." Attendants can bring their own tents, lawn chairs, etc., and showers are provided.
The diverse line-up includes Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Beastie Boys, Snoop Dog, Gov't Mule, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, moe., Phish, and almost 100 others.
Natalie McCormick, a senior in civil engineering, said Bonnaroo was a great place to see all of her favorite musicians in one place.
"It was surreal seeing Bela Fleck during the day, Sigur Ros in the evening, and then watching the sunrise while front row at a Disco Biscuits show," McCormick said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
