By: Baarika Suresh

Melbourne City – Melbourne, the home of Australian fashion is known for its lively culture and vibrant lifestyle. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, one of the 7 states/territories of Australia. There is live music and jazz clubs around every corner as well as massive shopping malls. There is a free tram to access anything in the inner city circle so you can go anywhere anytime.

The great ocean road is a 240 kilometer long drive that’s west end starts in Victoria, and is where you can see the world’s best coastal views, such as the 12 Apostles.

Katoomba Cascades, Blue Mountains – The Blue Mountains are part of a mountain range called the Great Dividing Range, which ranges all the way from South Australia to Queensland. There are gorgeous walking tracks, beautiful views of the Australian greenery and many fun activities.

There are many local art galleries like the Lost Bear Gallery and cafes and shops nearby as well as the Scenic Skyway which is a cable car ride which glides suspended in the air. It has a 360 panoramic view of the landscape.

Sydney Harbor Bridge – Sydney is actually not the capital of Australia, yet it is the most famous city in Australia. Sydney is known for its beaches, shopping and entertainment. Go to Allianz Stadium where the women’s football World Cup was held last year to catch an A-League soccer game or head to the Sydney cricket stadium to watch the Big Bash League cricket matches.

Sydney never sleeps and people can be seen walking or playing basketball 24/7. Sydney’s most famous beach is Bondi Beach but there are many hidden gems in Sydney’s neighboring town, Newcastle.

Bogey Hole, Newcastle – The beaches of Newcastle are undoubtedly the best beaches in Australia. Red Head, Merewether, Nobbys and Newcastle beaches are beautiful places to visit. Nobbys Beach also has rich Australian history, as the boardwalk was built by the blood and sweat of English convicts. The boardwalk connects the beach to Nobbys Head and Nobbys Lighthouse, which guides ships to the biggest export/import port in Australia.

Next to Merewether Beach is Merewether Baths, which is an outdoor swimming area enclosed from the ocean, but lets in ocean water. 

Bogey Hole was dug out by convicts as a private pool for Colonel James Morisett. Now, it’s clear water is open to the public, so that they can enjoy the beautiful views.

Central West – Central West, New South Wales is where the pinnacle of Australian life is. It is just across the Blue Mountains shielded away from the city.

Lake Canobolas (which is actually a dam) is located a half hour drive from Orange City Center and is an amazing place to be. There is a cafe nearby, mini beach, and beautiful walking tracks around the lake. It is in close proximity to The Pinnacle, which is a pretty steep trek up to The Lookout, one of the highest points of elevation in Orange. You can visit Borenore Caves, widely known for its stalactites and stalagmites, or pick your own produce at Huntley Berry Farm, a family owned farm.

By: Hyde Moua

One of the best dishes to try in Minnesota is the “Jucy Lucy”, which is a burger with melted cheese in the patty. Matt’s Bar & Grill was just a neighborhood burger eatery in 1954, but shortly after they opened they created the famous “Jucy Lucy”. “Jucy Lucy ” got its name after a customer in 1954 said “Oooh, that’s one juicy lucy!” after taking a bite out of the burger. “Jucy Lucy” is typically made with two beef patties, spices, American cheese, and brioche buns. The “Jucy Lucy” can be bought for $9.75 at Matt’s Bar and Grill in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The second best dish to try in Minnesota is the “Tater Tot Hotdish”. One of many places to try the “Tater Tot Hotdish” is at a restaurant called Stray Dog for $16. A typical “Tater Tot Hotdish” would be made of ground beef, topped with tater tots and flavored with thick cream of mushroom soup sauce, or ground beef, green beans, tater tots, and melted cheese. This dish was invented during the Great Depression to create a more filling meal. The origins of the “Tater Tot Hotdish” is found in the Upper Midwest of Minnesota and the very first printed recipe of the Hotdish was found in a cookbook, This cookbook was distributed in 1930 and was spread throughout the community of Mankato, Minnesota.

The third best dish to try in Minnesota is “Walleye”. This fish is known for its mild, delicate flavor, flakey texture and is often in many traditional Minnesota dishes. One of many places to try “Walleye” is at Tavern On Grand. where many people recommend trying out the dish they serve. Tavern On Grand was opened in 1990 by a man named David Wildmo and they serve up to 2,000 pounds of walleye per week! Typically, you would eat “Walleye” with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, coleslaw, wild rice, herbs, and seasoning. All of these can enhance the experience without overpowering the flavor of the walleye itself.

By: Calla Fragassi

For spring break, people traveled all over the world to get a break from the harsh winter and stress of work and the school year. These are some of the most popular spring  break destinations.

1. Cancun

Coming in at number 1 is Cancun. This is no surprise due to its warm weather and perfect beaches for tanning and swimming. The main tourist area in Cancun is called Zono Hotelera, which is where the most popular resorts in the city are located. It is known for being the “all-inclusive spring break capital of the world”, and is the perfect place to spend a couple days or whatever time you have!

2. Hawaii

Hawaii features many different islands that all offer different activities and sights. The marine life and breathtaking views are just two of the many highlights of the islands that draw people there. Swimming with whales, dolphins, turtles and other animals is a serene way to embrace your time in Hawaii. Make sure to stop by a traditional luau to see the different cultures of indigenous peoples in Hawaii come to life through food and dancing!

3. Costa Rica

In recent years, traveling to Costa Rica has become a popular destination for people during spring break. Similar to other tropical countries, Costa Rica offers stunning scenery and beaches, and is famous for their many national parks like Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja, which features some of the tallest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. There are over 500,000 different species of wildlife, and it is one of the happiest countries in the world. Costa Rica is full of different activities for people of all ages and can give anyone the vacation of their dreams!

4. Jamaica

Jamaica is known as the “Heart of the Caribbean” to many, and has something for everybody. The nation’s tropical climates and vibrant culture is bound to give you an experience and a trip you will never forget. The beaches on the coasts of the island are one of the main attractions with endless water activities from taking boat tours, to jet skiing or parasailing. If you’re looking for relaxation and adventure, Jamaica is the perfect spring break destination for you!

5. Miami

If you’re looking to stay in the country for your spring getaway, the most popular city during March and April is Miami, Florida. Miami is famous for its beaches, rivers, parks and bays that set you up for a perfect vacation. Miami Beach, South Beach, and North Beach are some of the more popular spots known for their incredible blue waters, and perfect sand for beach volleyball, tanning or any other activities you want to do while soaking up the sun. The boardwalk is also the perfect place to splurge your money and buy souvenirs!

Each of these amazing places have something different to offer, whether it’s relaxation or adventure. Be sure to reference this when planning out your next trip, and I hope you had a great break no matter where you were!

By: Austin Bailey-Zimmerman

This is by far the best edible cookie dough recipe I have ever tried. It isn’t grainy at all, it’s smooth and there is just the right amount of chocolate.

I got this recipe off of Pinterest from the Corrigan Sisters. Their page is all delicious desserts you can also try. You can use this dough for anything really. You can freeze it into balls and eat that as a dessert, you can put little chunks of it into your ice cream, or you could just eat it by the spoonful!

I made this recipe with my friends because we wanted a sweet dessert, but we didn’t have any, so we took the simple ingredients it takes to make this and we made it in 10 minutes! It’s very quick and easy. We were very satisfied with our results, so we ate all of it while watching a movie. This recipe isn’t very specific to a season, you can eat it whenever, and wherever you want! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 sticks of softened butter
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups of flour
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup of chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Gather ingredients
2. Microwave butter for 30 seconds to soften
3. Combine sugar, butter, salt, flour, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium sized bowl
4. When all mixed together, add chocolate chips
5. Optional: roll into balls and freeze for later!
6. Enjoy!!

By: Cleo Newton

1. The Art Institute of Chicago
This art museum is a great place to view many different artworks, writings, and is also a great place for research. The Art Institute of Chicago has artworks such as, “The Bedroom” made by Vincent Van Gogh in 1889, “Water Lilies” made by Claude Monet in 1906, and “The Old Guitarist” which was made in late 1903 and early 1903.

Tickets here are around $19 to $25. Last time I visited Chicago, my mom and I had planned on going here but we didn’t find time to do it.

2. Willis Tower
The Skydeck Experience is a fun activity to do here. It includes an interactive museum, and it’s both fun and educational. After that, you ride a huge elevator up to the 103rd floor. There you can take pictures in a glass ledge that overlooks the city and take pictures.

As fun as that last part sounds, I don’t recommend doing this on a rainy or cloudy day because the 103rd floor is pretty much in the sky and you won’t be able to see anything through clouds. Also, lots of people like getting their pictures taken here, so be prepared to wait in line for a while.

3. Buckingham Fountain
If you don’t want to spend money on anything, you should go see the Buckingham Fountain. It’s totally free and it’s very beautiful. This fountain is very large, and is located in Grant Park. I recommend visiting it at night because that’s when they turn on the lights to the fountain.

Last time I went, I didn’t have enough time to stay around until night time to see the lights, but next time I go, I’ll make sure to set aside time to do this.

4. Millennium Park
Millennium Park is near the Buckingham Fountain. It’s a great park for both kids and adults. According to Choosechicago.com, It has lots of green space and many activities such as ice skating, rock climbing, and it also has the Cloud Gate statue (a giant silver bean).

Although, last time I was there, that giant bean statue was closed, and I don’t know when it’s going to open or if it’s already opened again.

5. Chicago Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling to Chicago with a kid, Chicago Children’s Museum is a good place to visit. This museum has an art studio where you can make clay sculptures, a place called the Pritzker Playspace, and a tinkering lab where you can build buildings made of cardboard.

They are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10am-2pm and Friday through Sunday, 10am-5pm. I’ve never been there before but I think it would be fun, even if I’m not a little kid anymore.