San Luis Valley, Colorado
Drawing nature-lovers and adventure-seekers alike, Colorado's San Luis Valley consist of 8500 square miles stretching from southern Colorado to northern New Mexico. Against the rocky Sangre de Cristo Mountains, North America's tallest sand dunes soar over 750 feet.

This rich desert valley also houses hot springs, scenic byways, museums, art galleries, two national wildlife preserves and the sites of old churches.

"[The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad] is an absolutely beautiful ride. Depending on the time of day, you can see elk, bears, mountain lions. You're stepping back into the wilderness where vehicles can't get to," said Crissie Elwess of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Activities include backpacking, camping, fishing, skiing, horseback riding, rodeos and even alligator wrestling.

"We don't consider it alligator wrestling unless the alligator is twice my size. It's for adrenaline and alligator junkies, like me," said Jay Young, of Colorado Gators, a gator farm that features tours of alligator and reptile exhibits in addition to alligator wrestling. Once the site of an onslaught of cattle mutilations, this geological gem also entertains stories of strange lights in the sky and mass sightings of UFOs in the area, with its very own UFO watchtower.

-- By Sophia Gonzalez

Cave City, Kentucky
Did someone say Kentucky? Of course not, no one ever does, and I want to know why. After all, it's home to two of State College's most favorite men, Colonel Sanders and Jim Beam, both of whom have factory tours with free samples to rot away your stomach lining this spring break. Or how about Cave City, Kentucky's number one tourist destination? It's home to the world's longest cave, measuring 359 miles in length. But where to stay in Cave City, I mean, because you'll definitely need more than a day or two in order to cover Kentucky's number one hot spot.

Luckily Kentucky is also home to Jellystone Park, where you not only can camp in that wonderful Kentucky bluegrass but also rub elbows with Yogi and Booboo.

Just stay clear of Ranger Smith when you're hanging out with Mr. Beam and the colonel.

The next morning, avoid the rush to Dinosaur World, where life-sized replicas transport you to the prehistoric epoch, and finish up the day at Big Mike's Mystery House and its vortex of weirdness. For the sportster there's always the Louisville Slugger Museum. But, more importantly, how about taking a trip to Kentucky this spring break to see if they really do wear overalls without shirts?

-- By Brad Groznik

Waterbury, Vermont
Attention sweet tooth students of Penn State -- Hershey is not the only place in the northeast that offers sugary goodness.

Ambitious spring breakers seeking a road trip can head north to Waterbury, Vt., and take a tour of the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. Begin in the Cow Over The Moon Theater for a short film about founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. Then head to another part of the factory and oversee the ice cream making process. Finally -- the best part -- go to the FlavoRoom to test that ice cream and other flavors of the day.The factory gift shop features Ben & Jerry's merchandise and gifts based on the Holstein Cow, and at the Scoop Shop tourists can test out the newest flavors. For more fun, the cows that used to make the ice cream can be found in a pasture nearby, and visitors can also visit the Flavor Graveyard to mourn the loss of former favorite flavors.

-- by Sara Widger

Altoona, Pennsylvania
Don't have enough gas money or motivation to drive far from State College this spring break? Head over to Altoona, a city with wacky attractions that'll keep you occupied for, well, at least a few solid days.

Start by checking out Lakemont Park's "Leap the Dips," the oldest roller coaster in the country. Built in 1902, the railed coaster was restored in 1999, which should leave visitors breathless (if not needing a trip to a chiropractor). Admission into the park is free, and an all-day pass for the park's rides is only $10.

For those interested in cheap scares that also happen to have some history behind them, dare to visit Baker Mansion, the home of the Blair County Historical Society's Haunted Wedding Dress. Many visitors have claimed to see the dress move in its glass case, located inside the mansion. Terrifying things await you, all at a much less horrifying price of $4. Last on the Altoona adventure to-do list, take time to visit The Wall That Heals, a smaller replica of the Washington, D.C., Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Who needs spring break destinations like Florida and Cancun when State College's sister city has so much to offer?

-- by Mike Kulick

Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
A fun, relaxing spring break is only a hop, skip and a jump away. If you are still procrastinating about your spring break plans, but know you don't want to stay crammed in your parents' house all week, think about taking a trip to the Pocono Mountains.

The Poconos offer an array of activities. Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau spokeswoman Shannon Rey suggested visitors attend "Salsa Magic," a Latin dance party at the Fernwood Hotel & Resort on March 11.

But there are other options for the non-dancing visitors.

For those who like the bar scene, Rey recommends Siamsa Irish Pub, The Luca Lounge and Flood's, to name a few.

And, of course, visitors can catch the end of the skiing and snowboarding season, too.

"The Poconos is a good vacation spot for skiers and snowboarders," said Danielle Manning (freshman-advertising).

"There are about three major ski resorts with lots of trails, which is fun," Manning added.

The Poconos offer a varied selection of dining and shopping, also.

"I love coming home during breaks, because I take part in all the touristy things that I never noticed before, like whitewater rafting and kayaking," Mike Lewis (freshman-psychology) said.

-- by Julie Moore