Smaller cities offer alternative break destinations

The following cities offer unique things to do, great places to see and will be a taste of what smaller cities throughout the country have to offer. Best of all, a trip to these non-typical destinations can be much cheaper than any other winter break trips students might have planned.

Milwaukee, WI In Milwaukee, home of the Miller Brewing Company, students can take the infamous booze cruise on the Edelweiss Milwaukee River Cruise Line - just without the swimsuits.

Students can pick from various booze cruises, such as the Miller Lite Party Cruise, Margarita Fiesta Party Cruise or Sexy in the City Cruise, prices range between $20 and $25.

Among many other things to do in Milwaukee is the Potawatomi Bingo Casino open 24 hours and has gaming, theaters and restaurants.

Lastly, The Shops on Grand Avenue, which is in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, features three blocks of shopping.

Drive: $89.40 Flight: $60 Skybus

Pittsburgh, PA No matter your interest, this city has something for everyone, whether it be arts, sports, nightlife, shopping and much more.

During the Christmas season, students can visit the Benedum Center, which is a historical, 2,889-seat theater, according to VisitPittsburgh.com. From Dec. 5 through Dec. 23, the Pittsburgh CLO annually performs "A Musical Christmas Carol." Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at PittsburghCLO.org.

The newly revitalized North Shore area, located just outside of downtown and next door to Heinz Field where the Pittsburgh Steelers play, is a great place for students looking for a night on the town. The North Shore has many bars and restaurants, such as McFadden's and Calico Jack's.

Shopping is also abundant, whether you are looking for an outdoor mall at the Southside Works, located minutes from the University of Pittsburgh, or downtown shopping, which is adorned for the holiday season.

Drive: $36.60 Flight: $286 Northwest

Baltimore, MD When in Baltimore, students can visit the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, which is "a wax museum committed solely to the study and preservation of African American history, (and) is also among the most unique," according to its Web site.

Every Friday night at the Little Italy Sons of Italy Lodge, home-cooked Italian meals are available for $8 per person. Not only is this town host to many Italian restaurants, but there are many bars, businesses and churches as well.

Also, while in Baltimore, students can take a tour of the original Washington Monument, located in Mount Vernon. Free tickets to visit the monument are given daily on a first-come, first-served basis.

Drive: $84 Flight: $91 Cheapoair.com

Raleigh, NC Raleigh, N.C. bills itself as a trendy and hip city, but without the hassle that comes with much larger cities. Whether students are looking to catch the Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC Center, or learn more about the city's culture at the N.C. Museum of History, Raleigh is a great destination for a short trip.

According to Raleigh's visitor Web site, visitRaleigh.com, the city is dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South" for the quality of its 20 free attractions.

Home of NC State University, Raleigh offers plenty of nightlife and entertainment districts, such as Fayetteville Street, which is in the heart of downtown and offers a plethora of trendy bars and restaurants.

Drive: $100 Flight: $86 Cheapoair.com

Chattanooga, TN Students can enjoy the Tennessee Aquarium, and its two underwater worlds, as well as its IMAX 3D Theater. Running from Nov. 16 through Jan. 17 is "The Polar Express." Admission to the aquarium and one IMAX movie costs $24.95.

Visiting Rock City Gardens will provide the full outdoor experience in Chattanooga. Visitors can climb Lookout Mountain, get a glimpse of the 140-foot Ruby Falls and ride the Incline Railway.

Chattanooga also offers a nightlife, which includes many pubs, such as the Big River Grille and Brewing Works located downtown.

Drive: $76.84 Flight: $50 Skybus

Candace Adrian can be reached at adrian.15@osu.edu.