Besides catching up on homework and (for you overachievers) getting ahead in classes, spring break is what it is – a break! For some, that means a one week cruise in the Bahamas. For others, it’s going home to momma’s home-cooked meals. But for those of you staying on campus, have no fear. There’s plenty to  explore next week. So get out there and enjoy the break you deserve.

Start the break (and the weekend) off right with some Dance Bethesda. Hit up one of the participating dance studios in downtown Bethesda for a free dance lesson or two and then join in on their free dance party. Or if you’re not into dancing, check out the DC Independent Film Festival (DCIFF) located at the US Navy Heritage Center. DCIFF is one of the oldest independent film festivals in DC. With a wide selection of shorts and documentaries covering every topic to any topic, I’m sure you’ll find something that catches your eye.

In the mood for chocolate? Head on over to Fairfax, Virginia sometime over the weekend for the 2012 Chocolate Lovers Festival. The annual two-day festival includes events such a Chocolate Challenge, in which contestants create art, cakes and cupcakes out of chocolate and submit them for judging. You could be a judge (or the winner of a silent auction for one of these delicious items). Or you could participate in the Taste of Chocolate and purchase some of the finest chocolatey concoctions.

Then, after an adventurous weekend full of excursions out of the infamous Georgetown bubble, kick back and relax on campus on Monday. After all, the weatherman predicts flurries, so grab another friend who’s staying on campus and head over to Safeway before the snow starts. Pick up some food and (since no one else is using the common room), bake and make to your heart’s content.

The start of March also marks the start of Women’s History Month. Make use of Tuesday to go and honor the accomplishments of incredible American women by visiting the National Museum of Women in the Arts or the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum.

Pick a day to visit the Newseum if you haven’t already. One of Newseum’s hottest attractions is its Berlin Wall Gallery, which features sections of the original Berlin Wall. Later on during the night, check out the Flamenco Festival at George Washington University. Wednesday night presents Seville’s Rafaela Carrasco’s “Vamos al Tiroteo” and the Flamenco Festival Closing Party which features complimentary drinks and tapas from Jaleo.

The weather will be gorgeous on Thursday, so why not spend some time on Healy lawn while catching up on some homework? Take a stroll down the waterfront and maybe even finally make that run to the monuments at night that you’ve been telling yourself you’d do someday.

Friday is a shout-out to all you animal lovers. Take the train up to Baltimore and check out the National Aquarium. The aquarium has an animal feeding everyday at 2pm. Not a huge fan of creatures of the sea? It’s all good. Pay a visit to the National Zoo, where exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.

The weather seems to still hold up for next weekend. Why not head on over to Roosevelt Island and see the 17 foot statue of Roosevelt? There are also plenty of nature trails if you feel like going for a hike.

Finally, in the midst of welcoming friends who are flying back in from their island or home adventures, bring out the green from your closet and head on over to join in on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. The 41st annual St. Patrick’s Day parade revolves around the theme of “Feed the Soul – Nourish the Palate.”

Happy Friday and have a safe spring break!

Photo credits: Bethesda.org, WRSOL.com and Lisner.org