Now the awaited spring break week is just around the corner. Your friends are headed to exotic locales – Mexico, Miami, Minnesota – and here you’ll sit, in good ol’ Iowa.

The state is more than dormant cornfields this time of year. Iowa has something for everyone and every interest – from shopping and sports to shows and museums.

“We encourage [students] to get out and explore the state,” said Jessica O’Riley, communications manager for the Iowa Tourism Office.

Your time spent in Iowa will even be what O’Riley calls “trendy.”

She said there is a national trend of people vacationing closer to home. By staying in Iowa, you may even learn something new.

Exploring Ames

Spring break is the perfect time to venture off campus and explore the city of Ames.

“You can try something in Ames that maybe you haven’t tried before,” said Shawne Ungs, marketing and public relations manager for the Ames Convention and Visitor Bureau.

Ungs said if you’re feeling creative, Kil’n Time Studio, 330 Main St., or Left Bank Studio in Gilbert are where you want to head. At Kil’n Time you can paint pottery, create a mosaic or glass fusion project or try building your own potter. More information is available on the studio’s Web site, www.kilntime4fun.com.

The Left Bank offers classes in many different art mediums, including watercolor, ceramic sculpture and acrylic sculpture. The Left Bank’s Web site is www.theleftbankstudio.com.

Ungs also recommend several spas in the area – Avenues for Health, 221 5th St., Butterfly Day Spa, 2215 229th Place, and Ville Day Spa, 2610 Northridge Parkway.

“There’s some great ways to pamper yourself if you’re not getting out of town,” Ungs said.

With a little research and planning, your spring break in Iowa won’t be boring. And you can enjoy your break without having to go far or spend a lot of money. For more ideas and events, visit www.traveliowa.com and www.visitames.com.

Local events during spring break

Theater and Concerts

March 11-16 – The acclaimed Broadway show “The Producers” will be making its way across Iowa during the week of spring break. The show will be in Cedar Falls on March 11-12, Ames on March 13, Davenport on March 14, Sioux City on March 15 and Mason City on March 16. For showtimes, venues and ticket information, visit www.producersontour.com

March 14 – Lifehouse, along with Matt Nathanson and HoneyHoney, will perform at the Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50. For more information, visit www.valairballroom.com.

March 21-22 – Comedy XPeriment – if you want a laugh, come check out this improv comedy group. They will be performing at the Stoner Theater in the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines at 7:30 p.m. on March 21 and midnight March 22. All tickets are $8.

Sports

March 14-15 – The NCAA 2008 Division II Wrestling Championships will be held at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.

The tournament starts at 11 a.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday.

March 15 – Come see the Iowa Stars play the Quad City Flames and support breast cancer awareness all in one night. The John Stoddard Cancer Center will host “Pink in the Rink Night.” Prizes will be given to fans and there will be a silent auction. Funds raised will benefit the John Stoddard Cancer Center. The game starts at 7:07 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

March 19 – The NBA Development League’s Iowa Energy takes on the Anaheim Arsenal at 7:30 p.m. in Wells Fargo Arena. Ticket prices range from $8-$20.

March 22 – The first and second rounds of the 2008 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship will be played at Wells Fargo Arena and hosted by Des Moines and Iowa State. This is an all-day event.

March 24 – United State Hockey League Games – Iowa has USHL teams in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Sioux City and Waterloo. Games are scheduled throughout the week of spring break all over the state. For a complete schedule, check out Ushl.com.