By Liz Castro, Staff Writer

International students, people from out of state or faraway cities and those who simply have no idea what to do during winter break: here are solutions for you! These places have good vibes, are low to no cost and are fairly close to Augsburg’s campus.

Look out from downtown Minneapolis’ Foshay Tower! Enjoy the view from Minnesota’s first skyscraper. The tower has a heated observation deck at the top of the building where you can enjoy the view, and it also has a small picture museum where you can see the history of the building and Minneapolis. Adults, teens and students are $10.

Another place to enjoy a view is the Guthrie Theater. The Guthrie was built in 1963 and has a modern look with history packed inside it. Its Amber Box has an amazing view of the city.

Visit First Avenue! Those who need new music to listen to and still have not been to First Ave, go to the show Friday, Jan. 5 titled “The Best New Bands of 2017.” It is hosted by Andrea Swensson from the Current, Sylvia Jennings from Radio K and Jordan Alamat from Go Radio. Tickets are 18+, $10 in advance and $12 at the door. More information on First Avenue events are available at its website.

Go to Uptown! Have some of the best Chai tea at Uncommon Grounds which has been voted one of the best coffee houses in the Twin Cities. This cafe has a relaxing atmosphere with kind service. After visiting Uncommon Grounds, take a walk and explore the fun places in Uptown. Shop for clothes, home decor, makeup and food, and even watch a movie.

Peruse one the many bookstores near Augsburg! Mayday Books is located only five blocks away from Augsburg on Cedar and Riverside right under the Bike Hub Co-op. A little further away is Open Book with a wide variety of books, authors and cute gifts for those who forgot about Christmas shopping. Dinkytown’s Book House is small and has great prices on all its books.

Enjoy free yoga minutes from campus! Yoga is proven to release stress, so go to Core Power Yoga to reset your mind and body for a great Spring semester. Core Power Yoga, in downtown Minneapolis, offers a free week of yoga to new guests.

Look at the city, see a show, visit Uptown, read or do yoga this winter break.

This article first appeared in the Friday, December 15, 2017, Edition of The Echo.