At the end of spring semester last year, Anthony Locricchio hit the road for a last-minute shindig in Florida.

"The day we got out of class we packed up and went to Panama (City)," the history junior said. "It's nice to just pack up and go."

Locricchio says he has fond memories of buying kegs at Wal-Mart and staying at the less-than-ritzy Chateau Motel.

"Yeah, and Mom freaked out," said Anthony's brother Pete Locricchio, recalling Anthony was suppose to be in North Carolina.

This year for spring break, Anthony won't be going to Panama City or North Carolina, but is staying in East Lansing to work.

"If I had the extra money, I would go somewhere," Anthony said.

While many students might not have the funds to head South to more appealing weather conditions, or the entire spring break to vacation away or are just plain vacation-planner procrastinators, there are plenty of entertaining cities right around the Great Lakes region.

The excitement of Chicago, Toronto and Cleveland might heat up the snow making city sidewalks seem like a plush white sandy beach. Well maybe that's a little too extreme, but these happenin' cities are only a short car, bus or train ride away.

Just pack up and go - last-minute!

The sidewalks of Toronto are definitely some of the warmer northern city choices if you choose to explore the underground PATH.

The city's Downtown Walkway is connected by 10 kilometers of shops, restaurants and all sorts of entertainment. Many hotels are connected to the underground network, making it possible to visit much of the city without having to step outside.

"Shopping is the No. 1 thing to do in Toronto," said Tiziana Baccega, spokeswoman for Tourism Toronto. "There's funky markets from the huge Eaton Center to Queen Street. With the dollar exchange, it's basically half-price."

Not only is shopping grand, star-gazing also is eventful at places such as Sotto Sotto Trattoria and Bistro 990 in Yorkville.

"You can see movie stars all over Toronto," Baccega said. "You never know who you will run into."

Television movies, pilots and series are constantly being filmed in the city.

"Another thing you wouldn't want to miss out on is a theater show," Baccega said. "'The Lion King' and 'Mamma Mia' are the big blockbusters everyone knows."

Gain access to the city from Saturday to March 8 with a $104-roundtrip Amtrak ticket. (2:39 p.m.; 11:27 p.m.) Or you can make the five-hour drive by bus or car. Greyhound is offering $129 roundtrip bus tickets to anywhere in the nation for reservations made three days in advance.

Are you getting desperate yet? Maybe hanging out at Dick's Last Resort in Cleveland's Flats Entertainment District is the ticket.

David Drapiewski, manager at Dick's Last Resort, says it's anything but a last resort for students looking for a good time. There's live music, many drinks and Mardi Gras on March 4.

"It was a restaurant concept that was started about 15 years ago," Drapiewski said. "They intended to open a fine-dining restaurant, but ran out of money so they called it Dick's Last Resort. Dick was the name of the owner."

Megan Richards, public relations assistant for the Convention & Visitor's Bureau of Greater Cleveland, says the historic Warehouse District is the city's hot spot.

"It's the trendier area," Richards said. "It's considered Cleveland's first neighborhood, so the apartments are above the shops making it more pedestrian friendly."

Meg Ryan just finished filming "Against the Ropes" at Divine Wine about a month ago, Richards said.

In addition to visiting the world's largest U2 exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, a Frank O. Gehry creation is a must-see at University Circle, Richards said.

"It's a building with no 90-degree angles."

Drive or take Greyhound to this city about four hours away for $129 roundtrip.

Still looking for a last resort, but you want to go west instead of east? Chicago also is the home to Dick's Last Resort and Oprah.

But aside from Dick's and Oprah, there's much more to see in the Windy City. To feel the city's powerful breeze, take a ride on the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and get a panoramic view of the city skyline at the same time.

Afterward, go out to dinner on Navy Pier at Joe's Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz Emporium, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Riva or maybe it's "A Dinner Party To Die For" that sparks some interest.

Murder Mystery Productions puts on a three-hour dinner theater that involves solving a murder at Pazzo's and The Terrace.

For less than $60 per ticket each audience member gets a four-course meal and plays detective.

"It's very interactive," said Kim Foster, associate producer for Murder Mystery Productions. "There's a lot of audience participation. We blend actresses and actors in with the guests."

Before dinner is served introductions are made, and the first murder occurs. After the body is taken away, the audience is presented with red herrings.

"The cop comes out and explains the five motives of murder," Foster said. "Then the salads come out and the second murder happens. It can be a stabbing or poisoning depending on the script. There's about 25 different scripts."

After dinner, shoot up to the tallest building in North America - the Sears Tower. Atop the 1,450-foot building Chicago history is emblazoned on the walls.

Hop on Amtrak to visit they city, but don't bother trying to buy tickets Saturday to March 8 because they're sold out. Sunday to March 9 Amtrak tickets are still available for $70. (7:32 p.m.; 10:37 p.m.) Make the 3-hour trip by car or get a $129 roundtrip Greyhound bus ticket.

Did you say snow-lover? Let's leave the city skylines and visit Drummond Island, Mich., where the snow is glittering.

You can even bring your car over to the island on the Drummond Island ferry.

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobilling are some activities to do on the "largest fresh water island" in the U.S.

Betty Bailey, customer service representative for the Drummond Island Tourism Association, says snowmobilers can venture to Canada via the ice bridge.

"If you had a great big group of college kids who like to snowmobile during the day and party at night, this is the place for them," Bailey said.

There are cabins, cottages, one motel complete with a bowling alley, six restaurants and three bars on the island.

Hike up to Drummond Island via a six-hour car ride to DeTour, Mich. or Drummond, Mich. to catch the one-mile car ferry ride.