With the Ogden-Hinckley Airport being home to over 400 general aviation planes, and world-class skiing just a short drive from the airstrip, it has become an expanding source for travelers coming to and departing from the Ogden area. Recently the airport has welcomed the addition of commercial flights by Allegiant Air to Phoenix/Mesa, Ariz., that have resulted in ease of travel for the everyday Ogdenite. This is great news for all the Wildcats itching for a quick break from Utah this Spring Break. A round-trip flight from Ogden to Mesa costs around $370.

So now you’re probably wondering, “Yeah, but what is there to do in Mesa?” So here’s a list of adventures in Mesa during Spring Break that’ll take away your midterm blues.

1. Hike: First of all, the sun is always shining in Mesa and the trails are always there for you. So, if you’re craving sun kisses as much as I am lately, Mesa will satisfy your solar sweet tooth this Spring Break. With hiking trails all around Mesa, you can soak up the sun and the sights in the same steps. Another cool thing about exploring Mesa’s hiking territory around this time of year is the wildflowers that are painting the trailsides. I’m a sucker for wildflowers, and Mesa’s seas of desert flowers reach their full bloom around mid-March, so you’ll be in for some major eye candy.

2. Golf: Hit the links with your buddies at your choice of the 40 golf courses within 30 minutes of Mesa. Mesa boasts many award-winning golf courses that vary from rugged and carved desert terrain to the more traditional golf course. Mesa hosts some of Arizona’s most popular courses. The Mesa area has served as one of the premier golf destinations in the Southwest.

3. See a musical: “In the Mood” will be showing at Piper Repertory Theater from Tuesday, March 11 to Sunday, March 16. “In the Mood” celebrates the 1940s through song and dance and features the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and more. Tickets for the shows are $34-$54 weekdays, $39-$59 weekends.

4. Nightlife: Grab your cowboy boots and head to Denim & Diamonds. Denim & Diamonds claims to host the biggest parties in the area and is sure to give you and your friends a good time for the night. The club even offers dance lessons on Wednesday and Saturday nights for those out-of-towners like you and I who don’t know how to boot, scoot and boogie like the locals.

5. Visit the Mesa Arts Center: The Mesa Arts Center is an international award-winning venue for a reason. Their venue currently serves as home to several different exhibits and is free to the public. One of the coolest exhibits currently housed at the Mesa Arts Center is the 35th Annual Contemporary Crafts exhibit, which showcases 46 artworks by 35 artists, representing 14 states. The exhibit boasts innovation with the media in which crafts are regularly created.

So if you’re looking to spend Spring Break away from Utah, the Ogden-Hinckley Airport has your ticket out of here, and Mesa will happily share some sunshine.