Yes, El Pasoans, there are plenty of things to do in the Borderland over spring break

Although most of the nation's workforce doesn't get a full week off in the middle of spring, there are droves of students and teachers who do.

If you want to do something special but don't want to put in the work it takes to plan a multiday, extended-family vacation, there are spots around the Chihuahuan Desert that are close but just far enough to feel like you're taking a breather from the bustle of real life.

Truth or Consequences

Do you feel like being around water but don't want to be around thousands of drunken college kids? Consider Truth or Consequences, N.M.

The tiny town, about 100 miles north of El Paso, has a hot springs where visitors can sit, soak and feel rejuvenated. You can even book a private soak at some of the town's hot spots.

And if soaking in 100-plus-degree water doesn't sound appealing, head on over to Elephant Butte, a favorite for fishing and boating.

For more information, visit sierracountynewmexico.info.

Very Large Array

Another kinda-close gem north of El Paso is the Very Large Array — a huge tract of land dotted with colossal radio telescopes. If the scenery looks familiar, give Jodie Foster's "Contact" a closer watch.

The radio telescopes are used to study astronomical events like black holes and gamma ray bursts, and scan the night sky for radio transmissions. If it sounds cool, it's because it is cool.

Getting to the VLA takes about three hours of driving from El Paso. The site is 50 miles west of Socorro, N.M., which has hotels and eateries for those passing through.

The VLA routinely holds tours and open houses. For more information on the Very Large Array, visit public.nrao.edu.

White Sands

If you live around El Paso, chances are you've visited White Sands National Monument at least once. If not, what better time than spring break?

White Sands is popular for a reason. Endless stretches of white gypsum make for great Instagram posts. The park has even attracted folks like Ozzy Osbourne's kids and Kendall Jenner, who modeled in ads for Missoni with White Sands as a backdrop.

More: Kendall Jenner strikes a pose at White Sands National Monument

If you go, plan wisely. Take plenty of water — seriously, take a ton of water — and sunscreen. If you find a garbage bin lid, take that, too. The lids work great for sledding on the sand.

For more information on White Sands, visit nps.gov/whsa.

Juárez

Mexico is a popular destination for spring breakers, but you don't have to hop on a plane to get there. You can literally park your car in Downtown, walk over the bridge and you're there.

For many, crossing into Juárez is just part of living life in the Borderland. People cross to work, visit family, shop and seek medical care.

But if you've never been to Juárez, spring break is a great opportunity to let it fully sink in that we live on the border with another country and are so close we can actually walk it. Get tips beforehand or find someone you trust who is willing to show you around and take you to the best spots.

If you have no idea where to go across the border, just head to the Kentucky Club.

And don't forget your U.S. passport, or you might end up staying in Mexico longer than you planned.

Stay in town

If a little bit of driving or visiting a different country aren't quite your thing, you can always plan a great stay-cation. Book a room at a hotel for a couple days and learn the city from a tourist's point of view.

El Paso has a host of things to do, even though some close-minded Facebook comments would have you believe otherwise.

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Eat at the places you've never been, visit the parks you've never seen and enjoy the generally low cost of living in El Paso. Take in one of the free museums, chill out at Ascarate Lake or go for a hike at Hueco Tanks, which is only a few miles outside the city.

Make it a spring break challenge to stretch your legs and get out of your comfort zone. If you live on the West Side, try spending an entire day getting lost in far East El Paso — or vice versa. You never know what you might find.

Sara Sanchez can be reached at 546-6147; ssanchez@elpasotimes.com; @siempresarita on Twitter.