Five Post-Spring Semester Road Trips to Take This Year

We know we’re a little late to the game on this one, but we also realize that BYU doesn’t take a spring break. Let’s just say these are our suggestions for great post-semester road trips. All of them are safe and include a few interesting stops along the way. Because if you are just driving straight to your destination without stopping a couple times along the way, you’re doing it wrong.

And if you’re driving without bringing your Chevy into Larry H. Miller Chevy Provo before you head out, you are asking for car troubles. Listen, we get that you can’t always afford the latest and greatest, but you can’t afford not to take care of what you’ve got either. So, come and see us before you put the rubber to the road.

Once you’re ready to get going, check out our top five picks for great places you can spend your first week of summer.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX

DISTANCE: ~1,500 miles
TRAVEL LENGTH: 24 hours

STOPS ALONG THE WAY: Albuquerque, NM; El Paso, TX; San Antonio, TX

Never heard of it, you say? Well you are going to feel awfully foolish once we have finished sharing everything fun and wonderful you can do here.

It is mostly a destination for southern colleges, so you could consider this as cultural an experience as if you were spending your time in Honduras building schools. South Padre Island’s white, sandy beaches are a welcome sight after all the long days you spend in a BYU lecture hall. Plus, it isn’t nearly as overrun as places like Santa Monica. So, dip your toes into the warm, calm waters of the Gulf, and feel the stresses from the last semester melt away.

GALVESTON, TX

DISTANCE: ~1,400 miles

TRAVEL LENGTH: 23 hours 26 minutes

STOPS ALONG THE WAY: Albuquerque, NM; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX

Full disclosure, South Padre Island is known to get a little cray-cray. So if you’re a literary type looking for less party scene and more relaxing tones deep in the heart of the Lone Star, then make the trek to Galveston.

This charming beachside town is the perfect place to enjoy some of the wonderful Gulf rays. Consider a visit to Pleasure Pier to give yourself some amusing stimulation. You’ll find great restaurants, unique shopping, and endless eccentricities to enjoy. Plus, like we said, it is the perfect place to get a jump on that summer reading list.

SAN DIEGO, CA

DISTANCE: ~750 miles

TRAVEL LENGTH: 10 hours 27 minutes

STOPS ALONG THE WAY: St. George, UT; Zions National Park; Las Vegas, NV; Death Valley National Park; Joshua Tree National Park; Los Angeles, CA

So, you have less time to drive down south before you head out to sell security systems or pest control this summer—we get it. You need to get your vacation in sooner rather than later, so maybe a trip to SoCal is more your speed. You know we have to suggest San Diego: It’s pretty much a given.

There are a lot of things to like about San Diego, and a lot of them are pretty familiar to a lot of people. While we would encourage a visit to the San Diego Zoo, any one of the great eateries, and of course some beach time, we think it’s a good idea to change it up by doing something unexpected. Maybe it is a jaunt along the legendary Route 66 on your way into town, or maybe taking in some of the local high life, but there is a lot more to San Diego than you thought the first time you came to see Shamu—who is still around by the way.

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA

DISTANCE: ~700 miles

TRAVEL LENGTH: 9 hours 52 minutes

STOPS ALONG THE WAY: St. George, UT; Zions National Park; Las Vegas, NV; Yosemite National Park

Looking for a more quintessential California experience? You’re going to want to make the trip to Manhattan Beach.

This classically Californian destination is everything you’d expect when visiting SoCal. You will be able to enjoy your days walking on the pier, visiting shops and restaurants, playing beach volleyball, or surfing. The nightlife is great and LA really isn’t too far off for a day in La la Land.

LAS VEGAS, NV

DISTANCE: 380 miles

TRAVEL LENGTH: 5 hours 28 minutes

STOPS ALONG THE WAY: St. George, UT; Zions National Park; Bryce Canyon National Park

You thought we were going to leave off Vegas, didn’t you? Not your first pick? That’s okay—there is still plenty to do without breaking the honor code.

Bright lights, world-class dining, and the best entertainment are all found in one place. But you don’t have to stay on the strip to have an incredible time in Vegas. The natural beauty of the desert around the city has adventures just waiting to be had. With the Hoover Dam and Lake Meade not too far out of town and beautiful desert mountains you can explore, you will have more than enough to occupy your time. But make this one’s an early trip because it gets hot. So maybe you do want to save this one for a spring break trip for next year when highs reach about 69 in March.

It's up to you how far you want to go, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to take a little time off to enjoy some R & R. BYU students get a lot of flak for not being able to take a regular break, but what everyone else doesn’t realize is that they get out before most other students. We vote you should take advantage of that time and visit some of the best spring break spots before they become the hot summer destinations. Don’t forget, you need to make your service appointment as soon as you’ve made your plans for a road trip. Visit our site to schedule your appointment today.

Five Ways to Show Your BYU Pride During College Basketball Finals

Has there ever been a better cheer section than the one at BYU? Our opinion: no there has not. The devoted Coug followers are some of the most loyal in the nation. As we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year for college basketball, the team here at Larry H. Miller Chevy Provo has decided to put together a list of items that we think every great fan needs to implement from the living room couch or the front seat of your Chevy Colorado while you listen in.

Anywhere a true BYU fan watches or listens to the game is an extension of the arena they are playing in. While the Cougars take on the other teams in the NIT, be proud to lend your voices. With the features available in Chevy models like the Colorado, you won’t miss a beat. The comfortable seats far exceed those in any basketball arena, and with satellite radio you will be able to tune in from anywhere.

So without further ado, here are the five ways you can show off your BYU pride:

1. WEAR THE RIGHT COLORS

With all the changes in team colors over the years, it can be pretty confusing what blue we are supporting. Our suggestion is to just wear the blue you knew while you were there. Break out the new or vintage gear. As an institution that is proud of its heritage, no one should look down their nose at another BYU fan if they are wearing the navy blue from the early 2000s or the royal blue our team is currently sporting in games.

2. LEARN THE FIGHT SONG

Rise all loyal Cougars and hurl your challenge to the foe.

You will fight, day or night, rain or snow.

Loyal, strong, and true

Wear the white and blue.

While we sing, get set to spring.

Come on Cougars it's up to you. Oh!

Chorus:

Rise and shout, the Cougars are out

along the trail to fame and glory.

Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out

As you unfold your victr'y story.

On you go to vanquish the foe for Alma Mater's sons and daughters.

As we join in song, in praise of you, our faith is strong.

We'll raise our colors high in the blue

And cheer our Cougars of BYU.

Written back in 1932, the Cougar Song holds a special place in many a BYU fan’s heart. Like starting a meeting at church, no BYU game should start without it. Sing it out loud and strong from the driver’s seat as you listen on the radio, roll down the windows and let everyone hear your BYU pride.

3. CARE MORE ABOUT THE KISS CAM

We’re not sure how this ended up as one of the five things to be aware of, but we’ll roll with it. Should you be fortunate enough to be at the game, know the ins and outs of the kiss cam, and have a game plan. You don’t want any opportunity to be missed.

4. WATCH THE ENTIRE GAME

What kind of sports fan are you if you get up and leave before the games is even over? Not a very good one, that’s for sure. Never leave your team hanging, no matter how well (or poorly) they are doing. Basketball is a quick sport, and it could take a turn at any minute. Commit yourself to the whole game.

5. PARTICIPATE IN THE ARENA CULTURE

When they cheer, you cheer. When they wave, you wave. When they win, you get up and dance like there’s nobody watching. Or if you’re driving that new Chevy Colorado we mentioned before, you safely pull over and start to full-on dance around that pickup.

Don’t let your pride get to you. Let it out! Be proud of your BYU heritage and get out and cheer on your team. There is no shame in cheering your way to victory because we all end up winners in the end.

Especially those who take us up on the offer to get a new Chevy Colorado.