With third quarter almost behind us and spring break ahead, Edwardsville youths are looking outside—past the warmth of their beds—to trade the winter blues for spring fever. However, after the first few weeks of nice weather, the complaining begins.

“Ugh… there’s nothing to do in Edwardsville,” and “Edwardsville is so boring.”

But many teenagers don’t realize how lucky they really are.

Even though Edwardsville isn’t flush with the trappings of city life, it does have shops, parks and food to keep anyone busy.

Madison County is home to a seven-loop bike trail ranging from Edwardsville to Pontoon Beach, with paths as long as 30 miles. Unlike certain seasonal activities, the bike trails are open year-round from dawn until dusk. The trails pass through SIUE—where you can stop to bowl— and downtown, where you can grab a bite to eat.

When May 13 rolls around, the Goshen Market will open. Small businesses, farms and craftspeople collect off of Main Street on Saturday mornings to sell their produce, baked goods and handmade creations. If you just want to get fresh air, no one will stop you from admiring the vegetables and pies while you walk your dog.

Until the market opens, it’s still worth venturing into downtown. Main Street houses an eclectic strip of diners, coffee shops and restaurants, all of which have storefront windows for people-watching. Cafes like 222 Artisan Bakery and Sacred Grounds are even hospitable enough to let you claim tables for hours on end. For teenagers craving comfort food, 222 serves pizza between 11 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays, but they run out fast, so there’s normally a line.

Not much farther down Main Street stands Wildey Theatre. Sometimes it’s rented out for events or sales, but every Tuesday at 7 p.m. a different movie is projected on the big screen. Better yet, the entertainment only costs $2.

If Edwardsville still doesn’t have enough to keep you occupied, it sits in a city sweet spot, only 20 minutes from St. Louis, 30 minutes from Alton and 45 minutes from the St. Clair Square mall. St. Louis has enough inexpensive attractions to quench any of your cultural cravings: the St. Louis Art Museum and zoo are both free, while the Missouri Botanical Garden charges only $12 for entry. If that isn’t enough culture, Food Truck Friday in Tower Grove Park (beginning May 12) will quench your hunger for more variety.

For teenagers who aren’t allowed to travel to St. Louis alone, hikes in Pere Marquette or a visit to St. Clair Square with friends can get you walking, but only one will keep your wallet healthy.

Next time you think about complaining to your parents and asking them why they moved to this black hole of boredom, think outside of the box and venture farther than a sidewalk block’s distance from your house.