Now that Spring is around the corner (Spring Break, woohoo!), here are a few tips on getting to know your ‘hood. 

Check out your walk-score (essentially, an aggregate measure of how conveniently located you are to local shops, restaurants, bars, and more). While driving always seems like the quickest and easiest way to get around, walking actually allows you to discover new spots more easily. 

For example, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant that noone’s heard of yet… While “ma and pa” who own the joint may not be the best at SEO and marketing themselves, they probably do offer student discounts for your university/college. In fact, you’ll be surprised at how many of the local restaurants offer student discounts for pick-up or dining in… but NOT for delivery. 

If you’re 21, it might also be a good time to explore local bars, too! There’s always the same-old routine you and your friends get into that defines your college social life, but that can get boring. Now is your chance to discover an interesting new watering hole. You never know, you may even find a gem like Sligo’s. 

One more thing: you WILL find some weird places that WILL make all these mini-trips into mini-adventures. My personal favorite? Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. It’s seemingly normal on the outside, but the “Miracles for Sale” sign was only a small clue to the (only somewhat frightening) gadgets and gizmos that awaited me inside. 

In all your adventures, please don’t hesitate to let us know what cool things you discover. We’ll share them in our upcoming university-specific entries. 

– Mark