What are you doing for spring break? Many students are staying in town for the weeklong break in classes. How can people have fun without having access to their parents’ credit card?
Well of course the obvious answer to that is partying with friends. What if your friends can’t think of anything to do? How can you have a good time?
Let’s assume for a moment you are staying in the area and are looking for legal activities to occupy your time. If you know where to look Richmond is full of fun places to hang out. You won’t even need to break the bank.
So you’re not going to the beach – big whoop. Instead, spend your time getting that beach body, or at least leering at others who are. VCU students have access to the university’s three different gyms. The Siegel Center, Franklin Street Gym and Medical Campus Gym are all open during spring break. It’s a great way to burn off some energy and meet people.
Not a fan of treadmills? Well then, try museums. Richmond is a rich with learning centers. On Broad Street, look for the Science Museum of Virginia. It’s the big museum-looking building next to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If science is a bit too heavy for you try the Children’s Museum of Richmond right next door to the science museum. They have plenty of shiny things for you to play with.
It may not make sense to spend all your time out of class working out and learning things. So maybe music is more your cup of tea. Lucky for you, Richmond is filled with music clubs, many close to campus. Nancy Raygun, a couple blocks from campus, is great place to spend your free nights if you’re into that scene.
Does the sight of studded belts make you gag? Well maybe you should just crawl into your apartment and watch other people laugh, cry and have adventures. How is this possible without a set of binoculars? Simple. Rent a DVD!
The University Student Commons features a brand-new DVD vending machine. All you need is an ATM card. A two-day rental costs $2.49
If you live close to the fan, I’d suggest Video Fan. Video Fan, an independent rental store, offers one little advantage over chain stores like Movie Gallery – their huge selection. Any movie shop carries the latest releases. It’s getting harder to find a place that carries classics, cult classics, and trashy B movies no one has ever heard of. Luckily Video Fan is one of the few places left.
Now what fun is vacation with a little window-shopping? Well that’s where Carytown comes in. Head west of Cary Street and you are in Carytown. This strip of shops holds interesting items and quaint cafes. It has everything from a cooking store that sells stray cats to an overpriced vintage store.
In the center of it all is The Byrd Theatre, Richmond’s coolest dollar theater. For $3 at midnight on Saturdays you can see cult- classic movies preceded by a live organ performance.
With gyms, museums, obscure video stores and trendy shops, students staying local for spring break have everything they need to have fun.