There are many hidden treasures looming around Otterbein. It is our job as students to live it up while we are here and uncover the fun that is behind Otterbein’s outer appearance.
Since we only have four years to uncover this adventure and fun, why not expand to Westerville and Columbus? Here are the things that you should at least try before you leave this place we call home.
1. Play hide-and-seek, or tag in the dark
Grab your closest friends and section off a part of campus that are the boundaries and have fun. Tower’s yard and the surrounding buildings make for a fun game of hide-and-seek, but stay outside. You’d be surprised at how many places there are to hide where no one will find you.
2. Go to a drag show
What could be more fun than seeing the men of our campus dressed to the nines in drag, putting on a fabulous performance? Nothing. These guys know how to work-it in their flashy dresses, glittery high heels and flawless and flamboyant makeup.
If their names and bios aren’t fun enough, seeing them strut their stuff in five-inch heels will be. The shows are almost always in the Pit Theatre, a relaxed place for you and your friends to be entertained.
3. Check out Starry Mondays
Otterbein is lucky enough to have an a huge telescope at the Science Building. You can see the stars closer than you ever have and, to be honest, it makes for a great stop on a date. Looking at the stars is not only romantic, but it makes you step back and remember what a small world we live in. Make your way up to the fifth floor and take a look.
4. Go to a senior’s art exhibit
Grab a friend and go to the Art & Communication building to see some senior’s final projects.
Not only do you get to look at some amazing art pieces, but the artists are there to share their techniques, inspirations and work ethic. It’s much different to look at a piece while having the artist explain it.
5. Walk through the cemeteries
Otterbein is home to two very spooky, but historic cemeteries. One is right at the end of Grove Street and the other is right across from Scott Hall. Although you may not know anyone buried there, you will recognize some names. There are some famous Westerville citizens and Otterbein community members buried there. Some of the graves are the oldest you’ll ever see.
6. Sit in the student section at an athletic event
It’s one thing to support Otterbein athletes by going to a game; it’s another thing to sit in the student section. The band plays in a sea of people that’s crowded with familiar faces, funny chants and cheers. You get to watch Otterbein athletes play their hardest while cheering them on with all your friends. It’s also a great place to meet new friends and enjoy some sports for the afternoon.
7. Go to the fishing dock
Just go straight up South Old 3C Highway and just keep going for about 15 minutes until you get to Galena. Take a right onto West Street and the parking lot is on the right. That leads you to a dock that goes out into the water.
It’s one of the prettiest places I know, and if you go alone, it’s very quiet and peaceful. It’s also a great place to go with friends and take a walk. At night, it’s a little eerie if you want to go and have some scary fun.
8. Sit on the Jimmy V’s patio until they close
Jimmy V’s is always a good time, but when it warms up, sit outside. The sound of the fountain is relaxing while you mingle with your friends on the patio. It’s a great way to end an evening, sitting outside watching cars go by, talking about the events of the week. It’s a place you can get lost in and lose all track of time.
9. Go to the North Market downtown
Located just across the street from Park Street Cantina on Park Street, the North Market offers Ohio grown and made food, flowers and products that you can take home. There is food from all over the world including India, China, Germany and Italy. It’s all made right in front of you. Plus, there’s Columbus’ own Jeni’s Ice Cream. I highly recommend you check out Pam’s Market Popcorn (and take some home for a late night snack) or Pastaria, which has the best three-cheese lasagna I’ve ever had.
10. Explore the Short North
Tucked in a trendy part of downtown Columbus, the Short North offers an array of shops, restaurants and parks to visit. Ladies, these places scream Pinterest, so grab your phones and get ready to Instagram. The shops and restaurants are hidden treasures that are always fun to explore and discover. Also, check out Skully’s on High Street. It’s a fun and energetic place to have good food and then stay and listen to some local music.
There are tons of ways to have fun on campus but there are also ways to escape and uncover what Columbus has to offer. This city offers anything you’re looking for. You just have to find it and make great memories with good friends.
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