It's the weekend, what to do?

So it's the weekend, and the weather is in that in-between stage where it's not really nice enough to do anything outside, but it's not too cold either. Much like any hard-working and busy college students, my friends and I love to spend the weekends having fun, but sometimes trying to think of things to do is not that easy.

I've spent the majority of the morning brainstorming different things to do in Erie, Pa., and I will list them below with a brief description, just incase you may be wondering about the happenings that you may participate in on the weekends.

The first thing that really comes to mind is the Erie Zoo. The Zoo itself is about 2 miles or so from campus. If you are feeling adventurous and there is nice weather, you can walk to the zoo. If you would rather not walk, you may take a bus or taxi. The bus is free, and admission to the zoo is pretty reasonable for college students. On Sundays, after 3:00 p.m., the zoo is open for free admission which is perfect for any student wanting to save a little money! Feel free to check-out the zoo's website here: The Erie Zoo.

If going to the zoo isn't something you're interested in, you can go to Presque Isle. Presque Isle is a nice place to visit on a sunny and warm day! It is about a 20 minute drive from campus (so no walking, unless you are adventurous). The bus can get you pretty close, but does not actually go the whole way to the Isle. This area is the equivalent to the beach, and the closes thing Erie has to one. At Presque Isle, you can have a cook-out, swim, play volleyball or even participate in many of the activities the park directors have. My friends and I make a point to visit Presque Isle at least a couple times a year, when the weather is nice. Also, if you go to Presque Isle, make sure you stay until sunset (on beach 6). This spot has the world's second best sunset and is seriously one of the best sunsets that I have ever seen! Here you can find all the information on the park: Presque Isle State Park

The last thing that is really fun to do, is just to explore Erie, itself. The town is historic and fun. There are tons of restaurants, theaters and shops that can really fill-up a weekend quite quickly! My group of friends is known by my family as the "restaurant club," because we have probably eaten at 90 percent of the restaurants in Erie. It's always nice trying new or ethnic food. Most of the restaurants are reasonable for college students, and as long as you're not eating out everyday, then you won't have to worry too much about the "freshman fifteen"! Erie is really a lovely city and there is always something happening downtown, near Perry Square. Like I said before, there are tiny shops, coffee shops and museums to keep you busy. Here is the website to find out all about Erie: Erie, PA

I hope that I have given you a taste of what types of activities you can do on weekends while at Mercyhurst University. The best piece of advice that I can give any student, is to just explore the city a little. Go-out with your group of friends and see just what there is to do. You will spend four years in Erie, so you might as well get used to its offerings as quickly as possible!

That's all for now, Carpe Diem everyday!

~Jeremy