IT LOOMS large in our lives here at the University. To some, it is the only proof of civilization in Charlottesville besides first-year dorms and Rugby Road. Ah, the glory of it all -- congested and crammed full of strip malls, State Route 29 (or Emmet Street as some try to call it) seems to be the vital, life-giving artery of this majestic college town.
Or so we think.
Pull out your maps, because there is a far greater existence of life aside from old 29. In the four fleeting years that most of us will spend here (and yes, they will pass quickly), most students don't see enough of Charlottesville past our little world around Grounds.
You may think that you have had your share of road-tripping this summer, laden with family-vacation-style survivor memories. But trust me, this is worth it -- not only for the fun that you will have, but for the relations that you may foster here in town. We hold a great stake in the associations between the University and the city of Charlottesville. Such adventurism can go a long way with the citizens that share their town with us.
It is very easy to get caught up in our life within the confines of JPA, University Avenue and the Corner. When we talk about getting away, we mean venturing down the road to Kmart. The area that surrounds the University creates so much of the beauty in it.
There are many inexpensive activities in the area that can make for some of your best memories from college.
Besides, who isn't looking for an excuse to dump the coffee and get out of the stacks?
For example, the Downtown Mall should be a part of the community that every student gets to know. While most of us have heard about it, the Downtown Mall is not always a major attraction. But I discovered this summer that you can get dinner for well under the $30 that I had imagined. And you can find a place to park that won't drain half of your bank account. Check out parking lots of businesses that are not open at night, or the garage at the Omni Hotel. And don't forget about the CTS Hoo Bus, which runs on weekends until midnight.
Once you get there and eat for what you could spend on the Corner, enjoy the concerts and shopping that the Mall has to offer - it's much more varied than Barracks Road.
And there is so much more.
I remember my first year, when everyone kept telling me to get out and enjoy the natural wonders around the University. I drove up and down 29 looking for signs pointing the direction. It may take awhile to find them, but there are several places to go just past 29.
Heading up 29 North, there are parks with swimming, fishing, picnic and sports facilities. Chris Green Lake is located just near the airport, and McIntire Park is on the 250 Bypass. You don't even have to leave town to get to a quiet, relaxing spot that you can enjoy almost any time of the year.
Further up 29 North takes you to the country roads that wind over to Old Rag Mountain. The hike on this peak of the Blue Ridge is both challenging and exciting, and the view at the top is beautiful.
Another popular hike for students is at Humpback Rock. This offers sweeping views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. Both of these are manageable in an afternoon, allowing you time to sleep in and enjoy a night out, too.
These are just a few ideas. There are countless other options, including the well-known Skyline Drive, that are not out of reach during the school year. There are great resources for this information at the University Web site or at http://www.charlottesvilletourism.org. You won't need much time or money to get away from it all for an afternoon. Granted, nothing beats picnic lunches on the Lawn or stargazing on the Rotunda steps after a hectic, stressful day. But for a change of pace when you have some free time (when the football game is away, for example), hit the road and check out the scenery past Rt. 29. The locals will be glad you came, and you will be glad you stopped by.
(Katherine Martini is aCavalier Daily columnist.)
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