Though this past Wednesday marked the beginning of the spring semester, there is nothing spring-like about the weather in Poughkeepsie. With three snowfalls so far this week, the thought of going outside is daunting to say the least. Students need not remain holed up in their dorm rooms, however; there are plenty of activities on and around campus to make the bitter climate all the more bearable.
Hot Chocolate at the Crafted Kup
The Crafted Kup (44 Raymond Avenue), which is within walking distance of campus, offers a variety of warm beverages, including mouth-watering hot cocoa that puts the All Campus Dining Center hot drink machine to shame. The Crafted Kup is an oasis for students looking to escape campus for an afternoon; those in search of an alternative study venue should know that it offers both Wi-Fi and plenty of sitting room.
Live Music at Babycakes Café
Directly across the street from campus, Babycakes Café (1-3 Collegeview Avenue) is beloved for its rustic atmosphere and amazing food. In addition to its comfortable environment and affordable meals, Babycakes plays host to various local musicians who perform live at the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. Upcoming performers include We Must Be on Friday, Jan. 28, and Scott Blum on Saturday, Jan. 29.
Sledding at Sunset Lake
Vassar’s campus also has some spectacular sledding hills; a particular favorite is the steep hill leading from the back of the science quad down towards Sunset Lake. For those students who forgot to pack their sleds, improvising is always an option, and the full body roll never goes out of style. Be sure to bundle up tight before you look to some snow therapy to loosen you up!
Ice Skating
Though Sunset Lake is ill-suited to ice skating, the Mid-Hudson Civic Center (14 Civic Center Plaza) boasts a sizeable ice arena. The rink is also the meeting place of Iced Brew, Vassar’s synchronized skating team. A lesser-known option takes the form of a small skating pond near Kenyon, which, though it hasn’t seen official use in some time, is rumored to still be a functional and effective way to get a skating fix!
Bowling at Hoebowl
Regardless of what its name might suggest, the Hoebowl (45 Taft Avenue), our local bowling alley—just take a right on Hooker and let your GPS do the rest—is a great place for some wholesome fun. Though it does not play host to the same Americana kitsch on display in the stereotypical hometown bowling alley, Hoebowl still has all the necessities: plenty of lanes, an arcade and blacklights. So round up some friends, make a team or two and never be afraid to ask for bumpers!
The Movies at the Poughkeepsie Galleria
Some students might find themselves drawn to the Poughkeepsie Galleria (2001 South Road) in an effort to get rid of the wintertime blues. Though the various retail outlets and food court can provide sufficient distraction for an afternoon, the Galleria also contains a Regal Cinema for those who want to make a day of it. If traveling to the mall in this freezing weather comes off as forbidding, ViCE Film League offers regular film screenings right on campus. Upcoming events are listed on the ViCE website.
Jazz Night at the Mug
To some it may come as a shock that Matthew’s Mug is just as active on weeknights as it is on Fridays and Saturdays. To others, however, this is old news—in fact, many students consider themselves “regulars” at weeknight Mug events. The most popular and well-attended is Jazz Night, hosted every Thursday at 11 p.m. after moving from its previous Tuesday time slot. Different groups are featured every week, and students are invited to sit, stand or dance as they listen. Visit the ViCE website for more information on upcoming events.
Vassar Athletics
Though warm weather and outdoor sporting events seem to go hand-in-hand, winter sports can be just as entertaining. With winter athletic seasons in full swing, there are multiple indoor athletic competitions in both the Athletics and Fitness Center and Kenyon Hall every week. Specific sports to look out for are men’s and women’s volleyball, basketball and swimming. Dates for upcoming games are listed on the Vassar Athletics website.
Stargazing
If the thought of spending an extended period of time in the frigid outdoors is repelling, remember that winter is one of the best times to watch the stars under clear skies. Stargazers might find better visibility by Sunset Lake or the Vassar Golf Course, away from the artificial light on campus.
Nature Walk
For the more ambitious naturalists, Vassar’s various paths and trails could prove to be the makings of a cold-weather nature walk. Vassar’s campus is undeniably beautiful when the trees are in full bloom, but its winter landscape is equally stunning. A walk to the snow-covered Shakespeare Gardens, Sunset Lake or even the Vassar Farm is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the nature and wildlife in the area.
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