Photo by Erica Husting
Kelly Trom
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You’re all settled in your dorm room. You have thousands of pictures covering your walls and bulletin board. Your extra-long twin bed is made. You have everything in the perfect spot. Now what? Get out of that dorm room! Whether you have lived in the same city your whole life or have moved around to all 50 states, everyone has the same chance to explore the interesting city where you’re attending college. With luck, you will be spending four — or more — amazing years in San Luis Obispo. It is never too early to discover what your favorite hangouts and activities will be.
Most SLO residents will agree that in order to become an “official” San Luis Obispo citizen and Mustang, you must complete these rites of passage:
- Go to the Farmers’ Market and actually buy produce: Enjoying the general splendor and quaintness of Higuera street on a Thursday evening can be a great start to your weekend. And while you’re there, pick up some fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables.
- Hike Bishop Peak at sunset: We are surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty. Don’t just look at Bishop Peak from your classroom window; conquer it with friends and enjoy the beautiful sunset while you are at it.
- Eat cake at Madonna Inn: Madonna Inn is known for its variety of cakes served in large portions. Treat yourself every once in awhile. (The Pink Champagne cake is definitely worth it).
- Go line dancing at The Graduate: Line dancing is a ton of fun to learn and something that once you see, you will want to master. It’s also a great excuse to dress up, so throw on a cowboy hat and boots and let loose.
- Go to the Sunset Drive-In Theater: Yes, it’s a little cliché, but going to a drive-in movie can be a great date idea. Or, pile in with a bunch of friends and enjoy a double feature. There is something about a drive-in movie that’s just good, old-fashioned fun.
- Swing on the swing set at Avila Beach: Only a 15 minute drive from campus, Avila Beach is a perfect way to escape studying and the stress of classes. Get a little sun, bring out your inner child and eat an ice cream cone on the boardwalk.
- Student Opinion: “I especially love late-night beach bonfires with endless s’mores and stargazing,” graphic communication junior Kristin Yeh said.
- Accidentally go down a one-way street the wrong way: We all learn best by making mistakes, and this one is made by almost all new drivers in SLO at one time or another. Mastering driving downtown is a great feeling, and making a few mistakes can help the process .
- Go on a Poly Escapes trip: Poly Escapes is a discounted outing service that helps students explore outside the city of San Luis Obispo. You can go as far away as Yosemite, or you can explore the areas around the city. At the very least, climb the rock wall outside the gym, and bring out your inner adventurer.
- Stargaze in Architecture Graveyard: One of the best things about living on campus is being close to hiking trails. The area commonly known to students as Architecture Graveyard is part of the unique culture of Poly. Take a walk, look at the structures past students have built, maybe run into a horse or two and stargaze on the top of one of the projects.
- Pick a side in the best fro-yo debate: There’s no arguing that everyone loves this icy treat. One thing students can’t agree on is which frozen yogurt shop is the greatest — everyone is loyal to their own. Sample them all, and pick the one that suits you.
- Do your homework in a downtown cafe: Whether it’s Sally Loo’s Wholesome Cafe, Kreuzberg, CA or Linnaea’s Café, pick the one with the atmosphere you feel most comfortable in. There is something so relaxing about sipping a cappuccino while writing that English essay. (And don’t forget about the free wifi!)
- Student Opinion: “My favorite thing to do in SLO is get coffee or breakfast at one of our many wonderful cafes,” history junior Talia Krahling said. “It’s such a laid-back atmosphere for getting work done or chatting with friends.”
- Bike Night: Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up and ride your bike all around downtown? It’s a workout and social event combined. Riding your bike around town is a great way to explore any time, and bike night is just an added bonus.
Want more? Get out there and explore San Luis Obispo! Don’t limit yourself to the things on the list.
“The best way to get to know SLO is really to just go on adventures. Lots of them,” Yeh said. “There are so many hidden treasures I’ve stumbled across over the years just by exploring without the fear of getting lost.”
Walk everywhere, learn how the bus system works or ride your bike. Even if you get lost, you will probably find a gem that you didn’t know was there before.
“I officially felt like a SLO resident when I went through WOW,” business administration senior Jordyn Germoles said. “Coming together with my group as a transfer student last fall, I had an absolute sense of belonging in the Mustang family as we went on adventures together.”
Next thing you know, you will be showing others around the beautiful city you call home.