Ah... that bittersweet feeling you get when your family and friends are coming up to visit you at Purdue. You're extremely excited that you get to spend quality time with them, but are slightly dreading having to entertain them, which is a lot of pressure. School itself harbors a lot of stress and seeing your friends and family shouldn't. So for when you've spent the entire night studying for a physics test and forgot to plan an itinerary for your family who is already on their way...
Here's a list (in no particular order) of great places on campus to take your guests:
1. Greyhouse Coffee & Supply
Nothing beats catching up with someone you haven't seen in a while over a cup of coffee (or one of the many other delicious items on Greyhouse's menu). They have everything from mango gelato (which I recommend) to savory crepes, so everyone will for sure be able to find something they'll love. Little knick knacks and games are scattered about the place as well, so feel free to play a game of cards while you chat and sip.
This little coffee shop is a not-for-profit organization that was started by Campus House, a church community on campus. Greyhouse is big on bringing the community together; works from local artists are displayed throughout the cozy coffee shop, and you can listen to live music on most Friday nights. Before you know it, you'll realize you've spent a couple hours in this small shop.
2. Von's
Whoever Von is, he really wanted to do it all. This shop takes up almost an entire block and has some of
From records to essential oils to vintage comic books, your family and friends are bound to have a good time browsing the shelves. Also, be sure to make a stop in the back room, which is filled completely with fossils and crystals of all shapes and sizes... a true hidden gem.
3. Triple XXX
Remember that old Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins', and Dives" with Guy Fieri and his awesome frosted tips? Triple XXX made the cut on his road trip, to which he declared "that's a good burger". With their signature house-made root beer, vintage diner-style seating, friendly staff and comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner... you cannot go wrong with Triple XXX.
4. Union Rack and Roll
The Union Rack and Roll is a bowling alley located inside of Purdue's Memorial Union. With incredibly affordable rounds of bowling, it's a surefire way to bring family and friends of all ages together. The area also has a variety of arcade games and pool tables if bowling isn't quite your thing.
5. Maru Japanese Sushi
For all my fellow sushi lovers, Maru is the place to go. Located in Chauncey, Maru is an authentic sushi restaurant that is perfect for both date nights and girls nights. I personally recommend the house salad with ginger dressing, Purdue roll, Mexican roll and Crunch Munch roll, however, you cannot go wrong with anything that Maru has to offer.
6. Riverside Skating Center
If your guests are visiting in the winter, I would suggest spending an afternoon at Riverside Skating Center down in Chauncey. For only a few dollars you can rent skates and enjoy the crisp winter air. Plus, you'll be able to stop by Greyhouse Coffee for a warm drink on the way back to campus!
7. Silver Dipper Ice Cream
With nearly 100 flavors of Wisconsin's Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, everyone is bound to find a flavor that they'd enjoy. As their website states, "This is the best ice cream made in Wisconsin, and it tastes so good because it has gobs of rich Wisconsin cream and tons of real ingredients for boat-loads of luscious flavors. That means it's not low-fat, low-calorie or low-anything, and that's why everyone loves it. You want nutrition, eat carrots."
8. Purdue Horticulture Park
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus? Just beyond McCutcheon Hall is Purdue's Horticulture Park which has hiking/walking trails, picnic tables and over 300 varieties of plants and trees to explore!
9. Scotty's Brewhouse
While late night Mad Mushroom and Rice Cafe hits the spot for us college students, your guests may want to go somewhere a tad bit more upscale. Scotty's Brewhouse is a nice pub-style restaurant located down in Chauncey that is perfect for sitting down, ordering a juicy burger and enjoying your company.
10. Wabash Landing 9 Movie Theater
Nothing is worse than having guests over, and then it rains all day. Knowing Indiana, this is a very real possibility...even if it was sunny all morning. Wabash Landing 9 is a funky vintage movie theater that plays all the newest releases, making it a surefire and relaxing way to pass the time.
I hope this list helped generate ideas of where to take your loved ones to show them that Purdue is the best, which is something we already know.
