It's that time of year again, and summer is just around the corner. The bees are buzzing, finals are over, and the freshmen are gone. But with a vacant campus come summer camps and curious visitors, not to mention future JSU freshmen and potential future students. Many people come to JSU and wonder, "What's there to do here?" If you're one of those people, we hope this list satisfies your curiosity.
1. Picnic On The Quad
When all else fails and you have nothing to do, or if you've just finished a campus tour and feel the need to stop and soak it all in, you can't go wrong with spending some down time on the quad. Maybe grab a few friends and have a nice college-budget picnic?
2. Eat At Cooter Brown's Rib Shack
Eating a Cooter Brown's Rib Shack is a must-do for any non-native of Jacksonville, especially since it was voted one of the best places to eat in the state of Alabama. From their world-famous ribs to their BBQ wings, not mater what you order you will not be disappointed.
3. Try Wings From Coop DeVille
Ask any Jacksonville native and they won't hesitate to tell you who owns the title of "Best Wings In Town" around these parts: Coop DeVille. Many restaurants vary on quality depending on the day you choose to eat there, and Coop DeVille is not one of those places. Even though dining in is not an option, your wings are always guaranteed to be warm and tender.
4. Take in the view from the 12th floor of the library.
Because since Jacksonville is home to the biggest library in the state, it only makes sense for everyone to take in the most beautiful view of Jacksonville from the top floor of the library. No wonder so many students choose to study here.
5. Visit Germania Springs Park.
Another perfect place to get away from the fast-paced college life is Germania Springs Park, located just a few blocks from campus. Complete with a stream to soak your toes in, a playground for local families, and a dog park for all you animal lovers.
6. Watch the Southerners play.
An absolute must-do for anyone visiting JSU is to watch the Southerners play. Whether you catch them at a football game or one of their many late night practices, you always know when they're playing - you can even hear them from the mountain!
7. Attend a football game.
Another must-do for all non-natives includes staying to watch a JSU football game. What better way to spend your time than to watch one of the best teams in the Ohio Valley Conference?
8. Treat yourself to a cupcake from Mad Hatter's.
And if you really want a fine taste of delicacy, then your best bet is to visit Mad Hater Cupcake Shop, located on the Jacksonville Square. Be sure to stop there on different days of the week for all different flavors. (Try the Rocky Cocky on Fridays, and you will not be disappointed!) Beware to all diabetics.
9. Watch the sun set from the top of the mountain.
It's a common bucket list item for every JSU student. The mountain is one of the best places in Jacksonville to relax, take in a beautiful view, and maybe hang an Eno up.
10. Binge on Taco Tuesdays at Locomex.
Because what better way to eat out on a college budget than $1 Taco Tuesdays? Plus, you can never go wrong with Mexican.
11. Take a picture with Cocky.
Give Personality a mascot outfit, and you've got Cocky. If you're not too busy gawking over the Southerners and our seemingly unbeatable football team, then you're probably watching Cocky do a silly dance on the sidelines. No one ever knows what crazy shenanigans that crazy bird is about to get into.
12. Try a milkshake from Cecil's.
If it's something cold and sweet and sugary to eat that you're looking for, then we highly recommend you take a quick trip to Cecil's Place, where they are widely known for their delicious milkshakes.
13. Stop by the Cockpit for a good laugh.
Fun fact: The Cockpit sign (shown above) was once featured on the popular satirical website Reddit for kicks and giggles. If you ever find yourself having a bad day, be sure to stop by the Cockpit (located at the four-way stop beside Dillon Field) for a quick chuckle.
14. Try Struts' burgers and fries!
Many natives will be quick to tell you that although it is a bit more pricey than some other places in Jacksonville, Struts has some of the best burgers and fries in Jacksonville. Be sure to try their wings as they are also a crowd favorite.
15. Take a hot date to Effina's Tuscan Grille.
But if it's pricey, fancy Italian cuisine that satisfies your cravings, then we highly recommend Effina's Tuscan Grille. And if you're on a low budget then no worries, because they offer $5 pizzas and calzones on Thursdays.




































