In a tiny town in between Dayton and Columbus is a tiny school called Wittenberg University that I also am lucky enough to call my home. A new place can be intimidating to anyone, especially when you are living on your own for the first time. It is difficult to get a grasp of your surroundings and to dare to go somewhere without the trusty guidance of your GPS even though the location is only a few minutes away. In my first 9 months in Springfield, I have found some of my favorite places off campus and thought it would be a good idea to share them.
1. Un Mundo Café
Seriously my favorite place in Springfield to be alone and get work done! It is almost never crowded and has delicious coffee as well as food. There are plenty of tables to spread out or couches to lounge on.
2. NTPRD Chiller
Wittenberg loves to throw events at the rink and they are always a blast! It is a great place to do something different off campus.
3. Young's Jersey Dairy
From cheese curds or ice cream to baby goats, this place is sure to have you smiling from ear to ear. Ask anyone at Wittenberg about it and you will sure to get an earful about the amazing attractions and amazing food.
4. Yellow Springs
Located about 25 minutes south of Wittenberg, this tiny and artsy town is home to the sunflower fields in the fall, Young's Jersey Dairy, several amazing eateries, and beautiful hiking spots.
5. Bechtel Avenue
Need almost anything? Bechtel Avenue has it. Here are some of the places you will find on Bechtel Avenue:
A. Hobby Lobby
This just opened in the spring so it is beautifully stocked full of all the shiny new craft supplies your girly heart desires. I have yet to go and not see a fellow member of Greek life.
B. Walmart
I swore I would never go to a Walmart when Target was near by, but low and behold the unpopulated Target closed its squeaky doors in January. So to Walmart I went. Trips to this superstore really became an exciting adventure as my friends and I would refer to this place as "Wally World" in our group chats.
C. Kohl's
Any article of clothing you need can be found here and won't break your bank. My big and I both got our formal dresses here. No it was not planned and I have seen the same dress I got around campus at least two more times!
D. Chipotle
Ravenous after a sport's practice or just really craving some guac? I think we all know how much a staple this place has become in our culture, but in college it tastes even better because the cafeteria never ceases to disappoint. No matter how many times I have been there, I always see a fellow Wittenberg student there.
E. Goodwill
Themed social? Goodwill has your back for anything under $5.
6. Coffee Expressions
Another delectable coffee option. When it is within walking distance from Wittenberg's campus, you should expect to see many Wittenberg students there either working or socializing. It has a cozy and small coffee shop atmosphere to it that cannot be recreated.
I am sure I will discover more places to fall in love with in Springfield, but for now, I am pretty content with these few. For anyone who will be new to Wittenberg this coming fall, I hope you can find as much love for the school and its surroundings as I have.