How to Survive Gettysburg

By Kira Nightingale

Anyone who has been at Gettysburg College for more than two weeks knows that the town of Gettysburg isn’t exactly the most “happening place” at night, which is especially unfortunate when it comes to weekends. Those who have found themselves getting bored with frat parties and sitting around their rooms know just how frustrating this lack of activity can be. In an effort to quell some of this boredom and hopefully save the sanity of at least one Gettysburg College student, I have assembled a list of weekend activities you should probably try before drinking yourself into oblivion every weekend.

1. Ghosts of Gettysburg Tours – As a student at Gettysburg College, it’s practically your duty to go on at least one of these tours during your four years here. With so many killed in the battle of Gettysburg, ghost stories have become a huge part of the culture here. Tours don’t run during the month of February, but they start back up again the first weekend of March. Walking tours are either $8 or $8.50, depending on the tour, so do your Gettysburg College student duty and see a haunting part of Gettysburg’s history. (http://www.ghostsofgettysburg.com)

2. Read your student digest – Believe me, I know that sifting through 40-something announcements is tedious, but in most cases you will actually end up finding something fairly exciting. The college hosts comedians in The Attic every now and then and these shows always turn out much funnier than anyone expects them to. There are also bands, dances held by various clubs and organizations, or parties of some sort that are held almost every weekend. Just check it out and you’ll find something good. I promise.

3. Boyds Bear Country – Alright, so this isn’t really a night activity, but I had to include it. Boyds is open every day from 10AM-6PM and has a bear museum as well as a store. It sounds cheesy, but think of all the great picture opportunities (Everyone’s always looking for a new Facebook profile picture and what could be better than a picture of you surrounded by teddy bears?)

4. Bluegrass Jam – Who doesn’t love the banjo? And most importantly, who doesn’t love a bluegrass jam? Although the weekly bluegrass jam (held at the Arrow Horse bluegrass music shop every Friday from 8-10PM) doesn’t sound like a typical college hang-out, it’s practically guaranteed to be a lot of really silly fun (because college kids like to goof around, too).

5. The Majestic – Newly renovated and re-opened, The Majestic deserves much more credit than it is given. True, it is a slight walk from campus, but let’s be honest, the walk to Carlisle Street can hardly be called a walk at all. The Majestic shows independent movies for the low price of $7 a ticket, which is quite a buy compared to the $9 something-cents of the big movie theatres nearby. There are also regular live performances which are at a discounted price for Gettysburg students. If you plan on attending any of the Sunderman Chamber Conservatory of Music Series, bring your student ID because the ticket is free. The Majestic also has a student rush sale, where you can go to the box office a few hours before any show and get a significant discount on your ticket. (http://www.gettysburgmajestic.org/home/index.dot)

5. Liberty Mountain – Like to ski or board? Liberty Mountain is just a few minute’s drive from campus. Head over after 5PM and get a night ticket for $33, or spend the whole day on the mountain for $46. Never been on snow before? No problem. Liberty Mountain offers lessons and rentals for beginners (for a price, of course), or just for those who aren’t quite as confident in their skills as they would like to be. It’s a bit pricey, but well worth it. (http://www.skiliberty.com/)

6. Musselman Library Movies – Yes, they’re free. Perfect for any college student’s budget. Head over to Musselman library’s basement and pick from a wide selection of DVDs and VHS tapes. If you can’t find the movie you’re looking for, just pick one at random. It will either be wonderful or absolutely horrible, but either way, your night is sure to be full of laughs (whether you laugh with or at the movie, it doesn’t really matter.)

7. Lincoln Diner – Who hasn’t spent an hour or so in the wee hours of the morning at LD’s? Although almost everyone on campus knows about this 24-hour diner, it’s definitely worth mentioning.