By: Bell Jackson
In the city of Montevallo, Ala. resides 6,693 individuals. Almost half of these residents are college students at the University of Montevallo. With a total of 7.7 square miles to explore, students at the university often complain that there is nothing entertaining to do in Montevallo.
This problem is especially prevalent for students who are on a budget, but money doesn’t have to get in the way of making your time at college memorable. This list shows how you can have an affordable fun day in Montevallo.
1. Start your day with a coffee.
If you like caffeine, C’s Cake and Coffeehouse is a popular spot for students to grab a coffee and hang out or study. The most expensive coffee on the menu is $5.00, and the cheapest drink is $3.15 for 20 oz. Cynthia Bertolone, the owner, offers discounts to students only when they do not use their Flex Points. Sit inside or on the patio and enjoy your brew on a cool fall day without feeling that corporate guilt.
2. Take a walk.
Victoria Green, Panhellenic President, says Orr Park is a spot in Montevallo where many sorority women find themselves hanging out with their sisters. “It has tons of space to play games like frisbee. It’s a really pretty place, great to lay out in the sun,” said Green. You can spend hours here for complete free.
At Orr Park, you will find trees with faces carved into them by a man named Tim Tingle. He carved these faces in attempt to preserve the dying cedars. As a free activity, walk around the park and take a picture with each tree, mimicking the faces they are making. For fun, send your favorite one to your mom.
3.Have a picnic.
For a change of scenery, head over to the campus lake and have yourself a picnic complete with a homemade PB&J.
University Lake has a 0.9-mile trail for you to walk while you work up your appetite. There are also docks with scenic views and grassy hills for you to lay a blanket on while you enjoy the outdoors. The great thing about nature is that it is completely free to enjoy.
4. See some art.
The Poole Gallery at the new Center for the Arts is currently hosting a show with pieces curated and created by the university’s art faculty. The gallery is open on weekdays from 10
a.m. until 4 p.m. Stop by to see works in all different mediums like printmaking, photography, painting and sculpture.
If your fun day is on a Saturday, stop by the Blue Phrog on Middle St. They are friendly to visitors, and even have some ceramic pieces for sale made by local artists at relatively affordable prices.
5. Shop for plants.
After you’ve seen some art, stop by Cedar Creek Nursery to see some of nature’s art: flowers. This time of year, Cedar Creek is selling mums and other fall flowers. They also have a unique selection of pumpkins for all of your spooky needs. Just walking around this family-owned business is an enjoyable experience, but if you feel like you need a souvenir, be sure to take home a succulent for less than $5.00. It also costs $0.00 to give the nursery cat, Morris, a few head scratches.
6. Have a game night.
Farmer Hall is home to a PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, and two arcade machines. No money is needed to play, all you need to do is present your UM ID to the Game Room employee, and you’re good to start making a bet with your friend over who will win at air hockey. Winner gets to pick the movie for movie night.
7. Dinner and a movie.
After a long day of exploring Montevallo, you’ll probably want something to eat. The McDonald’s on Main St. is a popular choice for a midnight snack for many students, but consider visiting Jack’s because you are able to use your flex points. Go through the drive-thru and curl up in your dorm with your favorite movie to end your day.
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