While the orientation tour lets you know where classes are held and libraries can be found, college is not just about education. The Technician thinks that these places could be useful to new students when they are looking for a place to unwind or have some fun.
Free Expression Tunnel: The graffiti-covered tunnel that probably scared your parents is not just for show. The Free Expression Tunnel is exactly what it claims to be, a place for students to express their feelings through art, with no constrictions on what can or cannot be painted, so long as it stays in the tunnel. Racism, hate and political feuds appear from time to time, but wait long enough and they are guaranteed to be painted over with something new. The tunnel is also a place for information. The large wall extending from the tunnel is often used for murals, advertising clubs and events, fraternities and sororities, and other points of interest that students can learn about while walking to class. In front of this wall every Monday night is the NC State Cypher, a freestyle rap, hip-hop and poetry slam where anyone can participate.
Harris Field: While Harris Field itself is largely outshined by other, more beautiful, locations around campus, its flat square shape makes it perfect for events. WKNC, NC State’s student radio station, hosts Fridays on the Lawn, free concerts featuring local artists.
“Fridays on the lawn are a fun way to spend a Friday evening and experience great local music,” said Ian Grice, public affairs director for WKNC and a senior studying criminology. “We have a great mix of local bands from all over North Carolina. We’ll have hip-hop and R&B artists. We’ll have indie rock artists. We’ll have punk rock.”
Grice said that the first Fridays on the Lawn will happen during Wolfpack Welcome Week and periodically throughout the semester. Behind Harris Field is Witherspoon Student Center, the location of all of NC State Student Media including WKNC, the Technician, Nubian Message, Agromeck and Windhover.
D.P. Dough/Mission Valley: Students looking to catch a movie will be happy to know that there is a theater within walking distance. Denver Hill, a business manager with the theater, said that in addition to showing the most recent movies, Mission Valley also hosts live showings of the Super Bowl, the Academy Awards and “The Walking Dead.” This can be especially helpful for students finding themselves without access to cable for the first time. For those over 21, the theater also serves beer. Next door to the theater is D.P. Dough, a calzone shop open until 4 a.m. This gives students a late-night food option if any activities happen to keep them up.
Thompson Hall: Tucked behind Clark Dining Hall, Thompson Hall is home to many unique performances, including University Theatre’s fall lineup. University Theatre has four shows planned for the fall semester, three of which will be held here. The first is “LOVE/SICK,” a collection of nine comedic and tragic stories centered around love. “LOVE/SICK” will run from Sept. 22 to Oct. 2. The second show at Thompson, running from Oct. 19 to Oct. 30, is “The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde.” The play details the accusations placed against Wilde by Marquess of Queensberry concerning Wilde’s sexuality. The third show of the semester is an Oscar Wilde play. “An Ideal Husband” features blackmail, corruption and questionable honor as it follows a London official and a flirtatious bachelor. These and other performances can be found at Thompson.
Pullen Park: The fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the United States is just a stroll away. Pullen Park was conceptualized in 1887, when Richard Stanhope Pullen donated 80 acres for a public park. The retreat caters to all ages, hosting a wide range of entertainment. Yet, its star attraction is its vibrant carousel, showcasing 52 hand-carved wooden horses. If you’ve outgrown the bumper boats, rent a pedal boat to see the park from the pond’s point of view. Naturally, a trip to Pullen Park would be incomplete without riding the train. The park makes a great place for picnics and bike excursions. If you want to cool off, the Aquatic Center offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool, along with swimming lessons. Back on land, you may see familiar faces: TV Land placed a bronze sculpture of Andy and Opie Taylor from “The Andy Griffith Show.” Lastly, Pullen Park features an Arts Center and Theatre In The Park, a prominent performing arts center in the community.
Reader’s Corner: Passing Hillsborough Street, a wall of books may catch your eye. The Reader’s Corner is home to a variety of valuable entertainment. Whether you’re looking for an old textbook, resources for a project or a gift, the store has much to offer. If you’re not looking to buy, you can trade or sell goods. Nestled inside the towers of books are a selection of vinyl and CDs. Conveniently located, the Reader’s Corner houses a variety of entertainment without stretching your wallet.
Mitch’s Tavern: When it comes to quality food easy on the wallet, Mitch’s is a staple for the college student. Tucked away on Hillsborough Street, you’ll climb a creaky wooden staircase leading up to the landmark. Eat inside and let your eyes wander to the wall plastered in decor, ranging from fine art to antique pieces. Alternatively, gaze over the bustle on Hillsborough on the balcony. Leaf through the menu and you’ll find the food to be as vibrant as the decor. Serving lunch and dinner, Mitch’s keeps things fresh with daily specials. The gumbo is a local favorite, flavorfully vitalizing the Louisiana classic. From sandwiches and salads to pastas and chilies, Mitch’s caters to a variety of palates. It is not unusual for students to flock to the bar on game days; however, Mitch’s is anything but your average collegiate bar flooded with sports memorabilia. Even if it’s your first time eating there, the nostalgic atmosphere makes you feel welcome. The 80s movie “Bull Durham” features scenes shot in the esteemed eatery. In the seemingly endless rejuvenation of Hillsborough Street, the rustic tavern proves tried and true.
Anderson Burrus, a senior studying mass media communication, performs a freestyle rap in front of the Free Expression Tunnel during the NC State Cypher's 5 year anniversary on Monday night. Burrus has been rapping for 7 years, and he discovered the Cypher 3 years ago. He said, "The Cypher is a demonstration of what hip hop is designed to be. It's a safe environment where anyone is allowed to express themselves in any way they want. That's the side of hip hop very few people see anymore, and it's the image we try to promote every Monday night."
