All the hidden gems at JMU you didn’t know about

I think it is fair to say all JMU students (not just myself) can be found guilty, at one point or another, of confining themselves to the so-called JMU Bubble. You know…the imaginary force field that contains students to areas where they feel comfortable and are well known. But I promise if you open your eyes, you will see JMU has so much more to offer.

Thai Café

I was hesitant at first to try this restaurant since I am so spoiled by the delicious Asian food places in my hometown in Northern Virginia. However, Thai Café is my new choice for Asian food in Harrisonburg. Not only is it affordable, but also it is mouth-watering good. Despite being called Thai Café, they also serve Vietnamese Pho that had me slurping from the bowl. For less than $15 (including tip), you can get an appetizer and a meal that will be large enough for a to-go box.

My fantastic meal at Thai Cafe!

Tea Time

After spending a semester in London, my love for scones and tea grew exponentially. Every Wednesday at 4 in Taylor Hall, Mad4U puts on Tea Time. This is a free and fun activity to take a break from studying and meet some new people. Tea Time has a giant pad of paper with prompts for people to write answers; this inevitably leads to conversation with people you may not have conversed with otherwise. Plus, who doesn’t love free pastries?

Tea Time run my Mad4U!

Tea Time Discussion Board

Let’s Go! Local

Being a senior, I am still shocked at how many of my classmates still look like a deer in headlights every time I suggest Let’s Go! Local for lunch. You can only get a to-go box here, but you pay one price regardless of what you stuff inside—I have mastered the art of packing as much food in my box. Let’s Go serves local food and always has tacos on the menu. You get to support your local JMU community and are guaranteed tacos…what could be better?

Let’s Go! Local ft. the always served Tacos

Copy Center

The name, Copy Center, tends to be deceiving because they do so much more than make copies for customers. There are 2 Copy Centers on campus – there is one in ISAT and one in the buildings behind where the old Buffalo Wild Wings used to be. Not only are the employees the sweetest, most helpful humans, but they are so talented. You can get copies made, books bound, posters created, photos printed, etc. Another exciting aspect is you can get cheap school supplies (I got a stack of notecards for 5 cents!!) and they also have a stellar snack collection. You can leave with a soda pop, an oatmeal crème pie and a printed essay for less than $3… move over Staples.

It is to the left of the Forbes Deck, behind the old Buffalo Wing Factory!

Oatmeal Creme Pies AND Zebra Cakes…heaven to say the least

Switzer Lake

I was reluctant to give this gem away since it has quickly become one of my favorite places. I realize this is a bold statement, but after visiting it, I’m sure you would agree. My roommate has a Jeep so we drive out to Switzer Lake to enjoy the view, relax, and get in some off-roading. Swaying trees and white-tipped mountains surround Switzer Lake’s sparkling waters—it makes for an idyllic view to say the least and a sweet instagram opportunity.

My happy place, Switzer Lake!

I wasn’t lying–how Instagram worthy is this place?!

$1 Coffee

YES! You are reading this right, a freshly brewed cup of coffee for $1. Don’t get me wrong; I love Dunkin coffee as much as the next person, but when your dining dollars or FLEX run out (like mine did)…you’d be surprised how many coins you can scavenge to make a single dollar. In the lobby of the Studio Center (the building behind Grace Street Apartments and before Memorial) from 9am-12:15, the Industrial Design majors have set up a table that sells coffee, hot cocoa, and tea all for $1. Gather up your spare change and take advantage of this seriously cheap, and caffeinated opportunity—I am not sure if this will carry on next semester, so get it while you can!

$1 Coffee…this is NOT a drill.

For those who do not know where/what the Studio Center is…