With only a few weeks left in the semester it’s time to cross any remaining items off of your 2012-2013 Kenyon Bucket List. I’ve compiled a bucket list tailored to spring at Kenyon, and my two favorite pursuits: playing outside and eating.
5. This may seem obvious, but next time you’re at Peirce, take your plates outside! Whether you stake out at the patio outside Lower Dempsey or spread a blanket on the lawn in front of Peirce, this is something everyone should try at least once.
4. Not been to Friday Café yet this year? You have two (maybe three if you’re lucky) chances left. I know, I know, it’s $7 and the food is vegetarian, but there’s something so endearing about this little tradition. The ladies who make this happen are the sweetest, and the food always tastes 900x better than it sounds (and it usually sounds good!). With soup, salad, a main, the specialty “café chocolat”, and a glorious dessert, you are getting more than your money’s worth. You can sit inside at the long tables covered in quaint red checked tablecloths, and sometimes end up next to your Professor! Or, now that it’s spring, you can head out to the porch and eat outside.
3. Remember during First Year Sing when you chanted “Old Ke-e-enyooon we are like Kokosing”? Well, have you ever actually seen the Kokosing? If not, take an afternoon and ride your bike or walk along the Kokosing Gap Trail. Better yet, if it’s hot, do a little trail blazing and go for a dip in the river. It’s a Kenyon must-do. I saw a Bald Eagle there once. Another time, a guy in a canoe floated by and offered me moonshine, so, you know dreams really do come true at the Kokosing.
2. Undoubtedly one of the greatest things about Spring is ICE CREAM. No longer is ice cream an irresistible treat that you gorge on in the midst of winter, magnifying your shivering by 10. Now that the sun is shining, ice cream is not only the greatest treat but also the greatest heat relief…and the possibilities in Ohio are endless. Head over to Jeni’s, Graeter’s, or Whitt’s to get some good quality Ohio raised cow product. My plan is to go to the headquarters of Velvet ice cream, just a short drive over in Utica, Ohio. There are ducks there. And a windmill. And picnic tables. It’s cute.
1. The ultimate number one item on every Kenyon student’s bucket list should be a trip to “The Caves.” I can’t tell you much about this as I feel like it’s in the unscripted bible of Kenyon that “The Caves” remain shrouded in mystery. And that’s also half the fun of them. Basically, there’s a magical waterfall near Kenyon. If you ask around, you’re sure to find the directions. This has been one of my favorite experiences at Kenyon. Although I sacrificed studying for my French final, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Even if it’s your last day of finals and you haven’t studied a bit or packed an ounce, visit The Caves. You won’t regret it.