This Week in Athens: May 16th - May 23rd

Hey guys,

First off, I know it's week 8 and everyone is super busy, so good luck with all of your studies! I know it's hard when the sun is shining and the birds are singing, and virtually the rest of the college world is on summer break, but you can do it! We're all in this together.

Second, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has been keeping up with my posts over the past few weeks of this project. It has really meant a lot to me! I've had a really fun time with this blog, and I'm thinking of keeping it going through my last year here in Athens... what do you guys think? I would love to take any suggestions anyone has out there, and definitely keep the posts coming! I really do look forward to reading them each week. This will be my last post for awhile, but I always have my eye out for good deals in the area, and I look forward to letting you know about what I find in the future! Thanks again for everything, and keep checking back here because I still have plenty of ideas! Here's what I plan on tackling sometime soon....

* Places in Athens you've probably never been: The Purple Chopsticks, Dela Zona & Indian Star
* Fine dining experiences... which has the most worth for your money?
* The cutest (and most affordable) accessories on Court St.
* Coffeehouses... quality vs. price
* Online college dining resources Campusmenus.com and Eatcollege.com: Coupons, deals and more

But for now, I will leave you with a compilation of events taking place this week. So if you do have time to take a study break, you'll be able to have fun - as always - on a budget :)


Monday:
* Study day!

Tuesday:

*2010 Graphic Design BFA Exhibition Opening:
7pm to 9pm Seigfred Hall, Ohio University Art Gallery

Free show featuring projects designed and created by the graduating Graphic Design class of 2010. Check out their website if you're interested in viewing the artwork before the show!

The exhibition will remain open until Saturday, May 29th. Gallery hours are 10:00am-4:00pm.

(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124669447548145&ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=119785678045728&ref=ts)


* Ohio Men's Baseball vs. Xavier

Last home game of the 2010 season, 6pm Bob Wren Stadium
Tickets free for all Ohio University students, and $5 dollars for any single ticket!
(For more pictures of the team, go to my post Take Me Out to the Ball Game.)

* Sushi Tuesday's at Lui Lui Restaurant

* Retro Night at PigSkin: .50 cent drafts and DJ Aroc
Also, check out their online coupons here. Pigskin is known for having great deals!


Wednesday:
* $5 dollar Liquor Pitchers: Lucky's Sports Tavern

* .50 cent slice night at Courtside Pizza and Sports Bar, plus $1.00 shots & $1.50 wells; 9:00pm - Close


Thursday:

*First Annual Bark Fest, 2010: Hosted by OU's Association for Women in Communication; 3-7pm, Howard Hall Site

A philanthropy event for the Athens Humane Society. There will be raffles from local businesses, and dogs from the Humane Society will be present through the afternoon, so bring your dogs too!
(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124669447548145&ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=120318157985835&ref=ts)

Free Food. Cute Dogs. Sweet Prizes.
Can't get any better then that!

* Free Canoeing and Swimming trip: Outdoor Pursuits
Every Thursday in May 5:30pm-8:30pm

Trips depart from the Outdoor Pursuits Rental Center.

No registration is required, just show up! Transportation, instruction and all required gear will be provided at no cost.

(http://www.ohio.edu/recreation/op/SCHEDULETripsSpr10.html)

Next Week: May 27, Canoeing and Swimming at Dow Lake

* May Day OU 2010: 5 pm, McCracken Field
Featuring free performances by hip hop artists Clipse and Consequence

Check out the videos below for a sample of their music...


(Caution: may include explicit material)



Hosted by OU organizations: Backdrop Magazine, BSCPB, UPC, ImPRessions, SAC, and Vision Ohio.

* School of Dance Concert: Shirley Wimmer Theatre, Putnam Hall
Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm

The Ohio University School of Dance presents their School of Dance Spring Concert. Come see performances by the Senior Class 2010, guest artists and students alike. I go to these performances every quarter, and they are always great! (Free ticket with a valid student Id)

* $2 Mega Mug Night at Red Brick Tavern; one of the most popular, and best, deals of the week.


Friday:

* Relay for Life at the Athens County Fairgrounds, 286 West Union Street!

Whether you camp out with a team, or just come out and walk around the track, you'll be helping a great cause.

Takes place 5p.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday.



Saturday:

* If you have the extra money to splurge ($20)... 7 Fest, the seventh installment of the premier college campus outdoor music festival is taking place at 7755 Williams Road from 11am to 11pm Saturday, May 22nd. Tickets can be purchased uptown at Courtside, Yannis or Sundries.



(http://www.athens6fest.com/SixFest.WeRunOU/images/stories/5fest030.jpg)

Set list includes: Bourbon Kings, iPhonic, The Forties, Fam Fresh, DJ Edski, Mt Carmel, The One Eyed Show, Downplay, L.e, Jesty Beatz, B. YONEST, Mike Posner.

For more information go to the 7 Fest site.


Sunday

Take a day to relax :)


By the way, if you're interested in more restaurant and bar promotions, check out campusmenus.com for a full list of nightly and monthly specials, and happy hour promotions.

I tend to check this daily. They have so many great deals!



Anyway, that's all for now Athens. Thanks for everything!


Julie

Athens' Favorite Forthmeal

We all know that fest season is the best season. And with drinking all day and drinking all night, fourthmeal is almost unavoidable. Fourthmeal, you know, the meal between breakfast and dinner, is probably the best meal of the day for any college student. With Wendy's, Chipotle and Quiznos all on the same block, Court Street is an epicenter for Athens late-night food... and those are just the chain restaurants.

In local vs. chain, greasy vs. healthy, who can surpass the competition and come out on top as Athens' favorite fourthmeal? Let's find out. In a sampling of Ohio University students, these were the top favorites...

#3 Souvlaki's Mediterranean
9 West State Street

Ashlee Bonham says,
Why it's her favorite: Lots of variety
Favorite menu item(s): Chicken gyro; about $4.50

Zach Leach says,
Why it's his favorite: Open Late
Favorite menu item(s): Cheese sticks and spicy fries; $8

* Open till 3am or later

#2 O'Betty's Red Hot
15 West State Street

Maggie Mackura says,

Why it's her favorite: "(The) chili cheese fries are amazing and so are the hot dogs."

Favorite menu item(s): Dixie w/o onions and chili cheese fries; $6.50 (http://www.roadfood.com/photos/8622.jpg)

Ben Harshbarger says,
Why it's his favorite: Loves hot dogs
Favorite menu item(s): 2 hot dogs + chili cheese fries; $8

* Window open till 3am, Monday - Saturday

Tied for 1st, the winners are...

#1 Goodfellas
35 North Court Street and 6 West Union Street

Allie Cody says,
Why it's her favorite: "Best pizza ever! And cheap!"

Favorite menu item(s): Cheese Pizza; $2

Bradley Lang says,
Why it's his favorite: Good price for the amount of food


(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsXwbuc56YqbKPDJ5xmQYDaPscAs7YZ3_j_weFf7AfnuVxmq3M_d4FWgutP6QXdN832EC7Um6mlPQ9CelZZ2Gm5O9RfBaYxmBEb7BcMy8Siweswg7Ze6YLyqxghJ3c4S_q2lzb4mH2k60/s320/Goodfellas+pie.jpg)

Favorite menu item(s): "Three pieces of pepperoni pizza because I save 50 cents." 3 slices for $5.50

* Open till 3am everyday, even Sundays! Now delivers.
(Check out this blog post from another OU student praising Goodfellas)

#1 Big Mama's Burritos
10 South Court Street

Kelsie Long says,
Why it's her favorite: "Because it's better and cheaper than Chipotle. Plus you can basically get anything in a burrito."
Favorite menu item(s): Buffalo Chicken Burrito; $5.49

Emma Clark says,
Why it's her favorite: "The best burritos in town! Plus, if you don't want a lot you can get a baby and not spend as much."
Favorite menu item(s): Baby Chipotle Ranch Burrito; $3.25


(http://consumer.discoverohio.com/graphics/listings/photo/7484_thumb_1112007104130.jpg)
* Open till 3am, free lunch delivery from 11am to 2pm

Honorable Mentions

Pita Pit - Healthiest
Sam Reed said,
Why it's her favorite: "It's somewhat healthy... compared to DP Dough or Wendy's at least."

Favorite menu item(s): Chicken Pita w/ veggies, hotsauce and ranch; $6.50ish

(http://www.getpitas.com/images/PitaBackgroundPhoto.jpg)
*Thursday - Friday open till 4am, Sunday - Wednesday till 3am,
Thurs. - Sat. 11AM to 4AM

DP Dough - Best Calzones

Ashley Reed said,
Why it's her favorite: "Only the best food in Athens!"

Favorite menu item(s): Roni Zone w/ ranch; around $6
*Mon - Wed 3am, Thurs - Sat 4am,
Sunday 2am; delivers

(http://citypaper.net/blogs/mealticket/files/2009/08/dpdoughcombatzone.jpg)

The Burrito Buggy - An Athens staple

Monique Williamson said,
Why it's her favorite: "They have late night tacos."

Favorite menu item(s): Jumbo Chicken Taco w/ jalapenos; $3
*Open late

(http://www.athenshub.com/rpics/burritobuggy.jpg)


Jimmy John's -
"Freaky Fast" delivery

Chris Slota said,
Favorite menu item(s): Pepe (real applewood smoked ham and provolone cheese garnished with lettuce, tomato and mayo); $4.75
*Open till 3:30am

(http://www.fox-companies.com/jimmy_johns_store_image_22.jpg)

Check out campusmenus.com and eatcollege.com for online delivery options and coupons for YOUR favorite Athens food.

And hey, if you're 21, don't forget the bars. Athens has some of the best bar food around (i.e. Pigskin, Casa Nueva). Most of the bars uptown feature a full menu, so next time you're thinking of leaving your friends for a hot dog at the Snackbox, ask to see if the bar has a menu. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Local Dollar Stores... Worth it, or not?

Family Dollar vs. Dollar Tree
We've all seen it. Sitting there on Carpenter Street in all its mystery... the Family Dollar.

The concept of the dollar store has always been a hook, especially for poor college students who don't have much of an income. But it seems every time I go into one, it turns out to be a collection of worthless items no one would ever care to buy.

(http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/11/1106_dividend_aristocrats/image/12_family_dollar_stores.jpg)

As far as Family Dollar goes, I've never been. Personally, it seems a bit sketchy - a townie shopping haven. But, at the same, time I've always been kinda curious about it. What kind of items do they offer? Is everything really a dollar? Should I go in and check it out? The answer has always been a mental "maybe some other time"... until now.

This is Athens on a budget, right? So what the hell. Might as well give it a shot and see if the local Athens dollar stores are actually worth the look-around. So sit back while I take you on a virtual tour of the Athens dollar stores. Family Dollar vs. Dollar Tree.

Family Dollar
The Family Dollar is (as predicted) a little bit sketchy, but definitely but not as bad as I had predicted. When I got there, they had a sidewalk sale of koozies, coolers, tank tops and other nice-weather geared items to greet guests at the door. They also had a full section of apparel, on top of the groceries and other items available, which was unexpected.

Unfortunately, the Family Dollar is a little misleading in the vein that it's not, in fact, a true dollar store.

The tank tops in the sidewalk sale? 3 dollars. Coolers? 14. Not quite as appealing. Especially when there's a Walmart right down the street.


But surprisingly enough, I was able to put together a cute spring outfit in light of the fests this weekend... all for under 30 bucks. A little steep, but still reasonable. And a full outfit for 30 bucks is nearly impossible to pull off, so that's pretty good!


Ruffle Tank: $7

Shorts: $6

Black Flip Flops (can go with anything): $1

Silver-Rimmed Aviators: $6

Silver Hoop Earrings: $1.49

Paisley Black and White Tote: $6

*Add a Miller Light Koozie and a vile of knock-off Chanel No. 9, each a dollar.

Total: $29.49 with tax

"They had some cute tops, which was surprising," said Ohio University Senior Ashlee Bonham, who had also never been to the Family Dollar and decided to check it out.

Unfortunately, the Family Dollar doesn't have a fitting room, so you're on your own when it comes to sizing. But if whatever you buy doesn't fit, no worries. Returns are always accepted with a valid receipt. I even walked out with a cute pair of knock-off, tortoise-colored Ray Bans. Super cute and edgy, and only 6 bucks.

And the attendant even clipped off the tag for me so I could wear them out :)

Overall, the Family Dollar wouldn't be a place I would shop on a regular basis, but it's definitely worth a try. Check out their website for coupons.

Dollar Tree
At the Dollar Tree on East State Street, everything is officially a dollar! No ifs, ands or buts about it. They also had sidewalk sale items, graduation and Forth of July displays, a section of toys for the kids, and even a full isle of glassware and ceramic dishware! Aside from the not having a full apparel section (they do have a few items), this is clearly the better store. A bigger and better selection and more of a variety, if you're looking for a true dollar store in Athens, this is the one for you. Check out the pictures below, and if you've never been before, definitely go and check it out for yourself! They pretty much have just about anything, so you won't be disappointed.



Pros and Cons
To sum it all up...

Family Dollar:
Pros
* Apparel and jewelry items
* Within walking distance from campus
Cons
* Not everything is a dollar
* Kinda sketchy

Dollar Tree:
Pros
* Everything is a dollar!
* Big store and great variety
Cons
* No apparel
* Have to drive there


Happy shopping :)