For many students who are accustomed to living a “big city” life, the transition to Tallahassee, a relatively small college town, can be quite difficult.
More often than not, students describe the home of the legendary “seven hills” as boring.
On a typical fall weekend without a home football game, there are roughly three options for entertainment: going to the club, going to a party or catching a movie.
While going to a party may be free, the club and movies can become pricey.
However, there are little known alternatives to your regular entertainment menu.
Movies 8, located at 2810 Sharer Road, is a not-so popular discount theater.
Prices range from $1 every day before 6 p.m. to $1.50 everyday after 6 p.m. On Tuesdays, Movies 8 offers feature films for 50 cents all day.
“Tuesdays and Thursdays are the most popular times for college students to view movies,” said Hal Drewek, general manager of Movies 8.
“We are the only discount movie theater in a three-hour radius. We’ve been here for 15 years, and most new students have not heard of us”
Another entertainment option is Fun Station, located on 2821 Sharer Road. It features laser tag, bumper boats, batting cages, miniature golf and virtual roller coasters, and it is often thought of as a college student’s playground.
Don Judah, a manager at Fun Station, said they offer a deal especially for college students.
“Wednesday night is ‘College Night.’ We offer a 2-for-1 special. From 5 p.m. to close, students can do two activities for the price of one with college identification,” Judah said.
If bowling is up your alley, Seminole Bowl located at 1940 W. Tennessee St., is available to relieve a competitive edge. Featuring 24 like-new lanes and equipment, it is the largest bowling center in Tallahassee. Prices before 5 p.m. range from $13 an hour, per lane to $2.60 per game, per person. After 5 p.m., prices range from $19 an hour, per lane to $3.60 per game, per person.
Charles Sims, a senior history student, said he frequents Seminole Bowl.
“It’s a cool place to chill with friends and just have a good time. I would recommend it to anyone,” said the 21-year-old from Miami.
Feeling nostalgic? Skate World, located 2563 NE Capital Circle, is the type of skating rink that brings back childhood memories.
On Fridays, you can skate from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m for $5.50. Regular skate rental is free, and the price to rent of in-line skates is $1.
Besides skating, there is also a disc jockey and a food stand that sells Dippin’ Dots, a futuristic form of ice cream.
For the golfer in need of practicing their golf swing, Cross Creek Driving Range and Golf Course is a great option. Located at 6701 Mahan Drive, this driving range offers a small bucket of 45 balls for $6 on the mat and $8 on the grass.
For 18 holes of golf on the weekend the price is $18.
Ronald Carter, 22, a senior business administration student from Los Angeles, has enjoyed the driving range at Cross Creek.
“This driving range is one of the nicest in Tallahassee. Plus the price is decent,” he said.
The next time you’re at home and bored, try one of these ideas.
It promises to be a new Tallahassee experience. Not to mention, these places will allow you to save money, have fun or maybe both.
Contact Lorian Miles at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com.