At first glance, Macon seems like a ghost town. Moving in as a freshman, you begin to think there is nothing to do in town outside of campus. Never fear, there are plenty of fun activities around campus. How many can you cross off?

1. Eno in Tatnall

This barely counts as off campus, but it is good to start small. Plus, this can be so much fun as a weekend or afternoon activity. The view is worth it! Strap up your hammock with a friend or two in the park and make sure you get the perfect amount of shade to sun ratio--you don't want to get burned!

2. Stone Slides on Coleman Hill

Bring your own cardboard, grab some friends and go to the Law School slides. Sliding may seem very elementary school, but the adventure is worth it. Plus, who doesn't love going down a giant slide?

3. Circles in the Park

I have yet to figure out what these sculptures actually mean, but they make for great profile pictures for first year students. They are conveniently located by the slides, so you can even knock out two for one. It may not appear to be extremely exciting, but when you're with the right people you can make anything worth it. Plus, you'll look back on the memories and laugh someday!

4. Lake Tobesofkee

Truly a hidden gem, tucked away on a back road, Lake Toby is a simple beach and water with some fishing and boating docks. It's worth it to go there and pretend you're not in Macon and you're actually on some fabulous vacation somewhere. The water is probably cleaner than Plunkett pool anyways and you're guaranteed to have more fun.

5. Sakura

Not quite a 5 star establishment, but the only place you can get a mound of chicken fried rice for $6. Usually better to get it to go, somehow all the surfaces in the dining room are usually mysteriously sticky. They do have a drive-thru, but it usually takes just as long. You're best bet is to call in your order ahead of time. Bonus points if you are really craving it, drive all the way over there, and they are closed (twice).

6. High Falls

While not technically in Macon, it's only a thirty-minute drive from campus. The hike is for all experience levels and dog friendly! Seriously even if you don't like nature, you get to see people's dogs on the trail and get your daily dose of puppy. The fee to park is $5 per car, so bring your friends and enjoy the beautiful sites!

7. Cherry Blossom Festival

During the festival, an abundance of activities occur around the city. Restaurants have special deals, fun events happen downtown, in parks, everywhere! And you can't miss the beautiful cherry blossoms that line the sidewalks. Be sure to look at the calendar ahead of time and plan your adventures accordingly so you can maximize your trip!

8. Taste and See Coffee Shop

Some people find it pretentious, but I believe it has rustic charm and radiates warmth. Everyone highly recommends the Liquid Gold, but don't get it late at night because you will never go to sleep. They have beautiful art on display, but more bonus points if your friend accidentally breaks part of the piece of art-she still feels really bad about it.

9. Late Night Ice-Cream Runs

You won't remember the quiz you failed, but you will remember when you and your roommate are craving ice-cream so you adventured out into the world desperate for it. The tricky part here is Dairy Queen and Marble Slab close at 10 p.m. So if it's after 10 p.m., you have to settle for milkshakes from Sonic or Steak 'n Shake, but only after you drove to Dairy Queen and saw the closed sign.

10. One Item of your Choosing

I can't make the entire list for you, this is just a good start. Choose your own item (or items) to add to this list to ensure you get the most adventure out of college as possible!

Remember not to judge a book by its cover; give Macon a chance to pleasantly surprise you. College is more than going to class, eating in the dining hall, and heading back to your room. It's good to branch out and try new things! You'll be grateful one day for the memories you made crossing these things off your bucket list!