As the semester quickly draws to a close, students are beginning to feel the pressures of cumulative projects, final exams, and extensive writing assignments. Let's face it, my friends, crunch-time is near. But amongst the sleepless nights and the multiple cups of coffee, we all have our limits. We can only bend so much until reaching a breaking point. So before we let this happen, we must find alternative ways to release stress... to relax. Now that's a word I haven't seen in a while. What can you do, and where can you go, to relax in a small college town?

Recently, I was introduced to a little piece of heaven on the outskirts of Farmville, Virginia. Briery Creek Lake, located just off of Rt. 790, is a nurturing home to wildlife and recreational activities. My first experience was unlike any other. Some friends and I made the 25-minute drive, with blankets and joyful hearts to watch the sun set below the water's edge. The docks and small sandy banks are open to everyone- perfect for stargazing and getting your mind off of things. After just one evening embracing nature at its finest, I couldn't get enough. I was in definite need to return. Little did I know I would fall in love with the serenity that this hidden paradise has to offer.

Time passed, and once again I found myself returning to the waters of this breathtaking getaway. My stress from the past week had reached an all-time high, and I knew then and there that the trip was well deserved. Clearly, the second visit did not disappoint. Even though the colorful leaves had fallen from the trees, and the chill of the autumn air left your eyes and nose runny, there was no better time to snuggle with close friends and exchange deep conversations about life.

The laughs I’ve shared and the memories I’ve established in this very spot have left me on my own cloud nine. Whenever a time of stress approaches, I know that Briery Creek Lake is always waiting for me. To share this special place is something that I was once unsure about. But I understand now that every individual deserves this kind of happiness.

So if you’re still wondering where to kick back and let your hair down, give this lake a chance. Trust me, you wont regret a single moment. No matter what time of day, no matter what season, this perfect getaway will never fail to take your breath away.