As Fall Quarter classes end, some students are gearing up for the hustle and bustle of finals week, while others are starting to unwind after a busy quarter. Whatever the case, now is a good time to take a break and explore what the campus and city have to offer. From massages to cozy walks through downtown Evanston, this list has something for every student to put on their end-of-quarter bucket list.
Sip on a warm drink as you explore local businesses
For $10 a person, grab a very own custom (and reusable) warm “bevvy” mug and take a stroll through downtown Evanston. The event will start off at Rotary International’s Visitors Center on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. A list of participating businesses and a map of the walk will be provided. Many businesses will be running sales and discounts, including Animal Records with 20% off the whole store.
Get some exam relief with a massage!
Henry Crown Sports Pavilion is offering discounted massages for students to help combat stress and release tension as students get ready for finals week. Starting at $47, massages are available for purchase now through Dec. 6. For South Area students looking for a free option, South Area Faculty in Residence and Medill Prof. Dr. Ava Thompson Greenwell will host Therapeutic Thursday at her residence on Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., which will consist of 10-minute massages conducted by a massage therapist from Crown Sports Pavilion.
Head downtown for an evening jazz jam
On Thursday, Dec. 5, Prairie Moon, a local restaurant with weekly live jazz music, will host its monthly jazz jam session. Students can bring their instruments to jam out with the hosting musicians Clark Sommers on bass and Bienen sophomores Chase Wilkins on drums and Brandon Harper on keys. Drink and dining specials will be running throughout the event.
Gaze at the sky and shoot for the stars!
Every Friday night from 8 to 10 p.m., Dearborn Observatory is open for public viewing. The sessions are free and open to all, so students can take a night off from their busy schedule and utilize NU’s historic 18.5” refracting telescope to stargaze.
Walk through a stunning light show on a night off
Embrace the season with the Chicago Botanic Garden’s “Lightscape!” Running now through Jan. 5, “Lightscape” touts classics like the 110-foot winter cathedral and will have fresh installations this year like 5-foot floating lily flowers. About nine miles north of campus, the walk has showings in afternoons and evenings, and adult tickets range from $34 to $39.
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