Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
To all those who resolved to really enjoy their weekends this year, use your first one back at Swat wisely. Whether on or off campus, you have your pick of options in the way of arts and entertainment.
On campus, this Saturday includes an impressive first-concert-of-the-year program from Orchestra 2001 “From Mozart to a World Premiere,” including pieces by Mozart, Rudin, Ligeti, and Thomas. You can also catch any of the three thought-provoking works in the Margaret Mead Traveling Film Festival which will be playing at Swat this weekend.
Also an option for those of you who signed up in time or happen to be feeling lucky about catching a bus on Saturday night is the “3rd Annual Ice Skating at Penn’s Landing” perfectly timed this year as the first weekend back on campus is ironically one of the best for getting *off* campus, as chances are most of your professors are still going easy on you before add/drop ends and you’re officially “committed.”
Take advantage of the time to do a little exploring. Now’s the best time to look into reservations if you plan on a particularly ritzy Restaurant Week and this is a great chance to walk around Center City and get a feel for the area. You can also take in a show, as venues like “The Walnut Street Theater” cater to students with $15 rush tickets for new productions like “Of Mice and Men.”
If you’re feeling especially adventurous (and have warm clothing) you can get to know the largest urban contiguous park system in the country a little better with a visit to the Schuylkill Center where you can go on an “owl prowl.” For seven dollars you can hike with guides through the Schuykill Center (best reached through Septa’s bus system) to find and observe local owls, who happen to be particularly active (and noisy) at the moment due to their mating season. Be sure to call in advance to be allowed to join a tour and checkout their website for more information.
