“My all-time favorite place around campus is Soulard Farmer’s Market. It’s about five minutes driving distance, and it’s open every Wednesday through Saturday. They have everything you can imagine, from produce, to tons of different kinds of spices, to mini donuts and even live chickens and other animals! The best part about it is that it’s all local products and at realistic prices for college students. I go there to get a good majority of my food, and it’s just a fun place to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon walking around and getting a little break from campus.”

— Lauren Tondl

“My favorite place nearby is the Missouri Botanical Gardens. The only time I’ve been there was in January, on my birthday, when most of the plants were dormant and it was around 40 degrees outside. Despite the season, it was still a beautiful place because I could feel the promise of spring. I need to go back when the flowers are out and it is the “prime” season for the gardens, but I think there is something magical about the fact that it can be so pretty, even without its primary attraction.”

— Meredith Hargis

“My favorite place near campus would have to be Forest Park. Although it is within walking distance, I normally take the Metro. There is so much to do there, and it is nice to take a break from campus life for a day. I go there a lot with my friends, whether it is to visit the art museum, the zoo or to just get some fresh air. One of my favorite memories in Forest Park was actually from this year at LouFest. My friends and I had such an amazing time seeing all of our favorite bands, and it is a day that I will never forget.”

— Lexie Vasos

“Left Bank Books, on Euclid Avenue, in the Central West End, is a great place to take a study break. They have a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction, and their used book section in the basement is my favorite spot to browse for new reads. (I also get no cell signal in the basement; it’s nice to disconnect once in awhile.) In addition, the store has its own in-house cat, Spike, who is affectionate and does not shy away from customers. Though Amazon and other websites seem to be doing their best to shutter these traditional venues, Left Bank Books stands for everything that makes the brick-and-mortar store worth supporting.”

— Paul Brunkhorst

“My favorite place near campus is the Schlafly Branch of the St. Louis Public Library in the Central West End. It’s an easy walk from SLU, and the free black-and-white printing helps you save some money while studying for class.”

— Joshua Connelly