Fun for free

Now that the weather is warming up, many students are searching for ways to get outside. Not only does being in the sun boost mood and release those happy endorphins, it can be a ton of fun. Recently I met up with some friends for a game of tennis at Elm Street Park. I'm not the tennis connoisseur, but we had a great time being outdoors and getting some exercise all the same.

There are several places in Greenville to enjoy tennis, basketball and volleyball, particularly in the larger apartment complexes.

Until the dreaded Greenville heat takes over and students rush to the pool, now is the perfect time to get active outdoors. The Town Commons, located on First Street, is the perfect location for a picnic, a leisure walk in the park or even skateboarding and rollerblading. Another perk: there is no charge! Since we all are forced to conserve our money and be a bit wiser about spending these days, why not enjoy the great outdoors with a friend?

Perhaps you want to bring out your inner child. I was reminded of why I enjoyed swing sets as a child when I spent close to half an hour on the swings at Elm Street Park while waiting for my friends. Though it was incredibly enjoyable, I was the biggest "kid" on the playground, but no one seemed to mind.

Students can also play on the two Frisbee golf fields in Greenville and play intramural sports out at the university's fields by North Campus Crossing. River Park North is another location for outdoor lovers. There is no cost to walk the nature trails or fish from the docks, but those who choose to go fishing need to have an updated fishing license. The trails are also accessible for bikers.

Maybe getting outside isn't always a possibility; as we approach the time for April showers, we may be forced to stay indoors. Many students may find themselves wondering what their rainy day options are. Several venues in Greenville offer karaoke nights on numerous nights of the week. Ham's offers karaoke on Thursday nights and Player's Choice, located by Pitt Community College, has fun for amateur singers on Thursday and Saturday nights as well. Again, there is no charge to enjoy the fun.

My ideal rainy day involves a good book in a cozy setting. If the library isn't your thing, maybe you would enjoy the atmosphere at Barnes and Noble. There are couches and chairs for people who want to browse a few books or magazines, or you can bring your own reading material. The Tipsy Teapot is a quaint little place downtown where people can enjoy books and their favorite teas or smoothies.

Students can also go bowling or ice skating in Greenville as well. Wednesday's dollar mania at AMF Bowling is conveniently priced for evening bowlers. College students can also show their ID at Blades on Ice for a reduced price. The public is also welcome to partake in shag dancing (for free) at City Hotel and Bistro, located across from Wal-Mart, on Sunday nights.

Unlike what some students may believe about Greenville, there are options for affordable fun, it is just a matter of going out and discovering what our town has to offer. Who knows, you might even meet someone who happens to enjoy the same hobbies you do!

This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.