Kicking the bucket (list)

Students explain the top seven things to do in Lynchburg before graduation

 

SPRAY ON IT — The boulder on University Boulevard has been spray painted for years by students. Photo Credit: Denton Day

SPRAY ON IT — The boulder on University Boulevard has been spray painted for years by students.
Photo Credit: Denton Day

For a student at Liberty, it can feel like no time at all from freshman to senior year.

Before that time runs out, there are certain Liberty-centric experiences that ought to be done — a Liberty “bucket list.”

While most people associate bucket lists with the end of a life, they can be used to encourage others to try something before the chance to try disappears.

With graduation approaching, many seniors are preparing to say goodbye to Liberty and the Lynchburg area.

Before leaving, there are many activities that are considered a must by students that everyone should experience.

1. Take a hike — James Ford is a senior at Liberty and suggests that students begin by hiking Sharp Top, a 3.4 mile trail in Bedford that offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

“Liberty University is a central location to numerous hikes,” Ford said.

“If you haven’t gone on one, make sure you do before you graduate.”

2. Attend Lynchstock Music Festival — The Lynchstock Music Festival is celebrating its fifth annual event April 22, 2017.

According to the official website, the event will host more than 30 bands, food trucks and local vendors.

Brandon Cutshall is a junior and resident assistant (RA) at Liberty who enjoys this event.

“It is a good way to get involved in (the) Lynchburg community outside of Liberty and meet people that you might not regularly meet,” Cutshall said.

Ford participates in the event each year and appreciates the unique environment of it.

“Most college students don’t get this kind of opportunity,” Ford said.

“It is a day spent with good music, great food and unique vendors.”

3. Paint the sidewalk/rock — Olivia Steele is a senior and RA at Liberty and has always admired the decorativeness of the sidewalk and rock near the
Vines Center.

“I love seeing all the graffiti (while) walking to class, and I would love to leave my mark in that way,” Steele said.

Shana Davis is also a senior and RA on campus and plans on continuing in this tradition.

“I think it would be fun to paint the rock on campus super late at night,” Davis said.

4. Camp Hydaway — According to the official campus outdoor recreation website, Hydaway offers a variety of services to students including camp sites, the challenge course and an outfitter where students can check out equipment at no cost.

“Hydaway has tons of fun things to do that most people are unaware of,” Cutshall said.

“It’s a great way to spend time with friends and get to know people.”

5. Take a day trip/road trip — Lynchburg is conveniently located just hours away from several interesting cities including our nation’s capital.

Ford has traveled to Charlottesville, Roanoke and Washington D.C. during several day trips.

“Roanoke has some incredible unique and large thrift stores,” Ford said.

“Plus you can check out the Roanoke Star and get some Krispy Kreme on your way home.”

6. Try Osaka — This Japanese restaurant will testify to the age-old saying of never judge a book by its cover, according to Cutshall.

“The beauty of being in a building that used to be a Pizza Hut that now serves Japanese food is indescribable,” Cutshall said.

“The deliciousness of the food from a place that seems sketchy is a delightful surprise that keeps you coming back for more.”

7. Pull an all-nighter/watch the sunrise — These two things do not necessarily need to go together, but it seems to make the experience more memorable, according to Steele.

“Did you really go to college unless you pull an all-nighter for no reason?” Steele said.

Ford encourages students to take advantage of the Blue Ridge Parkway as the perfect place to watch the day unfold.

“One of the most incredible experiences I’ve had during college is going to watch the sun rise on the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Ford said.

Whittaker is a feature reporter.

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