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The mention of Star Wars elicits a variety of different reactions, but before rolling your eyes and closing this blog I urge you to see how Star Wars has changed. Yes, Star Wars has been exclusive to it’s fan base for a long time. Star Wars has left average watchers in confusion by adding obscure characters for the sake of fan service. These characters rarely add to the story since they have about as much depth as a kiddy pool. This can be wonderful for fans but unfavorable for attracting new fans who don’t know much about Star Wars or frankly don’t care. The new Disney + show Andor is changing this. Andor is the closest thing to a Prime-Time drama that Star Wars has, and I am here for it. Andor introduces people to a complicated world of oppression and resistance with well-built character stories. You don’t need to like Star Wars to enjoy Andor, you just need to enjoy good storytelling. Depending on who you ask, the aspect of storytelling has been painfully absent from Star Wars media. Andor not only expertly unravels a riveting story but has interesting and believable characters that bring this story to life. If you wanted to explore the world of Star Wars for the first time, Andor is the show to start with. If you could care less about Star Wars, Andor is a strong, captivating story to become your next weekly Prime Time drama.

If you are not familiar with Star Wars, the main story arc in the original trilogy is the heroic rebellion as it fights the evil empire. The only problem is that rebellion only plays a role when it is relevant to the main characters. While rebellions in other movies seem to be costly and gritty, the rebellion in Star Wars falls flat as main characters ride into the sunset unaffected by the world around them. The new Star Wars series Andor is changing that. Andor follows a character named Cassian Andor who is fighting the Empire however he can. This show presents a new look at Star Wars that is gritty and messy. Andor is giving depth to the rebellion storyline in a way that has never been done. The heroes are no longer so one-dimensional; struggles feel stressful and at times the lines between right and wrong feel so thin that you don’t know if you are cheering for the right side. Not only is Andor creating good content for Star Wars, but it is also creating good cinema, content that can stand with others in field of TV drama. The high quality of acting in Andor is a first for Star Wars; it has helped bring the show to another level since bad acting has always been a staple in Star Wars, but it did make for some good memes.

So why is this important? When Star Wars first came out it was innovative and people looked on, wide-eyed as it demanded people’s respect. From about 2006 to 2020, things were not good for Star Wars fans. Except for you Dave Filoni, we love you. Yes, the new trilogy was released before 2020, but it bitterly divided fans, and The Last Jedi is just a horribly display of cinematography. As Disney + ushered in a new era for Star Wars, fans waited impatiently to be reward for their dedication. Andor is that repayment. Andor is so important for Star Wars because it expands the Star Wars universe while also, again demanding people’s respect along the way. Right now is the best time to be a Star Wars fan. I urge you to dive into Andor while leaving your expectations at the door. This show has a riveting story, worthy of any prime-time drama and will show you a side of Star Wars most have never seen.

 

Written by Jordan Krietzinger

Jordan is the Assistant Director of Student Activities and leader of the Blog Team.

Fashion is an avenue of expression. Often, how we present ourselves through clothing speaks on behalf of our personality, beliefs, and culture before we ever get the chance to open our mouths. We are certainly not a culture above placing people into boxes based on their sense of fashion—you say Blundstones, I say granola; you say Gymshark, I say gym rat; you say Thrasher, I say skater. And these labels can be harsh! However, I think that the scariest label for most people in mainstream fashion culture today would simply be “modest.” But is modesty really anything to be afraid of?

What we would consider “modest fashion” today—think: high collars and floor-length skirts—is all people knew of fashion in any pre-1920s era. While the shapes and styles may have changed throughout the 19th century, it remained that women’s dresses and skirts conformed to one length: long and to the floor. Meanwhile, men’s suits were expertly tailored and formal. All a very far cry from what you’d see people wearing on the Montview steps nowadays. However, the onset of World War One caused Victorian prudishness to finally unravel. Women took a more independent and significant role in society, men were out on the front lines, and the meanings behind fashion were about to change. By the 1920s, American culture saw the economy begin to bloom and hemlines begin to rise. We can see that this trend has carried on throughout history: we reflect times of economic prosperity by showing more skin, and eras of depression by returning to a conservative form of dress [1].

So, what’s brought the talk of modesty back into the mainstream? Well, I can certainly think of a recent time of economic distress in our culture (thanks always, 2020) that may have caused hemlines to lower and looser-fitting clothing to begin trending again. If you’ve ever wondered why maxi skirts and relaxed trousers had made their way back onto your feed, just look to history for an explanation. You’ll find that while people are keen to keep up with these emerging trends, they often don’t realize that they’re still being modest, too. And let’s be honest, the quintessential modest fashion aesthetics are no longer making headlines the way they once were. While this is thanks in part to the recession, I would be remiss not to mention the Muslim women who have been leading the charge on making modest fashion a popular retail category in the post-9/11 era. According to the Global Islamic Economy Report, modest fashion is expected to be a $420 billion dollar industry by 2024 [2]. While modesty often means a vastly different thing for Christians than it does for Muslims, it remains that the narrative around modesty is changing. It’s no longer a marginalized industry, but one that is becoming more widely accepted and evolving all the time. Start pulling the baggy jeans and oversized button-downs out of the back of your closets, people.

At Liberty, we hear a lot about modest dressing. Like many other Christian schools, we’re called to a certain standard of dress on campus. This means no shorts or crop tops in class, no spandex or cutoffs at the gym, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve stared into your closet a couple of times and wondered “How do I make an outfit work under these conditions?” or “How am I supposed to wear pants when it’s 90 degrees outside?” And yet, Liberty has one of the most fashion-forward and uniquely dressed student bodies I’ve ever encountered. As a freshman coming from a public high school with little dress code whatsoever, I wondered how this could be the case. Fashion was the freedom to dress however you wanted, right? Yet, as the FDOC (first day of class, for those unaware) outfit posts flooded my Instagram feed, I saw how Liberty’s dress code wasn’t limiting freedom of expression, but instead inspiring students to get creative with how they dressed.

From this, Liberty has created its own fashion niche. I’m sure you all have been subject to its influence a time or two. If you own a pair of Blundstones, that’s probably a good sign that you’re neck-deep already. But beyond the stereotypes, I think that Liberty’s fashion niche has the power to break the stigmatisms around “Christian fashion” in our contemporary culture. Christian fashion is often defined by what people see of Christians on TV (think: 19 Kids and Counting… yikes), but we know fashion isn’t a simple binary. Instagram accounts such as @flamesfitagram offers followers the opportunity to see what is actually trending in fashion on a Christian campus and change the narrative on what defines “Christian fashion.” All I’m saying is that you probably won’t be catching a floor-length tunic on their anytime soon.

But we know that everything we do, say, and wear is all for a higher purpose. When we blend creative style and modesty standards, we send a message to the world: I follow a God that doesn’t expect me to sacrifice my personality for the sake of His message. In fact, He uses my personality to His advantage. Could there be anything more reaffirming than that?

TL;DR: Modesty isn’t a choice between fashionable and unfashionable. So go out and own every fit you put together. Let your sense of style speak on behalf of you and on behalf of the kingdom. I’ll be building my wardrobe and taking notes.

[1] https://womenshistorynetwork.org/the-history-of-hemlines/

[2] https://en.vogue.me/fashion/modest-fashion-global-importance-evolution-dulce-by-safiya-chador/

 

Written by Emma Lane

Emma is a junior studying Strategic Communications with a minor in Business. While she loves all things photography, fashion, and indie music, creative writing has always been one of her favorite ways to express herself.

To the underclassmen and the otherwise unfortunate who missed one of the best block parties SA has ever put on, allow me to take you back to August 2019.

COIN was scheduled as the main act but had to cancel at the last minute. Students (it’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me) were devastated. But that devastation turned to elation when God bestowed His favor upon us by providing Colony House (basically still COIN but make it Christian) as their replacement. Hallelujah, Jehovah really do be Jireh!

Band members Caleb, Will, Scott, and Parke lit up the stage with energy, charisma, and head-bopping beats. If you didn’t know all the lyrics to their songs you screamed along anyway, wanting to be a part of the movie-like moment. The crowd was electric, instantly connecting with the music and sound.

Hearing the likes of “You Know It,” “Silhouettes,” and “1234” live will do something to your inner being, I swear. They closed the night with a soulful, solo rendition of the then-unreleased song “Looking for Some Light,” and if you bring that up to me at the right moment, I probably will cry just thinking about it. The fact that they have not released the live acoustic version of that song is probably the band’s biggest flaw.

After the last notes played, the crowd erupted into applause, and the band left the stage, it grew quiet. Everyone was left a bit dumbfounded, I think. The whole walk from North to Commons 2, my friends and I couldn’t stop obsessing over how incredible the show was. The night was one of the first events of my Liberty experience, and I still look back on it as one of my favorites.

If you are too young or too unlucky to have been there, do not miss your chance to see Colony House on Nov. 11 in the Vines Center. If they don’t live up to my hype, I will personally refund your ticket (okay not really, but like, in spirit).

Other than being one of the best bands to grace Liberty’s campus, Colony House has a unique and interesting history. The band was born from two brothers, Caleb and Will Chapman (yes, Chapman as in Steven Curtis), and their cousin’s random friend, Scott Mills, who just so happened to be a killer guitar player. The band asked musician Parke Cottrell to open for their first round of shows, which then lead to him landing a permanent spot as the Colony House bassist.

The aforementioned gentlemen are just that, 20-something guys with wives and kids who do it all for the love of music. They know and poke fun at the fact that they are not your stereotypical “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” indie rock band. Coolness is not their focus. Their goal is emotional connection and authenticity. They don’t want to just be another sound in a world of deafening noise, but a piece of peace. A piece of encouragement, of being known. In sum, they are all about faith, family, and straight-up bops.

The band’s latest album release is Leave What’s Lost Behind, which hosts an incredible lineup of rockin’ tunes, heartfelt ballads, and catchy love songs. In anticipation of their 4^th album, “The Cannonballers”, they’ve dropped two singles, “Cannonballers” and “Landlocked Surf Rock.” If you’re looking to build up your fall playlist, those two are must-adds in my opinion. If you check them out and like what you hear, stay tuned until Feb. 2 to hear the rest of the album!

Needless to say, you sure will catch me posted up in the Vines Center on Nov. 11. If you’re even a twinge bit interested, I’d highly recommend coming on down to hear the boys out! Do it for the stories you’ll tell your kids one day! Do it for the out-of-body, life-is-a-movie, surreal experience! Do it for the mems!!! I’ll see ya there 🙂

 

Written by Leah Ginion

Leah is a senior studying Digital Media and Graphic Design. She enjoys drinking honey lavender lattes while discussing Scripture and is always down for a game night.

Hey there all you hungry hikers! Here is another addition into our Lynchburg Series! Today we’ll be doing a comprehensive review on some of the top hikes to do in Lynchburg this semester. Fall is here and that foliage is waiting to be seen and admired, so whether you’re a hiking pro or a newbie, it’s time to get out of that musty dorm room and lace up them boots! We’re going to break down some of my favorite hikes, and ranking them on:

Difficulty, Distance, and of Course their Views!

5.) Abbots Lake Trail:

Distance: 0.9 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 32ft

Route type: Loop

Rating: 4.2 Stars

Abbots Trail is for the new hiker. This 1 mile trail is prefect for those that aren’t super into hiking but still may want to be able to get outdoors and enjoy the fall season. This trail loops around the beautiful Abbots Lake and is also close to the Peaks of Otter State Park. Maybe the next time your parents come for family weekend and are saying they wanna go for a hike, (even though we know they don’t actually wanna go hiking) take them here! They won’t complain, they’ll see the pretty leaves and momma bear will be happy and satisfied.

4.) Cole Mountain

Distance: 5.9 Miles

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1286 ft

Route type: loop

Rating: 4.7

We all know it. Every hall hikes it. You’ve probably gone up it with your girlfriend and her parents, I know I have. Cole Mountain is a staple of Lynchburg area hikes. Its summit is the perfect place to watch the sun cascading over the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the trail itself is easy enough that you can manage if you’re not the best at hiking. The summit is found about in the middle of the hike, which allows you time to stop, take a snack break and check out some sweet views. Is it anything crazy? No not really. But is it worth going? Absolutely!

3.)  Mt. Pleasant

Distance: 5.5 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1350 ft

Route Type: Loop

Rating: 4.7

If you wanna look for something a little more challenging than Cole Mountain then I would recommend Mt. Pleasant, located literally right next to it. This trail, while a little bit longer, is soooo worth the effort. The views from the peak are absolutely Stunning!  This trail offers multiple overlooks to get multiple views from the summit, and even offers overnight camping for you adventurous boys and girls. I would advise that you make sure you grab a trail map or take downloaded pictures because this trail can be a little confusing at times. There are quite a few switchbacks that are poorly marked, which can be hard to find at times, but if you know what you’re doing you will be fine. Also make sure to wear a pair of waterproof boots on this one, there are quite a few stream crossings. If you can handle all of that then be sure to try this hike out!

2.) Sharp Top Trail

Distance: 3.3 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate-hard

Elevation Gain: 1253 ft

Route type: Out and Back

Rating: 4.8

We are now getting into our more challenging hikes. While only three and a half miles, Sharp Top has quite the intense trail, challenging even for experienced hikers. With a 1253 ft elevation gain in just 3 miles, there is a reason why they call it Sharp Top! If you think you can handle this hard elevation gain, then be ready for some sweet 365-degree views! The summit offers plenty of area to rest and take in the mountain air and even has a cute little cabin at the top that I have NO IDEA how they managed to bring all the lumber and tools up there to build. This hike is not recommended for the newbie, but it is a must while you are still in the Lynchburg area!

1. Dragons Tooth
Distance: 4.5 Miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1256 ft

Route Type: Out and Back

Rating: 4.8

Capping out our list of top 5 hikes is Dragons Tooth. This hike is NO JOKE. like Sharp Top, this trail has quite the extreme elevation gain, 1256 ft to be exact; however, over a longer distance than number 4 on our list. This hike is one of the most difficult hikes in the Lynchburg area and is definitely not an afternoon stroll. This hike takes an average of 5-6 hours to complete, so make sure you plan your trip out accordingly to have enough daylight to complete its trek. If you have conquered all the foes on this list, then I have no doubt that you can take on this hike no problem, I believe in you!!

Honorable Mentions:

Well, there you have it top five hikes to take on this fall! If you’ve already taken on all these hikes and need a few more notable recommendations here are a few more:

• Mcafee’s Knob- Moderate, 7.8 miles
• Apple Orchards Trail- Hard, 2.6 miles
• Flat Top Mountain- Hard, 8.7 miles
• Crabtree falls Trail- Moderate, 3.6 miles

I hope you guys are inspired to head out onto the trails and check out the fall views. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my other blog, “Top 5 Tips for Hiking,” to make sure that you’re prepared before venture out onto your Lewis and Clark adventure. And of course, be sure to look at some of our other Lynchburg Series blogs on: Places to eat, Coffeeshops, and Churches all around our favorite little city, Lynchburg Virginia!

 

Written by Jarad Alpert

Jarad is a Junior here at Liberty University. He is currently studying Marketing Sales: Promotions and Professional Selling, with a Minor in Studio Arts. In his free time, Jarad goes by the nickname Jay-Rad, because he is indeed RAD. Also, he play’s drums in the student band, Off The Record. He is passionate about art and music, loves hanging with friends, and being out in nature.

Sunday, best day! To freshmen, transfers, and church hoppers alike, let’s talk Lynchburg’s local body!

With the hundreds of churches that Lynchburg has to offer, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit. For many of us, college is the first time that we actually have a say in what church we want to attend. We’re not even really sure what we should be looking for in a church.

The abundance of options can often lead to giving up in exasperation. Attending a different church every week becomes your norm– if you’re even going to church at all.

Please know, church is worth the hassle and the early wake-up! Being an active member of a local body is one of the greatest blessings of the Christian life. God created it to be a refuge, a place to refuel, to be encouraged and held accountable, to serve and to grow. There is great gain to be had by showing up consistently and getting plugged into a church.

So, what church do you choose? Allow me to ease your mind; you can’t really choose wrong. As so long as the church is theologically-sound, Bible-affirming, and gospel-focused, you’re at a good place!

Yes, there are still many other factors to consider. But I would encourage you to separate the primary theological issues from the secondary. What are the absolute non-negotiables for a church as outlined in Scripture? Start there. Worship style and teaching methods come later. Don’t put too much weight on the preferential and not enough on the foundational.

Here are a few great options of biblically-sound, healthy churches to get involved in!

Heritage Baptist Church:

“We are a church of broken people, blessed in Christ, to be a blessing to the world, all for the glory of Christ.”

Denomination: Baptist | Services: 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Heritage is a fairly large church with a wide range of ages and demographics represented. They are known for their expositional teaching style and a huge emphasis on discipleship and global missions. It is a great place to get plugged into if you are at all interested in going overseas or getting involved in fulfilling the Great Commission right here in Virginia. Their worship style and overall atmosphere is a blend between traditional and contemporary. They offer dozens of discipleship communities and ministries to both attend and serve at.

Bedrock Lynchburg:

“Creating a culture that is rooted in the truths found in the Word of God and continuing a legacy of lives changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Denomination: Baptist | Services: 8:30 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.

Bedrock is unique in that it does not have one head pastor, but rather a team of four leading elders and three guiding elders. The elders rotate the preaching role week-to-week as well as share the responsibility of leading the church. They also have an expositional teaching style and a blend of traditional and contemporary worship. They have a big focus on church planting in cities across America as well as overseas. The Lynchburg congregation includes a lot of college students, but also many young families and older couples. They offer various Bible studies and ministries to participate in. Older members often take in college students and develop mentorship relationships.

Gospel Community Church College Hill:

“Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who love God, grow in community, and reach out with the love of Christ.”

Denomination: Non-denominational | Services: 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Gospel College Hill is a multi-generational and diverse church body. It is a place that truly welcomes all newcomers into the family, with a strong push to get involved in one of their small groups. Their College Hill location was chosen specifically for the surrounding community and neighborhood, as they place a high value on being a light and having an active role in the area. The preaching is currently rotated between an interim pastor and church elders, with their preaching style varying between topical and expositional. The worship leans more toward contemporary.

No matter what church you decide to settle into, I encourage—beg—you to go all in! Don’t just show up on Sunday mornings and leave the second the service is over. Get to know the people around you, invest into the community! There is no telling what God will do in you and through you within that local body.

If you don’t want to get out there on your own, text your CGL and ask if you can join them this weekend. Ask some people on your hall or in your classes if they want to come along. If all else fails, there’s always a seat next to me!

 

Written by Leah Ginion

Leah is a senior studying Digital Media and Graphic Design. She enjoys drinking honey lavender lattes while discussing Scripture and is always down for a game night.

Nowadays people have their opinions on how or where you should be drinking your coffee and although I am all for people drinking it however they want, I have started to get the most out of my coffee experience by drinking it black. Many coffee companies are attempting to change people’s perspectives on how coffee should be drunk. For example, cxffeeblack, “​​Cxffeeblack is primarily an entrepreneurial venture with specific social implications, started by Bartholomew Jones and Renata Henderson to reclaim the black history of coffee and reimagine its black future.

My brother, Henry Lough, has been a barista for about four years now so if anyone knows coffee it’s him. He has said in quotes “drink coffee the way you like it, but be open to trying it black…” He goes on further to explain that he used to think people who added syrup/milk/creamer were heathens, but that’s the way they like to drink it. So go for your pumpkin spice latte with oat milk. However, we cannot completely neglect drinking it black, and not all black coffee is bitter and gross. He also dives a bit into the history of drinking coffee black. “Drinking coffee black is more than a statement of some toxic masculinity. Rather it’s an embracement and celebration of culture. Coffee was founded by the Oromo people of Ethiopia. White people took Black people and used them for slavery and profit, stripping away their culture. They also did the same thing to their coffee, whitewashing it with flavors and syrups, stripping it of its original taste.” Also being that coffee is a cherry it has natural flavors of fruit, acidity, floral notes, and so much more. Drinking it black is to embrace the black culture that it came from and to experience it for what it is. It is appreciating the culture on which it was founded.

Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you can usually find something that you might like at your nearest Starbucks to suit your needs. But what if you want more than your typical cup of coffee and frozen pastry? There are your local coffee shops in Lynchburg. I highly recommend supporting your local coffee shops because they are owned by a person, that does not take any money from the shop. From every shop Henry has worked at, the owner didn’t make a profit for at least 3 years, they needed another job. So go local, and tip your baristas, because you’re supporting a person. The big-name corporations will be fine. Starbucks and Dunkin, and other big-name shops make so much money, but hide how much money they give to the coffee farmers. Coffee farmers work very hard to create and grow the coffee we drink. They should be paid fairly, and as direct as possible. Most of the money Starbucks make goes towards new shops and succulents to fill their interior space.

Supporting local shops help families within the shop, but also hopefully farmers. Buying from local roasters will hopefully help the farmers growing your beans. Not every shop does this, so I would recommend asking the staff what they do to support farmers before you see if you’ll do business with them. Also, most big-name corporations use machinery to make their product (think of fast food vs a nice restaurant). In a local cafe experience, your barista is much more hands-on with the coffee. Even if an espresso machine does the work, the barista is participating in a hands-on role with your grind size, water intake, milk steaming, and so much more.

Some of my favorite local shops in Lynchburg that you should totally visit are Third Wave Coffee and Mission House Coffee. These coffee shops are in my opinion some of the best coffee shops in Lynchburg but, not just because of their coffee but because of their effort to create an ambiance, cultivate a hard-working staff, and their enthusiasm towards their mission.

Third Wave coffee, located in Forest, VA, has always had a special place in my heart, even before coming to Liberty. My brother worked there for three years starting in 2018 and ending in 2021. This really sparked my interest in coffee in the year 2020, I had never really drunk coffee before and I knew going into college it was definitely something I would be drinking lots of for those late nights working on assignments. Third Wave was such a great starting point for being introduced to coffee. Their mission “is to find the best coffees we can and roast them to their full potential, highlighting the sweetness and flavor of each coffee. We believe that coffee should be exciting, flavorful, accessible, and unique. The end goal of all we do is to bring our customers coffees that will introduce them to the possibilities of specialty coffee that we source and roast with care and a passion for the art of roasting.” Their workers are some of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to coffee. When you walk into their shop the staff is always so welcoming and the vibe there is light and airy. Definitely a great space to get some work done.

There are two locations for Mission House Coffee, they have a location in downtown Lynchburg and the other is located at River Ridge mall, so if you don’t have a car or friends with a car, ODRs are an option. Mission House is such a great business to support not only are they partnered with Father’s Cafe and Bakery to provide you with delicious baked goods and roast their own coffee at their downtown location, but they help serve the local community.  In their story on their website, it says “Mission House Coffee is dedicated to being a place that is known not just for its delicious coffee and baked goods, but for the way we care about the people we serve.” And to back up that statement, every month they have a new round-up partner. This is where when you go to order something you have the option to round up your total and that extra money will go towards the local non-profit they are partnered with for that month.

So next time you are craving something sweet or need a little pick me up for those long days at work or school consider spending a little extra time to get to know your local shops and learn how to support them better.

 

Written by Pimm Kiatrungrit

Pimm is a junior majoring in Digital Media & Journalism. She enjoys being a part of the blog team and getting to write about topics she is passionate about.

We all know that Lynchburg is an ever growing mini-city, thanks to the influx of students and families brought in by Liberty University and Lynchburg University every year. Due to the growth, naturally there is no shortage of great restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and don’t fight me on this: fun things to do! You heard me, Lynchburg does have lots of fun activities. But the odds are that whether you’re a freshman still getting a feel for the town, or in your last years of grad school here at Liberty, you haven’t made it to each and every restaurant here in Lynchburg. Not to fret, though! I’m here to walk you through some of the yummiest and most funky food spots that you should definitely visit in Lynchburg. Let’s kick this off with breakfast, shall we?

When I say breakfast or brunch in Lynchburg, you probably think Waffle House or Cracker Barrel, but I’m here to let you in on a delicious secret: Market at Main. Located in downtown Lynchburg, this vibey diner is literally the Tardis from Doctor Who. Walking in, I thought for sure I went through a magical door because it is huge, y’all. They offer breakfast all day, which already earns two brownie points. Their lunch menu is also impressive, featuring super fun dish names and a vegan option that even I, a bonafide meat lover, would love to dig into. But let’s get back to breakfast – think southern cooking, but with some sophisticated options. They have multiple options that feature fried green tomatoes (the southerner in me is quaking), they have chicken and waffles, but they also have eggs benny! So, tack on an extra three brownie points for a grand total of five. My personal recommendation would be the stuffed French toast, which is basically a French toast sandwich containing sweet cream, fresh strawberries, and toasted pecans. I melted. It’s affordable enough at about $13-$15 per person, which I would pay any day for eggs benny.

Ready for lunch? I’ve heard incredible things about the Texas Inn, also located in downtown Lynchburg. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably driven past it and thought, “that’s a little sketch.” In which case, shame on you. Our mothers taught us not to judge a book by its cover, and boy were they right! The Texas Inn also offers comfy southern cooking, but y’all… $6 and under for a burger?! In Lynchburg! Not even McDonalds is that cheap anymore. They have fun and unique burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches (also with fun dish names – I’m a sucker for silly names), award winning chili and ice cream floats. What more could you want?

For dinner, we have a few options. The Water Dog is good if you like hotdogs, oysters or football but it can get a little pricey. Alternatively, Waterstone Pizza is the place for gourmet vibes and great pizza and pasta but be prepared to spend upwards of $25 per person. My personal plug? La Cocina! Who doesn’t love a good food truck? Hot take: food truck food nine times outta ten will be better than restaurant food. In this case, La Cocina is super aesthetic and offers outdoor seating. Situated across from ALDI on Lakeside Drive, they have all your authentic Mexican food needs, and it’s an option other than La Carreta – if you feel targeted, you are. La Cocina is also pretty affordable at about $15 per person, but with big servings. You won’t be walking away hungry!

All this typing has me ready for dessert! Be honest, have you ever had a crepe? Like a real one? No? Well, head over to Batter Bar in downtown Lynchburg! Although they offer plenty of savory crepe options, let’s talk about the sweet. They have multiple options for sweet little rolled up crepes from Heaven itself, all including crunchy elements which I could not be more into. You’ll be spending less than $10 per person and do have the option to use gluten free batter for an additional $1.50. The only drawback is that Batter Bar closes every day in the early afternoon, but you know the saying: the early bird gets the worm.

Well folks, those are my recommendations for today! Whether you visit the spots mentioned here or just go somewhere new for the first time, I’m proud of you regardless and encourage that adventurous spirit. You really never know what you’ll find! Although I had the privilege of talking all about food today, be sure to keep an eye out for the rest of the LYH Series where we’ll be digging deeper into the best coffee and hiking spots around Lynchburg!

 

Written by Hannah Clark
Hannah is a senior studying event planning and has plans to soon be a professional wedding and special events planner. She loves using writing as another way to express her creativity and in her free time, she loves to play video games, bake, and play fetch with her cat, Gidget. 

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of being a 20 something broke college kid who needs to have that Summer internship figured out IN OCTOBER. Go take a hike. Is that ACCT 212 project ready to cause you to rip your hair out? Go take a hike. Is that one girl on your hall who constantly has some passive aggressive comment on your fit ready to make you throw down?? GO TAKE A HIKE! There is no better way to get out of the stress of life than getting out into nature and enjoying Gods creation. Being in the mountains of Central Virginia offers plenty of opportunities to see some awesome views that are just waiting to be taken in. BUT! Before you set out to conquer Sharp Top; here is five pro-tips to make sure that your next hike is not only a safe hike–but an easy breezy and beautiful one!

Step 1: Make a Plan Stan:

Before you put on the Blundstones and overpriced Patagonia jacket, lets make sure that we do our due diligence. I know the idea of waking up at 2:30 PM on a Saturday and then heading out on that hall trip to Cole Mountain sounds like a fun time, but had you done your research you would have learned that the access road to get to Cole Mountain is TERRIBLE and your little bitty Toyota Prius isn’t gonna make it up that road Chloe!…Doing your homework is an important step in ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable hike. Just as if you were to go on vacation to a unfamiliar country, you’d be sure to do P-L-E-N-T-Y of research to ensure that you’re vacationing in a safe place, that the destination is a place that you would enjoy staying at, and that the accommodations fit your needs and wants. The same goes with hiking. Before you go, make sure to find out things like… “How far away the trail is from school?”, “How long is the trail?”, “What is the difficulty rating of the trail?” These types of questions will help you determine if that specific trail is somewhere that fits your skill level– and even if it is a place you want to invest hiking in. Additionally, please make sure that you pick the right time to go. Most hikes will take around 1-3 hours one way! Plan accordingly so that you are leaving early enough to allow for extra wiggle room, it may take longer to get there than you expected? The terrain could be challenging and take longer than you thought and whatever you do, NEVER HIKE AT NIGHT. That’s very dangerous and could result in getting lost, or worse…

Step 2: Lace them Boots Tight! :

Okay. We got our battle plan. Now to pick the fit! Alright, I’m just gonna say this as kindly as I can. This isn’t a hot girl walk, this is a hot girl HIKE. so be prepared to sweat A LOT! So make sure that what you’re wearing is not only comfortable, but something that you don’t care if it gets gross. Depending on the terrain of the trail you could get dirt, mud, water, snow, ice– sometimes all at the same time! So leave the expensive stuff for the gym and bust out that thrifted Goodwill shirt that you got for $3. Also, FOOTWEAR. SO IMPORTANT. Please for love of all that is good and Holy, leave the Vans at home! Your feet will thank you! It’s so important that you wear shoes that will provide good support to your feet. It’s so easy to get blisters while hiking, and that’s usually because people weren’t wearing the right shoes. I would highly recommend buying some sturdy hiking boots, make sure you pick a pair that has stiff traction to help with those pesky inclines. But– If you don’t want to throw down $100 bucks for hiking boots (which is totally understandable) then I’d recommend wearing a solid pair of sneakers, preferably high tops, that have a good amount of traction. Some recommendations are Hokas, Asics, or even New Balances are good picks. And one last important clothing tip, SOCKS. When hiking you don’t want to wear socks that are too thin, they can rub and cause major blisters. If you have hiking socks wear those! If not, then a nice pair of wool socks is a good alternative. If you don’t have either…then double up on socks! SOCKS.

Step 3: Bring a Buddy:

The buddy system is probably one of the most important pieces of advice I could provide in this blog. You never know what could happen while on a hike, you could fall, break your leg, and need someone to take you to the hospital. You could become super dehydrated and pass out. Having a trusted friend to rely on could be the difference between a tragedy and a close call. Bringing a friend can also be a fun experience! Being immersed in nature, free from distractions is a great way to develop friendships and build stronger bonds! There is strength in numbers and having a companion can make hiking a much more enjoyable experience. Another important piece of advice is before you go, tell a different trusted person, could be a roommate, could be a RA, could be a parent. Tell a trusted person where you’re going, and when you plan to be back. This is just an extra precaution in case something happens while you are out. That way in case of an emergency you have someone who can contact the right authorities that can reach you and handle the situation. If you have signal while on the trail, send that person updates when you reach the summit, when you make it back down, and when you are back home; that way they know you’re safe and sound!

Step 4: BE PREPARED:

When packing out your daypack an important tip is to Be Prepared. You never know what is going to happen while you’re on the trail, so it’s always important to prepare for anything.

Some essentials to think about packing are things such as:

• Extra water bottle
• Granola bars, or protein snacks
• Small first aid kit
• Pocket knife
• Rain Jacket or small umbrella
• Flashlight
• Trail Map
• External phone charger
• Extra clothes & socks
• Bear spray/Pepper spray

These are just a few essentials, obviously pack as much as you feel comfortable packing– just be careful not to overpack. Remember everything you carry is going to be on your back for the entirety of the hike, if you are feeling that it’s too heavy at the bottom, it’s just gonna feel even worse at the top!…

Step 5: Into The Wild:

Last tip I could give you is to just have fun! seek to use this time in nature as a way to rest and reset from the stresses of being a college student. Whether you find the hike easy or hard, find joy in the process. Remember, it’s not a race–it’s a marathon; so take your time! Feel free to take breaks, eat a quick snack, rehydrate, and then keep going. Its normal to feel exhausted or tired (especially when you’re reaching the summit!) Just keep powering through and then soon enough you’ll be taking in all the breathtaking views. Hey. also bring a camera. That way you can take plenty of pictures to show all your Instagram followers that you are indeed a Granola Girl!

I hope you found this blog helpful in preparation of all your upcoming Fall hikes. Whether you’re a novice or an avid hiker, remember to respect nature and nature will respect you. And finally– always leave nothing but footsteps and take nothing but pictures. I’ll see you out on the trails!

 

Written by Jarad Alpert

Jarad is a Junior here at Liberty University. He is currently studying Marketing Sales: Promotions and Professional Selling, with a Minor in Studio Arts. In his free time, Jarad goes by the nickname Jay-Rad, because he is indeed RAD. Also, he play’s drums in the student band, Off The Record. He is passionate about art and music, loves hanging with friends, and being out in nature.

There’s a breeze blowing through, and with it the sweet sounds of Autumn. Unwind under the changing leaves or accompany your drive into the mountains with some of our staff’s favorite songs in this changing season.

It’s not lost on any of us that we are currently living in a culture that greatly values individual expression. This isn’t a new concept by any means, but never has there been so many avenues of expression so readily available to us while being so widely encouraged. There are endless ways for any of us to convey our individual personalities and interests through a thousand different subgenres of niche music, fashion trends that fit nearly any style, the convenience of high quality photography and videography in our pockets, and endless open forums of social media platforms for any loose thought that springs forth from our cerebrum. While these forms of creativity often ebb and flow, spawning and fading at any given moment, there’s one (increasingly) common practice that remains slightly more permanent: the ink on our skin. Though this trend is literally etched into our bodies (weird word picture, sorry), it still very much is a trend in the sense that the way our culture has perceived, and accepted tattoos has changed over the course of the last few centuries.

Today, we view tattoos drastically different than western culture did less than even 40 years ago (I mean, it was illegal to give someone a tattoo from 1967 to 1997 in New York City^[1]). If you’ve felt the sting of the needle once yourself (or three times like myself) then it’s very possible you’ve also experienced the indignation or disappointment (so much worse) of a parent or older family member because of your decision. Again, the public acceptability of tattoos was a lot different just a few generations ago. Let us get a little context going here.

Tattoos generally found their way to America through sailors returning from the South Pacific and picking up the local practices. Moving from sailors to soldiers as a form of identification in the event of their death, tattoos were predominantly seen on members of the armed forces in the 19th century.^[2] Throughout most of the 20th century, tattoos, although growing in popularity in the American populace, were generally frowned upon and adamantly opposed in the workplace. Change truly began to brew when Rock and Roll took an iconic place in American culture in the 1980’s, and along with it, the growing prevalence of piercings and body ink. Celebrity A-listers sported ink more and more in the 90’s, taking what was once seen as, “a barbaric survival, often associated with a morbid or abnormal personality”^[3], into being considered, “the height of fashion across America in the early ’90s.”^[4] In more recent years, social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest have given tattoo artists massive exposure starting a domino effect of the public’s interest in tattoos, more parlors being opened, artistic ability increasing, and in turn, the growth of normality of body ink.

Now, it should be said at this point that I have no intention in this piece to advocate for or against getting a tattoo. From what I previously stated before, I obviously have a clear opinion of my own regarding them. There’s also been some opinions in the Christian community surrounding tattoos, so I’d like to shift the conversation that way instead.

If you’ve spent time in a more traditional Christian environment, then you’ve likely been acquainted with a view leaned more towards opposition to tattoos. However, similar to trends we’ve followed up until this point, the perspective has shifted in our current Christian culture. As far as on campus culture goes, The Liberty Way (our university’s lovely handbook that lays out policies and student dress code) gives full liberty (pun intended) to students to make the decision for themselves when it comes to getting a tattoo (with the inevitable input of their loving parents). And we can get a glimpse of where the perspective stands within our student body. If you take a stroll through main campus there’s a good chance you’ll encounter at least one, if not multiple, students with visible tattoos. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as recent statistics show that nearly 1 in 4 of those part of Gen Z have at least one tattoo.^[5] This could be a bit of a stretch, but the approach to tattoos could almost be seen as one that is similar to the clothing that we wear. This isn’t to suggest that tattoos no longer carry any meaning or symbolism, but there is a greater emphasis on how the art mingles with fashion and style. It’s quite the progression from where the view once stood not too long ago. How it will progress moving forward is not entirely clear, and although the ink may fade over time, I don’t think the movement will be fading anytime soon.

^[1] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/tattoos-were-illegal-new-york-city-exhibition-180962232/

^[2] https://greyjournal.net/art/the-evolution-of-tattooing-in-america/#rb-Hello-Sailor

^[3] https://reason.com/2014/03/08/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-new-york-city-t/

^[4] https://www.allure.com/story/history-of-tattoos-90s-2000s-2010s

^[5] https://www.statista.com/statistics/259601/share-of-americans-with-at-least-one-tattoo-by-age/

 

Written by Jordan Hassler

Jordan is a Junior studying Event Planning with a Biblical Studies minor. He enjoys expressing his creativity through words, and sharing his experiences and personality by way of writing. He’s passionate about music, nature, and forming genuine connections with others.