My Favorites, Part 2

A few weeks ago, I gave out the Monocle Oscars for the best classes that I've taken in my four years here. This week, I'm dishing out prizes for my favorite places on-campus, or at least Dartmouth related spots.

So without further delay:

The "High School Hangout" Award for the Place Where You're Guaranteed to Run into Someone You Know: The Front Porch Of Collis, the student center. Everyone has their familiar spot on campus, and mine happens to be here. Find yourself without lunch company? Go to Collis. Got some time to kill before class? Go to Collis. Want to get work done? Go to the library. Collis is one part student center, one part dining hall, and home base for a many a person when they're not in their room. It's especially incredible this time of year when everyone is packed outside at tables eating and overlooking the Green.

The “Area 51” Award for the Place that Everyone’s Heard of, but Few People Have Been To: The Rope Swing. Sometimes finding the rope swing is tougher than going off it. And this rope swing is no walk in the park. It’s tucked away on the New Hampshire side of the Connecticut River, a mile or two north of the Green. And it’s a thrill ride, because after a physically demanding test of holding on for dear life, it drops you about fifteen feet into the water. However, the fact that it’s tough to find for first-timers coupled with the fact that it gets taken down periodically gives it a top-secret feel.

The “Anywhere but New Jersey” Award for Best View of the Stars: The Golf Course (Although Really Anywhere). I saw the Northern Lights on the first night of my Freshman Trip and there’s nothing more calming at night than tilting your head up and taking a minute to gaze. The golf course is especially great because it’s so open and if you walk far enough, you can get away from any ground light. (And I’m from New Jersey, so I can make that joke.)

Apologies to all the wonderful places that didn’t make the cut tonight. Many of you have been mentioned in previous blogs, but tonight just wasn’t your night.

These are a few of my favorite places. What will be yours?