As the spring semester winds down, most OU students will be getting ready to head home for summer. But if you’re facing a warm season stay in Athens to pick up some classes, you’re probably missing your friends and roommates already. Sigh—it may be a cruel, cruel summer without your pals or your significant other, but cheer up – they’ll be back.
In the meantime, instead of moping, maybe you could take advantage of the summer months to develop a new area of expertise. May we suggest turning yourself into a foodie? Spring and summer in Athens offer a nice, long season of delights in exploring food, both in terms of raising it yourself, shopping for it or just sitting down and eating it.
If you’re lucky enough to have Athens Ohio housing with a yard, a southern or eastern sun exposure, or just a generously proportioned picture window, you may be able to grow some food of your own and participate in the Athens Farmers Market, which takes place every Wednesday at 9 am. Farmers’ markets are great venues to share the harvest, and to meet and mingle with like-minded folk, who can school you on earth-friendly growing methods.
Whether you grow your crops indoors or out, educate yourself by visiting local garden centers and talking to experts, reading books and online garden info. Start now with small plants from garden centers, rather than coaxing plants from seedlings, if you hope to have saleable crops this summer.
You can also participate in Athens County Visitors Bureau’s Diner Day Wednesdays: visit top-recommended local diners–many well within a student’s budget.
And don’t forget the May 11 Athens Food Truck Fest at 2 p.m.!
So get started. You’re on your way to being a foodie already. We can’t think of a better way to spend your summer.