Now that the weather is beginning to warm up, students will begin coming out of their rooms once again after the long winter. While there are sporting and campus events at Milligan in the spring, you may be looking for extra inspiration in finding something to do off campus. This short list will hopefully give you an idea for your next day out.
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Downtown Jonesborough
Just a 20 minute drive away from Milligan lies the peaceful and quaint little town of Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee. Founded in 1779, Main Street Jonesborough offers a “Mayberry-esque” feel combined with delicious food, cute coffee shops and classic architecture that will make you feel like you have gone back in time. For first time visitors, Main Street Cafe and Catering is the perfect place for soups, salads and sandwiches followed by a visit to Downtown Sweet for dessert. You can also do school work and get your caffeine fix at The Corner Cup. For the more conscientious eaters, Main Street also boasts a new vegan vegetarian restaurant, Medley. You can keep track of upcoming events on Main Street by following Main Street Jonesborough on Facebook
2. Downtown Johnson City
Probably a more familiar place to many Milligan students is Downtown Johnson City. Downtown has been steadily growing in the past few years and is now a hub of live music, food trucks and lively restaurants. The spring through fall seasons are definitely the more exciting times of Downtown Johnson City, because the warm weather allows for a walk in Founders Park or the presence of Mimi’s Creamery, a popular cookie and ice cream truck, as well as the time for the Johnson City Farmer’s Market. Along with live events, Downtown Johnson City also features Dos Gatos Coffee Bar and the Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room as well as The Label and The Mainstreet Pizza Company. For those who want more food for less money, consider eating at Frieberg’s German Restaurant for the $4.99 lunch special from Monday to Friday until 3 p.m. One specific event to mark on your calendars is the March Food Truck Rally held at the Pavillion in Founder’s Park from 4-9 p.m. on March 10. Featured food trucks will include Mimi’s Cookies N Creamery, Let’s Taco About It, Joe Bills BBQ and Mason Joe Coffee.
3. Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or on the Appalachian Trail
If you prefer trees and rocks over people, Milligan is in the prime spot for all hiking fanatics and hiking newbies. Surrounded by mountains, Milligan’s campus is only a short drive to various hiking spots, two of the more popular places being Buffalo Mountain and the Beauty Spot. Other trails include Laurel Falls, Blue Hole, Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower and the Cherokee National Forest. While these trails and parks tend to be the more recognized hiking places in the area, there are still countless trails to be explored. For those who might want to start exploring the area, consider downloading an app called AllTrails, which highlights specific trails as well as the difficulty levels, reviews and distances. Also, remember if you do go hiking, go with a buddy, or at least let your roommate know you where you are going. In the words of a friend notorious for hiking alone, “I guess if I got lost out there, you would know eventually.”