As we head back to Notre Dame, we have visions of the dome and touchdown Jesus drifting through our minds. But let’s not forget that Notre Dame (although our mail says Notre Dame, IN) is in South Bend and if you are new to campus or just haven’t had the chance to explore yet, here are a few ideas for you and your friends to get a little more acquainted with South Bend or just have something new to do.
1. South Bend Chocolate Company
I have yet to visit the South Bend Chocolate company, but I have bought their chocolate from the bookstore and it is fantastic. If you’re having sweet tooth cravings head over to their cafe for some chocolate, lattes, sundaes, and even lunch. They make chocolates with the Notre Dame logo and with Notre Dame wrappers, special for us. The Notre Dame bachelorette went on a one on one date at the South Bend chocolate company last year so obviously it is pretty good. A little away from campus, but reasonable distance to travel when you’re looking for some tasty treats!
2. The Mall
The Mall, called University Park Mall is not in South Bend, but our neighboring town of Mishawaka and has all those classic stores that can help add to your Notre Dame fall wardrobe. There are also restaurants near the mall such as Olive Garden (it’s all about those unlimited bread sticks) Five Guys, Chili’s, you know all your classic mall eateries. Heading to the mall gives you a good mini tour of the area and it’s a good time to bond with your friends and your new roommates because everybody can find something they like at the mall so take your friends and go for a little trip one of our bye weekends.
3. Unity Gardens
This is a hidden gem of South Bend, that we all should check out. I had the opportunity to help out at Unity Garden last year at Communiversity Day. If you and your friends are looking for a little outdoor activity in the fall weather Unity Gardens will provide you that and it is service to the South Bend community. Unity Gardens grows fresh produce for the people of South Bend since South Bend is a food desert (which basically means that people do not have access to fresh produce, grocery stores are very far away and they don’t have good means of getting there). So Unity Gardens grows food for the community and people can just come pick it up for free. The garden sustains itself by making honey. They have bee keepers (there is also a shortage of bees so they are helping the environment) and then sell the honey elsewhere so that they then can continue to grow free fresh food. Pretty neat, so if you get a chance, Google them and get in touch with the people running the show and I guarantee they would love for you to come help them out for an afternoon. Check out this link for their mission statement and more info!
4. South Bend Silverhawks
That’s right, South Bend has it’s very own minor league baseball team! Their stadium is about a 10 minute drive from campus and is a nice clean little stadium complete with your peanuts and cracker jacks. Get your last fill of summer, grab your friends and go watch some minor league baseball. It’s cheap and minor league baseball teams are always giving away free things so you’ll never know what you’ll come home with or maybe you’ll just get a cool picture with the South Bend Silverhawk himself!
5. The River Walk
If you’re a runner or biker or nature lover and are tired of going around the lakes on campus this is a great spot for you. To the left of Holy Cross campus is the start of a paved path that runs along the St. Joseph river. Officially called the South Bend Northside River Walk it connects to Mishawaka’s river walk so you can travel from South Bend to Mishawaka if you so choose. It not only keeps your run/walk interesting, but it’s a nice change in scenery and you can go however long you want along the river and just turn around when you feel like it (in total it is 3.4 miles long). Put your sneakers (sorry, I’m from New England) on, get your bike, grab a buddy, and check out the natural world South Bend has to offer.
Ready, set, go explore South Bend! Freshmen, you can make sure you have a grasp getting around campus and then maybe start your exploring.
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