10 Things to Do in Winona Before You Graduate
As a senior in college with one month left, I find myself questioning where the time has gone. It feels like just yesterday it was late August and I was laying in my freshman dorm room, missing my high school friends, my family, and of course, my dog. But once I found my core group of friends, the time started to fly by. We made our own little adventures in and around Winona, and before I knew it, I was moving out of the dorms and heading home for the summer. I had no idea how sad I would be to leave these people that I had just met, I felt like I was leaving a piece of myself behind.
And here I am, a senior that spends half of my time doing school work and the other half watching Netflix and hanging out with friends. Oh, and I can’t forget the great amount of time I have put in recently updating my LinkedIn profile and searching for jobs to apply for. Oh the joy of graduating…
So, here’s a list of 10 things that must be done in Winona before you graduate. If you’re an underclassman or you’re approaching your final days, make sure that these activities appear on your bucket list and that they are crossed off before that terrifying day in May.
1. Go to Garvin Heights for a sunset.
I don’t know if you have ever done this, but it seems to be a common activity with my friends and I. Although you can’t see the sun fully set at Garvin Heights, the colorful hues in the sky are worth the drive up. I have yet to watch the sunrise up there, but my roommate has gone multiple times and promises I wont regret it. I can promise that I will be going up for one last sunset and sunrise before I graduate.
2. Get your favorite meal at Lakeview Drive Inn.
Lakeview Drive Inn is one of the most popular places to grab a quick bite to eat in Winona. It’s not open in the winter but when it is open in the spring, summer and fall, it is usually packed. If you’re the type of person who goes to eat an entire meal or you like to enjoy your favorite ice cream treat on a warm day, Lakeview is the spot for you. Walk there with your friends and make it your own little adventure.
3. Conquer your fears and test out the rope swing.
This activity isn’t done by everyone but it’s a great excuse to enjoy the weather and conquer your fears. It’s located at Airport Lake near Goodview and it might look like a far fall but the adrenaline is worth it. You just have to let go of the rope… that’s key.
4. Zaza’s wing night.
I really hope you have already done this by now, but if not, it’s an absolute must. Zaza’s wing night is on Wednesday nights and you must arrive earlier rather than later or you can expect to wait, because it is that popular. One time my friends and I arrived in sweats and crocs, and we got a few stares, but why not be comfortable when you indulge in your favorite wings?
5. Walk the lakes.
Walk, roller blade, bike, long board, or run around the lakes more than once, please! We are so lucky to be able to go to school in such a beautiful city. And when it’s a beautiful day, you are bound to see the entire school out there walking the lakes. If you’re lucky, there might even be a few dogs, too.
6. Climb Sugar Loaf.
We have all done this before, or at least I hope we have. It’s usually the go-to place when friends or family come to visit. But let me clear this up… don’t actually climb Sugar Loaf, just climb up to the bottom of it and admire the view. If you want to actually climb it, then you should probably get some rock climbing gear.
7. Giant sleepover with your girls.
This one is an absolute must. Although you may live in a house with all of your best friends, there still may be some that don’t live with you. And although you live under the same roof, you need to all sleep in living room with lots of pillows, blankets, movies, Netflix, chocolate, and wine, at least once. You have no idea how much you’re going to miss these girls when you graduate. And eventually it just won’t be acceptable to have sleepovers when you’re married with kids… or maybe it is, who knows.
8. Karaoke night at the Tavern.
So, yes I understand it is a Tuesday night but there couldn’t be a more perfect time to go to the Tavern with your girls and sing your heart out. Whether it is Shania Twain or some old school rap, I’m almost positive people aren’t listening anyway, so you might as well go all out. Make sure to take videos so you can reminisce the next morning.
9. Dollar bowling.
This is an absolute must. There are a few different bowling alleys in Winona and they have some great deals. There are dollar bowling nights and those are the best nights to go. They usually aren’t super busy, so you can request the cosmic version and, if you’re lucky, you can pick the music genre. We usually went with 90’s pop… it’s perfect for singing and dancing when you’re waiting for your turn.
10. Bonfire at the beach.
If you’re spending your summers in Winona, this is something you have to do. Or if there is nice weather in the beginning of the year, you have to get your friends together and head to the beach. Either go for a swim or head there at night and have a bonfire. This is one of the things I did at the beginning of my freshman year and I met so many people and the view was beautiful. Bring your favorite drink and some s’mores or hot dogs to cook – you wont regret it.
If you’ve reached the end of the list and you realized you have done all of these things – then good work. You can now graduate and not feel like you have missed something. But if you’re looking at it and you have only done one or two of them… you’ve got some work to do. To the seniors graduating, good luck to all of you. And to the rest of you, don’t let homework and stress fill your days. Get out and have some fun before your time is up.