Sometimes, we all need a break. Working hard every week just to go out and party by the time the weekend rolls around can be exhausting. Every once in a while, the eventful weekends need to be broken up by something low-key that you could do with just a couple of friends, a moment to breathe without feeling like you’re wasting your weekend away. Luckily enough, there are plenty of chill activities around the Fort Lauderdale area for anyone interested.
Farmer’s market
Sometimes, the food on campus just doesn’t cut it, and in that case, why not try and find some tasty fruits and vegetables to reinvigorate your weekend? Farmer’s markets are fantastic weekend plans with a great way to invest in your body and overall health. Not to mention, you’re also helping small businesses. On Sheridan Street in Hollywood, there is the Yellow Green Farmers Market, only 20 minutes from campus. Like many others, this market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays and features a variety of fresh and local products. Attendees have the opportunity to buy products ranging from fish to jelly and baked goods. The Yellow Green Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. with a yoga program on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.
Coffee house date
A coffee shop is the perfect place to catch up with a friend you haven’t spoken to recently. Pick a local coffee place and go relax and talk the day away. If you’ve got a lot of work to do, bring some work with you to get a head start while staying constantly charged with the flowing coffee. Try and stay away from chains like Starbucks and pick a local shop, like The Neutral Ground Cafe, to enhance that aesthetic atmosphere instead.
Go to a park
After a tiring week, there is nothing better than getting a breath of fresh air. In the South Florida area, there are a plethora of beautiful parks to spend your day in — and near campus are both Tree Tops Park and Vista View Park. Pack a picnic with some snacks and drinks and head on out. Feel the absolute bliss that comes from sitting in a park on a breezy day without a care in the world. If you are indecisive on which park to attend, go on broward.org/parks to find a slew of peaceful places to spend the day.
Visit a museum
Sure, that biology class may be important for your major, but how about experiencing another type of knowledge by submerging yourself in the culture that a museum provides? This one is a personal favorite of mine and a guaranteed go-to for any uneventful weekend. Something that is even better than visiting a museum, is visiting a free museum. One that my mother and I visited during my first trip down to NSU was the Plantation Historical Museum, a quaint free museum that features fascinating information of South Florida’s history. This museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. However, if you want more of an art museum vibe, then a trip to NSU Art Museum on Las Olas is always an exciting time and free for NSU students.
Find a garage sale
Need some decorations to spruce up your dorm on a budget? A garage sale is the perfect solution. Finding a garage sale can be surprisingly easy, and if you drive around on an early Saturday or Sunday morning, you will be bound to come across at least one. If that fails, go online to garagesalefinder.com and find some hidden gems.
Photo: A. Preble