Safest Places to Visit Your Student This Semester

We Still Love to Visit Our Terps

Let’s face it, these are crazy times! No matter how different things look at Maryland this semester, one thing is for sure: we all still love to visit our Terps. This school year may look a little bit different, but there are plenty of outdoor spaces to spend time together safely.

Dining

In College Park, you really won’t find too much more than quick and easy “bar food” type restaurants. However, most are offering at least a small amount of outdoor seating. If you want to spend time and enjoy a meal with your student, the following are some of the places with outdoor space available.

• Looney’s Pub of Maryland offers a large menu including traditional bar fare like nachos, burgers, and wings, but you can also get Maryland favorites like crab dip and shrimp tacos. Looney’s has great happy hour specials and you can always watch the game of the hour on one of the many TV sets on the walls.
• A Terp favorite is the Cornerstone Grill. Currently, they only have patio seating available, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you want to dine on the premises. Here you can find typical American fare and cold drinks. You’ll see lots of other Terps on this busy corner.
• The Board and Brew is a fun and unique place to go with your family. At this time they are only offering outdoor seating so if you come, know you may have to wait for a table.  The claim to fame of this place is that they have tons of board games to play while you enjoy a great meal and cold beer.
• Another traditional Terp favorite is Terrapin’s Turf. They have super fun theme nights and specials like Taco Tuesday with specialty margaritas and Friday happy hours with fishbowl drinks. You can also enjoy bottomless mimosas during their Sunday brunch.
• Last but not least, check out RJ Bentley’s. It’s a College Park classic and you can enjoy seating on their outdoor patio. The menu here is pretty traditional but includes a wide variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. You’re sure to find something for everyone.

Outdoor Activities

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails around. Start here if you like to explore.

• For a super easy outdoor activity, hang out on the McKeldin Mall.  It’s the center of campus, has lovely views, and can be a really relaxing place to be. Did you know it’s the largest academic quad in the nation? Enjoy some time here with your Terp!
• Calvert Hills playground and athletic fields are a great outdoor location to visit. There are picnic tables for lunch, as well as a playground for little ones and basketball courts. It’s a nice open space to spend some time.
• Another fun place with something for everyone is the Buddy Attick Lake Park. You can bring dogs here and walk around the lake. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and play areas for younger children. Grills are available, and there are separate bike trails if that’s what you enjoy.  Don’t miss it!
• Probably one of the best-kept secrets within walking distance of campus is the Lake Artemesia Natural Area. It’s a hidden gem! You can bike, run, walk, or rollerblade along the lake. The paths are wide so there is plenty of room for you and your dog if you choose to bring him. Gazebos line the path and are great places to rest and take photos. If fishing is your thing, throw a line (with a license of course!) If you are trying to make the most of the outdoors, give this lake a try.

Even if you try all of these different places, make sure you still visit the Greenbelt Farmers Market. Although only open on Sundays, if you can make it you should definitely check it out. There are lots of vendors, and you’ll find everything from wine to oysters to fruits and vegetables. You can even pre-order items from the website and pick them up at the market. There certainly is no shortage of things to do while staying safe in College Park. Outdoor options are endless. Check out our blog Nature vs Nurture for some additional suggestions.

Explore and have fun!

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