Devon Lanes Students who are starting to get tired of spending their free time watching movies, playing video games and going out for coffee may want to try bowling.Located at 300 Lancaster Avenue in Devon, Devon Lanes may be the perfect spot for a group of friends to try their hands at something a little bit different. Devon Lanes is not the classiest joint around town with its neon bowling-themed decor. Then again, bowling was never the classiest activity either. Devon Lanes provides all the things that one might expect from a bowl-a-rama, including nifty shoes, balls of different weights and lockers for those who brought their valuables to a bowling arena.Devon Lanes is relatively inexpensive, especially with the deals they offer. A notable deal is College Night. Every Thursday night starting at 9, students with their IDs can bowl for $2.50 a game and free shoe rental.If visitors start to grow weary of bowling after a few rounds, Devon Lanes does have a few other attractions like air hockey and, yes, video games (including Dance Dance Revolution).While bowling is hardly a new idea, at least students will have to go off-campus and into the real world to do it.For more information, visit www.devonlanes.com.
Written by Tiim Olshefski, A&E editorWith additonal reporting by Kailin Shadle, staff writer and Ben Carr, editor-in-chief
The Gryphon Cafe The Gryphon Café, located at 105 W. Lancaster Avenue, is a rare treat in Wayne. Over the past nine years, the Gryphon has attracted many customers with its relaxing atmosphere, kind staff and live weekend music. The Gryphon is open later than most businesses on the Main Line, until 10 every night, except Friday and Saturday when it is open until 11. The Gryphon draws patrons from high school and college to middle-aged and older. Particularly inviting are the low prices and selections from the menu, such as soups, salads and sandwiches to eat, coffee, tea and smoothies to drink, and rich pastries and desserts for a special treat. An interesting aspect of the Gryphon is the mismatched cups, saucers and pots in which the tea is served. Real sugar cubes add an English teatime touch.What is unique about the Gryphon is the ever-changing décor. From cow paintings to weaved wall hangings, local artists’ work is displayed on a monthly rotation for everyone to see. There are also games such as Scrabble, chess and backgammon to play while spending time with old friends. Books and newspapers are available to those who want to enjoy some time alone.Friday and Saturday nights beginning at nine, customers are treated to live music from local bands and other performing artists. Each Monday at eight is open mic night.For more information, check out www.gryphoncafe.com
Written by Jessica Czop and Vicki Gosselin, staff writers
Borders Books and MusicBooks give one knowledge; coffee gives one the extra edge to stay awake to finish that ten-page history paper. Borders Books and Music is an intersection of these two quintessential tools of the college student.The Bryn Mawr Borders is located in Rosemont Shopping Center. Because it is on Route 30, it is easier to reach than the Borders in the King of Prussia Mall. Although it has children’s and teens’ sections, Borders is primarily a mature reader’s store. There is a wide array of books, from classics-Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and Jane Austen-to books on how to have good sex. Borders has its own Classics series, which are hardcover and cost only $9.95. There is also a bargain table with all books under eight dollars. On Friday evening, the store was relatively busy, with about thirty people in the lower section, which consists mainly of music, magazines and bestseller books.The second story of the store houses the café, as well as many traditional genres of books, such as literature (including fiction), political science and religion. There is also a career section, which includes books on graduate schools, the GREs, LSATs and MCATs.
Written by Sarah Vanacore, news editor.With additional reporting by Rebecca Harwick, sports and religion editor and Ruth Robinson, managing editor
The WillowsThe easiest way to find the Willows is with a GPS system and a compass. It’s not that the directions from campus are that complicated, but Main Line roads have a way of criss-crossing and name-changing without discretion. The 47-acre park has a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, level fields (perfect for a game of Ultimate Frisbee), a winding creek and a postcard-perfect pond, replete with a fountain and an army of weeping willows (hence the park’s name). A small land bridge leads to a tiny island in the pond, home to a single tree and one bench. It’s a perfect spot to read that dusty Hemingway novel undoubtedly sitting on everyone’s shelf.The Willows, a former estate, is still overlooked by the estate’s restored mansion. This large structure, coupled with the pond, trees and trails, creates a scene similar to Eastern’s campus. It is still worth visiting for two reasons.One, it’s quiet. On a summer weekend in August, there were few people using the park. For those who appreciate the flora and fauna of campus, yet are continually interrupted by professors, students and the back-firing golf carts of Plant Ops, the Willows might be the perfect place. Second, Eastern’s own John Munro, adjunct professor and a consultant for environmental and wetland issues on campus, headed an initiative to remove invasive plants, replacing them with native species, including a reedbed filtering system for the pond. His investment has created a truly beautiful scene. The park is highly regulated. Permits are required for weekend and holiday picnics and use of the picnic areas is reserved for residents of Radnor Township. Still, the Willows can provide a serene home away from home connected to the Eastern family.
Written by Josh Andersen, opinions editor
Valley Forge National Historic ParkA rich history and a versatile area for recreation is available just a few miles from Eastern’s entrance. Valley Forge National Historical Park, located near King of Prussia, was the encampment site of George Washington’s army in the winter of 1777. It provides a mine of historical information for visitors. Central to the park is its tour of key historical sites, such as Washington’s headquarters and the Muhlenberg Brigade. These sites feature people in period costumes reenacting the historical encampment and provide hands-on experiences of the sites, according to intern Heather Paul. Ranger-led walks and bus rides to these sites are provided, but self-guided tours are also allowed.The park is also a good place to walk, bike and even drive, with bike paths and roads winding throughout the park. A local Boy Scout troop makes the 7.5-mile hike every year in order to earn a medal, and some, like Bruce Boser, who bikes through the park every morning, make the park a regular part of their day.Valley Forge is also a good place to picnic, with wide-open fields and shade trees. Activities prohibited in the park are roller skating, inline skating and skateboards. The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and the visitor center is open from 9am to 6pm. Most activities, except the bus tours and Washington’s headquarters, are free.
Written by Ruth Robinson, managing editorWith additional reporting by Keila Rodriguez, Kaitlin Shadle and Vicki Gosselin, staff writers
Radnor TrailsThe Radnor Bike and Hiking Trail is located only minutes from Eastern’s campus. The trail is also in close proximity to an old railroad. The walk path is a five-mile journey, that winds its way through homes and tree-lined areas. As well as intersecting two bridges that pass over roads, the trail crosses a driving range. The trail also provides a place to relieve stress. Away from everything, the walking area offers peaceful solace from the rigors of everyday college life. For those looking for a nice stroll, an intense workout or just a time to spend with friends, the Radnor Trail is sure to provide for all of their needs.
Written by Nick Agazarian, staff writer