Published 2013-01-29T21:44:00Z”/>
Elizabeth Bowen
A large majority of Chico State students don’t party hard, partly because they despise being hungover Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Even though your peers are more likely to quiz you about your Friday night party plans than your career plans, some weekends are meant for relaxing, rejuvenating and having some sober fun with friends.
Here are a few events and activities students can do without drinking. Think of it as a student’s guide to having fun in Chico, sans booze.
<strong>Get crafty and make something</strong>
All Fired Up Ceramic Studio is a place to relax, spend some quality time alone or with friends and get the creative juices flowing. All Fired Up offers pottery that you can paint and allows customers to unleash their idle hands working with wet-clay. There are also classes on the pottery wheel, painting, sculpture building and mosaics.
The studio, located on Broadway Street, also offers studio time, materials and even snacks. Not only is this a good way to unwind and chill out, it is also a good opportunity to bond with friends over something other than a drink.
All Fired Up’s hours, rates and classes can be found on its website, allfiredupchico.org.
<strong>Have a good laugh at an improvised comedy show</strong>
Remember the popular television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
“Whose Live Anyway” is a stage version of the improvisational comedy featuring comedians Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Chip Esten and Jeff B. Davis.
The comedians compose songs on the spot and make up stand-up routines, all with the help of audience suggestions.
The “Whose Live” tour travels to several casinos, universities, performing arts centers and private events.
The show hits Laxson Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Tickets are $41 for adults and $33 for students and children. They can be purchased at the University Box Office.
<strong>See the stars</strong>
Go check out the stars for free at the Chico Observatory in Upper Bidwell Park.
It’s open Thursday through Sunday, so it’s perfect for a weekend outing.
The observatory was built in 2001 and features two 14-inch telescopes that can magnify light more than 2,000 times better than the human eye. The best part is it’s all completely free.
This observatory is easily accessible to the public and is awesome for gazing into the unknown.
The prime time to spot Mercury in the night sky is between Feb. 3 and Feb. 23.
More information can be found at chicoobservatory.org or by calling 530-343-5635.
<strong>Wake up early and get fresh, local goodies</strong>
The weekly Chico Farmer’s Market is a popular way to start any Saturday morning.
Many locally grown foods are sold at the market, which is conveniently located at East Second and Wall streets downtown. There are a variety of products available including the finest in veggies, fruits, nuts, meats, breads and beverages. Handcrafted clothing, crafts and jewelry are also available for purchase.
The samples many of the vendors supply are huge bonuses for visiting each stand.
The market is held every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
<strong>Get some fresh air and hike an unknown trail with friends</strong>
Students who want to get some exercise should look no further than Bidwell Park.
While most have visited the One Mile Recreation Area, few have explored all 12 of the Upper Bidwell hiking and biking trails. These are easy to access and navigate with proper preparation. It’s a great idea to bring some friends and snacks to hit the trail.
Maps and park conditions can be found on the city of Chico website or by calling 530-896-7899.
<hr />
<strong>The Orion can be reached at</strong> <a href=”mailto:[email protected]”><em>[email protected]</em></a>
