Local places for small groups to visit

ENTERTAINMENT 11

Fun places to explore in the Newton area in small groups

CLAIRA JANSSEN Staff Writer

It can be difficult to find a balance between obtaining an education and maintaining a healthy social life. Add in the aspect of a global pandemic and things become way more complicated. That social life we once knew has almost completely disappeared.

If you find yourself in a slump, it may be a good idea to get out and explore! (While taking the correct precautions of course.) Doing so can help you improve your focus and motivation on whatever may be left on that dreaded to-do list.

A super fun throwback to try out with a small group of friends is bowling! Newton is home to two bowling alleys: Play-Mor Lanes and Eastgate Lanes. Both places are on top of safe COVID procedures.

This would be a great activity to do if you are feeling especially stressed out with classes. There is something therapeutic about throwing a weighted ball and listening to pins clatter as they get knocked down. It’s less about the game and more about good times had with good friends.

If bowling doesn’t sound too appealing, there is always retail therapy. It’s even more enjoyable when it doesn’t put a strain on your bank account. You can have the best of both worlds, and then some, with the pastime of thrift shopping.

Thrift shopping and antique shopping is a great way to support small businesses and the causes that they often support as well. Newton has plenty of options of stores to choose from and check out. There are the Newton Et Cetera Shop and Goodwill.

These places mainly sell clothing. Searching for gems and joking about the oddities with your friends is a great way to step away from the pressure of upcoming assignments. If you are feeling brave, try picking out gag outfits for your friends. This will certainly bring many laughs.

If shopping for vintage and discount clothing isn’t your style, there are plenty of antique stores and flea markets to check out. Layman’s Antique Mall & Flea Market and Metcalf Sisters Antiques are some great shops downtown to look through. Simply looking through the items that are for sale and embracing the nostalgia they bring is fun enough in itself.

If you are craving some serious nostalgia, the Kauffman Museum is a wonderfully historic place to get away for a quick break. Going alone or with a small group are both ideal options, however, sometimes it’s best to take a breather and get some entertainment in solitude. If you are feeling ambitious, another simple and pocket friendly activity to enjoy is a walk on the sand creek trails. If we are lucky enough to get a warmer day, this activity is highly recommended.

A social life is still possible these days, we just have to get a bit more creative! Whatever you choose to do in your free time, be sure to wear a mask and keep a safe distance from others.

Newton Et Cetera Shop and Play-Mor Lanes are both places that students can visit in small groups while following appropriate safety guidelines. Photos by Lindsey Pfannenstiel

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Fun places for small gatherings in Newton area

The colorful wall is in alley behind Prairy Harvest, on Main Street (Top Left), and the colorful house is in Newton (Top Right). The Blue Sky Sculpture is a local attraction at Centennial Park, also in Newton. (Bottom Left) Del Puente Cafe and Layman’s Antique Mall and Flea Market are on Main Street. (Middle Right) The alley staircase can be found west of Main Street. (Bottom Middle) See if you can find these local locations! Photos by Lindsey Pfannenstiel