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Writer's pictureValkyrie Magazine

Audra Berends: Roaming Rome: Exploring the City Outside the Berry Bubble

Okay, I’m going to be honest with you up front. Rome, Georgia is not the most exciting place on the planet. Shocker! But this doesn’t mean that you can’t find things to do…


Hi, I’m Audra and I am about to graduate from Berry in December. I have learned so much about both Rome and Berry in my time living here and wanted to share how I think Berry students can take advantage of their time living here.

 

While the weekends may be a great time to visit family, friends, or work on homework, it is also important to get out and explore the city you live in. Here is my list of things to do around Berry:

 

Explore Broad Street:

Photo courtesy of Hannah Woods

 

Broad Street is the main downtown area of Rome, home to small-business shopping and local restaurants. Grab a few friends and take a stroll on a Saturday! Pop into shops like Apricot Lane, Capitoline Records, River & Hill Books, and Living & Giving. You can find fun new clothes, vinyl records, books and stickers, and even Jellycats! And don’t miss the opportunity for a sweet treat at City Creamery, Honeycream, Honeymoon Bakery, Little Bee & The Honey Spot Cafe, or Swift & Finch.

 

 

 

See a movie:

 

Movies at Berry Square is the closest movie theater to Berry and recently got renovated. And of course this can be a group activity, or a solo one!

 

 

 

Take a riverside walk:

 

We all need fresh air and a break from being on campus. You can park at Ridge Ferry Park and take a walk down the Oostanaula River Trail. You can also access the playgrounds, concert space, and dog park. The Rome-Floyd ECO center is another great place to visit, but is closed right now due to renovations.



Get crafty at Swerve Pottery:

 

Bring out your creativity by painting your own pottery or joining a painting class. Check the events and hours on their website for more information.



 

 

Visit the lock bridge:

 

You may have seen a giant lit up American flag when driving around at night. That is the Robert Redden FootBridge, or the “lock bridge”. People have adopted this bridge as a place to put padlocks in honor of their love. Visit as a couple, or just for fun with friends.

*Fun fact: This bridge is briefly featured in a scene from the Marvel movie, Black Widow.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Woods

 

Hike up to the top of Myrtle Hill Cemetery:

Check out this view of Rome!

Eat out:

 

We all need a break from Viking Court and D-hall. Luckily, there are tons of great places to grab a meal out in Rome.

 

Mellow Mushroom

*$5 small cheese pizza on Sunday & Monday

Doug’s Deli and Doug’s at Berry Crossing

*free drink for Berry students

Blossom Hill BBQ and Burgers

Las Palmas Mexican

Texas Roadhouse

Jerusalem Grill

Truett’s Chick-fil-a

*unique CFA items like fried pies, ocra, and banana pudding

Rock and Roll Sushi or Blue Fin

Soho Hibachi

Roman Ramen

Harvest Moon

Provinos or Bella Roma

Moes or Dos Bros

 

In addition to the small business or local approach to activities in Rome, you can…

●      Go on a late night Cookout run with friends

●      Shop around at TJ Maxx, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy and Five Below

●      Visit the (very sad and dying) Rome mall

●      Go to a Rome Emperors baseball game

●      Visit the Creel House if you are a Stranger Things fan

 

My hope is that these recommendations help you to find some new ways to fill your time and experience all that Rome has to offer. Life is more than just class, work, and homework! Get out there and take advantage of it!

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