A Weekend in Nac as a College Student

By: Makenna Burkhalter

Friday Evening: Winding Down and Kicking Off the Weekend!

After a long week of classes, lectures, labs, and study sessions, Friday evening is all about relaxation and celebrating making it to the weekend.

After I get off of work, my Friday evening usually begins with a few minutes of decompressing. Whether that is reading a book, watching a show, or even listening to music, a couple of minutes of silence is just what I need at the end of the week. I often like to meet up with friends at the pickleball courts on SFA campus or Maroney Park for some friendly competition on Friday evenings. Since it is the beginning of the weekend, you can always find a lot of people there who are willing to play some pick-up pickleball. My friends and I usually catch up on our week, share funny stories, and make plans for the weekend ahead. After getting in a good cardio workout and working up an appetite, it is always fun to go grab a bite to eat at CC’s Smokehouse, Barkeeps, Peking Chinese Restaurant, or one of the many other places Nacogdoches has to offer. I am an active member of the Yellow House Christian Student Center on SFA campus, so on occasion I will swing by there to join in on an activity night. It is always a good idea to check the campus calendar for upcoming events. You might be surprised by what's happening! 

I will usually wrap up the night with a sweet treat and a movie night or board games with my roommates. One thing about me is that I absolutely love ice cream, so gelato from Aperitivo Cafe and Gelato or frozen yogurt from Chilly Fillmore’s Frozen Yogurt is a perfect end to my evening.

Saturday: Day on the Town!

Saturday is the heart of the weekend, a perfect blend of personal and social activities. Nacogdoches offers amazing events that are designed to engage people on the weekends, so Saturday is a great day to get out and about.

My ideal Saturday often begins with strolling around the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market! Each Saturday there are new vendors which give a unique spin to the stands every time I go. I love to see people’s products that exude the love and effort they put into creating the item. Then, I am off to explore downtown. The brick streets of Nacogdoches are one of my favorite parts of this town. There are so many people to meet and different businesses to walk into that I guarantee you are bound to find something that you enjoy. I personally like perusing through the different antique shops or looking at a new drop from the different various boutiques downtown. My day will then continue with a leisurely brunch or lunch at a local cafe like Dolli’s Diner, Stonehouse Kitchen, or Brendyn’s BBQ. Any time I am downtown, I always have to stop by Susu’s Popcorn for a snack. This acts as such a good afternoon pick-me-up. Grab your favorite flavor of popcorn (I personally recommend cheddar ranch) along with a cold drink, and sit in the charming atmosphere inside the store or stroll down the street to find a nice bench to sit and enjoy the beautiful sunshine outside.

Since it is Fall in Texas, you know what that means… college football! What could be better than rooting for the Lumberjacks in our very own Homer Bryce Stadium. This being said, my Saturday afternoons/evenings consist of tailgating with friends and watching some football. I love the time I get to spend with friends and the memories we create together.

Sunday: Recharge and Prepare

Sunday is often a quieter day, a time for reflection and preparing for the week ahead. It is about finding that balance between relaxing and getting organized so you can hit the ground running on Monday.

I typically start my Sunday morning by heading to church. There is nothing like praising the Lord with church family at the start of the week. Sunday lunch always consists of quality time around a table with friends and family sharing our lives together and talking about the week to come. As for the afternoon, I like to get in a workout at SFA Campus Rec or go for a long walk around the Mast Arboretum, Gayla Mize Garden, or Lanana Creek Trail with my friends. Getting out in nature is a great way to clear my head and get some exercise before diving into the academic week. The rest of the day is usually spent reviewing notes and organizing my schedule usually at Java Jacks Coffee House or University Coffee. This helps me feel prepared for the upcoming week as well as open up the opportunity to enjoy a fabulous local coffee.

Sundays are a good time to reset. Whether that is cleaning, doing laundry, meal prepping, or calling family or friends back home, utilizing the first day of the week can make you feel more grounded and ready for the week ahead. 

Remember, the weekend is a vital part of college life. It is a chance to recharge, pursue your passions, and make memories with friends. So, make the most of it, but do not forget to get some rest to feel energized for the week to come. A good thing to remember is that there is always something new to discover, even in a familiar place!