Unique Ways to Spend Family Weekend
It’s Family Weekend! Your family is on their way. And you’re… surprisingly excited. You missed them. Now what? It’s no secret, Oxford is a small town. Your Family isn’t going to want to watch you study at King and you probably already went shopping uptown. So in addition to the many many planned activities on the Family Weekend schedule, we got creative and thought of a few out-of-the-box things to do with them this weekend.
Frisbee Golf
Breathe in the crisp, fall air by playing frisbee golf on Western campus. When my parents come to visit, the first thing they want to do is stretch their legs after the 6-hour ride. This is a great activity for any group looking to be active and have fun. Plus, if your family is like mine and loves competing, you can download the scorecard and have a true competition.
Another phenomenal way to stretch your legs is at the MOVE boot camp with the Crawfords. It’s from 10-11am at the Lewis Place Backyard, 310 East High Street. Bring your workout wear and a lot of energy!
Leave Town for Brunch
With hundreds of families visiting this weekend and only a few spots to go for brunch, there will undoubtedly be a long waitlist at every restaurant. When the lines at Bob Evans, Pattersons, and Steinkellers are out the door, take a quick drive and discover a hidden gem outside of Oxford.
Pro tip: when I moved in freshman year, a senior recommended the Hometown Eatery. It’s only 15 minutes away in Indiana and has the perfect brunch menu.
Make your Heart Race
There are no in-town theaters, but luckily there is a drive-in movie theater in the next town over. This Thursday-Sunday The Holiday Auto Theater is premiering all scary movies, including the Nightmare on Elm Street, Ready or Not, and It.
Shop Locally
Support our local community by visiting Oxford’s weekly Farmers Market on Saturday from 9 am to noon in Uptown Park. With 20+ vendors, it is the perfect size to spend the first hour of your morning. I personally love the flower and homemade hummus booths. Another great way to shop locally is by visiting the Moon Co-op or Butterfield Farms. If you are looking to sip warm apple cider, go on hayrides, or wander through a corn maze, Butterfield Farms is a great local option.
Paint Fall Decor
This Friday and Saturday, You’re Fired are offering ½ price studio fees for anyone who comes in to paint. Spend some quality time with your family while simultaneously painting some new decor for your bedroom. I know I could use an hour of painting to relax from last week’s midterms.
Do Something for Mom
More likely than not, your family drove a long way to Oxford. They took time out of their schedules to see you, and what better way to say “thank you” then by picking something they want to do. Personally, my mom loves going to shows and plays. This weekend at the Oxford Community Arts Center they are performing True West by Sam Shepard. Purchase tickets ahead of time for $15.
Austin, the achiever, is working on a script is pitching to producer Saul Kimmer. When Austin’s brother, Lee, a petty thief drops in, he pitches his own idea for a movie to Kimmer, who then wants Austin to junk his bleak, modern love story and write Lees trashy Western tale.
…And Dad
While my mom would rather spend time inside, my dad loves the outdoors. Oxford is home to so many nature preserves and historic centers. With over 17 miles of hiking trails, there is no shortage of places to walk. Stay safe and pre-plan your trip via the virtual map. On Saturday, October 19 there is also a 5K at 8:30am. Each participant will receive a free t-shirt and all proceeds from the race will benefit the Talawanda-Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPSS). Use this link to register: registration link.
Honorable Mentions
- Eating in your favorite dining hall
- Bowling at Oxford Lanes
- Taking a day trip to downtown Cincinnati
- Riding Electric Scooters around Oxford
- Going ice skating at Goggin’
Hannah Frier | Marketing