5 places to take your parents that aren’t the Phoenix Cafe

October 2nd, 2009 | By Alysia Vallas | Section: Features

1. Lyle’s, AKA The Campus Pub
You’ve probably got a lot of face-to-face catching up to do. Albeit unconventional, you could always take your parents down to our very own Lyle’s Pub. Nothing says “Ma, Dad, it’s good to see ya,” like mozzarella sticks, a 312 and some chalkboard tic-tac-toe.

2. Molecules that Matter
If your parents are looking to get a glimpse of the academic buildings and to get a feel for the College, take them over to the Molecules that Matter exhibit at the Faulconer Gallery in Bucksbaum and knock out two birds with one stone. The exhibit takes an art/science interdisciplinary approach to looking at molecules and their structure, function and often unexpected beauty. This weekend, the gallery is open Thursday and Friday 12-8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 12-5 p.m.
If your parents decide that molecules really really matter, there is also a gallery talk given by Noyce’s visiting scholar, Ilia Guzei, titled “X-Ray Visions of Aspirin: A Penetrating Look at the Wonder Drug,” Friday evening at 5 p.m.

3. The Farmer’s Market
Let’s not lie to ourselves, Lonnski’s and Comeback Café are outrageously fantastic, but if you’re looking to avoid crowds this weekend, a nice alternative might be a picnic in the park. Weather permitting, you could take your folks to Saturday’s farmer’s market in town to pack a picnic and experience the fruits of Iowa’s labor. You don’t have to walk far to grab a spot on the grass—vendors set up along 4th Avenue, alongside Central Park.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, however, pack your lunch to go and head to Arbor Lake (see below). The market typically runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, and parks are open until dusk.

4. Neverland Players
If you’ve got an hour to kill—or even if you don’t—you’re never too busy for Neverland Players. For those who are not familiar with the bi-annual show, a group of our very own students perform skits based on short stories written by fourth grade students at Grinnell’s Davis Elementary. Cute, right? It’ll put everyone in a great mood. There are four shows this weekend in Bucksbaum’s Wall Theater: Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 2, 7 p.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. Tickets can be picked up at the box office in Bucksbaum, but even if you don’t manage to snag one just show up a little early and you’re likely to get in.

5. Arbor Lake
Although it’s a bit of a hike on foot, a couple of bikes or a short car ride could bring you and the fam to Arbor Lake, a scenic little spot off of West Street and Marvin Avenue. There is a path that circles the lake, perfect for a short bike ride or a stroll. While this is obviously a suggestion for something to do with the parents this weekend, Arbor Lake is also a spot to keep in mind for after they’re gone. It’s great for getting an outdoor fix when you don’t have the time or the means to make it out to Rock Creek State Park.

6. Or, you know, you could take your parents to the Phoenix. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Everyone knows it’s delish.