If cabin fever hits you this semester, Grand Junction and the surrounding area has plenty of activities to get you off campus.
- Shopping in Downtown Grand Junction
Grand Junction has a variety of locally owned businesses located downtown. Even if you don’t have the budget to buy anything, it is fun to go window shopping just to get off campus. One of the cutest boutiques on Main Street is Pollux, located next to Pablo’s Pizza. Alternatively, Antique shopping has never been better than at Robin’s Nest. This two-story antique store will keep you occupied for hours on end.
- (CAR) Go to the National Monument
The National Monument is a national park full of beautiful canyons, plants and wildlife. There are hiking trails to go on at the national monument, or you can go there at night for crystal clear stargazing. If you don’t have enough time to stop and admire the national monument, a drive through the monument with friends is always a great way to clear your mind.
- Grab a bite to eat
Grand Junction is full of fun local restaurants. To find the restaurant for you, it really depends on what you’re hungry for. If you want tacos, Taco Party is the restaurant for you. If you like boba or are looking to try some Vietnamese food, Phở 88 is the place to go. Main Street Bagels is a great breakfast or lunch spot if you’re looking for bagels or sandwiches. Feelin’ up for Hawaiin barbecue? Go to Ekahi Grill. Bar and grill? Kannah Creek Brewing Company. If you have a sweet tooth, Candytime Shoppe is the place to go. Not to mention the myriad of cafes available, including Four Winds, Kiln Coffee, Copeka, Roasted and Coffee Trader.
- Go see a movie
With businesses reopening, we can get back to one of our favorite activities: going to the movies. Grand Junction has two choices for movie theaters: The Picture Show and the Regal Canyon View. There are lots of new films coming out this school year and going to see a movie is always a fun activity with your friends. Shang Chi comes into theaters Sept. 3 and it calls for you to see it in the theaters with the surround sound. Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman. He will be coming for you on Aug. 27.
- Check out an art gallery
Downtown GJ has several art galleries to go to, including CMU’s 437CO Art Gallery. CMU student’s and guest’s artwork is displayed in the gallery, and a reception for new exhibits are held the first Friday of every month. Mesa Emerging Designers helped put on an International Poster Show at the The Art Center, which is showing until Aug. 28. Confluence Studios is another art gallery that showcases artwork for sale from local artists. Alternatively, on a walk downtown there are lots of sculptures and murals to that pepper the scenery, from the haughty Frog Prince squatted on Main to the buffalo made of chrome car bumpers, both part of the Art on the Corner program.
