Welcome to the new Campus Central website! We hope you’ll spend some time checking out our updated site and giving us your feedback. One of our newest updates to the site has been the development of this blog, which we will update regularly with the thoughts, insights, musings, and perspectives of Lancaster’s college students. To kick things off  (and since it’s summer), we thought we’d publish the first piece. With 8-weeks until Labor Day, we wanted to make sure you’re fully experiencing all that Lancaster has to offer. To that end, we’ve come up with our “pick of the week” activity for you to fully explore Lancaster. Call it an 8-week crash course in Lancaster…. 

July 1 – 7: During this week of July 4th festivities, be sure to head out to Long’s Park on July 1st to see the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra and FREE fireworks. The fun starts at 7:30pm. For more information: http://www.longspark.org/

July 8 – 14: Baseball and summer go hand-in-hand and the Barnstormers have got tons of home game action over the next few months. If you’re looking for the best of the best in baseball, though, don’t miss the Atlantic League All-Star Game on July 11th. The game will feature the top players from the North and South Divisions competing against each other. First pitch is at 7:05pm, tickets can be purchased at http://www.lancasterbarnstormers.com/ 

July 15 – 21: If you’ve never been to the Chameleon Club, this is your week to go experience this awesome venue. Our pick show of the week at Chameleon is, without a doubt, Pat Green. Known for playing “Texas Country," Green’s eclectic style has generated a huge fan following that has even sold out the Houston Astrodome. His hits include “Wave on Wave,” “Feels Just Like it Should,” and most recently “Dixie Lullaby.” Pat Green plays the Chameleon at 8pm on July 19; tickets are $16 and can be purchased at: http://www.chameleonclub.net/.

July 22 – 28: Among the many diverse features of Lancaster is the farmland. This week, we recommend that you head down to Central Market in Downtown Lancaster to experience this true-American treasure. There you'll find tons of fresh produce, tasty snacks, and special treats that you can pick up. Central Market – go hungry, leave happy – we promise! 

July 29 – August 4: Nothing’s better than a great dinner and an even better movie. The Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOOSE) has combined this natural pairing to offer a great summer series in Binns Park (100 Block N. Queen Street). To make things even more enticing, the movies are FREE and several restaurants are offering coupons to enjoy dinner beforehand. This week, don’t miss an American classic, Rocky, showing at 9pm on August 2nd. For a full schedule of the Dinner & a Movie series, as well as restaurant coupons, visit: http://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lancastercity/lib/lancastercity/d&m_brochure.pdf 

August 5 – 11: If you haven’t experienced the majestic outdoors of Lancaster, the summer is a great time to do so. This week, head out to Shank’s Mare (http://www.shanksmare.com/) and hit the water in a kayak to explore the Susquehanna River. On the 10th, our friends at Shank’s Mare offer guided tours of the river followed by a delicious dinner at their restaurant, “The Rookery.” Register early, as this is one of their most popular programs. For details, visit: http://www.shanksmare.com/html/day___evening_programs.html 

August 12 – 18: Lancaster has a thriving arts community that is second to none. During this week, take a stroll down Gallery Row (138 – 154 N. Prince Street) to check out some of the great works of  Lancaster’s artists. It’s free, fun, and a great arts experience! 

August 19 – 25: Great coffee, a relaxing environment, and free WIFI – Prince Street Café (15 N. Prince Street) has got them all. As summer starts to wind down, don’t miss out on this treasure of a coffee shop in Downtown Lancaster. Head to PSC on the 25th to enjoy all of the above plus the live music of Dave Wilson, a truly gifted jazz-sax musician who will perform from 8 – 11pm. Info on PSC can be found at http://www.princestreetcafe.com/.  

August 26 – September 1: Summer’s coming to an end and you’re probably beginning to think about your return to the classroom. To give your brain a tune-up, we recommend heading out to Cherry Crest Farm to experience the Amazing Maize Maze! This theme of this year’s maze is the Wild, Wild West and we can guarantee that you’ll have a great time navigating the twists and turns of this huge maze. For information on the maze, visit: http://www.cherrycrestfarm.com/