As you get ready to reinvent yourself in your next semester at Kennesaw State University, you need to know where to hang out after class.
Of course, there are the usual suspects —everyone gets coffee at Starbucks, the lines at every Chick-fil- A are always too long and, yes, most shopping is done at Town Center Mall.
But there are a few gems that truly embody the Kennesaw State jen e sais quoi.
Here are eight places to check out, whether it’s for the food, the fun or the price tag:
Where to fuel
1. Tucked away on a back road sits The Nest Kennesaw (2921 Cherokee St NW / 678-903-6921). This local gig is set up in two houses connected by a long front porch. All of the wooden benches, tables and bar tops were handmade by one of the owners. You can eat on the porch, sit inside at one of the bars or chill on a couch in the lounge area. The menu includes everything from ribs to tacos to sandwiches, and the prices aren't too shabby, either. Your retail job will be more than enough to support weekend trips to The Nest.
2. Yes, Cook Out (745 Chastain Rd NW / 770-627-5202) is kind of like a fancier McDonald's. But when they serve "the best combo in Kennesaw" it's hard to say no. Pick a bunch of food for $5 and you're done. It's great for large groups grabbing lunch between classes. And if you're in a hurry, the corporate monsters have blessed us with a drive-thru option.
3. World of Beer (745 Chastain Road NW / 770-485-8133) generally strives to keep booze from getting boring. The prices are what you would expect from a nice pub, so be prepared for that. If you're here for the booze and not the food, though, there's a great selection of local beers. You can infuse your favorite beer with unique flavors, like blueberries or bourbon oak chips, or build your own flight with up to four beers on tap.
4. It wouldn't be a complete list without the classic sports bar — enter Taco Mac (600 Chastain Rd NW #310 / 770-874-7781). The popular local chain has enough TVs to make every fan happy, unless you like MMA. Taco Mac doesn't show violent sports. According to the general manager, this is one of the company's busiest locations. With more than 100 beers on tap and wing deals galore, this is where you can chill out after class or come to party after a football game.
Where to play
5. Iconic Kennesaw Mountain (900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive / 770-427-4686) is a great weekend spot, with over 18 miles of walking trails. You can hike with friends and enthusiastically work off all that great food. If you're looking for a date spot, a picnic is the classic complement to the long stroll up the mountain. No matter what your motivations are for checking out the beautiful view, there best part of this scenic adventure is it's free.
6. If you're looking for some competition, head to Brunswick Zone XL Kennesaw (775 Cobb Place Blvd. / 770-427-7679) and challenge your new classmates to a few games of bowling. There's also an arcade, laser tag arena, food and drinks to enjoy while you're out. The best part? Thursdays are "College Night," so bring your student ID after 9 p.m. for unlimited bowling and shoe rental for just $11 per person.
7. Instead of competing against your friends, work with them as a team at The Escapery (1349 Old 41 Hwy NW, Suite 235 / 770-726-2892). If you've ever been to an escape-the-room attraction, this is pretty self-explanatory. You have one hour to solve the puzzles and clues you find and escape the room as a group. It's a fun outing and The Escapery offers "College Night" the third Tuesday each month. For $23 per person, enjoy dinner and board games after your escape-the-room adventure.
8. If you like skating, IceForum (3061 George Busbee Parkway / 770-218-1010) is another off-the-beaten path local for romantics or singles looking for their thrills on ice. It's the same venue where the KSU club ice hockey team plays its games, so you can feel like a star athlete as you skate around the rink. Check the website for specific times when public skating is allowed, and remember to bring a good jacket.
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