As a first year, I feel as though I have done a fairly good job adjusting to this new environment. With that being said, I am starting to realize just how much I am missing. I am not sure exactly what everyone else’s knowledge of Pennsylvania is, but I have left Carlisle twice since moving here. Those two times were leaving and coming back from my Pre-O. I would eventually like to get out to Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Harrisburg, but I’m also very interested in learning what Carlisle can offer me.

I come from a town that has a population of about one-fifth the size of Carlisle, and I’ve never just been able to walk somewhere from my house. If I wanted to get anywhere, I had to drive. I have found a few places downtown that I spend quite a bit of time, and they are just a short schlep away. I will tell you first off that if you want some kitty-love, you can find some at the Whistlestop Bookshop. After that you can head over to Antiques on Hanover Street, and pet their golden retriever. And finally, when you’ve worked up a thirst from all of the animal love, you can go get a cup of coffee at Courthouse Common. I buy my coffee beans there and, as a Dickinson student, get ten percent off all of my purchases.

First-year Ciara Harquail-Hackett shares that she spends a fair amount of time off campus in places like Miss Ruthie’s Vintage Time Bomb, Rite-Aid, and Fay’s Country Kitchen.  While discussing her first trip to Time Bomb she said, “I was walking by the window and I found this really cute dress…then it fit me, so I bought it.” She has been a dedicated customer ever since. Harquail-Hackett said she’ll typically leave campus “about once a week” to explore the downtown area, buy some at-home hair dying kits, or just have a hearty brunch at Fay’s.

Another thing I would like to bring up, as it deserves attention, is the fact that there are wild rabbits here. I’m so hoping that there is at least one other person on campus that loses their mind (assuming they had one in the first place) every time they see little Peter Cottontail hopping around the quads. It really is the little things that bring the most joy; the little furry things. I hope my fellow first-years will take some time out of their days and support the local businesses, or at the very least find some animals to pet.