| Photo of the Richard Student Union, courtesy of McNeese Office of Marketing and Communications |
| By David Mbagwu The Poke Press As fall break approaches, many students are preparing to leave campus and spend the break with family and friends. For students who remain on campus, however, the break can look very different. With several campus facilities scheduled to close or operate on limited hours, students staying in the area may have to consider where they will eat, what they can do for recreation, and how they will stay active during the break. For students staying on campus, the experience can vary depending on their plans and circumstances. As a freshman experiencing fall break on campus for the first time, Aydon Kinkelaar said he expects a quiet break. “I anticipate being bored this break, but I do plan on spending it with friends.” Kinkelaar said. McNeese dining services will be closed Oct. 8-10 leaving some students looking for alternative sources of food. “I am not really sure where to eat at, so all that’s left is McDonalds.” Aydon said. Graduate student Damilola Osoba has a similar plan. “I plan to order food online and eat at restaurants,” Osoba said. She estimated that she would spend about $80 to $150 during the break while Kinkelaar expects to spend significantly less. “I will probably budget around $20 to $30.” Kinkelaar said. For students concerned about finding food during the break, Lake Charles has several options within a short drive of campus. Crying Eagle Brewing Company, located on East McNeese Street, offers pizza, burgers, sandwiches and other casual food options. Darrell’s Famous PoBoys is another local option for students looking to try a Lake Charles staple, while Big Daddy’s Sports Grill offers burgers, seafood, Cajun dishes and breakfast options. Students looking for something different can also try Raja’s Curry Kitchen & Grill, which serves Indian dishes such as samosas, butter chicken and biryani. Food, however, is not the only concern for students staying on campus. With some recreational facilities unavailable during the break, students may also be looking for ways to stay active and spend time with friends. One option is Prien Lake Park, which provides walking paths, fitness stations, waterfront views and areas for outdoor recreation. Students looking for a more relaxed outing can visit Bord du Lac Park or Millennium Park and spend time along the Lake Charles lake front. For students looking for indoor entertainment, Lake Area Adventures offers activities including an inflatable air park, gaming lounge, bouldering wall, ropes course and laser tag. These options give students an alternative to spending the entire break inside their residence halls. Although fall break may mean fewer campus services, students staying in Lake Charles are not necessarily without options. With some planning and a willingness to explore the surrounding area, students can find alternatives for food, recreation and entertainment while campus facilities take a short break of their own. |
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