Staying sane in Mount Pleasant during break

Most Central Michigan University students have headed home for the holidays, looking forward to a month of sleeping in and catching up with old hometown friends.

For students staying in Mount Pleasant to work during break, the outlook is not nearly as positive. Don’t get me wrong, Mount Pleasant is a pleasant place, but things change when residence halls clear out and the student population leaves.

The campus closes and long lines in the drive-thru lane of Taco Bell are a thing of the past. The phrase “ghost town” may come to mind. On the bright side, the roads are so empty an elderly snail could cross Mission without risking injury.

Students must claim their sanity and keep busy or they will be found at the beginning of next semester looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway; caring for inanimate objects and mastering the art of solo conversation.

Fortunately, there is hope. Have fun while off the clock and check out some of the fun things Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area have to offer:

 

The Sledding Hill

The sledding hill off Pickard and Harris Street is one of the hidden treasures of Mount Pleasant. Across the road from the supposedly haunted Mt. Pleasant Center, the sledding hill is sure to thrill. For a guaranteed great time, get some Fireball and friends, bundle up and get sledding.

Mt. Pleasant Hot Yoga

If you’ve never been to the Mt. Pleasant Hot Yoga studio, this break is the perfect time to give it a try. The studio opened last December and gives student workers a chance to warm their bones, stretch their muscles, and relax their mind. Still not sold? The first class is free and new members can sign-up for two weeks of unlimited hot yoga for  $20.

 

Fun at Snow Snake

Have a day off and need to get out of town? Snow Snake in Harrison, Mich. offers skiing, boarding and snow tubing. Snow Snake is a 25-minute drive up North 127 for a day full of winter sporting. There are $15 lift ticket deals offered throughout break and snow tubing passes that can be purchased for $20.

 

Twelve17 Coffee Roasters

Twelve17 Coffee Roasters is another Mount Pleasant gem that few students take advantage of. Located inside Grace Church on Mission Street, Twelve17 specializes in loose-leaf teas and traditional coffee beverages. This coffee shop is unique, not charging customers, but providing recommended donation amounts for each drink. The profits go toward local and global compassion efforts.

 

Stay in and get spirited

Staying in town does not mean skipping on holiday spirit. Choose a night to stay in and embrace your inner elf. Pop in your favorite Christmas movie while sipping hot cocoa, hanging stockings and decorating cookies. You may not be able to be with your family this holiday, so show them you care by sending them something homemade and delicious.