When returning or starting college, there are many people to see, many places to go and so little time to do it all.

Because classes have started, many of us find ourselves busy and may, at times, become overwhelmed. But when we do find the time to hang out with friends and make new pals, Russellville has plenty of places to offer for entertainment, even on a college budget.

If the nature side of you wants to get away from town and get in touch with the environment, Lake Dardanelle is a beautiful place to go and is only a short distance from Russellville. When you visit, you can fish, take out a boat, walk by the beautiful water, or just admire the sunset and the stars.

When the inner-child in all of us comes out, what better place to go to than a park? Russellville has several parks. Among the most popular are Old Post Road Park and Dardanelle Lock and Dam. Playgrounds are a way to release any extra energy and enthusiasm, and going with friends makes the child in us have all the more fun. Parks are also a great place to go when you have some studying to do and seek the peace that nature offers. According to Bonnie Etchieson, a sophomore hospitality major from Vilonia, sitting at picnic tables, playing Frisbee and watching sunsets are all good activities to do at the park.

Another place to connect with nature is the Bona Dea Trail. Even if you aren’t up to the challenge of walking the seven and a half miles of track it offers, this place has something for everyone. There are exercise stations along the paths that offer entertainment when visited with friends. Bona Dea is a biker-friendly trail. Bikes can be rented from the Intramural office in the University Commons clubhouse.

When you get hungry, Whatta-Burger is just across the street from campus. With its unique atmosphere, wonderful food and famous burgers and shakes, this is a sure place to go and should be experienced at least once in your time spent in Russellville. But for all you freshman, be careful not to eat too much here and gain that “freshman 15” all in one place.

For late nights, Starbucks is a nice place “just to chill and talk with friends,” said Kegan Walls, a sophomore English major from Rose Bud. And for these late nights that turn into mornings, Paradise Donuts on Arkansas Avenue is a popular spot to get tasty donuts early in the day with your friends. Paradise opens at 3 a.m. for fresh doughnuts.

Going to the movies is a great way to spend an evening, and the Picwood 11 is the place to go. When you feel like staying at home, Hastings and Movie Gallery offer movie and video game rentals.

Hastings also offers a bookstore, coffee shop and music merchandise.

“I like to go bowling or to Hastings with my friends the most, but anywhere my friends are is a good place to be,” said Nick Perry, a senior mechanical engineering major from Hot Springs. To show off your bowling skills, Sportsworld is conveniently located near Picwood 11. As you can see, there are endless possibilities in this town. College is a relatively short experience, so do not be afraid to venture off campus to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the area to the fullest.