Let's face it. There is nothing more exciting than drinking cheap beer in a dark basement, with barely enough room to duck as a beer-soaked ping-pong ball soars toward your head. But if you find you need a short break from this fast-paced, exhilarating nightlife, there are plenty of nearby diversions that rival even the most thrilling of frat parties -- and you won't come home with that mysterious frat house grime on your shoes.
If it's live music you crave, take a walk or a two-minute cab ride to the Ottobar, located at 2549 N. Howard St. The Ottobar has served as a venue for bands like the Bouncing Souls, Le Tigre and The Breeders, and always features a variety of local bands. Their cleverly-themed DJ nights -- "Morrissey Monday," "Metal Monday," for example -- and their monthly Underground dance night, featuring brit-pop, indie and new wave, always draw a fun crowd. Check out their schedule at http://www.theottobar.com.
Other clubs include Fletcher's at 701 S. Bond St., which hosts a fair mix of bands, and the Sidebar Tavern at 218 E. Lexington St., which features primarily punk rock bands.
If you're in the mood for a little window-shopping and sight-seeing, your easiest bet is the cultural district of Mount Vernon. Just hop on the Hopkins-JHMI shuttle, get off at the Peabody stop and discover the area's hidden gems for yourself. Grab some lunch at the Women's Industrial Exchange, a genteel little restaurant at 333 N. Charles St. that dates back to the 19th century. They serve killer crab cake sandwiches and feature a 1940s-style tea room. For even more vintage flavor, check out the antique row on North Howard Street.
Although better known for it's alcohol-soaked nightlife, Fells Point has some great shopping, too. Antique stores, unique coffee shops and independent record stores, like Reptilian Records on South Broadway Street, offer a refreshing alternative to the Towson Town Center's chain stores.
If you're willing to make the trek to D.C., you'll find it well worth the 40-minute train ride. The best public transportation system in America makes it easy to get anywhere without a car. Clubs like Nation (1015 Half St.) and the 9:30 Club (815 V St.) feature a good mix of bands, both mainstream and obscure. The Black Cat (1811 14th St.) has shows and DJ dance nights that rival those of the Ottobar, and is just one of many must-see spots in the historic U Street area (be sure to try the milkshakes at Ben's Chili Bowl, located at 1213 U St.). The extent of shopping opportunities in D.C. cannot be overstated - check out Dupont Circle and Friendship Heights (both stops on the Red Line) and, of course, Georgetown (take any of the 30-something buses from Friendship Heights). Plan your D.C. trip carefully, as the MARC train only runs on weekdays.
If you're too drained from Intro Chem to even think about trekking off campus, consider donning your pajamas and heading over to Cafe Q. With fine drinks and delicious pastries that rival any other coffee shop, Cafe Q is an easy spot to sit with friends and chat. If you feel like reliving your high-school sleepover nights, take the escort shuttle to Blockbuster, pop some popcorn, and veg out in the AMR lounges. Student groups are always holding on-campus events, so check those weekly Student Council e-mails for ideas.
So when the frat party scene loses its luster, you have no excuse to mope in your room. With a little planning and willingness to explore, you might discover that "Charm City" isn't a complete misnomer.
