Discover neat spots on campus
Maybe you’re a first-year or new grad student at East Tennessee State University, or you just began your career as a professional here, and you’d like a nice place to read and reflect. Perhaps you live in the area and want a new place to take an evening walk. Maybe you’ve been around a while, but want to find a spot to learn something new. ETSU has you covered!
The ETSU campus has a wealth of neat spots that are a little out of the ordinary. Here are a few great places you might not have discovered yet:
Conifer Garden
The entire ETSU campus is an arboretum, with hundreds of species of trees and shrubs identified for passers-by. But one particular spot might provide a cool hideaway – the Conifer Garden nestled between the Ballad Health Athletic Center (Mini-Dome) and Sherrod Drive, adjacent to both Burleson and Brown halls. Here, in this official American Conifer Society Reference Garden, you can sit on a bench to read and relax, surrounded by many varieties of evergreens.
Brown Hall Courtyard
Also beautiful year-round is the nearby Brown Hall Courtyard, marked by its iconic archways on the east and west sides. It features a variety of foliage, and several tables where you could sit alone or with friends and colleagues for study or a picnic.
The Slide at Noland’s Canyon
When you’re going down a steep hill on foot, you usually walk gingerly, trying not to fall, right? Why not speed things up (and channel your inner child) by going downhill on your (ahem) backside? An especially fun feature of ETSU’s University Commons is a two-level slide in an area named in honor of President Dr. Brian Noland, his wife Donna, and their son Jackson. As the area’s placard states, the slide and its landscaped embankment symbolize “the Nolands’ desire for all to view the world, not as it is, but as it could be,” and to experience moments of enjoyment, excitement and relief!
Amphitheatre
If you’ve only passed by one of ETSU’s best-known landmarks – its Greek-style Amphitheatre – you might take another look. Located in the heart of campus between the D.P. Culp Student Center and Nicks Hall, the Amphitheatre has often been used through the decades for campus gatherings, speeches, theatrical and musical performances, and more. Its grassy seating area provides a great space to sit and study (or take a nap) between classes.
Planetarium
ETSU boasts a state-of-the-art full dome video theater in its Hutcheson Hall Planetarium. The Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts a free public planetarium show each month during the academic year, as well as programming for regional schools. Invite a friend and make plans to enjoy a show and learn about everything from constellations and mythology in the stars to eclipses and the origin of time.
Powell Astronomical Observatory
In addition to the Planetarium, the Department of Physics and Astronomy maintains the Harry D. Powell Astronomical Observatory, located above the main ETSU campus at 1101 Narrow Lane. Faculty host a monthly Star Party, or open house, one Saturday evening each month during the academic year, weather permitting. Participants hear a short talk by an ETSU astronomer before viewing the planets, stars and other celestial objects through the observatory’s computer-controlled telescopes.
Fitness Path
Need to get some exercise or clear your head? Check out the fitness path on the west side of the ETSU campus! Walkers and joggers can enjoy the full one-mile path that encircles the Summers-Taylor Soccer Complex, Basler Challenge Course, Basler Center for Physical Activity and intramural and athletic practice fields, or choose shorter increments.
Challenge Course
ETSU’s Basler Team Challenge and Aerial Adventure Course offers both low and high ropes outdoor experiences to stretch your physical and mental limits, with two ziplines, a giant swing, quick descent and a three-level aerial challenge tower with elements ranging from easy to difficult and between 15-45 feet in the air. The course, located on the west side of campus at 503 Go Bucs Trail, is available for team-building activities and more.
Veterans Memorial
ETSU is officially designated as a Military Friendly® School, and in fact, has a long history of supporting the U.S. military and students who serve. A special spot on campus recognizes and honors students and alumni who have served in the armed forces, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The Veterans Memorial, located behind Gilbreath Hall and facing Memorial Hall (Brooks Gym), which houses ETSU’s Department of Military Science and ROTC Program, features the United States flag, along with the flags of each branch of the military and a POW-MIA flag. A sculpture created by retired ETSU Art and Design Professor Catherine Murray memorializes those who lost their lives in the line of duty, and the brick walkway honors several ETSU alumni who served in the military. The Veterans Memorial is the site of the university’s annual Veterans Day observance, and is always a beautiful place to pause and reflect.
Outdoor Games Galore
Students looking to pass time between classes and Buc fans who want to have some extra fun before a ballgame can find several outdoor games to enjoy! Sidewalk chess and checker boards and pieces, along with cornhole, are available beside Treehouse Takeout, which is nestled between Ball and Memorial halls and the Ballad Health Athletic Center. Cornhole, giant 4-to-score games, shuffleboard and a putting green can also be found all around University Commons.
Kings Corner
If you’d like to indulge your sweet tooth, look no further than Kings Corner (Le Coin du Roi), located at the corner of Carter Hall beside University Commons. This classic sweet shop offers not only a variety of candy and French pastries, but also sandwiches, coffee, and Boba Teas.