Things To Do
Go for a Walk through Campus
Growing up near a college campus means making the campus your stomping grounds even before you attend the school as a student! Purdue's campus is always changing--and we think you'll enjoy a nice walk through it to explore. We recommend you start at the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering and walk towards the "Gateway to the Future" on the corner of Stadium and University. There's a nice path that will take you south through campus, and you can split off and check out different areas as you please! You'll pass the Engineering Fountain, where students love to run through during hot days; and the Purdue Bell Tower, where Matt proposed! A lot of campus buildings have cool exhibits in the common areas; feel free to enter the buildings to see for yourself! Take the path south until you hit State Street. Head east on State Street, and you'll quickly notice this is the happening part of campus where students go out!
Walk through Purdue's Horticulture Park
Go for a stroll through Purdue's Horticulture Park! Home to more than 300 types of trees and plants, Horticulture Park provides a nearby escape from Purdue's campus, as well as academic experiences for horticulture and forestry classes. When Matt proposed, we rode bikes through the park before Matt got down on one knee at the Purdue Bell Tower.
Jules Janick Horticulture Garden, Purdue University
Take a walk through Purdue's Horticulture Garden! I worked here during college, and Matt and I enjoyed many lunches on these benches. :) If you want to make it extra authentic, walk over to Harry's for a beer afterward!
Triple XXX Diner
Enjoy a good old diner meal at Triple XXX. We think they made the official name "Triple XXX Family Restaurant" so there are no misunderstandings about what you'll get from this establishment. Triple XXX was where I got her first job! When Matt and I were "talking" in high school, Matt would come and sit at the counter at Triple XXX and drink a root beer. I needed a lot of hinting that Matt wanted to be boyfriend and girlfriend, the mixed CDs weren't enough! Matt's favorite: the Drew Brees First Choice Cassie's favorite: Curly fries and a chocolate shake (seriously, you'll want to try a milkshake)
Check Out McCormick Woods
Directions: Since the parking is just a gravel patch off of Cherry Lane we recommend searching "McCormick Woods" on your phone to find how to get to the trailhead. Matt and I love to trail run and whenever we're home in West Lafayette we frequent McCormick Woods, which is nestled off of Cherry Lane and alongside Ackerman-Allen Golfcourse. The paths are windy and not well marked--we often get lost so make sure you have plenty of time if you're going for a walk, sometimes you end up in the woods longer than you anticipated!
Harry's Chocolate Shop
Not a Chocolate Shop! Harry's is a Purdue staple. We have spent many an evening here with friends. After Matt proposed at the Purdue Bell tower in May 2019, Matt and I headed to Harry's for a celebratory drink. What I didn't know was that Matt had planned a big surprise party and so many of our favorite people were waiting in the back of Harry's to cheers to our engagement! It was a very special day. Matt & my order: Two Bells Two Hearted and fried banana peppers (with ranch, duh) PS--we'll be heading to Harry's after the reception!!
Celery Bog Nature Area
The Celery Bog Nature Area is a tranquil spot for wildlife and people alike. You'll find some unusual plants and the opportunity to view nearly 120 different species of birds. Rabbits, coyotes, opossums and other small mammals dwell there, as well as many amphibious creatures-all attracted to its rich and unique wetland habitat. There are walking paths and nice lookout points for you to enjoy here!
The Black Sparrow
Black Sparrow is a great bar on Main Street in Lafayette. We enjoy going here when we are home!
Walk to Main Street Lafayette
Especially convenient for those staying at the Hampton Inn! Take the pedestrian bridge over the Wabash River and be on the lookout for rowers training through their fall break! The pedestrian bridge will drop you at the start of Main Street in Lafayette. This is also where we took our favorite prom photo back in 2012 (the photo above). Main Street has a lot of shops and restaurants you can check out while you're in town! Our favorite is the Black Sparrow (which is listed on this page).
Play Tennis at Schwartz Tennis Center
Want to play tennis? Go check out Schwartz Tennis Center and rent a court for however long you want. You can rent a racquet, too! Schwartz is where Matt and I met. We took a tennis class here together in high school. Matt played tennis for Purdue all four years of college, and this is where the men's and women's tennis team play. Matt has spent MANY hours in this building.
Go Golfing at One of Purdue's Golf Courses
Purdue is well known for its nice golf courses. Both of the courses available here were designed by Pete Dye. I don't know anything about golf, but I hear that's a cool stat! You can rent clubs at the golf center as well. Text Matt for any questions on golfing here!