Check off items on a DeKalb bucket list

It is not unusual to see a line of customers wrapped around Ollies, 2290 Oakland Dr. at the end of a summer day.  About 30 people were gathered waiting on their cold treats Sunday.

By Tatianna Salisbury

Summer is an exciting and relaxing time, but all that laying around can have some students bored out of their minds.

With no classes, term papers or massive pile ups of semester laundry, students may find their days a little too empty. What they may not realize is that exciting adventures are waiting around the corner in their backyard of DeKalb. Check out these top four recommendations for an unforgettable local summer.

Sample every flavor at Ollie’s Frozen Custard

Ollie’s Frozen Custard, 2290 Oakland Dr., boasts an impressive menu with over 29 sundaes, seven specialty pies, old-fashioned soda floats and 23 flavors of custard. During the summer months of June, July and August, they also serve seasonal flavors of banana, lemon and key lime pie. Some of their delicious and unique custard flavors include butter brickle, thin mint cookie, blueberry cheesecake and Irish cream cake.

Earlier this month, Ollie’s was named one of DeKalb County’s Finest by The Daily Chronicle for Best Frozen Custard. What’s especially “cool” about Ollie’s is they love giving back to their community; throughout the season, they will support local organizations by donating 10 percent of their daily revenue. Recipients of donations include the Kishwaukee Health Foundation, Stage Coach Players and the Miss Amazing organization.

Laugh out loud at The House Cafe

The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, is bringing back traditional stand-up comedy 9 p.m. Wednesday nights. The open mic night is free to audience members and performers. It’s the perfect time for comedians to test out their material while guests kick back with a Bud Light and hopefully laugh the night away.

Make it dinner and a show with a black-bean burger and a side of fries.

The House offers a variety of live entertainment including bands, comedians, open mic nights and swing dancing. They also support local art and community events within DeKalb, hosting lessons, classes, art exhibits and charity events.

Learn how to shred with skateboarding lessons

Skateboarding can be a difficult skill to master, but 50-50 grinds and kick flips look too cool to not try. Fargo Skateboarding, 629 E. Lincoln Highway, is hosting a beginner skateboarding session from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at $5 a person.

For skaters looking to learn new moves or perfect old ones, employees offer classes and private lessons based on level of experience. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month, Fargo also hosts free skating at their indoor skate park.

Do the “Time Warp” at the Egyptian Theater

The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second Street, is a 1,400-seat historic theatre in downtown DeKalb owned and operated by a non-profit organization featuring live events and films. Fans of the 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” can enjoy the hilarity and horrendous nature of the film 10 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Egyptian Theater.

Featuring a live shadow cast of the “Irrational Masters,” the show invites audience members to join in as they spin the weird, horrific and seductive story of a colorful cast of misfit characters. Tickets are on sale online for $10 each.

For those who aren’t fans of the wacky show, there is a wide variety of events that will take place at the theatre this fall.