As the semester draws to a close, students realize they only have two weeks until they leave DeKalb for the summer or, in the case of soon-to-be graduates, forever. While everyone likely had more than their fill of wild, sticky-floored parties, late nights galavanting on campus and studying in the dormitories, library and Starbucks, there is a lot more to see in DeKalb than those enticing options. Students should, in the two weeks before the end of the semester, visit some of the establishments that DeKalb is known for.

1) The Ellwood House, 509 N. First St. While this is an obvious addition to the list, I can’t stress enough how easy and worthwhile it is to go on a walking tour of the home of the millionaire inventor of barbed wire, Isaac Ellwood. Now that the weather is actually bearable, students living on campus should walk over and take a tour of the home or just visit the grounds. The home is a stark contrast to what students are used to seeing on campus.

2) The Confectionary, 149 N. Second St. For students looking for a unique dessert experience, a walk downtown to The Confectionary will satisfy even the most discriminating sweet tooth. They have handmade candies of all kinds, many available for self-serve in old-fashioned candy-store canisters.

3) The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St. While students are surely looking forward to not setting foot in the Founders Memorial Library again until the fall, a visit to the DeKalb Public Library will prove to be a different experience. Students in need of a study break should visit the library to do some leisure reading for their own benefit. The building is beautiful, quiet and, best of all, you can leave your homework at home.

4) Altgeld Hall. Students who have never visited Altgeld Hall, NIU’s famous ‘castle,’ should check out the art museum and galleries in it. The galleries currently house four different exhibitions that are open until May 9. Museum admission is free and within walking distance for students living on campus.

5) The NIU Athletics Hall of Fame. Located in the Convocation Center, the hall of fame is a showcase of the best athletes to play for NIU. Students should trek out to the Convo for a closer look at some of the athletes the Northern Star sports section has been featuring in the ‘Top 50 Huskie Athletes of All Time.’

6) The Hillside Restaurant, 121 N. Second St. The Hillside is worth a visit just to eat inside their quaint and cozy establishment. They specialize in comfort food such as baked beef lasagna, chicken alfredo and eggplant parmesan.

7) Record Rev, 817 W. Lincoln Highway. With iTunes, illegal downloading and file-sharing, many students quickly abandon the idea of actually buying music in a brick-and-mortar establishment. For one last chance to dig through CDs and records, however, students should visit Record Rev before its doors close Sunday. Dig through the vinyl, search through the used CDs and experience music in a tangible way.

8) The Lagoon. Students should take advantage of the warm weather the end of April is presenting DeKalb and walk to the lagoon. The grass is green, the tall trees on the west side of Castle Drive are beginning to blossom and the geese are plentiful.

9) The Thai Pavillion, 131 E. Lincoln Highway. For students looking for a taste of Thailand without leaving the country, get ready for a cultural experience for your taste buds. Go in with an open mind, an empty stomach and an appetite for curry.

10) Area golf courses. Many students don’t realize how many quality golf courses the city of DeKalb and surrounding area offer. River Heights Golf Course, 1100 S. Annie Glidden Road, and Buena Vista Golf Course, 131 Buena Vista Drive, are close to campus. Students studying for finals should take a break and play a round.

There are obviously DeKalb landmarks that were omitted from this list; it would be impossible to include all of the great establishments that DeKalb has to offer.