While the majority of what you will need can be found on campus you might be wondering what is beyond the Ridley College gates. There will be times when you will venture off campus to a great restaurant or to grab a coffee with friends or to go to the movies. Our summer student and Ridley grad Nick has compiled a list of the top ten places around campus that you will likely visit.
#1. Tim Hortons: A Canadian tradition! If you are not familiar with Tim Hortons yet you soon will be! Every international Ridleian becomes an honorary Canadian after setting foot in Tim Hortons or Timmies as it also known as. This coffee shop is walking distance from the school and a very popular pit stop. You can guarantee you’ll run into another Ridley group on your journey to Timmies.
#2. Sushi (Real Sushi): Although there are countless restaurants in the Ridley area, almost every single year a group of students has some sort of traditional Sushi place where they all gather to feast on all-you-can-eat Sushi. This is a great place to go for a break or celebration on a Saturday night after the busy school week is done. Although it is walking distance, most people will find taking a under $10 cab back to school or to the movies a viable option.
#3. Marble Slab: A new addition to the Ridley Students directory of eateries. Marble Slab (finally) opened a store within walking distance of the school and although before it was on the Movie/Pen Center end of town and therefore much more of a tasty treat after the movies, now it’s a lot easier to get your hands on and will soon become synonymous with a Timmies or Starbucks run.
#4. Starbucks: Starbucks is a common coffee spot within walking distance of the school. It’s a great place if you want to go and sit with friends in a café-style environment. Usually the first and/or last stop when going to Walmart or Superstore.
#5.Walmart: Being the closest multi-purpose store in the walking distance area, Walmart is a very popular go-to spot for stationary, food, and other shopping needs. It’s an easy walk after school if you’re running out of laundry detergent.
#6. Superstore: Superstore is also in the shopping area that is walking distance from the school and is a more food-oriented stop for boarders and students looking for snacks.
#7. Pen Centre: The Pen Centre is our local St. Catharines mall which has dozens and dozens of clothing stores, food chains, and other popular shopping needs. This is a $10 cab ride from the school and always a go-to spot for the weekends if you can’t find what you need in the Walmart/Superstore area.
#8. Movie Theatre: The movie theatre is probably the most popular of the entertainment available in St. Catharines (besides food). Ridley provides a movie shuttle bus that brings students to and from the movies/Pen Centre on Saturday evenings (it is only a $10 cab away if you wish to go at another time). The movie theatre is connected to the Pen Centre and it is almost guaranteed that every weekend there will be a group of Ridleians there.
#9. Frescos: Frescos is another popular restaurant in the area which is a regular spot for boarders to bring their families for a meal or two when they come to visit. A very nice Italian restaurant which is walking distance. Some of the houses also host house dinners at this restaurant during the Christmas season or for a special occasion.
#10. Nails/Hair: There are many nail and beauty salons within walking distance of school and around the Pen Centre which are frequented by many of the students.
