Welcome Back to Lincoln: What to Do?

This is an exciting time. We are BACK TO SCHOOL! Now that you are all back, let’s talk about some things to do even with COVID-19 hanging around.

Lincoln is a foodie town. Many different local restaurants are open with seating inside. Village Inn is a great breakfast and brunch restaurant that is just down the street and has dine-in seating all day. You can also dine-in at IHOP for those late night cravings. If you like pizza, you need to try Mellow Mushroom, Blaze Pizza or daVinci’s. They have many different pizzas and a whole bunch of other goodies with various seating options.

There are more than just restaurants open. Book stores, like Barnes and Noble on O St, are a great place to go for any books you need or if you just want a good place to relax. If you have a green thumb, visit one of the many Lincoln garden centers that sell any kind of plant you could want. Campbell's Nursery and Earl May Garden Center are two great options. Both have outdoor areas that provide space and fresh air to make your shopping experience COVID-19 friendly. 

If you are a village student, or live in the dorm and like to cook, and need to find a grocery store, Lincoln has many choices. There are plenty of places like Whole Foods, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Target and Aldi that can fit any budget. 

Of course, if you have not gone to the two best places in Lincoln, you are missing out. Goldenrod Pastries and The Mill are two of my favorite places to go and they are just across the street from Union College. Goldenrod Pastries has some of the best lemon bars, macaroons and cinnamon rolls I have ever had. It has a beautiful environment to chill in and some of the best sweets around. The Mill is an incredible coffee shop with a great vibe. The coffee is great, the people are nice and it’s a fantastic place to go and study. Goldenrod Pastries is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Mill is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Even as the pandemic persists, these are a few places around Lincoln that are fun and safe spots to go. Thank you for coming back to Union and being a part of the Lincoln community.

TJ Pittinger is a Sophomore

Theology Major from

Gilson, Illinois