Elite Entertainment on A Student Budget

My fellow U of M students, we have a confession to make: We all live in the Twin Cities, yet most of us manage to never wander much further than Moos Tower or Eddy Hall. We run the same routine every week. Same food, same bars, same stroll. And, after a while, Dinkytown starts to seem, well... dinky.

It is time to take the bold step off the curb and onto the bus. Use that U-Pass to take you somewhere other than class! It is time to explore a whole new town... downtown. Turns out that skyline view of the city from Coffman isn't a mirage after all. In fact, it is filled with the best restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment around.

I know that's a bit intimidating. It can be overwhelming to try and navigate a new place, especially on a budget. That is why I have mapped out a flawless plan for your night out on the town.  A walk through the luminous street lights will be just the beginning. It will soon be followed by fine dining, and excellent entertainment.

Sounds expensive right?

Wrong.

Yes, you will look expensive, and yes, you will feel expensive, but I swear you won't have to give plasma for this night out on the town. It can actually be very affordable.

Just follow along.

So, first things first - gentlemen, get those slacks out of the back of the closet.  You know, the ones you wore to your cousin's wedding a few months back. And ladies, it's finally time to slip into that dress you bought months ago but haven't had an occasion for yet.

Perfect. You look great!

Now that you are ready to go, there are tons of buses that go downtown from campus! Just check out http://metrotransit.org/  and you will find one that will drop you off in the heart of the city in less than 15 minutes.  Oh, and not to mention, because you used your U-Pass, the cost of transportation was free!

Now it is time to fill up at the fabulous Solera. This exceptional Mexican style restaurant has a dinner menu that has over twenty selections that cost less than a ten dollar bill. And lucky you, it is conveniently right next to the Orpheum Theatre, where you will be headed next. (So it is ok to have a happy hour... or two.)

Ahhhh, now that you have feasted, it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a show. And, because you are a student, you can get $10 rush tickets to see a Northrop Dance performance at the lavish Orpheum Theatre. What. A. Steal. This season is full of amazing shows.  I highly suggest the modern Wonderland or Snow White performances.

Wasn't that a marvelous evening? All for a grand total to $20 or less.

-Allyson Taubenheim
Marketing Intern, Northrop Concerts and Lectures