1. MARY’S AFTER MIDNIGHT

Mary’s Kitchen is a local restaurant that’s a popular hangout after midnight for both party-goers and people-watchers. The breakfast food is delicious and the characters you’ll see make the experience enjoyable every time. The chocolate chip pancakes will blow your mind, whatever state it may be in.

2. LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES

LBL is a short 30-minute drive from Murray and is worth the gas money. There are miles of trails and lakeside property to roam and explore – it’s too close to forego the opportunity. And while The News doesn’t condone trespassing, some people say that the view from the top of the water tower is pretty great, too.

3. MAMA NANCY’S CABS

Take a Mama Nancy’s cab ride and have a heart-to-heart with your driver. The drivers are an eclectic bunch that will generally give honest answers to any question. If you’re lucky, the real Mama Nancy will show up – make sure to ask her about the craziest drives she’s ever made.

4. UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED EVENTS

Murray State is the home of some incredible traditions and events that are enriching experiences students won’t find anywhere else. All Campus Sing, the philanthropy event hosted by Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha, is the closest thing to “Pitch Perfect” most people will ever see.

5. OVC TOURNAMENT

Racer basketball is something the University is known for and the men’s team travels to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament in Nashville, Tenn., almost every year. Hundreds of Racer fans from all over the country travel to watch their team compete for a bid to the NCAA Tournament. It’s like Homecoming in March, and in a bigger city.

6. VICTORY LAP: OPTIONAL

While it’s encouraged to finish your undergraduate degree in four years, it’s not required. Murray State and the City of Murray offer enough hidden gems to keep some students, faculty and staff coming back year after year. This list is expandable, so make the most out of your time here. It’s what bucket lists are all about.

Compiled by Kayla MacAllister, Staff writer