If it’s one thing my friends love about me, it’s that I love shopping almost as much as I love playing basketball. (I have played on a team since I was four years old, so that’s saying quite a lot.) Towson has some of the greatest national brands, as well as local flavor, all within walking distance. Towson Town Center, located right in the heart of Towson, is the ultimate ‘it’ destination for one-stop shopping. With more than 200 brands, including Nordstrom’s, Apple, Victoria’s Secret, Bebe, and more, it’s a shopping paradise. Only five minutes away from there you’ll find the Shops At Kenilworth. While the rest of the center may be boring, the boutique South Moon Under draws everyone from local socialites to students looking for the hottest denim brands. For new, used, and local music, Record & Tape Traders, a local chain, always has the album you’re looking for. And, if you’re looking for something not from this century, all along York Road you’ll find some of the greatest vintage stores in the country. Instead of being left with overpriced garbage, you can’t find great dresses and t-shirts from other areas, only for a couple of dollars. It defiantly beats showing up to a bar and seeing someone wearing your outfit.

All this talk of shopping is making me hungry, and, if food is what you’re looking for, Towson is the place to be. Maryland is known for its seafood, and Towson doesn’t fail to deliver. Right on Loch Raven Blvd., The Crackpot Restaurant was founded in 1971, and hasn’t stopped serving crabs since. The Melting Pot, the ultimate fondue restaurant, is a great place for a date. Who doesn’t like the idea of chocolate-dipped strawberries? If you are in the mood to watch the game, or just want the best buffalo wings EVER, come to Bill Bateman’s Bistro on York Rd. It is located right off of Towson University, so you usually have to contend with some drunken frat boys. And if you thought their wings were worth it, try their burgers (my personal favorite).

If that wings craving kicks in late night, however, you always have the option of the equally addictive wings at Cluck-U, where they have a sauce so hot you have to sign a waiver. They deliver until 2 a.m., so, no matter when the craving strikes, they're ready with an arsenal of sauces and curly fries. Now, like every other college student, I’m a caffeine addict, so I guess I have to mention Starbucks. Sure, everyone has them, but how many places have a DRIVE-THROUGH Starbucks? Not many? Yea, I thought so. And how can I forget my favorite food group, sushi? Olive & Sesame serves not only some of the freshest sushi and Japanese food, but some of the healthiest, too. This way, you can eat yourself silly and still feel better then you would if you chowed down on those fries!

Once you’re done gorging, it’s time for the real fun to begin. If you have any cash left from your shopping spree and all-out dining experience, you should check out the Towson nightlife. The mecca of all music venues, the Recher Theater, is a local legend. With acts of all sizes, from international superstars to the local ‘soon to be famous’ musicians, the Recher is a great place to meet up with people and check out some great music. On nights when there isn’t a show, there are at least a dozen pool tables under the title ‘The Rec Room’, so you can save some money by betting on your games (you do have to win, of course). Casa Mia is great for a night when you want to go dancing with the girls, or even go hit on some girls. The Kent Lounge is the perfect place to take a date for a drink; the ambiance is very chill and they make some of the best martinis around. If you are looking for the opposite atmosphere, and are looking for a spot to check out a lacrosse game, the infamous Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille is a staple of Towson life. The drinks are cheap, the bartenders are great and you’re always guaranteed to have a good time, no matter what team loses.

Overall, I’d say Towson is the best of both worlds — it provides college students with everything they need to get by, but also allows them to feel like they live in their own town, outside the walls of the local universities. So, for those nonbelievers who think Towson is just some simple suburb, I dare you to come check it out. You may just end up never leaving!