Slider Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash With fall break fast approaching, many Bethel students are looking forward to a moment to step back from school and relax. But for many students, the Mishawaka area is a vast, untamed concrete jungle. Here to help, the Beacon has done some asking around and discovered these top ten Michiana attractions for your fall break outings: 
10. South Bend Farmers' Market – First up on our list, we have the South Bend Farmers' Market. Located at 1105 Northside Boulevard, the farmers' market is a great place to go to get local produce or just enjoy the sights. It's best enjoyed in groups. 
9. Kroc Center – The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, run by the Salvation Army, is an incredibly well equipped recreation center. With a full gym, indoor pool and rock climbing wall, there are plenty of activities to go around. Day passes for adults start at $10, with an additional $2 deposit for use of the rock wall equipment. Located at 900 W Western Avenue, South Bend, Ind. 46601. Additional information is available at http://www.mykroc.org/ 
8. Sky Zone – Sky Zone is every Bethel student’s favorite trampoline park. Imagine a room made completely of trampolines...and you've got the idea. Activities include Freestyle Jump, SkySlam, Ultimate Dodgeball and the Foam Zone. Hours are from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and 60 minute passes are available for $15 per person. Located just up the road at 5604 Grape Road, Mishawaka Ind. 46545. Additional information available at https://www.skyzone.com/mishawaka 
7. South Bend Chocolate Shop & Factory Tour – The South Bend Chocolate Company has been crafting delicious sweets since 1991. Their downtown café is located at 615 N Michigan St, South Bend, Ind. 46601. However, a truly unique opportunity is the chance to tour their factory at 3300 W Sample St, South Bend, Ind. 46619. You can see how treats from turtles to truffles are made locally. Basic tours are free, with additional tour options available at https://www.sbchocolate.com/tour/ 
6. Cinema – Movies are always a welcome diversion from ordinary life. Pictured is the AMC Cinema in South Bend, picked for fairly cheap tickets. Current shows include: "The Lego Ninjago Movie," "Spider Man: Homecoming" (Yes...still), and "Flatliners." 
5. Pumpkin Patches – Various fall themed farms are open this time of year, with activites from corn mazes to life-sized Lincoln logs. Recommended by the student body is A-Mazing Acres in Edwardsburg, Mich. Admission is $10. Additional information at http://a-mazingacres.com/ 
4. Home – Yes, believe it or not, some of you may want to simply go home. There’s nothing wrong with that. Several members of the student body highly recommended spending time with your family. And what’s the harm in a nap here or there? 
3. UP Mall – The University Park Mall is a staple of the Mishawaka area. Inside are multiple department stores such as Macy’s and JCPenny’s, as well as more unique stores like Hot Topic or FYE. There is also a Barnes and Noble and the local Apple store, to suit even the most (or least) hipster among us. Located at 6501 N Grape Rd, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545 
2. Entertainment Centers – Arcades and bowling alleys are still alive and kicking amongst the Bethel community. A particular favorite is Strikes and Spares (pictured above) for its close proximity (5419 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545). Other alternatives include: Chippewa Bowling - 225 W Chippewa Ave, South Bend, Ind. 46614 Putt-Putt - 3615 N Main St, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545 
1. Parks – What's better during the crisp fall weather than a walk in the park, literally? Number 1 on the list is Mishawaka Park system. Some favorites from the student body include Saint Patrick’s Park, George Wilson Park, and of course, the Mishawaka Riverwalk. So there you have it, a comprehensive list of activities in which to partake this fall break. We hope this helps you make the most of your upcoming long weekend. Have fun, and remember, you're halfway there, students!
10. South Bend Farmers' Market – First up on our list, we have the South Bend Farmers' Market. Located at 1105 Northside Boulevard, the farmers' market is a great place to go to get local produce or just enjoy the sights. It's best enjoyed in groups. 
9. Kroc Center – The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, run by the Salvation Army, is an incredibly well equipped recreation center. With a full gym, indoor pool and rock climbing wall, there are plenty of activities to go around. Day passes for adults start at $10, with an additional $2 deposit for use of the rock wall equipment. Located at 900 W Western Avenue, South Bend, Ind. 46601. Additional information is available at http://www.mykroc.org/ 
8. Sky Zone – Sky Zone is every Bethel student’s favorite trampoline park. Imagine a room made completely of trampolines...and you've got the idea. Activities include Freestyle Jump, SkySlam, Ultimate Dodgeball and the Foam Zone. Hours are from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and 60 minute passes are available for $15 per person. Located just up the road at 5604 Grape Road, Mishawaka Ind. 46545. Additional information available at https://www.skyzone.com/mishawaka 
7. South Bend Chocolate Shop & Factory Tour – The South Bend Chocolate Company has been crafting delicious sweets since 1991. Their downtown café is located at 615 N Michigan St, South Bend, Ind. 46601. However, a truly unique opportunity is the chance to tour their factory at 3300 W Sample St, South Bend, Ind. 46619. You can see how treats from turtles to truffles are made locally. Basic tours are free, with additional tour options available at https://www.sbchocolate.com/tour/ 
6. Cinema – Movies are always a welcome diversion from ordinary life. Pictured is the AMC Cinema in South Bend, picked for fairly cheap tickets. Current shows include: "The Lego Ninjago Movie," "Spider Man: Homecoming" (Yes...still), and "Flatliners." 
5. Pumpkin Patches – Various fall themed farms are open this time of year, with activites from corn mazes to life-sized Lincoln logs. Recommended by the student body is A-Mazing Acres in Edwardsburg, Mich. Admission is $10. Additional information at http://a-mazingacres.com/ 
4. Home – Yes, believe it or not, some of you may want to simply go home. There’s nothing wrong with that. Several members of the student body highly recommended spending time with your family. And what’s the harm in a nap here or there? 
3. UP Mall – The University Park Mall is a staple of the Mishawaka area. Inside are multiple department stores such as Macy’s and JCPenny’s, as well as more unique stores like Hot Topic or FYE. There is also a Barnes and Noble and the local Apple store, to suit even the most (or least) hipster among us. Located at 6501 N Grape Rd, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545 
2. Entertainment Centers – Arcades and bowling alleys are still alive and kicking amongst the Bethel community. A particular favorite is Strikes and Spares (pictured above) for its close proximity (5419 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545). Other alternatives include: Chippewa Bowling - 225 W Chippewa Ave, South Bend, Ind. 46614 Putt-Putt - 3615 N Main St, Mishawaka, Ind. 46545 
1. Parks – What's better during the crisp fall weather than a walk in the park, literally? Number 1 on the list is Mishawaka Park system. Some favorites from the student body include Saint Patrick’s Park, George Wilson Park, and of course, the Mishawaka Riverwalk. So there you have it, a comprehensive list of activities in which to partake this fall break. We hope this helps you make the most of your upcoming long weekend. Have fun, and remember, you're halfway there, students! 
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