Students take advantage of local businesses, shops

For a night to hang out with friends downtown or an inexpensive date in Ottawa, there are many options for students to choose from without having to travel out of town.

"Downtown I enjoy going to The Potter's Wheel to meet up with a friend or have a quiet study time," Junior Sarah McAdoo said.

The Potter's Wheel, located at 205 S. Main, features a wide variety of specialty coffees, teas, milkshakes, smoothies and pastries.

The Potter's Wheel owner Bill Hedrick said he has several OU students a week that come in, but he would like to see more. "To try to draw in the college students, I offer 20 percent off to students and faculty on Friday nights," Hedrick said. "Students often come here to do homework and use the free WiFi."

Ottawa Main Street Association director Katy Boothe said there is plenty for people to do in downtown Ottawa for a good price, including one of her favorites. "The best kept secret in Ottawa is Allegre's burgers," Boothe said.

Allegre Pharmacy, 304 S. Main, features their $5 bacon cheeseburger and blue cheeseburger as well as milkshakes and other food items.

Local music also can be found in Ottawa. On Wednesday nights, music can be heard flowing out of the doors of The Potter's Wheel. "Once a week local musicians come play an open acoustic jam session from 8 to 10," Hedrick said. Nigel's Bistro, 208 S. Main, also offers Jazz music on Wednesday nights.

The Crystal Plaza Theater, 209 S. Main, offers their matinee movie price on Tuesday nights for $5.50. They also offer a deal on Monday and Wednesday nights to get dinner at the Sandbar and a movie for $10. The regular movie ticket price is $7.

McAdoo, who grew up in Ottawa, said she also takes in the scenic parts of Ottawa by riding her bike in Kanza Park and on the Prairie Spirit Trail that runs through town.

Boothe said she is actively working on getting more OU students downtown. "Right now we are working on getting an OU page on our website," Boothe said. For information about Ottawa and what the town has to offer, visit www.ottawamainstreet.org.