Leap (Day) for Joy: 5 Great Ways to Spend Your Extra Day
Ever wish you had more time on your hands? Well this year you do! 2020 is a Leap Year, meaning that we all get an extra day on February 29th… and it falls during Spring Break! So, what are you going to do with your Leap Day? Take a leap of faith and join us as we explore the 5 best ways to spend your Leap Day in Chatham’s hometown of Pittsburgh!
1) Learn Something New
Just because class isn’t in session this Leap Day doesn’t mean that there aren’t tons of opportunities to learn right here in the Burgh. Polish up your artistic eye by going to The Frick for an exhibit on Early 20th Century Art Jewelry, or hit up favorites like Randyland, The Carnegie Museum of Art, The Mattress Factory, SPACE, and The Pittsburgh Glass Center. Or sharpen your brain by stopping in The Heinz History Center , The Clemente Museum, or The Center for Postnatural History. Many of these museums are free or discounted for Chatham students!
2) Have a Cozy Day In
Stop by The Jennie King Mellon Library for a good book and read it while you sip on a warm coffee from Café Rachel! Cuddle up in your dorm with a show or movie (Leap Year is perfect for celebrating!). Write a letter for your future self to be opened on the next Leap Day, or help your current self out by using this extra day to catch up on work.
3) Attend an Event
There’s always something going on both on and off-campus here at Chatham! On Leap Day, The Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks Leap Year Wooing Contest will be held just a short walk from campus on Murray Avenue. Keeping with the tradition of women proposing marriage on Leap Day, competitors will be given a scene from one of Shakespeare’s most romantic plays or a selection from love poetry to read. Or attend a classic Chatham event like therapy dogs in The Carriage House, movie screenings in Eddy Theater, or cheer on the Cougars at a game!
4) See the Sights
Take a walk around beautiful Shadyside campus and look out over the city behind Buhl. Or, use your Chatham ID to get a free ride on the Duquesne incline for a stunning view of Downtown. Take a stroll through the beautiful plants at Phipps Conservatory (Chatham students get in at a discounted price). Check out Canton Avenue, the steepest road in the US, or see the giant ball of Jeep parts outside of The Children’s Museum. Ride the T to the North Shore, and take a look at the largest aviary in the country at The National Aviary !
5) Experience the Yumminess
Squirrel Hill has some of the best food in Pittsburgh. Just a 15-minute walk from Shadyside Campus, it’s perfect for a hungry student on Leap Day! In the mood to try something new? Stop by T-Swirl Crepes for their famous crepe combos, or the Ramen Bar for their renowned noodle soups. Have a sweet tooth? Gaby et Jules has dreamy French pastries and Waffalonia has legendary Belgian Waffles. Try out Adda Tea or Commonplace Coffeehouse for a refreshing drink. Or, get the classic Pittsburgh experience by grabbing a bite at Pamela’s Diner.
Whether it’s Leap Day or just any regular day, there is plenty to do here at Chatham University and in Pittsburgh. You don’t need an extra 24 hours to squeeze some fun in with your studies; you can explore all year long! Check out the full list of 140 Things to Do at Chatham here and see how many you can check off before the next Leap Year!