Baylor Hot Spots: The Waco Suspension Bridge

The Waco Suspension Bridge is located at University Parks Dr. between Franklin Ave. and Washington Ave.  The bridge is found in-between the Indian Spring Park on the west side, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on the east side.

The Bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1870. It is complete with cable supplied by the John Roebling Co., who built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.  The bridge assisted traders and travelers for well over a century.  It has been used for many community festivals and events including the 4th on the Brazos celebration and Brazos Nights concerts.

Although it may seem strange that the suspension bridge is a “Baylor Hot Spot,” many students use the bridge as a place to take photos before social functions or any other special events.

 

Tortilla tossing is also a common activity that takes place on the bridge. Tortilla tossing consists of throwing tortillas into the Brazos while standing on the suspension bridge and attempting to land them on two large concrete pillars.  Students tend to get extremely competitive, turning it into a sport.  One of my friends decided to get creative one night by throwing eggs instead of tortillas.  The egg tossing proved to be much easier because the wind was no longer able to interfere. 

Along with all the purposes the bridge serves, it’s ultimately just a beautiful and special part of Waco.  Many people come and never really experience what makes Waco so unique.  There is a lot of history to be discovered if people would take the time to find it.

Baylor Hot Spots: Cameron Park Zoo

When moving to Waco, TX for school I had no prior knowledge of anything interesting besides Baylor to be discovered.  I had seen highway 35 and Baylor’s campus, and as far as I was concerned, that’s all there was.            

            I have always loved zoos and was ecstatic to find that the Cameron Park Zoo is actually clean and a great habitat for the animals found there.  I first went this zoo for a sorority function.   Theta’s Pledge Dance was held in the aquarium.  Although it may seem strange to hold a dance in a zoo aquarium, it turned out to be one of my favorite dances so far.

            The zoo holds special events, opportunities to volunteer and adopt animals, activities directed towards children and much more.  The zoo’s website includes all this information as well as photos and videos. http://www.cameronparkzoo.com/

            My first experience at the Cameron Park Zoo during the daylight was quite enjoyable.  I went with my Wildlife Ecology Lab and I really enjoyed seeing all the animals out and the beautiful natural landscapes developed specifically for these animals. The habitats were very clean and large enough to to accommodate the specific species. 
Upcoming Events Include:
Saturday, April 16- Beasts ‘n Blooms & Earth Day Too! Beasts n’ Blooms & Earth Day Too is an annual event where vendors from across Texas set up booths and sell their unique garden products or gifts.    Combined with our Education Department, Beasts n’ Blooms & Earth Day Too promotes environmental awareness and offers a variety of booths that demonstrate ways to help the environment.  Hands on activities, face painting, and demonstrations are held throughout the day for the kids so fun is had by all!
Sunday, May 8, 2011- M.O.M. – Missing Orangutan Mothers Awareness Event PLEASE JOIN US to HELP SAVE ORANGUTANS and their rainforest homes! Mother’s Day is the perfect day to celebrate and pay tribute to orangutan mothers. The M.O.M.– Missing Orangutan Mothers awareness event is our way of doing precisely that!
Event Hours: 11 am – 3 pm
Friday, June 24, 2011- Zoobilee Cameron Park Zoo is planning for a great Zoobilee again this year! Zoobilee 2011 is presented by H. Bruce Hamilton, M.D. This always fun party will take place on Friday, June 24th with the Patron Party, sponsored by Central National Bank, starting at 6:30pm. Be sure to dress cool and comfortable, and wear your dancing shoes! We will have all of the great restaurants from the Waco area providing the best food, and our mega bar will be sure to have your favorite beverage. Don’t miss the exciting Silent Auction, where you can score great finds while helping the Zoo, too! The theme this year is “Light up the Night,” which is exactly what we intend to do. Tickets will go on sale May 20th!
Saturday, June 25, 2011- KidZoobilee KidZoobilee is an evening of fun aimed at children ages 4-12. There is a Patron Party for the children from 5:00pm-6:00pm, where children may purchase a ticket for $ 50.00, have their name on a special children’s Patron banner, and best of all, not have to wait in line for food, games, and activities. The general admission party starts at 6:00pm and continues until 8:00pm. Children can enjoy bounce houses, games, water activities, face painting, lots of kid friendly food and drinks, and also receive an animal hat, a goody bag, a toy, and a water bottle as a parting gift. General admission children’s tickets are $ 25.00, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Unattended children will not be allowed to enter the gate. All adults must by a $ 25.00 ticket. Tickets will go on sale May 20th!

Baylor Hot Spots: Hearts N Crafts

Hearts N Crafts is another place around Baylor's campus where I really feel at home.  It has the same laid-back, fun vibe as Common Grounds.  The girls that work there are all so unique and creative.  I first discovered Hearts N Crafts during Line Camp before my first year at Baylor.  I instantly fell in love with the colorful decorations and friendly feeling the store provided. 

Hearts N crafts sells hand painted Toms, an endless amount of room decorations, accessories and a selection of clothing.  Many girls have also purchased their Baylor dresses at this store.  

 The Toms are probably my favorite part of Hearts N crafts. I think the idea of creating something that is completely unique is so refreshing.  

Hearts N Crafts is always packed with people on the weekends.  This is usually the first place girls take their parents when they are in town.  I know every time my mom comes to visit, this is the first place we go.  

Harts N Crafts opened in September 2002 as a college boutique inspired by girls who love bright patterns and crazy colors. After outgrowing their initial location in 2006, the moved into a 1950s house near Baylor University’s campus at 1125 S. 8th.

Luckily, my two favorite hot spots at Baylor, Common Grounds and Hearts N Crafts are right next to each other on 8^th Street.