eslite,
If you plan on studying Engineering at Lafayette, you will not have as much freedom to explore the curriculum as other students. Take, for instance, the standardized curriculum outlined for prospective B.S. Chemical Engineers:
http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~chemeng/lab.php. As you can see, there are very few available slots for elective courses.
You might consider Lafayette's Bachelor of Arts degree in Engineering. Check out the standardized A.B. Engineering curriculum here:
http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~abengrg/cur_model.php. As you can see, there are more opportunities to take courses outside of the department. A.B. Engineers can earn a minor in another field quite easily, as they have greater freedom in their studies.
Easton has some great restaurants, and more seem to be opening up all the time. As we speak, billions of tax dollars are being fed into the city to make it more student and tourist-friendly. There are great little antique shops, bookstores, and privately-owned coffeehouses (just to name a few attractions).
You are right, though, that many students can't even find the time to get off campus. In addition to keeping yourself occupied with schoolwork, it's up to you to get involved in as many clubs/activities/sports/jobs as you can handle. Trust me...it sometimes feels like there just aren't enough minutes in the day to do everything! It is very easy to keep yourself busy (sometimes TOO busy!) at Lafayette, so no worries there.
All the best,
- Justin