<p>There are two areas of town where lots of students congregate: the area right northeast of grounds, which includes the Corner (collegetown shops/restaurants) and frats, and the downtown, which centers on a pedestrian mall with more shops, restaurants, and a performance pavilion where there is a concert every Friday except during the winter. The areas are maybe a mile apart and there are frequent trolleys between them. All the big box stores (Best Buy, Walmart, etc.) are ranged along 29 north in a series of malls and plazas; there’s bus access to these. The Shenandoah National Park/Blue Ridge Parkway is about a 20-minute drive to the west; my sense is that some students never get there but that those who like to hike or do other outdoorsy stuff go there a fair amount. I believe you need a car to get there. DC is about two hours away by car or train.</p>