Norman — Café Plaid

333 Boyd Street

Situated on the very corner of Campus Corner, Café Plaid is a favorite hangout for students and Norman residents alike. This cozy cafe serves all different kinds of sandwiches, soups and salads – not to mention their killer cookies. Many nights, you can find students studying, drinking coffee or just hanging out with friends. Manager Jason Skeel says that there are three main reasons why you should check out Café Plaid.

“We make everything here fresh, from scratch,” Skeel says. “So our menu is probably the biggest reason to come. Secondly, the staff. You’re gonna get the top-notch service. And, you’ll feel comfortable here as a student. Probably 80% of our customers are students and faculty, so we’re almost like a student union.”

But a Notspot if: You’re in a hurry. There is almost always a long line during lunch.

Guestroom Records

125 E. Main Street

Guestroom Records is a must-stop for all music fans, and especially those who own a record player. Browse through hundreds of records, new and used, and check out new CD releases. There are also dozens of paintings for sale by artist Steve Keene, who specializes in recreating album artwork. Owner Travis Searle says that Guestroom’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a fun place to look around.

“It’s the only independent record store in the city,” Searle says.

But a Notspot if: You’re low on dough. Some albums can be a bit pricey.

Lions Park

450 S. Flood Avenue

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a big, open, grassy field. On nice afternoons, Lions Park is frequently host to games of ultimate frisbee and soccer. The park is located on Flood and Symmes, and while you’re there, you can also check out the adjacent Firehouse Art Center.

But a Notspot if: You’re allergic to bees.

The Diner

213 E. Main Street

The Diner could be defined as the ultimate hole-in-the-wall restaurant, with its tiny interior, friendly atmosphere and deliciously greasy food served in huge quantities. The Diner is open for breakfast and lunch.

But a Notspot if: You’re claustrophobic, or if you’re not really, really hungry.

The Union

900 Asp Avenue

The Union on campus shows free movies on Fridays in Meacham Auditorium, includes the OU-staple Crossroads restaurant and shows big sports games on its many TVs. What else could you need?

But a Notspot if: You don’t like a loud, rowdy atmosphere on a late Friday or Saturday night.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

555 Elm Avenue

The huge Sphinx statue by Fernando Botero outside the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art might cause a few confused stares, but inside the museum the staring is bound to be of a more pleasant sort. See works by Monet, Van Gogh, Bierstadt, Degas and many others. Michael Bendure, public relations officer, says that the museum staff likes to keep things fresh with lots of exhibitions coming and going.

“Students should be interested because it’s their museum,” Bendure says. “They get free admission every day, and the museum is right here on campus.”

But a Notspot if: You’re scared of the supposedly haunted red-eyed horse statue outside.

Native Roots Market

132 W. Main Street

This market provides a wide range of locally grown products and organic food. The items at Native Roots are hard to find anywhere else, so shopping here is a unique experience.

But a Notspot if: You don’t like to cook or if you love fast food.

Library Bar & Grill

607 W. Boyd Street

No, not the one with books, although that library is definitely a hotspot during finals week. This Library has great pizza, cheap drinks during happy hour and a secluded patio.

But a Notspot if: You don’t like being around 21-year-olds on their birthday.