From Bard, one sees mostly coniferous forests and the Catskills’ slow rise over the Hudson River. It’s a beautiful area, full of history and scenic opportunity, yet it’s markedly unpopulated. Most of the time, when looking for something to do, students head to the nearby towns of Red Hook, Tivoli, and Rhinebeck, whose native residents curiously, but unflinchingly, open their doors to the influx of Bardians each fall. All three towns offer a small variety of coffeeshops, restaurants, clothing and craft stores, as well as bars—places that, although quaint and out of the way, have come to comprise the student body’s perennial stomping grounds.
The major complaint at Bard is that the surrounding area is rural and boring. Students who come from cities like New York or LA will find themselves in a world previously thought untenable—a place without bright 24-hour lights and all-night clubs, where fruit stands and farmhouses line two-lane roads. Thus, people looking for big-city excitement need not apply. Most Bardians, however skeptical at first, come to appreciate the peacefulness of the area and take advantage of the great hiking and rafting available. Also, the town of Tivoli has developed a reputation as the perfect artists’ community—a small, friendly enclave full of painters, writers, and musicians—and a very appealing place of residence for both Bard students and grads. The quaintness of the surrounding towns can definitely be exhausted after about a year, but for many students, they are still a much-valued escape from the quiet of the campus. Trips to Target or the local take-out place become activities to look forward to.
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Local Atmosphere at Bard College
C-
Very Rural
There is little to no atmosphere around campus. A few restaurants and gas stations... not very connected to the school
Mar 19, 2012
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Local Atmosphere at Bard College
C
Uhmm Well....
Red Hook, the town next to Bard is pretty small and is literally like two miles wide. You'll usually get bored of it within the first two weeks of coming here but it does offer some interesting stores and very courteous people. As far as the other surrounding towns around Bard the same concept applies. If you want hustle and bustle you'll have to go farther away from the campus.
Jan 28, 2012
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Local Atmosphere at Bard College
C
I'd Rather Stay in My Dorm and Study
There isn't really much to do in the area. If I do eat off campus, I'll go to the nearby chinese restaurant, Golden Wok, or the pizza restaurant. There are better restaurants in Kingston, but it's very difficult to get there without a car. Not many parties occur either. It's just a pretty boring area. The college campus is the highlight of the area and not much occurs here either.
Jan 27, 2012
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User rating for Bard College - Local Atmosphere is
2.3 out of 5
based on 24 user reviews.
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