After a long week of school, the last thing you want to do on a Friday night is hit the… After a long week of school, the last thing you want to do on a Friday night is hit the books. Instead, here’s a suggestion: Check out the most exciting place in Pittsburgh – the Waterfront.

Located about 20 minutes from campus by bus, the Waterfront is home to restaurants, clubs, shops, clothing stores and a state-of-the-art movie theater. The area continues to grow and add to its repertoire of shops every year. A simple ride on the 59U will take you and your friends to this one-of-a-kind destination.

Multiple trips to the Waterfront will be needed if you want to experience all it has to offer. However, if you have a couple of hours to kill, you might want to try this three-step plan for a night out: catch a movie at Loews Theatre, get something to eat at Uno Chicago Grill and finish the night off with ice cream at the Cold Stone Creamery.

Loews is considered by many to be the best theater in town. Loews Theater has about 20 screens that show everything from the newest blockbusting action flick to the soon-to-be-Oscar-nominated dramas. Admission prices are very competitive for a theater the size and quality of Loews. Tickets for evening movies are roughly $9 with matinees running about $5 to $6. Bring your Pitt ID to get $1 off your ticket price at night.

For those of you who don’t believe in buying your tickets at the theater, feel free to order tickets online at Fandango.com and pick them up inside the Loews Theater lobby. If you like munchies with your movie, Loews is the place for you. The concession stand at Loews is a marvel to behold, featuring your standard movie-sized candies, popcorn and slushies but also offering hot dogs and other combo meals for those who crave something a bit more filling. Loews recently put in an ice cream bar for those sweet-tooth cravings before the show.

Loews is also unique in the sense that, while it mainly caters to the mainstream movie-going public, it occasionally shows those hard-to-find “limited release” films as well. Loews is sure to satisfy everyone from the movie-viewing newbie to the most seasoned film buff.

If watching a movie gives you an appetite, then after your screening lets out, head over to Uno Chicago Grill, located at about a five-minute walk from the theater. Uno Chicago Grill has everything from your basic salads to your hearty entrees. The deep-dish pizzas there are the best you will find around – check out the four-cheese, deep-dish pizza with pepperoni on top.

Ignore your cravings for that personal-pan pizza on campus at the Schenley Cafe; Uno puts it to shame. Uno Chicago Grill also has the usual fare of appetizers, burgers and pastas. The dessert menu is to die for, offering delicious choices such as the warm chocolate chip cookie smothered in ice cream and chocolate sauce or, if you’re in the mood for something more traditional, the “All American” apple crisp. Order your dessert after dinner or save room for the final stop of the night: Cold Stone Creamery.

The Cold Stone Creamery does to traditional ice cream shops what Uno Chicago Grill does to chain pizza shops: completely embarrass the competition. Cold Stone is a unique ice cream experience that lets you literally choose what you want to enjoy. Choose a size cup or cone, select your flavor of ice cream and add in any kind of candy or mix-in you want; the Cold Stone employee will do the rest for you. If you aren’t feeling creative, Cold Stone has a long list of pre-selected flavors and mix-ins that you can order yourself. Cold Stone is a sure way to end your night on a sweet note.

While these three destinations provide a great sampling of the Waterfront, there is much more to see and do. Dave and Buster’s is an enormous video game arcade, bar and restaurant. While Dave and Buster’s is essentially one giant arcade, you must be 21 or older to go by yourself. If you’re between 18 and 21, you can go as long as you’re accompanied by someone 25 years of age or older.

The Waterfront is also an excellent place to go for all your daily needs. From Giant Eagle to Target, you’ll be able to find everything you need for campus living. Buy the latest CD of your favorite band at Best Buy or do your banking at one of the many banks in the area. Whether you visit the Waterfront for a night out at the movies or just a quick shopping trip, it’s sure to be worth your while.