7 New Spots to Check Out in Binghamton

Get a smoothie at Shake Smart

One of the best spots in The MarketPlace, Shake Smart offers healthy drinks and food options. Their smoothies are a huge hit, but they also sell açai bowls, snacks and other beverages. My personal favorite is the banana split shake. I strongly recommend!

Shop at Dick’s House of Sport

This gigantic store, full of clothing and accessories, is the largest store ever built by Dick’s Sporting Goods. The two-story building, which covers 140,000 square feet, is located at Oakdale Commons in Johnson City. Inside, there is a footwear department, climbing wall and batting cage. Outside, there’s a 17,000-square-foot turf field, surrounded by a track. It will be used as an ice rink in the winter. The first-ever Dick’s Sporting Goods store was built in Binghamton in 1948. Therefore, the Binghamton area now possesses both the first and biggest stores built by Dick’s Sporting Goods in the world.

Bike or walk the Greenway path

The Greenway path spans 2.5 miles along the Vestal Parkway. It is available to bikers, walkers and runners. There is a new bikeshare program at Binghamton University. There are 30 bikes located across four hubs on the main campus. You can ride a bike for up to two hours for free every day. Try this healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to driving!

Enjoy a drink at 7 Brew

Check out Vestal’s brand new coffee shop. They sell various drinks, such as coffee, tea, shakes and more. 7 Brew offers a ton of sweet deals, like free drinks and free t-shirts during certain parts of the day. This is actually the first 7 Brew in New York. Give this place a try when you’re thirsty!

Play on the new turf fields

The grass fields of the old are being replaced by the turf fields of the new. The fields used to be muddy and practically unusable during most of the year, despite their constant maintenance. Now, they’ll be available on a much more frequent basis! Dickinson’s field is already being used, and College-in-the-Woods’ field is currently being built. There will be new seating and lights that surround both fields. Check them out!

Shoot hoops or play tennis on the new courts

These new and improved courts are sweet! They can be found in the Hinman and CIW communities. The fresh lines painted on these blue and green courts make casual athletics aesthetically pleasing. As a frequent basketball and tennis player myself, this addition to campus has been extremely enjoyable.

Have a meal at 8-Bit Bites

This new spot in Johnson City has replaced the Red Robin Diner, which was in operation since 1959. It has great food and free games inside. They offer smash burgers, sandwiches, drinks and more. Give it a shot!

Shawn Ammann is an intern for the Office of Media and Public Relations, and a junior majoring in English. He is undecided on a career path, but is interested in screenwriting and sportswriting. He enjoys playing basketball, running, watching movies and writing.