For most University of Wisconsin students, the views of sunny, sailboat-carpeted Lake Mendota from the Memorial Union Terrace can radiate enough pure joy to last a good several minutes. However, once out of the daze evoked by the unbridled glory of a glistening lake, students recognize the Terrace as the best people-watching spot on campus.

The sheer volume of human quality time spent on the Terrace makes for guaranteed great viewing. Whether one overhears snatches from the painfully awkward first date or spies on the lovely wedding in full swing, (sorry folks, rumor has it that the Terrace books up for weddings two years in advance), the people-watching market is vibrant.

As a classic UW-Madison gathering point, the Terrace provides the ideal venue to observe family visits, meet old friends and enjoy general merriment. Particularly during the summer, free concerts on the Terrace are frequent, providing a more traditional and slightly less stalker-like world of entertainment. But watching the 40-year-olds who drunkenly ascend the stage on hot summer nights to salsa is often as much fun as dancing yourself.

Students also enjoy great proximity to a variety of food options on the Terrace. Ice cream from the Daily Scoop is a big favorite (barring the obnoxious few minutes following campus tours when the lines swell with coupon-bearing prospective students and their parents), along with Lakefront on Langdon and the famous Der Rathskellar.