Since Scrabble’s inception in 1948, the board-and-tile game has advanced in design and structure to make gameplay easy for all. The first edition, dating back to the 1940s, featured a completely flat, thin board, with letter tiles made from laminated plywood. Today, over 20 different editions make the game customizable to any player’s needs. However, Hasbro’s Deluxe Travel Edition (2010) ranks highest on my list because of several vital features.

As a college student, it’s important for my luggage to be easily transportable from home to school. Luckily, the Deluxe Travel Edition folds neatly in half with convenient indents on the top that act as handles. I can carry the board around from place to place with one hand, a feat not possible with the older, much bulkier boxes.

Additionally, all pieces can be stored in the two drawers found on the bottom half of the board. There’s no need to make extra room in your luggage for a huge box when everything you need, minus pen and paper, fits in the compact board.

Lastly, and in my opinion, most importantly, the bottom side of the board features four small wheels, a game changer for game night. The board’s ability to rotate means no players have to move from their seats, allowing everyone to get comfortable and focus on their next move. The tiles fit nicely in their place on the board, so no tiles go flying when the board is spun for the next player’s turn.

All around, the Deluxe Travel Edition of Scrabble is perfect for all, but especially college students because of several features that make moving from one location to another uncomplicated. I highly recommend adding this game to your list.

Pickleball is a game for all ages and skill levels, but where you play can make the experience even more special. For me, Joe C. Davidson Park is the best place to play pickleball, even if it doesn’t feature traditional pickleball courts.

The courts at Joe C. Davidson Park are tennis courts with pickleball lines painted on them, which means it can get a little confusing. However, what these courts lack in perfection, they make up for in charm. One of the standout features is the lighting, allowing you to play after the sun sets.

What truly sets Joe C. Davidson apart is its vibrant community. It’s a local hub where players of all skill levels come together to enjoy the game. Playing here gives you the chance to meet fellow enthusiasts, learn from more experienced players or simply enjoy the sport.

Personally, these courts hold a special place in my heart. Joe C. Davidson is where I learned the game, improved my skills and created some of my favorite pickleball memories. The friendships I’ve made and the joy I’ve experienced here outweigh the imperfections of the court itself.

While it may not be perfect, I believe that pickleball is about more than the game — it’s about the connections you make and the memories you create. For that reason, Joe C. Davidson Park will always be my favorite.

Circle K may be where customers get the occasional Polar Pop fountain drink, candy or chips, but they may miss out on a specific meal option the store provides. 

Living on campus for my first two years, I always wanted to venture off-campus and find a new food to obsess over. The first semester of freshman year was a time of Cook Out milkshakes and Wam Bam bagels — until I found myself hungry after a class in the School of Communications. 

I realized I was hungry for something small, so I decided to pick up a snack at Circle K. I walked by the hot dog station several times as I entered the store, never noticing how many hot dogs Circle K carried. After seeing a sign for a meal deal that came with a Polar Pop, hot dog and bag of chips for only five dollars, I decided to try it out. I grabbed the clear tongs that sit on the hot dog roller, picked up a jalapeno cheddar hot dog, and carefully placed it in a potato bun. I walked around the corner and found a plethora of condiments, to which I added relish, ketchup, and mustard. 

I can wholeheartedly tell you that experience began my love for Circle K hot dogs.

Even without the meal deal, the hot dogs are just over two dollars, including tax. The multiple flavors make a hard decision each time, but I am never disappointed with my decision because they are all delicious choices. The store provides a wide selection of condiments behind the hot dogs and even has take-home packets. 

I have made all my friends and family, including my mom, try the infamous Circle K hot dogs. To my surprise, most of them have liked it. Due to the taste and efficiency of this hot dog, I fully believe that this deserves a ‘staff pick’ for Best Of 2025.