Homecoming weekend is upon us and alumni will be gracing the SMU campus with their presence once again. Although alumni may be quite familiar with the Boulevard, they may want to be introduced to the latest and greatest spots near campus.

This weekend will be filled with many activities for alumni, but if they’re searching to relive their college days, do something a little different or just want to see what’s new in the area, this is their go-to guide.

EATS

DIGG’S TACO SHOP

6309 Hillcrest Ave.

SMU’s new best friend. Digg’s is the newest restaurant in the cursed space on Hillcrest, the space that has housed several businesses. Unlike previous businesses, Digg’s is here to stay. Try their mahi mahi tacos or their burrito bowl, grab some queso and treat yourself to a margarita. Save some room for dessert because their doughnut holes are delicious.

CRÈME DE LA COOKIE

6706 Snider Plaza

Ever since Crème de la Cookie set up shop inside Snider Plaza, just a short walk away from JD’s Chippery, a war has ensued. Friends have split over where to go for a chocolate chip cookie. Crème de la Cookie has the new neighbor, and they even have a new cake ball stand in Northpark Center. Everything is mouth-watering delicious, from their cookies, cake balls and cupcakes to even their coffee.

VAPIANO

5319 E. Mockingbird Ln.

In the mood for Italian food? It goes like this: patrons are handed a card at the front, patrons walk up to the station of their choice (pizza, pasta or salad), order, swipe the card. When you’re done eating, bring the card to the register where they will get the card back and you’ll pay. It’s a quick and delicious meal for a decent price, and both their pizzas and pastas are great.

TWISTED ROOT

5609 SMU Blvd.

This is the coolest place to grab an awesome burger and an adult beverage. The chefs at Twisted Root are not your average burger flippers. They make authentic menu items with meats including elk, buffalo, turkey, lamb, ostrich, kangaroo…the list goes on. They also have outdoor seating as well as a bar with plenty of large screens to watch a sporting event..

PHO IS FOR LOVERS

5521 Greenville Ave.

The newest Dallas food trend. First frozen yogurt, then cupcakes, now pho. A traditional Vietnamese soup, pronounced “FUH,” is a healthy and delicious soup with your choice of meat, plus noodles, lime, basil and sprouts. The inside of Pho is for Lovers is small and casual, making it a great spot for an inexpensive, quick meal.

YUMILICIOUS

6627 Snider Plaza

The new Snider Plaza location of Yumilicious makes getting your froyo fix much more convenient for everyone. Instead of having to drive to the uptown location, patrons can now walk across the street to Yumilicious in Snider Plaza. Their flavor selection is great, and if you check-in on Four Square, you get a discount.

DRINK

BARLEY HOUSE

5612 SMU Blvd.

Barley House screams SMU tradition. Head to their porch and grab a beer with a friend. If you aren’t at the game, shame on you, but you can also catch it on the big screens over at Barley House. It’ll almost be like you’re there.

PEOPLE’S LAST STAND

5319 E. Mockingbird Ln.

People’s last stand is a new cool bar and restaurant located in Mockingbird Station right next to Trinity Hall Irish Pub. Their cocktail list is great with items like mojitos and caipirinhas. They even serve food including paninis and salads. If you’re not into cocktails, they also have a wine list and a good selection of beers. The theme is the people standing up to corporate America: think no ads, no brand names, just an original, creative atmosphere.

TO DO

BRACKETS

5330 E. Mockingbird Ln.

Brackets puts the fun back into restaurants and bars. They have two ping-pong tables, a shuffleboard and big screens to watch the games. Either way, Brackets is a fun alternative to your run-of-the-mill bar.

BEATS PER MINUTE

6915 Hillcrest Ave

After all that eating and drinking, you may be in the mood for an exercise class. Beats Per Minute is a new pilates studio to grace the SMU area, offering 50-minute pilates classes involving the newest and best reformers in town. Expect your muscles to quiver, your body to pour sweat and to leave feeling stronger and more flexible.