Claremont Walking Distance Weekend Activities!

Do you consider yourself a busy student? Do you work hard all week, hoping that your sweat, blood, and tears will pay off in the form of weekend free time? Do you want to go out on the weekends, but don’t believe that you truly have enough time to enjoy yourself? Well, you might not have a whole day off to travel to Los Angeles, but I bet you have at least a couple hours to enjoy yourself! Listed below are a several food-places, bars, shops, parks, and free activities worth checking out — ALL within walking distance:

Food

Cheese Cave: A mere 15 minute walk to The Village, this little shop is a great place to visit when you feel like fancy-fying your fridge. They sell a grand assortment of cheeses, meats, and complimentary wines, in addition to unique gift packets. The $10 ‘snack pack’, is their cheese plate of the week, consisting of 3 cheeses, dried fruits, and crackers. The Cheese Cave is worth visiting at least once before you complete your Claremont undergraduate education.

I Like Pie Bake Shop: Located also in The Village, and close to the Cheese Cave, this British themed bakery specializes in a particular pastry — pies! Every day the bakers make fresh, individually-sized sweet and savory pies to sell to awaiting customers. They sell gluten-free and vegan items too. Some noteworthy Fall 2015 seasonal sweet pies include: pumpkin praline with cream cheese, mixed berry, chocolate sin, and 7-layer bar pie. Delicious!

Bert & Rocky’s Cream Company: A dessert shop in The Village, this shop is well-known for their inexpensive, homemade ice creams. Aside from their traditional cups of ice cream, Bert & Rocky’s also sell enormous drumsticks, saltwater taffy, candied apples, and a variety of American candies. Definitely drop by after finishing dinner in the village.

Other Delectable Food Shops: Some Crust Bakery & Cafe, Augie’s Coffee House, Crepes de Paris, 21 Choices, Yogurtland

Evening Restaurants and Bars

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant: Neighboring Trader Joe’s, this restaurant is a mere 15 minute walk west of HMC. With each dish serving at least 3 people, it’s best to go to Buca di Beppo in a group. The maze-like design of the restaurant gives the place a unique European vibe. Be sure to check out the desserts — especially the Colossal Brownie Sundae — and keep an eye out for coupons!

Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant: Back in The Village, this hybrid club-restaurant opens only Thursday – Sunday, 6PM – 12AM. Though located in a little nook, on the 2nd floor of the Packing House, Flappers Comedy Club’s small, intimate atmosphere is perfect for comedians and their audience. For birthdays, admission tickets are free for the birthday individual and 5 friends, with a minimum 2 item order per person.

(NEW!) The Whisper House: Only a few months old, this new American burger and bars restaurant is a worthy substitute to the famous Eureka! burger and bar. Located down in The Village, The Whisper House is already known for its trendy interior design and chill atmosphere. If applicable, be sure to check out their extensive alcoholic drinks menu!

Other Savory Restaurants: Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine, Petiscos (Mexican, Portuguese, Spanish cuisine), Bua Thai, King Kong Sushi

Shops/Boutiques

A Shop Called Quest: A haven for fanboys and fangirls, this little gem of a store stocks graphic novels, action figures, posters, shirts, and art books. Their one-time $20 payment membership gives members 20% off all comic purchases and 10% off graphic novels. If you’re ever perusing through the village, A Shop Called Quest is definitely worth visiting.

Kindred Spirits: A 15 minute walk from HMC, Kindred Spirits specializes in spiritual goods and healing services. Their shop sells handmade incense, soaps, candles oils, elixirs, pendants, stones, and crystals. Palm readings are also available for the ever-curious individual.

Heirloom: Worried about getting memorable gift for your friend? Please visit Heirloom, down in The Village, to find an impressive array of handmade jewelry, cards, home decor, books, and personalized gifts.

Other Novel Shops: Rhino Records, The Grove Vintage, Unearth Malee Organic Soaps

Parks

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden: One of the largest botanic gardens dedicated to Californian native plants (86 acres), this garden is only a mere 10 minute walk north of HMC! Though there is a $6 entrance fee for students, there are also special FREE days year-round. Paid and free (self-guided, bird walks, and wildflower walks) tours are available. Upcoming events include “Petals to Panoramas”, from now through till October 25th and “Things That Go Bump in the Night”, on Oct 23 and 24. For more events, workshops, and other information (there is a LOT), please visit their website!

FREE

For the ever-poor college student, there are a few “free” places worth visiting. When in need of a quiet place to relax and read for recreation, the Claremont Public Library is at your service. Some used books, CDs, and DVDs are also available for purchase at dirt cheap prices.

On Sundays, students can visit Claremont’s Farmers’ Market to taste local fruits and food items.

Claremont Pooch Park, Shelton Park, and Memorial Park are perfect for a sunny afternoon, reading, relaxing, or doing homework (we are students after all). If you are particularly missing your puppy back home, make sure to take a trip to the Pooch Park.

For more information on shops and restaurants in The Village: http://www.thevillageclaremont.com