Brady Vinlove/The Mossy Log
While we are fortunate to have a gorgeous campus full of fun corners to hang out or study, living on-campus without a car can feel like being stuck in a bubble, especially during weekdays. I can only enter the cell-like library study rooms so many times before I feel myself yearning to see the outside world. But, this isolation is truly a mental roadblock. With some eagerness, time and a willingness to take the bus, you can get to some exciting places to study, eat, shop or just wander around.
Multnomah Village
Despite not being a real village as its name implies, this walkable neighborhood is still full of whimsy and adorable spots to visit. The main area is confined to about three blocks, making it the perfect place to explore during a free afternoon. Of course, it features a quaint little coffee shop — Village Coffee — a comfy place to hunker down with a delicious pastry and warm beverage. Another potential study spot is Fat City Café, a classic American diner with comforting favorites and amazing cinnamon rolls. The Multnomah French Quarter food cart pod is just down the road for some quick, global bites. However, in my opinion, shopping is where this neighborhood shines. Sarah J. Handmade is a tucked-away boutique full of crystals, jewelry and clothes perfect for that liberal arts student vibe. Gifts are abundant at stores like Thinker Toys, Annie Bloom’s Books, and my personal favorite, Peachtree Gifts which sells candy, adorable accessories and trendy trinkets. The surrounding neighborhood is delightful to stroll around, with its charming houses and gardens. To get to the area, simply take the Otterbus (formerly the Pio) and request the Barbur and Hamilton stop. Then, take the TriMet westbound 44 or 45 lines, which will drop you off in the center of the village.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
If you are looking for somewhere thoroughly different from campus, this urban center is the perfect place to go. Pioneer Courthouse Square is known as “Portland’s living room,” serving as the main gathering spot for the city. With an outdoor amphitheater and plentiful trees framing the brick sidewalks, the square and its surrounding area can be a fun place to grab a quick snack or sit and watch the passersby. My favorite study spot is a few blocks up Southwest Yamhill Street: the Multnomah County Central Library. The first time I visited, my jaw dropped at both the architectural and intellectual beauty — the library was built in a Georgian style, featuring neoclassical columns and a rich usage of marble and wood. If you need to romanticize studying to actually lock-in, this is the place to go. If the sad Troom chicken tenders have been tasting too stale, stop by Pioneer Place Mall for some Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and window shopping — it is the one Cane’s in all of Oregon, so be prepared to wait in a line. The Portland Food Hall near the river offers a grand space to sample different cuisines and relax. I would also recommend a little urban walk near the waterfront at Tom McCall Park. Portland is truly a gorgeous city full of unique architecture, greenspace and people. One of the best parts about this area is that it can be easily accessed by the TriMet 35 line that runs from the Law School.
South Macadam Avenue
For a shorter escape, head down the hill to South Macadam Avenue, a spot shaded by trees with a quiet urban feel. If you need to get some work done, head to St Honoré Boulangerie, a local French bakery chain with a standard coffee menu, rotating seasonal drinks and a beautiful selection of pastries. Zupan’s Market, a specialty market focusing on quality ingredients, is nearby and is an alternative (though slightly more expensive) grocery store to the boring-old Fred Meyer. They also offer an excellent deli section for any lunch cravings alongside a small counter to sit and enjoy your meal. Another French establishment in the area is Cafe Du Berry, which provides delicious brunch, including a decadent French toast. After you are done eating, get some exercise in at The Circuit Bouldering Gym, home to the rock climbing team’s practice spot. Alternatively, you can wander the surrounding hilly neighborhood and admire the beautiful flowered yards. This is the quickest spot to get to on this list, just taking around 25 minutes between walking to the stop and hitching a ride on the TriMet 35.
Next time you have some free time during the week (or you decide to cancel your own class), check out what Portland has to offer beyond our forested hill.
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