Moscow: a bucket list

In most college towns, things don’t stay the same for long, with a wave of new faces entering and leaving every year it’s no surprise that from the outside Moscow seems a bit different each and every time you visit.

But to those of us who spent four — maybe even five — years in Moscow there are some things that haven’t changed, and I hope never do. 

Bagel Shop Steamed Cookie 

From my first-year to now my fifth-year, Moscow Bagel & Deli has always been a staple in the community and in my life. With hours from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. on the weekends and 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. most other days they’re literally always there for you. Whether it be for a morning bagel on your way to work, or the more likely option of a filling meal after a night at Moscow’s local bars, you can count on Bagel Shop’s doors to be open. 

And if for some reason you haven’t entered under the green awning of Bagel Shop don’t let the name trick you into thinking that bagels are all you can expect, with one of their signature items being a steamed cookie. 

Now I know what you are thinking, a cookie? Steamed? At a bagel place? Yes. You read me correctly. And don’t even think to not get the cookie steamed. With a large chocolate chip cookie — or one of the other enjoyable flavors — wrapped in aluminum foil and then put on the “bagel press” if you will, the foil is served to you open with a fork as eat a warm gooey cookie that truly takes you back to your childhood.

Grub Truck 

Now Grub Truck is not the most longstanding Moscow tradition, but I think it is one that will stick. Just like their mac and cheese. 

Long lines for cheesy mac can be found hanging outside the Garden Lounge on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as passersby dwindle outside of the Garden and straight into line. And while you may assume that their lines are only filled with hungry intoxicated college students — not a bad assumption — even younger underaged students make the 11 p.m. trek to downtown for mac and cheese and maybe even a desert burrito. 

The Arb

I’m no spokeswoman for the university but if I could sell you on one point it would talking walks through the University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden or fondly known as The Arb. 

While I know UI’s campus is stunning, I sometimes forget about one of our most gorgeous parts, The Arb, old or new. It offers a great place for students who may not have cars to get outside and be with nature but not have to stray too far from campus. 

The Arb itself has many traditions in itself, one thing that most students do — though not sponsored by the university — is sledding off the Golf Campus hill on the side of The Arb in the winter once snow hits. 

From senior photos, to long walks and class projects I’m sure you’ll find a reason to head to The Arb and if you haven’t hopefully this story will be that reason.

On Top of the World

With an elevation of 2,579 feet Moscow is not technically the top of the world but that doesn’t mean we can’t have our own top of Moscow. As you head out on highway 95 towards Lewiston, if you make a sharp left turn on what looks an abandoned road you will get one of the most stunning sights Moscow has to offer. 

With a view of all of Moscow and the Palouse this spot is perfect any time of day. Offering a golden view of the Palouse and its rolling hills in the day and a light up downtown Moscow in the evening leaving you want to shout, “I can see my house from here!” 

On Top of the World is a great trip with friends, for a date night or honestly just by yourself. Seeing the views Moscow has to offer is great no matter who you are with. 

Sliding down the Escalator 

Now this tradition while not sanctioned was fun while it lasted, but it seems to be one of the traditions that won’t be lasting. The U.S. Bank on Main street used to be the happening spot for a fun night and a rite of passage for most 21-runs. 

You may wonder how a bank could be such a great spot? Well the escalator of course, sliding down the U.S. Bank escalator late at night is something I have had the pleasure to do a many of times in my five years living in Moscow. 

Now whether or not this was the deciding factor in the U.S. Bank closure, we may never know but it was something that truly shaped a generation — at least mine.

But while having our own personal slide right next to the Garden Lounge was a stellar opportunity, I can understand why the U.S. Bank may have not enjoyed our late-night mischiefs. Especially after one sliding caused a mass causality to U.S. Bank’s glass door. 

Alex Brizee can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @alex_brizee