FUN: A list of eight simple things to do around Riverside, at Poly, and in your own home that you will not want to miss.
By Clare O’Brien, Staff Writer
In times of hardship, or when it seems the world is surrounded by doom, it may seem difficult to find positivity. Don’t fret! There are plenty of fun activities around Riverside, Poly High, and even in your own home. Here’s a list of eight things that can help those of you who may be in a positivity rut.
Walk Around Downtown Riverside
Downtown Riverside is full of life and is a fun place to go with a group of friends. The antique store is full of odd knickknacks and makes for a funny conversation. Downtown houses Back to the Grind (a coffee shop where people can study), Piep ( a cute plant shop), Downtowne Bookstore, and Simple Simons (a beloved sandwich shop). It also hosts events that allow local people to feature their own products, which helps the overall community. Every first Thursday of the month from 6-9 is the Riverside Artswalk, which features local artists and musicians and makes for an enjoyable time. In addition, Downtown Famer’s Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30-1:30 and is a refreshing way to shop.
Take a Trip to Local Bookstores
For those quiet people (yes, I know you’re out there) maybe staying home with a book seems more appealing. For those people, I suggest going to a local bookstore to find a book that perfectly suits you. Cellar Door Books, located in Canyon Crest Towne Center, sells new books and has a wonderful staff that is open to help anyone with finding their new favorite book. If money is tight, Renaissance Book Shop is full of used books, and you can even take your own used books there for store credit.
Enjoy Nature!
Sometimes, all anyone needs to get out of their funk is to simply go outside and enjoy nature. With the growing conversation about climate change, seeing nature can remind someone how important it is to preserve the Earth we are lucky enough to inhabit. The UCR Botanic Gardens, open daily from 8-5, is home to beautiful plants and is a brilliant place to go with friends. For those who are more active, get up early on the weekend, and take a hike up Mount Rubidoux. This hike will allow you to clear your head, feel the fresh outdoors, and give you a sense of accomplishment
Take a Shopping Trip
After a-while, the same old clothes can feel boring, and the craving to buy new clothes settles in. A cheaper and more environmentally conscious way to shop is to buy from thrift stores. Thrifting allows people to find and explore their own unique style in an affordable fashion (ha! Get it?). Plus, there is an added bonus of finding clothes that no one else will own. Savers, open 9-9 daily, except for Sunday, is one of the largest thrift stores in Riverside and is near the Tyler Mall.
Treat Yourself to a Movie Night
One of the best ways to simply turn your brain off is to settle in, grab some popcorn, and watch a movie. Watching a movie can be done at home, but sometimes it’s more enjoyable to go to the theater. The cheapest option is available on Sundays at University Village 10, where all tickets are only six dollars. If you enjoy older movies, on Tuesdays University Village 10 features older films, and the Galleria shows them on Sundays and Wednesdays. The most unique way to enjoy a film however, is the Van Buren Drive-In.
Take a Day Trip
Everyone deserves a getaway. With the MetroLink, one can catch a train and visit a beach for the day. Often on Saturday MetroLink have a train that drops people off right at the San Clemente Pier where one can spend the day relaxing by the beach and walking aimlessly around the city. This slight change in schedule can allow one to feel refreshed for the upcoming week.
Join an Uplifting Club Around School
School is truly what you make of it, and if you have to be there for 180 plus days, it only seems natural to join interesting clubs around campus. There is a club for everyone on campus, and if there isn’t, then you and a friend can make one. Poly already has Amnesty, a human rights club, GSA, a place for people in the LGBTQ+ community to talk about issues safely, Key Club, a place for people to help the town, Zine, a magazine full of students artwork and writing.
Remember All Things Pass
This phrase, although cliche, has some truth to it. Life is full of hardships, and high school can be rough. If you are in a tough moment in your life, try to remember that it is just that – a moment. Life will get better, no matter how bad it may seem now. So, fight for that moment when everything fits again. When smiling is easy, when the songs on the radio are for you, when the food is full of flavor, and when the love is filling your body, because that moment is closer than you might think.