Visiting friends at out-of-state schools can be intimidating and make one feel like an outsider. When my best friend came to visit me for my birthday, I was worried she might feel out of place or not be able to fully experience the authentic Oberlin atmosphere. Once she got here, however, all of my worries vanished. If anything, having her here made me realize how perfect a place Oberlin is. Here’s a rundown of all the spots we hit, making my birthday weekend the best, most perfect Oberlin weekend I’ve ever had.
Day One:
Coffee in Cleveland after the airport was our first stop. We chose Roasted Tremont, a dog-friendly board game cafe, to set up the mood; with fall-themed drinks in hand, we took on the drive back to Oberlin.
Next, we took on Coop Introductions. Hark lunch, consisting of black beans, zucchini, and flatbread, was the perfect nourishing follow-up to our coffee adventure. Seeing my Hark friends get along so well with my hometown bestie was magical.
To pass the afternoon, we set up a picnic in Wilder Bowl. With snacks, coloring books, and a speaker, we had all the entertainment we needed. Friends leaving Mudd and Wilder came and went, adding to the exciting energy. To top things off, TGIF by the Sco brought the popcorn and music.
To continue our picnic and eating-themed day, we had a takeout picnic dinner/birthday celebration for dinner in Tappan. After our sandwiches and tator tots, we devoured my birthday treat of choice, brookies. By this point in the night, it felt as if my best friend were an Obie herself. She fit in perfectly.
To end the night off, we went bowling at The Cat. Though I may lack coordination, my friends always bring out the enthusiasm in me. Things got extra fun when the big lights turned off, the disco lights turned on, and the speakers started booming.
Day Two:
Given the big day ahead, we started our Saturday at Slow Train Cafe. I simultaneously felt like I should be pulling out my laptop and getting locked in, as well as being back home in Brooklyn, relaxing at a local café.
Next stop was the last weekend of the Oberlin Farmers Market. With live music to set the ambiance, we bought some beautiful flowers and perused the produce (no vegetables were purchased).
Hark lunch was pancakes and quiche, a characteristic brunch meal that, again, felt like a back-home meal. At this point, my friend knew the routines and where to line up; she looked and sounded like a true Harkian.
For digestion, a small group of my friends headed out for a walk in the Arb. We collected flowers, built a fairy house, and engaged in some general prancing and frolicking.
If the eating theme here is not already clear, we refueled with some smoothies from Aladdin’s. Though I usually think of Aladdin's as a sit-down restaurant, their take-out options for a quick snack are super convenient and tasty, especially their mango smoothie.
For our final daytime excursion, we headed to Main Street Antiques. Almost two hours flew by as we carefully inspected the contents of each room and floor before I got caught up upstairs reading an antique book about the practices of Victorian women. My two successful outing qualifiers were met: fun was had, and a room decor purchase was made.
To end off our Saturday, we hit the ‘Sco for disco night. We put on our cute outfits, followed by our dancing shoes, busted a move or two, played some pool, and took some cute pictures. All in all, the perfect night to end a perfect weekend.
