City by the River (By: Megan Michael)

Now, I want you all to envision a quiet place, maybe in the middle of an orchard. You sit peacefully as the sun warms your body and while the gentle, cool breeze brushes through the fruit trees filling your nose with a sweet scent. Awe, breathe it in. Riverside is the place to be.

So as many of you know, Riverside was once known for its many orchards, particularly orange trees. Hence, the Annual Orange Festival and the murals of oranges painted through out the city. Very exciting, I know. Anyway, I was thinking that with so many new students this year perhaps it would be a good idea to just run through some info for the kiddies. You know, just some fun little facts they can throw out at parties.

For instance, I feel it should be noted that Riverside produces more than just great oranges. Other natives to the Riverside area include Reggie Miller, Adam Kennedy, Barry Bonds, Travis Barker and Hilary Duff. Okay, so maybe not Hillary Duff! In any case, Riverside breeds some pretty cool people, myself included. Now, did you know that there's over 20 Starbucks within six miles of our campus! Shazaam!

Besides, Riverside has a prime location. We're about 45 minutes from the mountains, desert and ocean. If you can't wait that long you can always visit the city's own Mt. Rubidoux. However, if trekking the 773 feet to it's peak sounds too exhausting, you can splash around in the Santa Ana River, which runs through the city. Except seeing how it’s really just a way for sewage and rainwater to meet the ocean, it is really not all that advisable.

So in a few days from now when the weekend rolls around and you find yourself saying "there's nothing to do." Hop in your car and jump on the 91 east, then drive two off-ramps to the Riverside Plaza and eat at my favorite restaurant... Chipotle’s. Or you can drive two off-ramps in the opposite direction (west) and come visit me at my job by the Tyler Mall. But if this isn't enough and you're STILL feeling really adventurous, I mean crazy, out-of-your-mind inquisitive, drive about 11 minutes east from here and visit the World's Largest Paper Cup. I won't say anything other than that. Just go see it! You'll be happy you did.



Meggie Michael

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