Becca Johnson 

Sunny, Summer, Saturday Morning
(518 words)

            School is out and college students who stick around Moscow can find numerous outdoor summer activities. The weekend is a good time to ditch the car and join countless others on foot enjoying the perfect weather. Jog, bike, rollerblade, or simply walk around town.

The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail.   http://www.pullmancivictrust.org/Chipman.html

Instead of sleeping in on a Saturday, an early morning jog wakens your mind and gives your body energy for other activities. In order to beat the heat of the summer sun, jogging is best done before 8 a.m. The Chipman Trail is a paved path following an old railroad parallel to the Moscow Pullman Highway. Parking in Moscow is available at the Palouse Mall or on campus at the Student Recreation Center. Parking in Pullman, Washington, is available at the Quality Inn or on Derby Street near Koppel Farm. Follow the trail past city limits and you will find rolling hills, educational stops, and Paradise Creek once you leave the city limits. Avid runners can go all the way to Pullman for a full 16 miles round trip!

The Farmer’s Market.  May through October, Every Saturday 8 a.m. to 12p.m. Friendship Square, Downtown Moscow

After cleaning up, venture out again to visit the Farmers Market next to the former Moscow Hotel. Here, a parking lot transforms into a thriving bee hive of activity. Vendors from all over the region come to showcase their wares. Parking is limited so make sure to arrive early. If you don’t mind walking, park behind the Eagle Newspaper or in the Otto’s Produce lot. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

 Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables are available by the bag or box full. If you like flowers, pick up a vibrant seasonal bouquet on your way out. They will last almost the whole week well. Tomato, pepper, root vegetables, pumpkin, and many other varieties of healthy plants will get your garden started. Get there early though, because the plants and produce go fast!

If you’re feeling hungry, wander up and down the rows of booths filled with Indian baklava, Patty’s Kitchen’s homemade strawberry lemonade and tamales, or Wheatberries meat and cheese stuffed croissants baked fresh daily. Sister’s Brew and One World Café are within walking distance if you need caffeine.

Local artists feature paintings, drawings, bead work, tie-dyed clothing, and even peacock feathers. Done shopping? Wander over to Friendship Square to hear bands play anything from the blues, country, classical, and Celtic.

Patty’s Kitchen/Luncheon Spots. 450 W. Sixth St. (208) 883-3984

If you didn’t go to Patty’s Kitchen during the market, take your pals there for some of the best Mexican food around. Located near the University of Idaho campus, it is a popular destination for students and families alike. Order the satisfying chicken quesadilla with chips and salsa and a fountain drink for less than $10. The outdoor picnic-style bench seating and a spacious veranda make for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

After a busy Saturday morning, it’s time to go home and take a siesta.