Booze, books and beaches for the broke college student
Coverage by Cameron Kast, Sydnie Kobza and staff
Spring break is amongst us and if you’re like most of The VanCougar staff, you too, are still here in Vancouver. While your friends and family may be out of town on a tropical vacation, our staff has compiled a list of 10 things you can do right here in Vancouver to make the most of your spring break!
1. Road trip to the beach
Vancouver is only an hour and a half from many popular beaches. Some staff favorites include Cannon Beach, Lincoln City and the seaside town of Astoria.
2. Explore the Portland Saturday Market
The market is currently open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3.Take a hike
The Columbia River Gorge has various hikes for all different skill levels. For beginners, we recommend Angel’s Rest, and for those looking for more of a challenge can try Cape Horn or Hamilton Mountain.
4. Go swing dancing
On Sundays, Stumptown Dance offers introductory lessons at 7:30 p.m. at Norse Hall in Portland, before the dance that starts at 8:15 p.m.. There is a $10 cover charge and a $2 discount if you show your student ID card.
5. Rock on at a local concert
Upcoming shows in Portland include: rock band Metric on March 14 and 15 at the Crystal Ballroom, as well as DJ Big Wild on March 15 and indie pop artist Andrew McMahon on March 16 at the Roseland Theater.
6. Host a game night with friends or family
Gather your friends for a fun night of board, card or video games. VanCougar staff members recommend Betrayal at House on the Hill, a clue-like game where you explore an old mansion and eventually reveal a traitor in your group. Another suggested game, Ticket to Ride, is an easy to learn family train game where completing train routes and matching colors is the way to score points.
7. Catch up on shows
Spring break is a prime time opportunity for binge watching your favorite shows, or starting a new show altogether. Re-watch old episodes of Game of Thrones before the final season premieres on April 14, or rewatch The Office for the hundredth time. Regardless, spend some time relaxing and enjoying the beauty of cheap entertainment.
*Editor’s Note: If you are under the age of 21, skip to #10.
8. Try a new brewery
For all the beer lovers out there, we recommend trying a new brewery. The VanCougar reporter Cameron Kast enjoys Victor 23 brewing on St. Johns Blvd in downtown Vancouver. Two of Cameron’s favorites from the the brewery is it’s Skyjacker IPA and Extortion imperial stout. In Portland, Breakside brewing has an array of tasty beers as well as a few tasting rooms in the area.
9. Make a new mixed drink
First up, for all the gin lovers out there, is the Gimlet: A tasty drink with gin and lime.
Recipe:
2.5 oz Gin
½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz of simple syrup
Garnish: Lime Wheel
If you are looking for a sweeter fix, try a Malibu Sunrise. Made with orange juice or pineapple juice and Malibu rum, this colorful drink is a sweet and tropical fix for a warm day.
Recipe:
ice cubes
3 to 4 oz of orange juice
2 oz Malibu Coconut Rum
Grenadine, drizzled
Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Pineapple and/or orange slices, for garnish
If you want something sweet but not as overpowering as a Malibu Sunrise, try a Mojito: A refreshing, minty lime drink that is easy sipping and easy to make.
Recipe:
10 fresh mint leaves
Half of a lime, cut in to four wedges
Two tablespoons white sugar or simple syrup (to taste)
1 cup of ice cubes
1.5 fl oz of white rum
½ cup of club soda
Place mint leaves and one lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. Add two more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass with ice. Pour the rum over the ice and fill the glass with the club soda. Stir, taste and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.
Lastly, channel your inner dude, put on an ugly sweater and make yourself a White Russian.
Recipe:
2 oz vodka
1 oz Kahlua
Splash of heavy cream
Add vodka and Kahlua to glass with your desired amount of ice. Splash some heavy cream and enjoy.
10. Trade a book with a friend.
Last but not least, number 10 on our list is trading a book with a friend and discussing it with them. This is something that a few VanCougar staff have been doing for a few months now, and they say it keeps reading fun and interesting.
They have read books that they maybe would not have otherwise read, such as “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen and horror novel “Penpal” by Dathan Auerbach. This is the magic of trading books: you read things not usually within your “area of expertise.” While they may not always agree about the books, that just adds to the fun. It’s especially entertaining watching your friend completely change their mind about how they feel about certain characters.
Give some of these activities a try and have a fun and safe spring break, VanCougs!
Really good post.
Persuasion by Jane Austin is a great book. The movie is also very good.loved the gin recipies.