I’ve lived in Moscow since August 2019, when I started my freshman year at UI.
Charmed by its small-town feel and college-town convenience, I’ve come upon the mindset that anyone who doesn’t love Moscow simply isn’t looking hard enough.
When I was asked to edit this year’s Best of Moscow insert, I was inspired to think back to some of my favorite parts of living here.
I’ve enjoyed reading a book at Cafe Artista to appear to onlookers as an intellectual. I’ve picnicked in East City Park and hammocked in the Old Arboretum. I’ve indulged in mixed drinks and karaoke at John’s Alley, then followed up with any dish involving hollandaise sauce at the Breakfast Club.
Best of all, though, has been the company found by sharing experiences.
Since I started college in 2019, my freshman year was cut short. I was ousted from Moscow for several months, and everything was different when I returned.
It became harder to make the connections that I was seeking. The necessity to take precautions couldn’t offset the disappointment from isolation at college.
As Moscow has become more lively in the last three years, it has become all the more evident that the people here make the difference.
Let this serve as my thank you to all the baristas in town who know how to make a mean London fog, the event planners who inspire festivities all year long, the country bands that make my small-town heart sing and everyone else who makes Moscow feel like a second home.
The best part of Moscow is finding your people.
As a student or a longtime resident, there’s likely some niche of our town you have yet to explore. Best of Moscow could serve as a place to start.
In all truth, though, the joy and growth provided by Moscow can never be contained in 12 pages.
Check out the Best of Moscow here!
Katie Hettinga can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @katie_hettinga