Hidden Gems

Best spots around town

Everybody knows about the big stores in town like Dunkin’ and Starbucks, but what else is there in town, and why do people go? Many students go downtown in order to switch up the scenery. Students like Audrey Tang enjoy going to town because she finds it peaceful and “a good break from the stressful environment at school.” “I like exploring places with my friends and going on adventures,” says sophomore Katie Tantillo.

Personally, my favorite spot in town is Karma, an Asian-fusion restaurant located at the second stop. Whenever I feel like I need a break from the dining hall food, I go to Karma with my friends. (Hands down, they have the best gyoza and the best basil fried rice). I love going around town to try different food places and find new study locations. My favorite study spot is Caffè Nero because the environment is really cozy and, in addition to Caffè Nero having my go-to drink, an iced mocha, it helps me concentrate. 

According to Amrita Tromge, Main Street Bistro has the best açaí–her “guilty pleasure because they're overpriced but worth it.” Main Streets Market & Cafe is another restaurant Annika McNulty recommends for tea. Hudson Altschuler, a town regular, approves of Haute Coffee and states they have great food. Valerie, a local, says the “avocado toast is good for a Sunday brunch.” History teacher Mr. Hitzrot loves the Concord Market. He enthusiastically declares his love for the guacamoles and announces that “Concord Market has really yummy fruit juice beverages.” And in case you’re wondering, according to Mr. Hitzrot, “They’re mostly juice, NOT corn syrup!”

For any miscellaneous items, freshman Scout Onley enjoys going to Walgreens with her friends; when asked about what she and her friends do with the items they normally buy from Walgreens, she proclaims, “We make slime.” Cynthia Ngugi, a freshman, advocates for CVS, saying, “Everything I need is there; Food, supplies, water.” Her favorite items to buy at CVS are the frozen meals.

For all pizza lovers, Concord definitely has some of the best pizza shops. Matthew Yoon loves Sorentos, naming it “the best pizza place.” Sam Foster enjoys Comella's, where he always gets pepperoni pizza. Fiorella's Cucina is another option that Katie Tantillo recommends for going to when you are craving some pizza.

Overall, leaving campus and being able to visit other places is a nice way to include a little sense of adventure into our daily lives. Next time you go to town, try to branch out and visit a new store or restaurant!

Allison Luo