Moscow consignment store stocks retro threads

A day well spent is often a day well adventured. In this same endeavoring spirit, Rylie and I thought it might be wise to hop on the Wheatland Express and explore Moscow once more, so we met up in the morning and got on the bus just in time to leave Pullman.

Because our stomachs were getting the best of us, we made an unplanned stop at Moscow Bagel on Main Street to refuel before continuing our browse of the city.

Upon being greeted by the aromas of steamed bagel concoctions and fresh ingredients, my thoughts were consumed by the prospect of an "Egg McMahon" feast, loaded-up with scrambled egg, sausage and choice American cheese -- all sandwiched on an everything bagel.

When we went to check-out, one of the guys working there asked me where I procured my ancient Wrangler western shirt. He asked if I made the purchase at The Storm Cellar, as he thought he'd seen the shirt there recently. I politely replied that I had found it at a second-hand store in Walla Walla over the break...but "Storm Cellar? What's that?" I asked. The employee told me that it was a consignment store and to go and check it out. Located near Sister's Brew, it wasn't more than a 70-80 second stroll away, so Rylie and I made the small trek.

When I first set foot in there, I was greatly blown-away. Maybe it was the fact that everything I ever look for in a reasonable thrift store was all that was available there and in good stock and condition, or possibly it was how clean and orderly the store was, but overall I made an instant connection with the store. Imagine the best finds you've ever uncovered in a second-hand store or consignment store. Now imagine that all of those finds were centrally located in one store -- a store featuring hand-chosen items that are all worthy of garnering your attention. Maybe it's odd to compare a consignment store to an album, but The Storm Cellar is basically the 'greatest hits album' of second-hand stores without a doubt.

And, to complete that thought, just as I had picked out the shirt I was wearing in second-hand store as one picks out a diamond in the rough, I found what was basically the cousin to what I was wearing (a quick peak to the right in this photo might explain that one a bit better.) Point proven, I think. This store basically has it all -- Vintage SLR cameras, folk instruments, retro house-ware type stuff, hats, shoes, boots, local goods and crafts, and other desirables. If you get a chance, stop in there. The prices are really affordable and the amazing finds are abounding.

After taking it all in, Rylie and I headed over to Sister's Brew to sit, relax and drink coffee. Nothing beats unwinding from a week than chilling in a coffee shop on a rainy afternoon with good coffee and good conversation. Overall, the trip was good and an ideal, fun and inexpensive way to spend a Friday.

Stores Worth A Visit

The curious side of me seems to win out when I'm wandering the sidewalks in a town other than my own. Without a doubt, a must in most small towns when it comes to acquiring a good sense of the local culture is store-browsing. On my most recent trip to Moscow, my checklist was fully checked, most of those items being all about scoping out little shops:

1. Enjoy a steamed "everything" bagel loaded with premium ingredients at Moscow Bagel and Deli
2. Search for the perfect read at TJ's books
3. Hunt out antique cameras, retro art and ideal apparell at the Salvation Army
4. Sip Mexican Hot Chocolate and enjoy good conversation at Sisters' Brew
5. Swing by Moscow Co-op and make a mineola tangelo purchase
6. Attempt to proficiently play expensive guitars at Guitar's Friend
7. Inquire about bear mace and browse the outdoor gear at Hyperspud Sports
8. Catch the 3:35 bus at St. Augustine's back to Pullman

A Commuter's Perspective

When the stress of school begins to set in and the idea of spending nearly every waking minute on campus seems to be less of a threat and more of a reality, the best remedy to this dilemma can be found none other than in a quick trip out of town—specifically to Moscow and, of course, when the chance opportunity arises. Fortunately for WSU and U of I students, accessing free transportation to and from Moscow/Pullman is as easy as simply waiting for the bus with student ID card in hand.

The Wheatland Express offers commuter transportation between Moscow and Pullman; it’s free fare, part of the transit fee paid before the start of each semester. With several stops in Pullman and more than a few on the U of I campus, the Wheatland Express is both a resource for those looking to be commuters and those looking to find a free ride and a potential means of adventuring across the border.

Maybe it's the draw of being able to lounge on the way to an afternoon of strolling through a scenic downtown, or just the prospect of not paying to get to Moscow and having a full day to spend doing unplanned activities that is the attraction of riding the bus. If you're interested in being random, enjoying a day outside Pullman or maybe just both, the Wheatland Express is certainly a recommended option for getting you there. Few things come as close in satisfaction to good traveling than riding a free transit with good company and the intention of having enough fun to fill a couple of days, and all the while not breaking the bank.

You can catch the Wheatland Express commuter bus Monday through Friday, with the exception of on holidays. To learn more, visit http://www.wheatlandexpress.com/commuterbus.html for information about stop times and places.

Goin' Greek

Looking for a bite to eat that won’t leave a dent in your pocket? If that’s you, like most of us fellow coug’s, then check out Mikey’s Greek Gyros on Main Street in Moscow, Idaho.

Located literally minutes away from campus, this locally owned restaurant provides delicious Greek foods at a very low cost. It’s retro décor and wide open space provides a great place to catch up with friends over lunch while also enjoying one of their many rotating beers on tap.

Although their menu selection focuses mainly on gyros, Mikey’s also offers other Greek cuisine classics, including soups made from scratch.

With their combination of a friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere paired with good food at low costs, what is there not to love?

527 S Main St
Moscow, ID 83843
(208) 882-0780

Devine Dining

It would be hard to find someone to argue the fact that Pullman is the epitome of a college town. Although it is a place we all share a deep love for, we can’t deny the fact that it is a small city surrounded by wheat fields and everything far from urban.

Being that we are in, well, the middle of nowhere, how can we expect to find a nice place to take a date, or maybe remind us of our former city lifestyles? That is where Moscow’s restaurant, The Red Door, comes into play.

Located less than fifteen-minutes from our college campus, The Red Door is a fancy, quaint restaurant that offers an intimate setting and amazing cuisine.

The restaurant prides themselves on their fresh ingredients and custom recopies, serving foods they claim as being part of the “slow movement” that stems from Italy. Their dinner menu includes everything from pastas and salads to seafood and poultry.

So whether you are looking for a dining experience unlike most places in the Palouse, or maybe somewhere new to enjoy appetizers and cocktails, The Red Door is an excellent place to be.

215 S. Main
Moscow, ID 83843
Reservations 208.882.7830
info@red-door-restaurant.com