By Alissa Martin ’27
Just a few blocks away from Pomona’s campus is a great escape: the Claremont Village.
I spend a lot of my time in the Village, enjoying a variety of activities—from exploring the farmers market to catching a movie at Laemelle Theatre. Some of my favorite treats include Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries from Ethan’s and mango oolong boba from Nobibi—both absolute gems that make every visit better.
Whenever I’m lost in thought, I like to take a walk through the Village, particularly at night. Sometimes the silence of the night and the cool embrace of darkness are all I need to quiet my mind. One night, I wandered into a store and ended up talking with the owner about —well, I’m not even sure what—for nearly an hour. It was one of those unplanned moments that reminded me just how much community exists beyond campus.
Brick walkways, string lights, and warm storefronts give the village a charm that feels both timeless and personal. In the spring, the farmers market buzzes with color and music. In the fall, the air cools, and the scent of coffee fills the streets.
The Village can be a place of solitude or connection. Whether it’s grabbing lunch with a friend or grabbing a snack with a professor, every moment holds a memory. When campus feels overwhelming, the Village offers a space to breathe, reset, and remember that there’s a world beyond midterms and group projects.
Over time, the Village became more than a destination. It became a reminder that beauty and calm exist in the ordinary, and that sometimes, all you need to do is slow down.
