Ultimate Guide to Downtown Kent

If you’re tired of eating the same food every day in the dining halls and walking the same sidewalk to Rockwell every day, this guide just might save you from many afternoons of boredom. With Instagram-worthy spots around every corner, you’ll be sure to find a new backdrop to add to your feed, and have fun doing it. Downtown Kent might be small and overlooked, but after this guide, you will see it’s more than meets the eye. So, grab some friends to join you on your adventure to Downtown Kent!

But first, coffee.

Coffee is life, so you have to stop by my favorite coffee shops and get your caffeine fix. These places are the perfect studying spot when you’re tired of being on campus, or if you just want to relax with some friends in a trendy atmosphere.

Scribbles Coffee Co.

Scribbles Coffee Co. is a mom & pop shop that has organic espresso drinks, baked goods, and non-dairy options. They have a very laid-back atmosphere with a bookshelf filled with books you can borrow and board games to play while you chill on the couch with your friends. The best part is that you can draw on the tables while drinking your lavender latte. Yes, a lavender latter.

Tree City Coffee & Pastry

Tree City Coffee & Pastry has an industrial loft setting with a garage style door for a window. This hot spot has so much to offer, like organic coffee, beer, wine, homemade loaves of bread, peanut butter, and an assortment of pastries. It’s the ideal spot to study and work on papers, assignments, or read a good book.

Food, food, and more food.

Now it’s time for some good eats that will make you sad to eat back on campus.

Grazers

Grazers is the perfect place for lunch when you want something healthy to eat. They have something for everyone here, you can’t go wrong. They’re VG, V, GF and allergy-friendly and serve many organic and local options. Be sure to try the desert and quesadillas!

Fresco

If you’re in the mood for good burrito, go here. They accept flash cash, have a salsa bar, and provide plenty of options for a small budget. What more could you ask for?

Rays Place

This student favorite is the perfect place if you’re craving a burger with all the works. It’s also worth noting that their Cuban sandwich is delicious, too.

Twisted Meltz

You can probably get any type of grilled cheese combination here, even a grilled mac and cheese sandwich. They have a non dairy option also if you decided to bring a veggie lover with you.

Check out that view!

The best thing about Downtown Kent is the amount of public art and murals around the city. Which is the perfect backdrop for your photos! You can thank me later.

Lake Cities Train

Located in alley between Skullz Salon and Woodsy’s music shop, better known as Burbick Way, on South Water Street.

Love

Love Actually is all around, and it’s on the side of Scribbles Coffee Co. on N. Water Street.

Haymakers Farmers Market Mural

Check it out on Franklin Ave.

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FJKluth Art Gallery

This place is a quirky, eclectic gallery that even has a live band play. They feature exhibits, antique paintings, prints, artifacts. The gallery is open daily 10-6, Monday-Saturday and 2-6, Sunday.

We’re going shopping!

Every trip downtown needs to end in a shopping day!

One Love Yoga

If you need some relaxation and need to de stress, I recommend One Love Yoga Boutique. They have an incredible selection of good that will align your chakras for the semester and array of classes to get you Zen.

Einstiens Attic 

A neat little vintage/thrift store in Kent. They have an assortment of clothes, accessories, and crystals that will be sure to fill your need for a nostalgic or vintage look.

Haymayker Farmers’ Market

This farmer’s market is spread out along the railroad tracks/river in Kent. If you want some great food, local produce, then stop by Saturdays from 9-1.

What is your favorite thing to do in Downtown Kent? Feel free to comment below and share the article!

Featured photo source: twistedmeltz.com and elainehullihen.wordpress.com