I have spent the last four years exploring Laramie, which wasn’t necessarily where I wanted to end up for college; however, after discovering some of the hidden gems here, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sushi Boat
There has always been an unspoken debate about where the best sushi in Laramie comes from. Is it Niko? Mizu? If you said yes to either, you must not have ever tried Sushi Boat. It isn’t unheard of for people to not have tried Sushi Boat, because, if we’re being honest, it looks kind of sketchy from the outside – it is connected to a Travelodge. I was a little skeptical the first time I went to Sushi Boat, but after trying the veggie tempura roll that all changed and now it is the only sushi spot I will go to.
Big Dipper
Everyone loves a good ice cream shop, and that is exactly what Big Dipper is. Not only is the ice cream really creamy and delicious, it’s a local business, which is always great to support. The atmosphere is an additional plus as well. It is a very cute shop in downtown with a large window in the front of the store that makes for prime people watching. Ice cream is something that takes time to consume, so it’s nice to have a shop with both good ice cream and a solid atmosphere.
The Alibi
Now, this one might not necessarily be a “hidden” gem per say, but regardless it is a staple in Laramie that you have to go to. The obvious reason for it being such a staple would be the fact that their pizza is some of the best I have ever had – and I have had a lot of pizza in my lifetime. It is made in a wood fire stove, which makes the crust perfectly delicious. If you don’t check it out on the basis that they have some of the best pizza in town, be sure to go for the live music aspect. The Alibi is probably one of my favorite music venues in Laramie, with the only downside being it is outside. However, that makes for something really special in the summer when you can eat some delicious pizza outside while listening to some free tunes.
Chuck Wagon
The Chuck Wagon falls into another category that usually ends up being surrounded with much debate. The question at hand is usually: Prairie Rose or Chuck Wagon? By no means am I saying that Prairie Rose is not a supreme breakfast spot, but I feel that Chuck Wagon is left to live in the shadow of Prairie Rose when it is just as good of a breakfast spot. The pancakes at Chuck Wagon are affordable and huge, not to mention incredibly fluffy as well. If you are a common Prairie Rose goer, try stepping out of your comfort zone by giving Chuck Wagon a chance.
The Herb House
This one made the list because it is one of my personal favorite spots in downtown Laramie. If you are a tea drinker and you have not been to The Herb House, maybe reconsider that. This is the best spot in town to get all of your tea needs filled, as well as a solid place to start when gift shopping for Christmas or birthdays. This shop also has some of the nicest employees I have ever encountered and they are always willing to help you find what you need. It is definitely a shining example of the people in our wonderful community – and the tea is delicious!
The Greenbelt
I did not discover the greenbelt until my junior year at UW, which is pretty sad when I think about it now. The greenbelt is such an underrated beautiful spot in town that everyone should visit at least once. There are a lot of open spaces to play fetch with your dog or a nice river to walk next to with a friend. One of the best parts about living in Laramie is how beautiful of a town it is; especially with nice weather and the greenbelt, it is the perfect place to spend the occasionally nice spring afternoons.
