Your professor has just dismissed you from class. You have gathered all your supplies and are finished for the day at Pierce College.
With your whole day ahead of you, you walk to the Metro stop and wait for a bus.
Stepping on the Metro Line bus is a daily standard for an average of over 1 million people on weekdays, according to Metro.
With stops running through Woodland Hills to North Hollywood for a price tag of $1.50, it provides a great service to the community.
But for the Pierce student with an open agenda, where along the bus route should you go?
Here is a top 4 list of stops to make along the Metro 164 Line.
1. Woodland Textbooks
Woodland Textbooks, at the De Soto Ave. stop, is a great stop for the Pierce student strapped for cash. One can get the books they need for class at a cheaper price than at the Bookstore, new or used or even for rental.
For the student who needs to shed some old textbooks, Woodland Textbooks also has a year-round buyback program. Sure, you will not get full value, but if you need some quick cash, this is a great program.
Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
Phone:
(818) 712 – 9462
2. Discount Hockey Superstore
Also at the De Soto Ave. stop is the Discount Hockey Superstore, and they are not joking about the superstore title.
The DHS has everything the avid or recreational hockey player needs to get going.
You could get set up with a full array of pads for the skater or goalie, ice or inline skates, jerseys of all sizes, and do not forget the sticks, tape and pucks.
DHS even has a knowledgeable staff that can walk the beginning player through all equipment decisions, and will even sharpen your skate blades and trim your stick of choice down to size if needed.
But that is not all. DHS has a small shooting range for the shopper who wants to let a few pucks fly while they shop.
Hours:
Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone:
(818) 735-0699
3. Anthony C. Beilenson Park
Anthony C. Beilenson Park, formerly Balboa park and surprisingly found at the Balboa Blvd. stop, is a fantastic place to go to unwind and relax after a long school day.
There is plenty of open space to walk around and get some exercise and think.
A.C. Beilenson Park also has a massive amount of grass, so anyone looking to start up a game of football, soccer or even ultimate frisbee would not have trouble finding room to set up. There are also courts for those looking to play a game of basketball or even tennis.
Those with kids can bring their young ones to the park’s colorful,
19,600-square-foot playground with two sections based on age and sporting a maritime theme.
A.C. Beilenson Park also holds Balboa Lake, which is open for fishing as well as feeding the ducks and even swans that occupy the water.
Not a bird person? Nearby is also a dog park where anyone can go and take their dog for a little socializing with other four-legged friends.
There is something for everyone at this extensive recreation area.
Phone:
(818) 756-9743
4. Awesome Thai
Lastly, for those with a rumble in their stomach, take the stop at Reseda Blvd. and walk down to the Victory Blvd. intersection.
There you will find Awesome Thai, a small restaurant serving food with big flavor.
To start, try the Chicken Satay ($7.95), which is grilled chicken strips served skewered by a wooden stick with creamy peanut sauce and a side of sweet cucumber salad.
Pull the chicken off the skewer and dip it in the peanut sauce for maximum nutty goodness.
For soup, you cannot go wrong with the Tom Yum Kai ($6.95).
Tom Yum Kai is a hot and sour chicken soup with tomatoes, mushrooms and onions cooked in. The soup has a powerful flavor, unique flavor, so be warned.
But for those who go to Awesome Thai, you cannot leave without trying the Green Curry ($6.95).
The Green Curry comes with your choice of chicken, beef, pork, shrimp for $1 extra and seafood for $5 extra.
It is cooked with bamboo shoots, basil, carrot, bellpepper, and eggplant in the green curry sauce. The aroma is practically intoxicating and the flavor leaves you practically in a state of shock from the wonderful spices.
While they do not have the cheapest prices for entrees, it is hard to complain for this quality of cooking.
Hours:
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday : 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday/Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed.
Phone:
(818) 344-1677
(818) 344-2861