With finals slowly approaching, and students looking for ways to destress, Sonoma State’s getaway trips offer a way to do just that. On April 16, students had the opportunity to experience shopping in Union Square. This event was put on by Student Involvement at SSU. 

If you are looking for upscale retailers, shops like Louis Vuitton and Chanel are just a walking distance away from the main square. You can grab a quick cup of joe from the coffee stand in the square and make your way to the five story tall Macy’s. Located directly adjacent to Union Square Park, Macy’s is filled with an array of clothing options and household items. 

Restaurants surround the area next to Union Square Park. There is a range of options for cuisine, anything from sushi to italian. A Cheesecake Factory is located inside of the Macys, with a designated elevator that takes you directly to the restaurant on the top floor of the building. There is a great view that overlooks the city. 

If you are looking to take a trip down memory lane, there are cable cars that travel all around the city. A cable car turnaround is located directly in front of Union Square so after purchasing tickets in the square you can hitch a ride on any of the passing cars.The cable fares are reasonable and you are able to experience the city in a whole new light. 

Union Square Park also has outdoor tables and chairs available for anyone to use so you can enjoy the city and watch the hustle and bustle of San Francisco pass by. 

Shopping isn’t the only perk of traveling to Union Square, there are also a lot of other fun activities to partake in. Looking to experience the fine arts? Art galleries are located on the outskirts of Union Square Park. Anyone is encouraged to enter and discover a new piece of artwork. 

Abigail Anous, an Early Childhood Education major at SSU offered her perspective on the trip, “I ventured to Westfield San Francisco Centre to shop for my sister’s birthday. I was thoroughly pleased and satisfied with the expansive centre, which had an excellent variety of stores. I’m thankful Sonoma State offers these getaway trips, I recommend taking advantage of them. You get to travel to a nice destination with no transportation costs.” 

Union Square is not only a good vantage point to see the array of retail stores, on occasion it also serves as a venue for live entertainment. On April 23 artist Anthony Arya, whose music falls under the folk rock genre, is set to perform at Union Square Park. And on April 30 jazz singer, Alvon Johnson will be taking the stage. This marks the start of the spring concert series that Union Square Park puts on. Live music will be available every Saturday for anyone who cares to listen. 

Student Involvement at SSU puts on multiple getaway trips throughout the semester. This offers a way for students to discover more of the surrounding area and beyond, as well as meet new people and get more engaged on campus. Attending a getaway trip also allows for students to do something fun through the school that doesn’t necessarily involve school work. It is an opportunity to decompress and experience new parts of the city. 

The next getaway trip is going to be on April 26. Students will get to travel to San Francisco to watch the Giants play the Oakland A’s.