[media-credit name=”Amanda Lewark” align=”alignright” width=”200″][/media-credit]At first glance, Ogden may seem like a mundane, boring college town to some. Since Weber State University is notorious for being a commuter school, it may seem hard to imagine that Ogden has any spectacular activities to offer for a college student on the weekend. However, by simply walking up and down the city’s streets, it becomes apparent that it’s not. Ogden has an atmosphere different from many other Utah cities, pinpointing down to two simple words: local business.

The local scene of Ogden is one to be acknowledged: bars, pizzerias, cafés and galleries are abundant. So, where can you find the best of the best when it comes to local Ogden fun? While there are many spectacular local businesses, one of the best areas of town to check out is 25th Street. This historic road is a gold mine of fun. Sporting the best local and national businesses around, 25th boasts an atmosphere unlike any other. On 25th, it’s easy to have several options to eat, things to do and other “must-see” businesses and boutiques.

Historic 25th houses some of Ogden’s greatest restaurants, including Tona Sushi Bar and Grill. An employee stated, “Tona tries to give customers the best possible service in a restaurant that tries to replicate the Japanese homeland.”  It is also home of the succulent Coconut Crunch roll. Another local favorite is Roosters Brewery, which got its start right on this historic road.

If you’re wandering 25th and find you aren’t hungry, there is still plenty to do. Color Me Mine is a great place to spend an afternoon.

“This is a lot of fun for people of all ages,” says employee Jecki Moran. “While it’s a nationwide business, the owner loved the feel of 25th street, and that’s why she chose this location for an Ogden store.”

Color Me Mine charges only $8 for adults and $5 for kids, covering the studio fee; you then pick a ceramic piece to buy and paint it however you’d like. Color Me Mine will then fire and cure your artwork, and after a week, it’s yours to take home.

“It’s a great place to go for date night, especially on the last Friday of the month where we do buy one studio fee, get one free,” Moran says.

If you’re looking for a great bar to check out, City Club is one you have to see for yourself. Gentry Phillips, a senior at WSU, said City Club will always be a favorite of hers.

“All the drinks are named after Beatles songs,” Phillips said. “The bathrooms are even named Yoko and John. It’s the best.”

This pub displays the largest collection of Beatles memorabilia in the western United States and boasts an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Ogden.

“It is affordable, and the food is really good,” Phillips said. “It’s also much calmer than most other bars, so I like it better because you can talk while watching a basketball game without being berated by belligerent people.”

This historical street is perfect for a college student because it offers all of the above and several free activities. There are galleries you can explore year-round, as well as art walks and festivals throughout the summer. Historic 25th Street is a must-see for every WSU student and holds some of Ogden’s greatest hidden gems.