The Pacific Northwest Style of Studying
Opening your car door to the fresh and crisp ocean air at Boulevard Park in Bellingham, Washington is perfection in my eyes. Smelling the freshly ground coffee beans at the local Woods Coffee Shop, while hearing laughter of little kids from the playground warms my heart. This park has many activities but one of my most favorite things to do is being able to go study in a warm and cozy environment.
Since I live in the upper left of the Pacific Northwest, the rain usually never takes a day off. But, when it does, you can study outside. When this rarity occurs, the option of being able to enjoy the outdoor environment the coffee shop has to offer is truly a blessing. With the location being right along the Bellingham bay, you’re able to see the historic and massive Horizon boat to your right and the San Juan Islands to your left.
Whenever I want to change my studying scene, I go to this park. Sometimes getting off campus is all I need to feel refreshed. Because of the wet and rainy conditions of Bellingham, Woods Coffee offers a lot of indoor seating. Whether you feel like getting sunk in one of the four chairs by the fireplace, or want to completely exclude yourself, there is always a spot to make you feel comfortable. In addition to this, there is also a playground and a boardwalk, which attracts a variety of people. Some are families, some are runners, and some people are just taking in the view.
Going over the Cascade mountain range is where I live, the dry desert of the Tri-Cities. So, this park is something out of this world. Where I am from, finding a tumbleweed farm is normal when you’re at the parks. Many parks back at home are along the Columbia River; which doesn’t always provide the most beautiful smells or scenery. In comparison, with the amenities The Boulevard Park provides, it always feels like you’re always at the beach regardless if it is pouring outside.
When you come across this place I wouldn’t be surprised if you were completely amazed by the serenity it gives. Whenever I take a break from studying I walk along the boardwalk to clear my head. This path will take you to a few side beaches and a small trailhead that will eventually lead you to downtown Fairhaven. Here you can find a dock that extends out onto the water. Every now and then when the wind picks up, the water will plash your toes and the ocean air will fill your lungs.
Boulevard Park is an inviting place for everyone. It’s a place to study, for kids to play, and for people to jog here and there. Woods Coffee definitely brings a vast demographic, especially students. I usually am at this place to study, but every now and then, sitting back and watching the life’s events unfold before my eyes is just as exciting as participating in it.
As a local, this park may seem like an everyday luxury but as someone who recently moved here, this place is incredible. Not all of Washington is a rainy Evergreen forest so being surrounded by this leaves me in awe. No matter where you may be located in the park, you are bound to witness some sort of event or activity that will surely bring a smile to your face. Whether you walk slow or fast to the dock, every inhale is filled with a little bit of the ocean. The Boulevard Park is quiet enough to bury your head in a book or to play with toddlers. Whatever you’re in pursuit of, this park is sure to provide you with a pleasurable experience.
