This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Washington chapter.
After a gloomy and cold winter quarter here on the campus of UW, things are really looking up this spring. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the temperature is above 60 degrees consistently, and there are students swarming around campus at every hour of daylight. Therefore, it is the perfect moment to enjoy all the opportunities that the state of Washington offers. Grab a buddy (or even just yourself) and head out on some of these local adventures. Or, use these ideas as inspiration, and create your own plan!
- Bainbridge Island. For a small fee of $9.25, the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry takes you across the Puget Sound to the small city of Bainbridge Island. Known for their gardens and natural beauty, there are several options for hiking trails to enjoy the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Take a stroll along Main Street, and find a quiet breakfast place – such as Pegasus Coffee House or Coquette Bake Shop – to soak in the peace of being momentarily away from the hustle and bustle of Seattle. Bainbridge Island does not just have to be a weekend excursion; going before your classes would be a great time to get some work done. This adventure can be solo or a wonderful bonding experience, especially for your seasick friends.
- Mariner’s game. With baseball back in season, gather a few friends and take the Link to T-Mobile Park. The Seattle Mariners are looking forward to a winning season, as the team has recently acquired some of the league’s best talent. One of these big names includes left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray, who was traded to the Mariners over the off-season. Many fans are waiting excitedly for his experience to translate into some wins for the city of Seattle. Nevertheless, a baseball game is the perfect way to soak up some of the new warmth that spring brings, as well as truly enjoy America’s favorite pastime and relish in large gatherings once again.
- Vancouver, B.C. My friends have been putting off a trip to Vancouver, Canada, for months now. This event requires a bit more planning, as a hotel might need to be booked ahead of time. However, Vancouver offers the liveliness of a new city without having to hop on a plane to fly elsewhere. After a quick-ish two and a half hour drive from UW’s campus, you would arrive in downtown Vancouver. From the historic Gastown district to the exhilarating clubbing scene to the luxury storefronts, you might need a few days to truly explore this city. If urban life is not your ideal itinerary, there are spectacular hikes with even better views. Some of the best food trucks in the world call their home in British Columbia as well, which makes the dining experience something that every American should try once in their lifetimes.
- Tulip festival. Drive up north about one hour to Mount Vernon, Washington, where some of the most beautiful fields of tulip flowers are in full bloom. Exclusively for the month of April, this Pacific Northwest town hosts the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, a celebration of millions of vibrant tulips. Support some of the small businesses on display as well. Make this a day trip, or, if you are feeling extravagant, book a local Airbnb for a relatively low cost. Explore the downtown of Mount Vernon, where there are a plethora of quaint cafes to enjoy a morning coffee and the warm weather. General admission for the tulip festival is $15 for a day pass.
- Farmers market. Want to stay close to campus? University District Farmers Market is every Saturday from 9AM to 2PM. There are tents and tents of fresh produce, but my favorite business to support is Pinckney Cookie Cafe. The smell of warm cookies somehow opens my wallet without fail every time I walk by. I recommend the bing bling cookie, with dark chocolate, dried cherries, and coconut. The University District Farmers market also offers coupons to students who show their Husky cards at the main entrance tent. There are also several other farmers markets in the Seattle area if you prefer to branch out, including ones in Queen Anne, Fremont, and Ballard. Refer to their website for times, locations, and weather cancellations.
- Gas Works Park. Springtime brings some of the most beautiful scenery, especially in terms of the colorful sunsets that illuminate the sky in the evening. Take a lovely stroll along the Burke-Gilman Trail to Gasworks park and enjoy the view of the Seattle skyline from the rolling hills. This view almost always displays gorgeous hues of color that ombres into the dark night sky as time goes on. This is a great place to bring a picnic for one, two (spring is the season for new beginnings, wink wink), or even an entire group. Dress up, maybe take some cute Instagram photos, and behold the perfect evening along the water.
Spring is a time of fresh air and fresh starts. Now is the opportune moment to try something out of your comfort zone and explore the endless possibilities which Seattle offers.