Woods Coffee located at Boulevard Park is a quick getaway for a snack or coffee while enjoying Bellingham’s bay. On a chilly fall day it is the perfect spot to study or watch the sunset. MacKenzie Dexter//AS Review
BY MACKENZIE DEXTER
While Western offers a number of study spots on campus, there are numerous Bellingham locations that cater to off-campus studying that also allow new students to get familiar with Bellingham.
Bellingham houses a variety of study spots that connect students with local artists, farmers and nature. Shops and cafes offer a variety of drinks, foods and prices that cater to students. Certain businesses also offer students specials or discounts.
Caffe Adagio
Caffe Adagio is located downtown next to an assortment of other shops and restaurants. Caffe Adagio has plenty of space to study while also feeling comfortable. They have large tables that make group projects easier to combat, and couches for relaxing and enjoying comfortable study sessions.
While Caffe Adagio offers indoor seating, they also have outdoor seating to enjoy fresh air and admire the town after being cooped up in a lecture hall for hours at a time.
Babygreens
If you enjoy plants, coffee and quiet settings, then Babygreens is a perfect study spot for you. The space makes it easy to enjoy the natural light, diverse plants and the smell of fresh coffee. According to Alex Meza, founder of Babygreens and a Western alumnus, the cafe is the only plant-oriented cafe in the area. Meza said the shop draws inspiration by combining urban areas with a small business environment.
“We want everyone to leave our shop feeling warm, welcomed and inspired by our plants and green environment, as well as wanting to return,” Meza said.
Babygreen will offer several student specials throughout the fall. According to Meza, they will also be handing out coupons at Paint B’ham Blue on Sept. 25.
Community Food Co-op
The Community Food Co-op offers Bellingham a taste of local produce. The grocery store location downtown offers a large upstairs dining area with a view of the grocery store and the rotating hot bar, which features a variety of dishes for multiple dietary needs. It’s a perfect place to grab a meal and study while supporting local farmers. The Co-op hosts classes and events that take place throughout the year, such as cooking classes.
Across the street, the Co-op Bakery Cafe is a smaller and quieter setting that sells baked goods along with coffee. The bakery hosts outdoor seating to enjoy on sunny days while people work or hang out with friends.
Boulevard Park/ Woods Coffee
Boulevard Park is an ideal study space either indoors or outdoors. Boulevard Park is a well-known outdoor study spot that is perfect for the sunny day that would not be well spent indoors or on campus. Park visitors are able to see a full view of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and West Coast sunsets. Woods Coffee and bathrooms are also located on site, giving students everything they would need during study breaks.
“My favorite place to study off-campus is Boulevard Park on a big picnic blanket,” Megan Phillips, a fourth-year Western student, said.
Woods Coffee, a popular Bellingham business with multiple locations, is a cozy indoor space with a picture-perfect view of Bellingham Bay. Woods is a great option for students interested in a lowkey study session alone or with a few friends.
Next door to Woods Coffee is a pier that connects the Boulevard Park to Fairhaven, making the area more accessible while still enjoying the outdoors.
Village Books
Village Books resides in the historic Fairhaven neighborhood as one of the areas most reputable bookstores. Those who are fans of books, food or coffee will enjoy Village Books as an escape from campus. The three level store offers books to read, quiet nooks and scenic spots. Evolve Cafe on the upper level of the store offers quick bites and affordable coffee while Colophon Cafe can be used for dining or group studying.
Makeworth Market
Makeworth Market is a new addition to downtown Bellingham. Its open floor plan and collaborative space is a great place for students to work. The multiple floors allows students to work collaboratively at large tables, or individually at small tables. The large windows allow customers to feel connected to the outdoors, which gives a change of pace and scenery in between study sessions. The shop also displays goods for purchase such as jewelry, bags and art from local artists.
“I like Makeworth because of how much sunlight it can get,” Sidra Matthias, a fourth-year Western student, said. “It’s really open and the baristas are super friendly. They also have really good food and coffee that make for great study breaks.”
Makeworth also hosts events, such as music and workshops, and lets people or groups rent out certain areas of the shop for personal events.
Part of attending a college in a beautiful and adventurous place is discovering places and local gems the town has to offer. While it can be hard to escape the bubble of campus life, it is important to pull away from the routine and explore local businesses and nature while also focusing on grades.