By: Tim Donahue
Before taking any parent out for a weekend in our little town, all students should ask themselves some array of the following questions:
Will my parents be too sleepy? Did they bring the dog and/or do they love the dog more than me? Will they appreciate the best things that Bellingham has to offer? Do they deserve to have a good weekend? How far did they travel? Do I really look like my dad, or is the mailman more my likeness? Do they have any dietary restrictions? Did they give the dog your name and dress it in your clothes?
MORNING
The outside of Village Books in Fairhaven. Tim Donahue // Wavelength
Sunny: After grabbing a coffee from the walkup window at The Firehouse Cafe in Fairhaven, head out for a walk at Lake Padden! Gloves may still be necessary in the Spring, but there’s nothing better than a warm drink to warm yourself from the inside. These are the best months to visit the lakes Bellingham has to offer, and also has a secret additive – not as many people. Less crowding means more space, and the animals are more curious when they are not around. Just this past weekend, my parents and I watched while an eagle scooped its dinner from the water only a short distance away. I’ve seen owls at Lake Padden too, but that kind of bird watching may require an earlier rise.
Shitty: Grab a cup of coffee and explore Village Books! If reading’s your thing, then there’s books galore. And if you’re not much of a reader, then hop right next door to explore the gifts and goodies at Paper Dreams! Two good options to pair with your coffee, and it’s all available without risking your poor frail parent’s comfort against the rain!
AFTERNOON
Tim’s dad, Steve, and a friend, standing at the bar at Archer Ale House. Tim Donahue // Wavelength
Sunny: Trackside Brewing, if it’s open in the season you happen to be reading this, it is perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. Kids can run or bike on the dirt jumps, or play outside in the sun in the grassy area. Trackside Brewing is perfect for big groups, good beer, and low effort enjoyment of the sun.
Shitty: Bowling is not my thing. I hate the bowling alley with such a passion that I won’t even walk in the building. No matter how perfect it may seem for a midday parent trip. Better idea: The Ruckus Room.
EVENING
[From left to right] Nic Welp, Steve Donahue (Tim’s dad), Tim Donahue, Jennifer Donahue (Tim’s mom) posing for a group photo in the Carver Gym basketball court. Tim Donahue // Wavelength
Sunny: The only reason I’m putting a ‘go to a WWU basketball game’ in the sunny section is because of how grueling the walk is to get to Carver from anywhere your parents might park on campus. If it’s raining, you might as well go for a hike because you’ll be soaked to the bone by the time you actually get to the court. But, if it’s nice enough to brave the walk, both our Men’s and Women’s basketball teams play an exciting brand of fast paced ball that is well worth bringing your guests to see.
A sporting event is always a good parent destination for the night because they’ll get to be around the student body in a way that’s controlled and (possibly) sober. They’ll cheer and reminisce about the good old days when you played sports and they sacrificed every one of their weekends only to have a son that winds up as a Creative Writing major. They’ll pay for Peanut M&Ms and they might even let you have some. Carver Gym is a sports parent’s dream way to end their visit.
Shitty: Brave the storm at Archer’s Ale House. There’s good food and a bookcase full of games that are perfect for a night spent hiding from the rain. There’s TV for the weekending sports fan, and if your dad is anything like mine, he’ll love the fact that Archer’s Ale House is underground. It feels like Ireland (not that I know anything about what it feels like being in Ireland) especially when the rain is pounding outside.
Sometimes it feels like there’s almost too much to do in Bellingham, and sometimes it feels like there’s nothing to do at all. When I have visitors, it almost always seems like a ghost town. Maybe this article will help next time you find yourself grasping at straws.