Nothing compares to summer days on the Palouse.
If you’ve spent some time in Pullman, you know that winter feels like it lasts a hundred years. When I was a student, spring would start rolling around in my hometown in March or April with temperatures creeping into the 60’ range, but it would still be full-blown 36’ parka weather in Pullman. So, good weather finally blessing the Palouse has always felt like a momentous occasion that had to be celebrated.
Summer days in Pullman will forever live in my heart as some of the best days I’ve ever had. There’s just something in the air there that’s unique to the summer season— Creating an irresistible need to spend as much time frolicking out in the sun as humanly possible. Now that summer is officially in full swing, I thought I’d put together a list of some of the best places to soak up the sun and make the most out of those glorious days in Pullman.
- The Terrace at the Coug
Kicking things off with a classic, the Coug’s outdoor terrace is THE place to be on a sunny mid-morning, afternoon, or evening. Some of my best memories came from spending the day huddled around one of those rickety outdoor tables, for everything from an Open to Close, to studying for finals, to exchanging stories with other generations of Cougs. All the world’s problems cease to exist when you’re soaking in the sights and sounds of Greek Row on a beautiful day with your favorite beverage in hand.
2. Crybaby’s Patio
A newer patio experience but a fantastic one nonetheless is Crybaby Cafe’s patio, located at Adams Mall. Whether you’re needing caffeine to power through some work in the morning or wanting to grab a happy hour cocktail in the afternoon, the Crybaby patio is the perfect spacious spot to socialize and enjoy some gorgeous Pullman weather. Special events such as trivia, pop-ups and more are also regularly hosted on the patio, making it a perfect gathering spot!
3. Merry Cellars’ Patio
Grab a group of friends and head to Merry Cellars for some wine tasting flights out on their lovely patio, which has ample space for a group to enjoy some delicious wine on a beautiful day. Merry Cellars is always a hit with friends and family, whether you’re sipping before a football game, after a big milestone, or just enjoying another day in paradise.
4. The Playfields
If you’re into breaking a sweat when the weather gets nice, the Valley Road Playfields are always a great spot to gather with friends and engage in some outdoor sporting activities. The open grassy fields offer the perfect space for lounging in between games, allowing you to soak up the lively communal atmosphere that’s always buzzing during the spring and summer. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities alongside friends.
5. Thompson Flats
An underrated favorite to enjoy a beautiful day in Pullman can be found on campus— Thompson Flats. The gentle, sloping grassy hill offers the perfect spot to bring a blanket, snacks and a good book for an afternoon spent lounging in the sun either on your own or with some pals. There’s something so quintessentially Pullman about spending a nice day out on Thompson Flats, so this spot absolutely had to make the list.
Now, get outside and enjoy some of that gorgeous Pullman weather, Cougs!