A couple things happen during springtime in the Pacific Northwest that doesn't tend to happen in most other regions. For example, as soon as it hits 60 degrees once, the whole state of Washington ditches long pants, even if it might rain.
I've rounded up the nine most quintessential PNW spring customs. And yes, we know, some of the things we do in the "warmer" seasons are pretty darn silly, but once the blanket of dark grey and rain is lifted, you can't beat spring in the Northwest.
1. There is no acceptable shoe besides Chacos, Tevas, or Birkenstocks.
2. Every public pair of trees is occupied by a hammock, especially on college campuses.
3. On a nice day, the professor will cancel the class due to a minor health emergency, but you'll see them at the beach/park an hour later.
4. Everyone complains about having to start shaving their legs regularly again.
5. You can't find anywhere to sit in peace on campus because every square inch of grass is filled with barefoot students avoiding responsibilities.
6. Every Starbucks is packed with PNW-dwellers waiting for their iced coffee.
7. It might be raining and barely over 60, but we're still wearing shorts and a tank top.
8. You can't park anywhere because everyone who has been hibernating all winter decided to leave their house at the same time to enjoy the sun.
9. Everyone's Instagram feed consists purely of hiking, beach, and sunset photos with the caption "can't wait until those endless summer nights."
If you have friends in the northwest or are a thoroughbred Washingtonian, then you know these nine things to be PNW spring law. No matter if the weather continues to fluctuate between sunny and 80 degrees, or rainy and 53.
