With all of its quirks and charms, Orange City has many places that allow people to connect with one another, whether it be over a cup of coffee or on a walk down its quaint streets. After surveying some of Northwestern’s student body, I came to realize just how grateful everyone on campus is to live in a town such as Orange City during their college experience.
One of the most popular answers I received when asking people their favorite place in Orange City was Windmill Park. Josiah Troutner, a sophomore biblical and theological studies (BTS) and worship arts major, likes windmill park because he has “a lot of good memories walking down Albany late at night to windmill park and having good conversations with people.” Another student who appreciates windmill park is senior Ashlee Sammons, a Christian Education and Youth Ministries double major. Sammons likes spending her free time there on nice days because it is conveniently located near Brad’s Bread and Bakery. Sammons will often take her coffee from Brad’s to go and will enjoy it on a bench at Windmill Park with a friend.
Marissa Leraas, a sophomore theatre major, also loves spending time at Brad’s. Her current favorite drink is the raspberry cobbler shaken espresso.
Another popular place in town for students to gather at is the Dutch Mart gas station, located just east of NW’s soccer fields. Melissa Thompson, a freshman computer science major, enjoys going to the Dutch Mart with her friends at night to get “Razzles” together, which are similar to Dairy Queen’s Blizzards.
Sophomore public relations major Kaylee Bandstra enjoys Dollar Fresh, not as a place to hang out, but as a conviently located grocery store. “It’s the perfect spot to go when I need to grocery shop, but I do not feel like traveling to Walmart in Sioux Center.”
Along with those who enjoy going out on the town to enjoy Orange City’s public spaces, there are also students who would prefer to stay on campus. Grace Braun, for example, a senior religions major, says that her dorm room is her favorite place. She likes spending time in her room because sometimes, she just needs to “get away from people to recharge her social battery.” Another student who enjoys staying in is Gavin Higgins, a sophomore BTS and worship arts major. He enjoys staying in his room to hang out with his friends and his girlfriend.
There are many great places on and around campus to spend time with friends. Get outside, grab a coffee and walk around windmill park and have a good time with friends, old and new.
