Time Out: 5 Small Breaks in Your Hectic Day

City life can travel at breakneck speed. Your cortisol levels high, bro? You bet. Traffic, smart phones, work life, home life.

It can be reassuring to know that in Milltown USA there’s usually some form of respite from the daily grind close at hand. It’s a city full of natural beauty.

Breaks come in different forms. It could be a blazing sunset view from Grand Avenue Park, or a quick retreat to the tangled vines of Forgotten Creek. It can also be that special snack that you look forward to—that one treat to break up the monotony of your work/life pace, if only for a minute.

Of course, break time looks different for each person. But here are some ideas to get you going.

1. Smoothie at Cafe Wylde - $9

Anyone who knows me knows that I hype up the smoothies here, probably too much. Fair enough. What I like about walking on the Wylde side is that these guys make healthy smoothies that taste like dessert. They don’t always go the blasé berry plus ice route, either.

I recommend the Emerald smoothie. Somehow E3 (glorified superfood algae), coconut, almond butter, dates, and cardamom come together to make a chilly beverage that tastes like Froot Loops.

Pure alchemy. Bonus points if you chill on the outside picnic tables.

2. VHS/DVD at Buy & Sell Video - $2

Buy & Sell Video is one of those weird one-off places that could only exist on North Broadway. It’s a small store full of folding tables. The tables are completely filled with boxes of new and used VHS tapes and DVDs. And they are ridiculously cheap.

I’m not a huge movie buff, but I have started getting date night films at Buy & Sell because I have a “punctuality issue” when it comes to RedBox rentals. Buying movies at two bucks a pop doesn’t break the bank and my little brain computer doesn’t have to keep track of return dates. So all I have to think about is the real big decision in my life: cab or merlot.

LoTR marathon, anyone?

3. Bayside P-Patch - Free

The best things in life are free. Or they come as a gift from the now-defunct Kimberly-Clark plant.

This neighborhood garden is open to the public. Visitation is on an honor system. People are allowed to come and take in the natural beauty of growing things. Just don’t pick the kale.

Source: John Simon

I like the Bayside p-patch for the winding bark paths and views of the sparkling bay. The contrast of wild peonies sprouting from a hillside opposite the industrial waterfront is something that seems charged with poetic implication. I’ve taken some good cell phone snaps here.

4. Fried tilapia, Loma Bonita - $11

Loma Bonita: a stucco building with tile floors and neon walls. The dining areas have painted murals of Aztec chieftains. There are little coin-slot dispensers that drop out mini action figures in plastic bubbles.

Fried tilapia is something you can’t get at just any restaurant. It’s especially tasty when slathered with refried beans, pico de Gallo, and sour cream.

5. Wetmore Plaza Fountain - Free

When I have a few minutes in my day I like to go here, find a spot in the amphitheater-style seating area and read a book. There’s planters spilling with flowers, public art that mirrors the sky, the rustle of bamboo at the Cope Gillette Theater, metallic bistro tables, the splash-splash of the wind blowing the water in the fountain.

Five minutes of zen never hurt anybody.

What are your favorite places to straight chill? Comment on our Facebook page and share with others who might be looking for a nice time out from the grind.

Richard Porter is a musician and Live in Everett's content magician. He lives in North Everett and enjoys running, bicycling, and endless cups of coffee.

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