The Pacific Northwest is unlike any area of the country. We have only explored a handful of adventures, but have found several gems that much of the country does not know about. These are not the only places, things, or foods that are great....but, they are the ones we have been able to experience.
Number 1: Eat Honeycrisp Apples Every Day
I know what you're thinking. Yeah, yeah Honeycrisp apples are tasty, but this is stupid to be on this list. My answer is, "be quiet, if you don't live here, you don't know."
Apples along with other produce such as cherries, grapes and pears are Washington's number one export. Unfortunately for us Americans, most of the best product is shipped to Asia. I recently learned this is also the case with lumber as well, but back to apples. I have been eating apples since I can remember. Much like having strawberries in Denmark or tomatoes in Greece, when you have them where they are grown it blows your mind. They are always crisp, juicy and delicious. When you visit Washington State, don't just think of coffee and microbrews, get yourself some apples.
Number 2: Playing Outdoors
Growing up in North Florida, I may have taken good weather for granted. Before our move here, everyone bombarded us with negative comments about the weather and rain that comes with living in the Pacific Northwest. It rains here for sure, and it can get downright cold......BUT, for the most part the weather is very temperate and manageable. People in the Northwest pride themselves with playing outdoors. They blatantly make it a bragging point when they hike, ski, kayak or snowshoe somewhere awesome.
Whether it is exploring areas along the great Puget Sound or snowboarding a bluebird day at White Pass, play outdoors in the PNW is worth bragging about.
Number 3: Location, Location, Location
This one speaks for itself. The big cities of Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver are manageable drives. On the way to any of these large cities are tons of small town options that will surprise you with their charm. There are beaches, a rain forest, beautiful mountains all within a couple hours.
Number 4: Recycling
People here are on another level. This is one that the rest of America, and the world, need to catch up on. People here are conscience of recycling. They don't give out plastic bags at stores, and you have to pay for the paper ones they do offer. Every house composts, to the extent that there is a small compost bin next to their sink. Many friends we visit don't even use paper towels, they use cloth napkins. So, not only are they saving landfills from more trash, they are also kinda fancy.
Number 5: Trees
Number 6: Oysters, Mussels and More
I love good oysters. In Florida, I have been blessed to eat the mild, delicate oysters from the Gulf Coast. However, the seafood, specifically the shellfish here are amazing. The oysters are salty, smooth and sweet. The Mussels are crazy good and a true crowd favorite.
Number 7: The Seasons
We arrived in the beginning of September. The end of summer and beginning of fall had spectacular weather. Warm, but never hot....with (believe it or not) the sun shining almost every day. We were blessed to have an awesome October and November. Many friends have said it was the nicest fall they can remember. I may be partial to this catagory as well. You see, at age 39, this is the first real "fall" I have experienced. The leaves were incredible and seeing colors mixed with the huge pines here is a pretty special site to see.
Then there is winter....keep in mind we came to experience all seasons and had a focus on getting to the mountains as much as possible. It is February 13th, and we just had 22 inches over the course of 3-4 days. We thought it was amazing. Sledding, snowboarding, winter camping on the mountain and splurging on a cabin with some friends was icing on the cake.
Maro has developed a love for snowshoeing. She loves the quiet the snow covered wood bring, and she sometimes hikes miles at a time. The boys enjoy anything in the snow and Akira....well, it depends on the day :)
