There’s no doubt that Washington is the best place to live. But whether you’ve been here your entire life or you’re just thinking about moving out here soon, there’s a number of things you’ve got to experience before becoming a true Washingtonian. Here are 15 things in particular you’ve got to cross off your list if you’re a resident in the Northwest…how many have you done so far?
- You’ve caught a ferry somewhere.
Jonathan Miske / Flickr Washington has the largest ferry operator in the country, and the fourth-largest ferry system in the whole world. You’ve got to see the stunning views looking out at Puget Sound at least once.
- You’ve “Done the Puyallup”.
Amy Barr / Flickr The Washington State Fair is the largest single attraction held annually in our whole state. It even continually ranks in the top ten largest fairs in the entire nation.
- You’ve enjoyed a meal from Dick’s…and Ivar’s.
Cutris Cronn / Flickr These two delicious, iconic chains can only be found in our state. Could you ever go wrong with deluxe burgers or fish & chips?
- You’ve spent an afternoon berry picking…
Marisa McKelvey / Flickr We have some of the freshest agriculture here in the Northwest. During the spring and summer, there’s nothing like spending an afternoon picking raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.
- …and at a local farmer’s market.
Sean Munson / Flickr With so much fresh agriculture, you can find farmer’s markets everywhere in our state with local produce. We’re even home to the oldest continually running farmer’s market in the country at Pike Place Market in Seattle.
- You’ve been to Deception Pass State Park, and walked along the bridge.
wsdot / Flickr Perhaps the most popular park in Washington, Deception Pass is a must visit. This diverse spot features gorgeous beaches, miles of trails, places to go camping and an iconic bridge with captivating views.
- You’ve been to Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park.
davemunroe4 / Flickr Some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Washington can be admired in these national parks. Pictured is the Wonderland Trail, which runs for a total of 93 miles around Mount Rainier.
- You’ve had a taste of Washington’s wine country.
Jameson Fink / Flickr No matter where you go in the Walla Walla area, you’ll be able to taste some exquisite selections. Walla Walla Vintners in particular makes some award winning red wines like their 2013 Columbia Valley Malbec, as well as Seven Hills Winery and El Corazon Winery.
- You’ve been to Riverfront Park in Spokane.
Tracy Hunter / Flickr You can find this iconic park downtown right along the Spokane River. It’s full of exciting attractions like a gondola ride over Spokane Falls, an IMAX theater, a carousel, giant Radio Flyer Red Wagon and more.
- You’ve walked in the rain without an umbrella.
Maelick / Flickr They just end up getting destroyed by the wind, or getting in the way. Every true Washingtonian has gone for a walk in the rain with just their hood up, or no cover at all.
- You’ve driven along the scenic Yakima River Canyon Byway.
Flickr / wsdot You haven’t really seen all of our state’s amazing scenery until you’ve driven along this byway next to the Yakima River. State Route 821 is located just north of Selah and south of Ellensburg.
- You’ve gone out to a Mariners game.
Michael Coppola / Flickr Going to a baseball game is an all-American favorite pastime. You’ve got to grab some peanuts, Cracker Jacks, or some of the mouthwatering garlic fries from Safeco Field.
- You’ve had an amazing cup of coffee from a place other than Starbucks.
Alejandro De La Cruz / Flickr You won’t find a better tasting cup than one from our state’s smaller cafes. Have you tried any of these 15 Unique Coffee Shops?
- You’ve gone on a weekend camping trip.
Benjamin Hollis / Flickr With all of our forests and camping spots in the Northwest, going on a trip outdoors is a must. Pictured is a site by Lena Lake.
- And you’ve gone for a walk along the gorgeous Pacific coastline.
Esther Lee / Flickr We’re lucky to live in such a breathtaking area next to the Pacific ocean. Everyone in our state should experience a stroll along the coastline to see the sea stacks, rocks, sandy beaches and tide pools.
How many of these have you done so far? What else should someone do to become an official Washingtonian? Add to this list below!
Jonathan Miske / Flickr
Washington has the largest ferry operator in the country, and the fourth-largest ferry system in the whole world. You’ve got to see the stunning views looking out at Puget Sound at least once.
Amy Barr / Flickr
The Washington State Fair is the largest single attraction held annually in our whole state. It even continually ranks in the top ten largest fairs in the entire nation.
Cutris Cronn / Flickr
These two delicious, iconic chains can only be found in our state. Could you ever go wrong with deluxe burgers or fish & chips?
Marisa McKelvey / Flickr
We have some of the freshest agriculture here in the Northwest. During the spring and summer, there’s nothing like spending an afternoon picking raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.
Sean Munson / Flickr
With so much fresh agriculture, you can find farmer’s markets everywhere in our state with local produce. We’re even home to the oldest continually running farmer’s market in the country at Pike Place Market in Seattle.
wsdot / Flickr
Perhaps the most popular park in Washington, Deception Pass is a must visit. This diverse spot features gorgeous beaches, miles of trails, places to go camping and an iconic bridge with captivating views.
davemunroe4 / Flickr
Some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Washington can be admired in these national parks. Pictured is the Wonderland Trail, which runs for a total of 93 miles around Mount Rainier.
Jameson Fink / Flickr
No matter where you go in the Walla Walla area, you’ll be able to taste some exquisite selections. Walla Walla Vintners in particular makes some award winning red wines like their 2013 Columbia Valley Malbec, as well as Seven Hills Winery and El Corazon Winery.
Tracy Hunter / Flickr
You can find this iconic park downtown right along the Spokane River. It’s full of exciting attractions like a gondola ride over Spokane Falls, an IMAX theater, a carousel, giant Radio Flyer Red Wagon and more.
Maelick / Flickr
They just end up getting destroyed by the wind, or getting in the way. Every true Washingtonian has gone for a walk in the rain with just their hood up, or no cover at all.
Flickr / wsdot
You haven’t really seen all of our state’s amazing scenery until you’ve driven along this byway next to the Yakima River. State Route 821 is located just north of Selah and south of Ellensburg.
Michael Coppola / Flickr
Going to a baseball game is an all-American favorite pastime. You’ve got to grab some peanuts, Cracker Jacks, or some of the mouthwatering garlic fries from Safeco Field.
Alejandro De La Cruz / Flickr
You won’t find a better tasting cup than one from our state’s smaller cafes. Have you tried any of these 15 Unique Coffee Shops?
Benjamin Hollis / Flickr
With all of our forests and camping spots in the Northwest, going on a trip outdoors is a must. Pictured is a site by Lena Lake.
Esther Lee / Flickr
We’re lucky to live in such a breathtaking area next to the Pacific ocean. Everyone in our state should experience a stroll along the coastline to see the sea stacks, rocks, sandy beaches and tide pools.
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