It's almost spring break so let's talk travel. Sure, there is a whole host of places you can go next month including oh-so-warm Florida. Why not change it up this year? Instead of going to that same old place consider wrapping up in a rain coat and charging that camera for the Pacific Northwest. Often stereotyped as the hipster region of the country Washington, Oregon, and northern California is full of incredible sights and food. Here are my top five reasons to fall in love with, and travel to, the Pacific Northwest.
1. The breathtaking sights to the east and west!
Whether it's Olympia National Park or a ferry around Puget Sound in the east or a hike through the cascades in the west you are bound to be overwhelmed by the beauty all around you. There are so many activities you can partake in outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. Consider packing up a backpack with water, snacks, and your camera for a day filled with exploration and sightseeing. The top rated hiking spots tend to be along the Cascade mountain region. For specific trails and peaks head here.
2. The delicious food (and coffee!)
It is no secret that the coffee giant Starbucks hails from Seattle, Washington. So when it comes to the food and drink of the Pacific Northwest, you're in good company. Since this is the Pacific Northwest it's an absolute must to eat some fish and there is no better place for this delicacy than at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. Not only do you have the option of sitting down at the waterfront and dining on fish, but you can also have a fisherman sing about fish before it's thrown around and safely put in a bag for your keeping. If fish isn't your thing there is always any of the millions of beachfront eateries along the coastline.
3. The people are super friendly
Even in the middle of the tourist areas, the locals are incredibly kind and have a perfect sense of PNW chill about them. Even more, if you happen to be wearing any Michigan State gear you may be surprised how many other Spartans you'll run into in this area of the country. They are always up for telling you the hidden gems and their tales of adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Everyone watches out for each other too when you're hanging out at the beach. Bottom line, some of the most gracious folks around!
4. Hipster bookstores, record stores, and coffee shops galore!
Your top two hipster cities in the good ol' PNW are Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. You'll find not only an endless array of coffee shops (check out Stumptown!) but a plethora of bookstores and record shops too. You'll be surprised the gems you'll happen upon if you look hard enough in these two cities. Be prepared to spend hours upon hours in these hipster spots not only because you'll be perusing the endless aisles but also to just soak the hipster vibes in and take them home with you! Don't forget to snap an Instagram while you're here!
5. Cool filming spots you'll geek out over....
You've got "Sleepless in Seattle" and "The Goonies" among many other motion pictures and TV shows filmed in the Pacific Northwest. It's one thing to see the location of your television or computer screen but it's a whole other thing to actually see iconic filming locations with your own two eyes. Be careful because some of the locations may have owners who are less than thrilled with you poking around and taking photos. Just be wary and anticipate having to skip out real quick! Still worth it, though.
So what are you waiting for? Book that ticket right this second! Forget the same old Florida, instead choose the beautiful Pacific Northwest as your spring break destination.
