1. Nothing Makes A Washingtonian Hoppier Than A Pint Of Beer
Washingtonians love their beer, and the hoppier it is, the happier they are. According to the Beer Institute, this sudsy stuff has a $4 billion impact in Washington, providing for more than 40,000 jobs. And there are 284 brewers and beer wholesalers here, making it one of the largest beer-brewing meccas in the nation.
2. Don’t Be Surprised To See Kids Down At The Pub...
Washington is a very family-friendly state and when it comes to imbibing, that is no exception. It’s a cool fact that kids are welcome in most brewpubs around the state. Some places have a designated area where kids are not allowed, but beyond that they have free reign.
3. …And Four-Legged Friends Are Welcome Everywhere
It’s true, Washingtonians love their dogs. In fact, dogs are welcome in many places you don’t see them in other parts of the country. Like the grocery store, the hardware shop, and, yes, brewpubs.
Dogs accompany their human counterparts on errands when the weather isn’t too hot, waiting happily in the car for the next stop. And then there are tons of dog parks and small bodies of water for our furry friends to take a dip.
4. Washingtonians Can’t Help But Be Nature Lovers
In Washington, you are only a hop, skip, and a jump away from…pretty much whatever outdoor adventure you want here.
You want majestic mountains for hiking, camping and biking? Boom.
You want resplendent waters for fishing, boating, and kayaking? Done.
From the Puget Sound and the glorious coastline to national forests and scenic rivers, at any point in the state, you are an hour or less away from some of the most amazing views in the country.
5. Washingtonian Makes A Great Playground For Playing The Field
It’s no secret that people in Washington are often nicer than they are in some other states.
Maybe it’s all the beautiful scenery that makes them so darn happy. And when it comes to the dating scene, that’s a plus for all the single ladies.
The Daily Beast listed Seattle as the third best city to meet eligible men (thanks, in part, to the high concentration of tech companies and, therefore, smarty pants).
6. Folks In Washington Think Umbrellas Are For Sissies
Washington may be known for being under a permanent rain cloud, but that’s only a half-truth. The eastern half of the state tends to be more arid and dry, receiving on average less than 15 inches of rain per year.
West of the state, however, is a different matter. That region is easily one of the wettest in the 48 contiguous states. During the winter months it can sometimes rain for weeks uninterrupted. That being said, you won’t see umbrellas being used much up here. We don’t need no stinkin’ umbrella.
7. Zee Germans Invade This Little Town Every Year—And It’s Awesome
Small in population yet big on Bavaria, Leavenworth is the place to be come October, when all month long Oktoberfest reigns supreme.
Every weekend during the month there is much beer tapping, merry-making, bratwurst-binging, and of course, cheery beer maidens to help the medicine go down!
8. When The Weather Is Warm Folks In Washington Sleep Under The Stars
When the summer months hit Washington, Washingtonians hit the campsites. In fact, camping is so popular that many campsites end up looking like a Walmart parking lot on the day before a major holiday. There are 60 state parks available for camping, and only a fraction of those can be reserved ahead of time. The rest are available on a first come basis. So it’s definitely recommended to do your research and reserve a spot before you arrive, whenever possible.
9. Washingtonians Really Know How To Get A Caffeine Buzz
Ever since the state of Washington legalized marijuana this year (technically it was legalized in 2012 but didn’t go into effect until this year), entrepreneurs are getting creative with one of the state’s biggest commodities. Affectionately called the “wake and bake” drink, this new concoction is generating quite the buzz.
10. Everyone And Their Mother Drives A Subaru Here
To clarify for all the literalists out there, not every single Washingtonian drives a Subaru. But you only have to look out your window to see that Subaru is by far the most prevalent vehicle out there on the road.
11. You May Have To Move Mountains To Get A Bar
Because of the mountainous areas throughout the state, getting a cell phone signal is not always easy. And, without mentioning any names, some cellular providers are better than others in the PNW. Just make sure to do your research before selecting coverage.
12. For Something Yummy On Lummi Island, Head To The Willows Inn
This Lummi Island hot spot put Washington on the culinary map. Chef Blaine Wetzel is a James Beard Rising Star winner, and “Bon Appetit” named The Willows Inn No. 3 on a list of Food Lover’s Hotels in the U.S.
13. All Hail Mount Baker And It’s Sweet, Sweet Fresh Powder
Mount Baker is listed as one of the “snowiest places in the world.” It has record snowfall each year, regularly topping 600 inches, making it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
14. Hallelujah It’s Raining Rainier Cherries
These cherries stand apart as much for their reddish-yellow color as they do for their sweet and succulent flavor. Named for Mount Rainier, these little babies are considered a delicacy and you will pay a premium for them.
15. Deception Pass Offers A Stunning View, And That’s No Lie
The strait separating Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Bay is emerald green and the bridge overlooking it enchanting. Tourists come from all over to cross the bridge on foot or in a car.
The pass is surrounded by the Deception Pass State Park, which lays claim to being the most visited state park in Washington, with more than 2 million visitors each year.
16. Lake Whatcom Is The Bomb Dot Com
During the summer months in the northern town of Bellingham, locals all head to the lake for some fun in the sun. Whether you have a speed boat, a kayak, or a sailboat, Lake Whatcom is the place to be. You might even glimpse “the Bardge,” a three-story houseboat that has its own cult following in town.
17. Take A Hike—No Really, Take A Hike, It’s Awesome
You can add hiking right up there on the top of the list of most popular things to do in Washington. With the lofty mountains and ethereal clouds everywhere you turn, every hike has a National Geographic-worthy scene just waiting to be photographed.
The Washington Trails Association (WTA), offers detailed info and maps on more than 3,000 hikes throughout the state. Some of the favorites include Chelan Lakeshore Drive, Skyscraper Pass, Harry’s Ridge, and Horseshoe Basin.
18. Attending This Fest Is Worth Jumping Through Some Hoops
Spokane is home to Hoop Fest, the world’s biggest three-on-three b-ball showdown.
Every year approximately 30,000 players congregate downtown to face off more than 7,000 teams. But the fest brings more than just basketball fervor to the city. There is also music, fun rides, and food to boot.
19. Washington’s Beaches Totally Rock
Washington beaches are among those listed in well-known travel magazines and on travel websites. However, we don’t have the soft sand or warm waters sought in other locales. Our beaches are rockier. And at a steady temp of 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, our water isn’t exactly skinny dipping material.
20. Folks In Washington Love To Get A Little Cheesy
Don’t knock canned cheese until you’ve tried it. Our very own Cougar Gold Cheese, produced at Washington State University, is beloved for its rich, cheddar-y texture.
21. Washington Is A Fisherman’s Paradise
Washington waters provide for a wide range of salmon fishing, including Sockeye, Chinook, and Coho, Pink, and Chum, among others. Check fishing guides for timing and availability—some years are more bountiful than others.
22. These Onions Are No Crying Matter
The town of Walla Walla is famous for giving us those sweet Walla Walla…onions? This particular variety is known throughout the region for its distinct mild flavor and aroma.
23. Washington Has Its Very Own Stonehenge
The Maryville Stonehenge replica was commissioned in 1918 as a memorial to the fighting soldiers who died during World War I, making it the first U.S. memorial to honor the WWI dead.
24. Our Blues Fest Is Better Than Your Blues Fest
The Mount Baker Blues Festival was voted the best blues festival by the International Blues Foundation. Top-notch acts are showcased for three days straight, all under the august shadow of the Mount Baker.
25. The Caves Here Are A Song Of Ice And Fire
The Big Four Ice Caves, out of the Mt. Baker National Forest, form out of ice every year, usually around August, and offer stunning views.
However The Blue Lake Rhino Cave has a more fiery origin—it’s named so for none other than a rhinoceros. The cave is molded into the shape of an ancient rhino who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when lava erupted, formed, and cooled around his carcass.
It’s just another testament to what a unique, beautiful and quirky place The Evergreen State really is.
What do you love about living in Washington? Leave a comment and let us know! 
