(Washington State)

General Information:

Location: Northwest United States
Capital: Olympia
Language(s): English
Population: 6,845,463
Total Area: 184,827 sq km
Curious Alcohol Fact: This state is one of the largest wine producers in the United States.
Most Popular Drink(s): Wines – best enjoyed with our Washington State shot glass souvenirs
Nickname(s): The Evergreen State
What You Must Do in Washington: Tour the evergreen forests with a local guide.

Washington DC Travel Video:

Video Courtesy: touropia

The State

Not to be confused with the capital of the United States, the state of Washington is located in the western half of the country and is classified as one of the states in the Pacific Northwest.

As a matter of fact, the state is located in the northwesternmost corner of the contiguous United States. The Evergreen State (as it is nicknamed) is bounded by Idaho on the east and Oregon on the south.

To the west of the state lies the largest ocean in the world, the Pacific while the Canadian province of British Columbia lies to the north of the state. Washington is home to some of the best harbors in North America and that makes it a strategic place for trade and commerce. The state was admitted into the Union as the 42nd state in1889.

The state presents to you stunning scenery upon scenery and is known for its spectacular mountain ranges (and majestic glaciers) and thickly-wooded forests (hence the name Evergreen State). The capital city is Olympia although the largest city is Seattle and a major hydrographic feature in the state is the Columbia River.

The People

With a population of almost seven million, the state of Washington is the most populous in the Pacific Northwest region, and around 80% of the state’s residents are Whites (with mainly German, English, Irish, Norwegian, French, Italian, Russian and Scandinavian roots).

Apart from the non-Hispanic Whites, other Washingtonians are Blacks (African Americans), Native Indians, Asians and Latinos (Hispanics). There is also a considerable number of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

The principal religion in the state is Christianity and the largest denominations are the Roman Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Eating

Although the state of Washington may be located in an extreme corner of the country, one thing that you cannot take away from the state is its palatable cuisine.

In Seattle, which is the largest city in the state, you can dine at some of the finest restaurants and eateries in the United States. As a lover of fresh seafood on vacation in the state, I decided to take full advantage of delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine.

For example, from fried scallops to steamed (and spicy) oysters, I tried them all –even a bowl of boiled octopus! Washington is really a spectacular setting for those who appreciate good food –yes, and good air.

However, if you have not tasted red raspberries before, you must not the Evergreen State without lobbing a few into your mouths -Washington State is the largest producer of red raspberries in the United States.

Drinking

The state is the second largest producer of wines in the country –of course after California. With an incredible 600 wineries, wine surely flows in Washington State and all you need is to tap from the golden river.

Locals will introduce various brands to you –like the legendary Madeleine Angevine. Beers and other drinks are also sold in various parts of the state.

Sports

Basketball, baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse and rugby are some of the most interesting and incredibly popular games in the state. Ice hockey and arena football are also popular. I will never forget a game of ice hockey involving the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Interesting Facts

This is the only state in the United States named for a president.
The famed Olympic National Park is located in the state.
Mount Rainier National Park and the Mount St.Helens National Volcanic Monument.
More apples are produced in Washington more than any other state in the country. Hence, enjoy as many as you can!