9 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots In Washington
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published December 06, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
With almost 100,000 people moving to our beautiful state each year, it’s worth reflecting on what it means to have roots in Washington. I grew up in the Evergreen State and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. As a proud Western Washingtonian, I don’t just tolerate the rocky beaches, interminably gray weather, and humdrum drizzle. In some strange way, I’ve come to love these things. I miss them when I travel or when summer lingers just a little too long. My neighbors in Eastern Washington feel just as strongly about their side of the Cascades.
Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are a recent transplant, show off your Evergreen State love with a look created by Wear Your Roots. They’ll get you inspired to show off your state pride. No one knows Washington quite like you.
1. You've got skin in the University of Washington vs. Washington State University debate.
Washington's two largest universities aren't just competitors when it comes to academics. They're bitter sports rivals, vying for collegiate football's coveted Apple Cup since 1900. If you've got Washington roots, the WSU vs. UW rivalry will betray your loyalties.
A surefire sign you have roots in Washington is that you love salmon. From conservation practices to how they're served, you're passionate about this unique Northwest fish, and you can probably name all five species.
Washingtonians go nuts for dogs. In homes across the state, these furry purveyors of unconditional love have been elevated to a status formerly reserved for solely human family members. Dog strollers are ubiquitous. Dog-friendly breweries are trendy. It's not just normal but expected that you'll learn a dog's name before committing the owner's to memory.
Now, this isn't to say that lifelong PNWers shouldn't take care of themselves during long, overcast periods. Seasonal affective disorder should be on every Western Washingtonian's radar. That said, rain doesn't deter Evergreen State residents from going about their routine. Drizzle may be dreary, but it's a fact of life and an integral part of what sustains the lush greens of our forests.
Perhaps because of the infamous weather, Washington is a craft beer lover's paradise, and award-winning breweries populate the entire state. Still, every region has its swill. You've likely given Rainier an upscale rebrand by way of French flourish (à la Ran-e-ay), but you get extra points for remembering the taste of Olympia beer.
Washingtonians go wild for outdoor recreation, and snow sports are beloved by residents on both sides of the Cascades. If you love high-octane alpine adventure, you're probably opinionated about where to find the best slopes. You may even think that the Evergreen State has the best powder in the country.
Washington is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the US. It also has some record-breaking environmental features. Of all the states, we have the fourth-most active volcanoes. The Hoh Rainforest is one of the few temperate rainforests left in the world and a World Heritage Site to boot. Hells Canyon is the deepest in the country, 2,000 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Knowing how exceptional our nature is, and having the facts to back it up, is absolutely a sign of deep roots in Washington.
8. When someone says "aroma," you think of this place.
Okay, this may be rude. But for many years, paper manufacturing in Tacoma produced a certain... odor for which the city became infamous. Though Grit City doesn't emit much of a stink these days, if you've lived in the Evergreen State long enough, you remember its unseemly perfume.
Some stereotypes are true: Washingtonians are absolutely coffee snobs. As the birthplace of Starbucks, our state was destined to produce a population of espresso aficionados. We know the difference between arabica versus robusta beans, and sprinkle our coffee orders with arcane jargon only decipherable to career baristas. Rumor has it that big companies like Starbucks even calibrate their machines to produce stronger shots in Washington, knowing that the weaker stuff just doesn't appeal to our finely-tuned palates.
If you have roots in Washington, you know this list just scratches the surface of what makes the Evergreen State great. Show your love for our beautiful home, and check out Wear Your Roots. Don’t forget to use code Washington10 for 10% off your order.
What are some of the things that make you feel connected to Washington? Let us know in the comments.
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