06-23-10
Summer=Fresh Local Goodies
It’s summer in Washington and or the first time in months—eight or so—there ain’t a drop of rain in sight! While we Pacific Northwesterners thrive in precipitation, a break every now and again is a welcome reminder that the options for outdoor play in the region are limitless. Of course, in areas on the eastern slopes of the cascades—that is to say cities like Ellensburg, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities—rain is on the whole, less frequent. But for the thousands in Seattle, Bellingham, Tacoma, Olympia, and further south, the warmth of the sun brings us all outside.
This is a truly special time for local agriculture. As the heat picks up, strawberries, spinach, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and lettuces are jumping from the soil. The cherry orchards of central Washington are beginning their busy packing and shipping season to provide us all with that timeless taste of summer. Now, you may be asking yourself, what’s all this fluffy stuff about food have to do with land purchasing opportunities? Well, friends, the point is this: If you wish to grow, thrive, plant, travel, play outdoors, and be a part of a community that values its small farms and local agriculture, you can’t do much better than Washington state.
Land here is, for the moment, cheap. Why? Cause there is just so much of it. But slowly folks are realizing that this land won’t be on the market at these prices much longer. The soil is rich in volcanic nutrients and everywhere people are recognizing the value and pleasures of sourcing their produce locally. And with thousands of small farms scattered through Washington, you wont have to look far to buy a flat of fresh-picked Hood Strawberries or beefy heirloom tomatoes. Love good food, local wine, supportive community, and plenty of clean air to breathe? We thought so.
04-14-10
Two Vancouvers?
This author firmly believes, as it has been adequately expressed, that Washington is special. Nestled into the top left-hand corner of our country, it has a unique culture and a community vibe. It’s largest city, Seattle, has a municipal population of just 602,000 according to an April, 2009 estimate. Where ever you land in Washington will surely feel like home.
What helps to make this state so special is its balance of rural and urban culture. The Puget Sound region is largely metropolitan, while the outskirts and surrounding areas are forest and farm lands. A good example of this juxtaposition are the two Vancouvers.
Okay, so yes, the northern most Vancouver is in Canada. But hey, it’s a stone’s throw from the boarder and many Washingtonians make it a habit to visit this vibrant and multicultural city regularly. Winter snow? You got it. Delicious local catches and cuisine? Most definitely. Shopping, spas, parks, and beautiful old homes? Plenty. The southern Vancouver, however, sings a different tune. Right across the bridge from Portland, Oregon, this tiny town is host to farms, livestock, and acres of fertile land. In the summers, the Columbia River tempts residents to cool off and explore the Gorge’s many trails and views.
With so much to offer visitors and residents, it is no wonder that Washington’s tourism has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. As the state’s popularity increases, land becomes more and more valuable. Grab your piece of the pie today!
