[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I grew up in CT and spent many, many weekends up in southern and central VT both winter/summer. My step-grandmother was born/bred (left the state only a few times in her lifetime), and my mom moved there in the mid-90s, so I still get back there a couple times a year. It is definitely a beautiful place and, in particular, I really like the Burlington area. As a current Seattle-ite, it is very similar both socio-politically and geographically but on a smaller scale (i.e., progressive, lots of mountains and water surrounding the area). There are lots of recreational opportunities throughout the state plus ADKs just to the west; head north to CA, too.
Still, if you're into anything outdoorsy, Oregon is the better choice, without a doubt. Want to go sea kayaking for a quick hour or all the way up to AK or down to Baja? Close by. Year-round white water, too. And salmon for you fisherfolk. (Ever read "The River Why"? Terrific book.) Year-round back-country skiing/boarding/mountaineering on volcanoes and the Cascades? You're reasonably close to Mt. Shasta in N. CA, Adams/Rainier/St. Helens/North Cascades in WA, and Hood, Bachelor, the Wallawas, et al in OR. World-class rock climbing? Just head to Smith Rock. Mtn. biking? Just about anywhere. Best wind surfing in the country? Hop in the ol' Saab and head to the Gorge. Wanna stray out of the area for more adventure? Head north to play in WA or BC, south to CA, east to UT/WY/ID for more of some of the finest outdoor places in the country. Or, if you like, fly down to L.A. for a weekend of, well, I don't know, whatever people do down there (I went this summer; felt like a foreign country ;-).
Oregon's urban areas are culturally diverse and vibrant; I like Portland, especially -- nicer than Seattle. Want to take in some international cosmopolitan city living? Take a train up to Vancouver -- amazing city. Hell, keep going all the way to Whistler if you ski; some of the best skiing in North America. Or, again if you ski, head a couple hundred miles east and take in some of the finest b.c. hut skiing anywhere (ride the helicopters if yer rich & lazy ;-).
Seattle ain't half bad, either. Come on up and consume some culture, beer & coffee -- don't worry, it ain't all Starbucks. We also have football and baseball if yer into that.
The living is mellower out west; I've lived out here for 10 years now and I wouldn't move back east. Only thing I really miss is the change of seasons. Vermont calendar next to the fridge helps somewhat ;-).
As for Saabs -- Saabs DON'T RUST out here.
posted by 216.160.99...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
