Things to do / Travel Guide
The extent of the region's ethnic diversity is mostly apparent in Seattle, which, for instance, has a Chinatown located in the aptly named “International District.” About 75% of region's residents are Caucasian with mainly German, English, Irish, or Norwegian heritage. The remaining 25% or so is made up of Asian American (10%), African American (5%), Latin American (5%), Native American populations, and people of other ethnic groups. Most of the Latin American people trace their roots back to Mexico, while the largest Asian American contingents are the groups of Chinese and Filipinos.
Seattle is the birthplace of many “trends” that end up sweeping the globe. For instance, legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle, and since he came to prominence Seattle, in particular, has been a West Coast beacon for alternative music. Kurt Cobain and his pioneering grunge band, Nirvana, also got their start in Seattle. The region's most famous export, however, is Starbucks Coffee. Now a multinational chain that truly spans the globe, the first Starbucks was opened in Seattle at Pike Place Market in 1971, where a Starbucks store still remains.
Imitation is, as they say, the sincerest form of flattery and, with the success of Starbucks and grunge music, the entire region is covered with coffee shops and little hole-in-the-wall venues that feature many local grunge bands all hoping to becoming the next Seattle-born Nirvana. For instance, the other coffee brand that has since burst forth from Seattle is the aptly named “Seattle's Best Coffee,” which, like Starbucks, started in the 1970s and has since grown to become a national chain of coffee shops. Seattle, in particular, is at the cutting edge of “coffee-culture.” As such, many locals prefer to go out for a latte rather than stay in and sip home-brewed coffee.
Seattle has been ranked as the most well-read and literate city in the United States and there are a plethora of local civic and cultural literature-related events to that effect. And, generally speaking, the people who live in northwest Washington and the Cascades are sophisticated, savvy, and cosmopolitan, but also quite mellow, despite the urban atmosphere of the region's cities. Very health- and nature- conscious, residents of this region typically are more comfortable among greenery and trees than the hustle and bustle of an urban jungle. With plenty of activities to choose from, the region's residents surely have a taste for adventure.
The influence of residents of northwest Washington and the Cascades on American culture has especially been felt in the realm of music and coffee houses, with grunge rock playing on radio stations around the world and Starbucks cafés dotted all over the globe.
Within the region, you cannot talk with a resident for long before the phrase “quality of life” makes its way into the conversation. Given its natural, New Age, liberal feel, it is not surprising that Seattle residents, along with people who live in many other areas around the region, are often more at home among towering trees than towering office buildings. For fun, many of the urban locals enjoy checking out coffee shops and nightclubs in the larger cities, like Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Olympia. In the aptly-named International District, southeast of Pioneer Square in downtown Seattle, you can get a good sense of the city's diversity and multicultural flavor. Good places to take in the Chinatown-like atmosphere include Weller Street and International Children's Park.
Because of the region's famously-inclement weather, local residents enjoy a well-developed range of indoor activities. On the other hand, for those with a penchant for adventure, the region is abundant with hundreds, if not thousands, of different outdoor activities, such as kayaking and windsurfing as well as hiking and biking.
Although it is often rainy, when the weather is nice everyone is out. And plenty of people are out in the rain as well. Generally speaking, the locals in northwest Washington and the Cascades are friendly to out-of-towners and are eager to give them with a welcoming feeling.
Notably, there are certain towns and villages that really stand out in the region. Leavenworth has all the markings of a Bavarian village, from buildings to cafés and restaurants to coffee houses - everything has a distinctly German feel. Many of the stores sell “German wares” such as cheese logs, knockwurst, cuckoo clocks, and lederhosen outfits.
Europeans from Croatia and Scandinavia arrived in Gig Harbor in 1867 and turned the area into the quintessential harbor town, doubling as the “gateway” to the Olympic Peninsula. Gig Harbor is famous for its historic waterfront, which faces out to the Puget Sound, and for its art galleries, quaint boutiques, and fine dining establishments.
There is a definite maritime feel to the towns of the Puget Sound and nearby islands. Some of these towns maintain a seafaring spirit while having developed a second life as arts and antique centers. Contemporary art and fresh seafood seem to go well together.
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