My Favorite States

Why, you ask, have I not visited Arkansas? I'm still trying to figure it out…

Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 29 states. I consider this to be a fair accomplishment, although I still have quite a few to go to reach my goal of all 50. You may ask, “Out of all the states, which one is your favorite?” The answer is, without hesitation, “Missouri.” Yes, I know that’s cheating, but it’s true. It’s central, simple, pretty, and my home.

(You might also ask what is my least favorite. I would say, “West Virginia,” for absolutely no reason other than that I get negative feelings every time I hear those words. Am I weird? Yes I am.)

However, if your question is, “Out of all the states you don’t live in, which is your favorite?” I can handle that, as long as you allow me multiple answers. Keep in mind that these are my favorites… not necessarily the best.

Honorable Mentions:

Florida. From the Everglades and the crazy-awesome subtropical trees to Disney World and the wildlife, this place deserves to be a tourist destination— but only, I contend, in the winter. (Also, it contains the Everglades International Hostel, a truly magical place.)

If you get a chance to visit the Everglades National Park, do it.

Colorado. Home to some of the loveliest towns I’ve ever visited (Colorado Springs, Fort Collins), this state also boasts some fantastic geological formations and down-home streams. Oh yeah, and there’s also the Rocky Mountains.

This is the best shot I could find— although I've visited CO three times, I have no good pictures of it!

California. I could give a laundry list of places I love within its limits: San Diego, San Francisco, the entire coast, the Redwoods, the landscapes, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and so on and so on. Seriously, do you need me to tell you why California is awesome?

I love the scenery around San Luis Obispo.

Now… The Top Three!

Oregon. For several months I harbored a grudge against this state, refusing to believe that it was as wonderful as all the Oregonian snobs said it was. But after being assaulted with stunning natural wonders everywhere I went, from the Columbia River Gorge to the Bandon beach, I realized that I could not deny that this place is pretty much amazing.

A sight to convert even the most stubborn skeptic.

I'll never get tired of Bandon beach.

North Carolina. From the majestic Smoky Mountains in the west to the shimmering beaches in the east, this state has a variety of vistas (and some of the most beautiful Southern accents I’ve ever heard). I love the history of this area, and little details such as tin-roofed buildings and Spanish moss. My ancestors first moved to North Carolina from Europe in the early 1600s, so I have deep roots there as well.

I love walking through downtown New Bern.

Bogue Inlet Fishing pier— my favorite pier.

Washington. This will always be my second-favorite state, if only for nostalgia’s sake. It was my first place I visited out west, the first place I saw a snow-capped mountain, the first place I traveled solo, and the first time I fell in love with a city (Seattle). I love the mix of manageable scenery (rolling hills, small mountains, streams) and breathtaking views (the Cascade Mountains, the Pacific Ocean). Also, Bellingham and the San Juan Islands are two of my favorite places on earth. 

What are your favorite states?

Lost Lake near Bellingham, Washington. Mary and I almost got lost finding it…

The view of Seattle from the ferry is fantastic— and, if you're coming from the west, free!

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