Best Waterfalls In Texas To Visit And Swimming Holes For The Most Fulfilling Experience

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 17, 2024

Washington is notable for its exceptional natural beauty, which includes three national parks, more than 8,000 lakes, and 155 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. However, the Evergreen State is also among the wealthiest in the nation; in 2022, the median household income in the state was $84,247, nearly $6,000 higher than the national average. Major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon call Washington home, and there are plenty of excellent job opportunities there. Even though the Seattle area is still a popular place to relocate, there are many other towns throughout the state's interior and along its coastline that entice newcomers with their picturesque surroundings, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, close-knit communities, and family-friendly amenities. Here are 7 of the best places to live in Washington state, as rated by locals. Best Places To Live In Washington State It can be tough to zero in on one city to call home when you choose the Washington state to pick from. But we are listing the best places to live in Washington state to make your life easier. Take a peek. Cheney It's worth considering other universities in eastern Washington besides Gonzaga. Eastern Washington University, a public university with 11,000 students and 800 faculty members, is located in Cheney. Although EWU is not the biggest university in the state, a sizable portion of Cheney's population attends it. The population of the city is about 10,600 during the summer months. In academic terms, this increases to 17,600 inhabitants. For students who prefer to be fully immersed in campus life but are concerned about getting lost in a bigger city, EWU is an excellent choice. Families looking to live or work close to a university may find it to be a good alternative to other towns on this list. Cheney is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Washington state for young adults. Spokane Although many of the greatest areas to live in Washington are located in the east, people tend to concentrate on the western side of the state. In stark contrast to the rainy weather in Seattle, the eastern portion of the state is level and experiences a desert climate. Spokane, which is located near the Idaho border, is the 99th most populous city in the country. With 500,000 residents, Spokane serves as a hub in opposition to Seattle. For those who prefer to be outside, Spokane is a sanctuary. Within a few hours of the city, one can find hiking and rafting in addition to ski resorts. The men's basketball team at Gonzaga University, which is based in Spokane, draws fans from all over the nation. In the NCAA March Madness tournament, the Bulldogs are always a formidable opponent.   Portland In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is not the only significant city. The Columbia River divides Washington and Oregon, with Portland, Oregon, situated along its border. Nike and Columbia Sportswear have their corporate offices in Portland, a sizable city. Vancouver, Washington is the state across which Portland is located. Many people who live in this city make the daily commute into Oregon. One city to another can be reached by car in fifteen minutes, although traffic may make it take longer. The fact that Washington does not impose a state income tax is one advantage of relocating to Vancouver. This can save you money. Ocean Shores The coast of Washington has many of the best places to live, with huge rocky outcroppings and thick fog making for enigmatic and fascinating beach walks. Selecting the best city to stay in along the Pacific Ocean is difficult. One well-liked location is the town of Ocean Shores, which is home to about 6,000 people. If you enjoy going fishing and cooking your catch, Ocean Shores is a great place to call home. It is known for the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival held every year in the spring. Sand and wood artists from all over the nation come to the Sand and Sawdust festival in the summer. For those who enjoy the sea and the arts, this town is fantastic. Olympia Seattle is not the capital city of Washington, despite its size. It is Olympia's turn to receive this honor. Both cities are situated near water, and they are about an hour's drive apart with minimal traffic. Olympia has 46,000 people living in it, far fewer than Seattle. Olympia is a center for theater and the arts. Fine art organizations such as the Olympia Symphony Orchestra as well as the Olympia Family Theater are popular among the locals. Families can enjoy hiking or lounging on the waterfront with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier on the weekends. Whether you work in government, this is a great city to live in. Tacoma Those who wish to live in a more tranquil area but still commute into the city frequently choose Tacoma, which is only thirty minutes from Seattle's downtown. Known for Port Defiance, a park and family recreation area combined, it is situated along the water. Look into Tacoma if you want to live in the Seattle region but are having trouble locating the perfect spot. This town offers waterfront living in addition to being a center for the art and culture. You might find that there's more to do than you thought. Tacoma will prove to be more than what you expect. It is easily one of the best places to live in Washington state. Seattle Seattle is not only Washington's most populous city, but it also has a large metropolitan area spanning the Puget Sound. Many locals drive and ride their bicycles for work, averaging 138 hours a year (28.4 minutes each way) in the downtown area. Nonetheless, a lot of people believe that living in Seattle is worth the expense and commute. Along with dozens of other businesses, the city is home to the corporate offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Costco, Expedia, Alaska Airlines, and Starbucks. Seattle is home to the NFL's Seahawks, MLB's Mariners, NHL's Kraken, and NBA's Supersonics. Seattle is for you if you like a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle. What Is The Pacific Northwest? The states in the northwest of the nation that are bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east are collectively referred to as the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The two states that are mentioned in the PNW the most are Washington and Oregon. But the area also includes portions of California, Idaho, and Alaska. Does Washington Have A State Income Tax? Nine states do not impose an income tax, including Washington. The following states don't have a state income tax: Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. States without income taxes either decrease the services provided to citizens or find other ways to raise money. To avoid paying taxes, some Washingtonians commute to Oregon. What Is Seattle Famous For? In addition to being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle was once home to a sizable grunge music scene. The city has gained notoriety over the last ten years as the home of Amazon and is a sought-after location for tech companies to establish their operations. Living in the city has become more costly as a result. Wrapping Up States like Washington are our favorites because they have so many wonderful cities to choose from. There were so many, in fact, that we had to start by providing you with a list of three towns that you should definitely visit. We understand that you may be experiencing analysis paralysis right now. Where does one call home with so many wonderful options? If you're searching for a large city, Seattle is the only option. There is no doubt about that. However, if you're willing to settle for a somewhat smaller city, Spokane or Tacoma are a better option than Seattle. No matter where you choose to call home, never forget that we will assist you in getting there. Let us know if you choose to relocate to Washington. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best places to live in Washington state, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Temples, Markets, And More: Your Ultimate Bangkok Itinerary Here Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Baltimore! Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!

BY  Barsha Mar 2, 2022

How many of us craved for that coffee from Starbucks every morning while we were forced to work from home? My guess is too many to keep a count! In my living memory, I don’t remember the last time I thought about getting a coffee from somewhere else. So what is it about this coffee that makes so many around the world desire it? I have always wondered whether it was Starbucks’ policy of customized cups or the mouth-watering menu that continues to keep the brand relevant even today. A coffee addict’s paradise, the Starbucks near me is always packed but does that stop me? Well, not really. I simply move to the next chain shop around the corner. For everyone wondering why they have not visited a Starbucks yet, scroll down and read about this global brand in detail. Additionally, I have also added a few reviews that alone should be convincing about this chain coffee shop’s premium quality coffee and customer service! About Starbucks: The Brand When Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker launched Starbucks in 1971, they had no clue that the brand would remain relevant even after 50 years. Instead, what started with one outlet at the Pike Place Market in the Elliot Bay area of Seattle, Washington, expanded into 33,833 stores across the world. Of course, the founders had not anticipated the brand’s success in the international and local markets. In the 1980s, Howard Schultz bought the brand and took the wise decision of transforming the final product - from a coffee bean shop to a coffee shop. This was the change that is considered one of the biggest reasons behind the brand’s success. With a 114th rank on the Fortune 500 list and a 288th rank on the Forbes Global 2000, it does not look like Starbucks will stop expanding any time soon. The brand has consistently increased the number of stores in different countries, and even the Starbucks menu has undergone several transformations. Coffee Cup Size The Starbucks sizes for coffee cups have remained constant over the years. If you are not aware of the cup size, scroll down to find out! Short (240 ml) - Smaller of the two original sizes. Tall (350 ml) - Larger of the two original sizes. Grande (470 ml) - Italian for "large". Venti (590 ml and 770 mL) - Hot and Iced - Italian for "twenty." Trenta (890 ml) - Italian for "thirty". Products The Starbucks menu is golden, and there are so many things to try. If you have not been to a single Starbucks yet, update yourself on the menu! Low calorie and sugar-free products. Non-dairy milk offerings. Ethos Water. Instant coffee and coffee capsules. Coffee makers and single-use capsules. Alcoholic drinks. Fruit juices, fruit beverages, and sodas. Energy Drinks. Locations At present, Starbucks has its stores in 32,660 locations around the world, spanning as many as 79 countries and territories on six continents. Additionally, for people wondering what time does Starbucks close, you will be happy to know that most branches operate between 7 am to 8 pm. However, since the Starbucks hours of operation might vary from time to time, it’s best to check with the ones nearest to your locations. As of now, Starbucks is located in the following continents, Africa: Four countries. Europe: Twenty Eight Countries. North America: Fifteen Countries. Oceania: Two Countries. South America: Seven Countries. Asia: Twenty Six Countries. Starbucks - Best Reviews (https://www.consumeraffairs.com/food/starbucks.html) - Reference for three reviews. As a brand that has managed to stay relevant for more than half a century, Starbucks has a vast amount of reviews on Google from consumers all over the world. Check out a few of our favorite reviews! 1. Review By Denise Of Mckinney “I would like to give a huge shoutout to the Starbucks employees at the Kroger location in Plano, Tx. at Coit and Hwy 121. All of their employees are super friendly, efficient, and always remember my drink combo. I and my husband have been going to that Starbucks for six years now, and we love our Baristas. Most days, there is only one Barista tending to the store, but they are always efficient and seem to do an amazing job single-handedly. I would like to give a special shoutout to Michelle, she always greets me with a smile and a funny story, which makes my day amazing. Thank you, Michelle, for always being my ray of sunshine first thing in the morning.” 2. Review By Abhinav Of Abu Dhabi “Had a wonderful Christmas. Such an amazing experience this time at Starbucks. Mesmerizing taste and hospitality at its core. Delicious caramel frappe, turkey, and cheese pretzel sandwich yet chasing my taste buds. The Starbucks downstreet had a really tranquil environment and was great for having a hot coffee on a cold winter day. I love the sparkling bottled water and the painting on the walls, which give me a feeling of satisfaction. A relaxed and comforting environment to provide on a happy day. It's a great place to spend some time with friends, family, and converse. Thanks for the experienced Team Starbucks. It was 100% hostile and welcoming. Wish to see you soon.” 3. Review By M Of Cottage Grove “I have been to many Starbucks locations in several cities and states over the years. I want to take a moment to acknowledge Natatia at the Cottage Grove, MN, location. Natatia always has a very positive attitude, and I look forward to having her take my order when she is working. It is employees like Natatia that take the customer experience at Starbucks to the next level. Her customer service is "Star" worthy! I would highly recommend Starbucks in Cottage Grove to anyone.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 1. What Is The Best Drink At Starbucks? The five best drinks of Starbucks as rated by consumers all over the world are as follows, Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream. Pumpkin Spice Latte. Caffé Mocha. Caramel Brulée Latte. Caffé Americano. 2. What Is The Review On Starbucks? Starbucks has a stellar 4.4 rating on Google with over 5169 reviews from consumers all over the world. The vast number of positive reviews indicates that consumers are pretty satisfied with the menu and quality of service. 3. Why Starbucks Is The Best? Most fans would agree that the coffee brew served at Starbucks keeps them going all day long! But coffee is not the only thing that makes this global coffee shop chain so popular with users - the menu and customer service also happen to be a massive hit with people. Conclusion There’s no denying that Starbucks has stayed relevant as a brand for a really long time and continues to evolve every year. So if you haven’t visited the famous chain coffee shop yet, then what are you waiting for? Visit today! Read Also: Cafe Coffee Day – Best Review By Users In 2022 Top 5 Best Coffee Shops Of India In 2022 – Must Read! Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe

BY  Subham Saha Mar 31, 2021

When we hear the name ‘Hawaii,’ we can only imagine ourselves sitting at a serene beach with crystal blue waters while sipping on a coconut mojito or attending a luau in Oahu. However, these beaches are not the only thing that one must know about Hawaii. In this article, we have discussed some of the most spectacular and enchanting National Parks in Hawaii that are guaranteed to make you spellbound. Even the magnificent canyons, mind-bogging volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and deep rainforests are among some of the other major attractions for tourists visiting the land. What Is A National Park? Any area within a sovereign state that has been preserved or is being used by national bodies for conservation purposes can be termed a national park. In a basic sense, a national park is one or a group of ecosystems that have not been disrupted by human activities and exploitation. It is a space where plants, animals, geomorphological habitats are preserved for scientific, education, or recreational purposes. These areas generally exhibit the wilderness and the truest beauty of nature.  About Hawaii The credit for one of the most beautiful places on our planet, Earth, can be given to Hawaii. It is a kind of place that can really make you feel like living in your dreams. A part of the United States, the islands of Hawaii are stationed over the Pacific Ocean. Not very far from the mainland, it is located at an approximate distance of 2000 miles from the US. It is an archipelago comprising 137 volcanic islands and has one of the longest coastlines in the country.  It is very evident that Hawaii exhibits a tropical climate due to its location. The days are hot and warm, while the nights are much cooler. However, the temperatures and humidity usually remain on the lesser part because of the constant breezy conditions. The National Park Service in Hawaii is responsible for protecting several natural junctions and areas of the state, contributing towards a better world.  Best National Parks In Hawaii Let us have a look at the list of National Parks in Hawai:  1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park If you want to travel to any National Park in Hawaii, Big Island, it has to be the Volcanoes National Park. It is one of the most popular and major attractions for tourists around the world. This National Park in Hawaii consists of the world’s largest volcano- Mauna Loa, and the world’s most active volcano- Kilauea. It is the largest national park in the whole of Hawaii. This park portrays a diverse range of ecosystems, varying from barren volcanic mountains and lush green rainforests.  If you want to witness the active and historical lava flows, visiting this park would be the best decision of your life. Although some of the major spots of attraction have been heavily damaged, such as the Jaggar Museum, there is still a lot left to see. The Crater Rim road traverses through the park, and by driving through it, you can experience the most stunning scenic views that the place has to offer.  2. Haleakala National Park Driving to the summit of the Haleakala National Park and then hiking through the loops and trails is one of the most divine things a tourist can experience. Located on the east side of the Maui islands, the topography of this place depicts it to be a massive crater that is 7 miles across, 2 miles wide, and deeper than 760 meters.  The volcano is not active anymore. However, while hiking, you can get a closer look at the crater. It is home to a variety of endangered species of the world, such as the Hawaiian goose. The location of this park offers the most beautiful scenic views along with sunrise and sunsets. The skies above this area are extremely dark and perfect for stargazing.  3. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park This National Park in Hawaii Big Islands is situated on the western Kona coast. This park has been specifically conserved to protect an archeological site that is considered one of the most sacred and momentous areas in the entire state of Hawaii. Well, I am sure you have had a hard time pronouncing the name of this park. I can tell because I have been prey to the same problem.  The name of this national park can be literally translated as the “place of refuge” in the Hawaiian language. The place has been of prime significance due to its historical and cultural background. A 400 years old, L-shaped masonry wall encloses the site. This National Park in Hawaii has several ancient, historical, and reconstructed archeological sites, which include temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, etc.   4. Kalaupapa National Historical Park It is one of the most isolated yet beautiful places in this state. Bearing a storied and tragic past, the Kalaupapa National Historical Park is situated on the islands of Moloka’i. The geological image of the site depicts it to be a peninsula. In the earlier part of history, this place served as an isolation settlement for those suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy).  Thousands of people died within that area since the population peaked in 1890. Very few residents are still native to that place. The site has been preserved by the National Park Service. Their main motive is to preserve the cultural and physical aspects of the two leper colonies. The major attractions offered are the house sites, stone walls, and temples, cultivated taro fields, and so on.  Final Thoughts Well, now you have an entire list of National Parks in Hawaii. If you have already been there once, make sure to spend your time exploring these out-of-the-world sites rather than just spending a lazy time on the beach.  However, if you are visiting for the first time, do put these national parks on your list of sightseeing. The exotic beauty and significant history of these parks are what make Hawaii such a paradise on earth.  Read Also: Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation 3 Ways To Enjoy Spring At Zion National Park