Visit Every City in Washington State

Speaking Engagement

2010-02-19T22:05:00.000-08:00

I am truly honored to be invited back for a third visit to speak to the Seattle Horseless Carriage Auto Club. I first spoke to the group back in June 2008, then again in March 2009, and this time the last Saturday of February 2010. The club's members, most of which show up for my presentation, are by far my favorite group to speak to. They always ask me such great questions and are truly engaging. I offer them a PowerPoint presentation with lots of photos, stats, and trivia questions and they offer me a nice breakfast.

New Mountain Pass

2010-02-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

I was contacted today by a visitor to my website. He wrote to let me know about a mountain pass that he knew about which did not show up on my website. McNeil Pass, located in Douglas County on the McNeil Canyon Road, appears to be around 3,100 feet. From what I understand from the gentleman who emailed me, the pass is marked with a sign so at least I'll have something to take my photo with. This means I won't have to make my own sign as I have done on several of the smaller passes I have driven over during this project.

Leavenworth, Washington State's own Bavarian Village

2010-02-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

Leavenworth, Washington State’s own Bavarian Village, is located on Hwy 2 in Chelan County at the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountains. Brimming with activity throughout the year, Leavenworth offers something for everyone and is conveniently located near the center of the state.

The town boasts an excellent array of restaurants, shops, hotels, and family activities. With everything from beer tasting to mini-golf, Leavenworth’s charm and history will draw you back again and again for years to come. For over a decade now, my family and I return every year for the Autumn Leaf Festival (held the last full weekend of September) and nothing gets us more in the mood for the holidays than celebrating the conclusion of summer and the commencement of autumn.

Leavenworth has not always been the picturesque Bavarian village we see today. Until the 1960’s it was a dying logging and rail district, with nothing more to offer than a pit stop for motorists driving over the mountains. Seeking an opportunity to revive their town, and taking in consideration the natural surroundings, the residents and the remaining business owners decided to make a change; a Bavarian change. With a little ingenuity, some elbow grease, and a German stein full of faith, the community transformed itself into a re-creation of an authentic Bavarian village.

Today Leavenworth is a major shopping destination for thousands of visitors a year. With many unique and distinctive stores, even the experienced shopper can find something they have never seen before. Hungry after a full morning of strolling, chatting, and shopping? Not to worry, Leavenworth’s restaurants consist of everything from German food to Italian food, Mexican to soups and sandwiches. And the city would not let you leave without satisfying your sweet tooth with their numerous candy and ice cream shops sprinkled throughout downtown.

Activities abound in Leavenworth. The seasons influence the outdoor activities all through the Leavenworth region. In the summer most activities take place on the local rivers such as camping, hiking, rafting, kayaking, and tubing. In the winter the snow provides a playground for sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and downhill & cross-country skiing.

Back in town you will find an actual putting course, a family fun center, the official Nutcracker Museum, a two-screen movie theater, wine tasting, and tours of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. And as lodging goes there is a vast selection of establishments to stay at. Take your pick from hotels, motels, lodges and bed & breakfasts. Enough cannot be said about Leavenworth; it is truly the destination that offers everything.

The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce organizes many festivals throughout the year, which makes a visit even more pleasurable. Some of the festivals include Maifest, the Autumn Leaf Festival, Oktoberfest, the Christmas Lighting Festival, Icefest, and the ever-unique Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration. Their web site (www.leavenworth.org) is full of useful information, so before heading to Leavenworth, check it out. Biss später!

Populations

2010-01-30T21:18:00.000-08:00

As of April 1, 2009...

Population of Washington State: 6,664,195

(Ranked 13th most populated state in the U.S.)

Most Populated County: King @ 1,909,345

Least Populated County: Garfield (SE WA) @ 2,251

Most Populated City: Seattle @ 602,145

Least Populated City: Krupp (Grant County) @ 60

NOTE: Legally incorporated under the name Krupp, this town is more commonly known as Marlin

The City of Spokane Valley, which incorporated on March 31, 2003 with 80,693 residents, at its creation became the third-largest newly-incorporated city in U.S. history (after Centennial, Colorado, which incorporated in 2001; and Miami Gardens, Florida, which incorporated about five weeks before Spokane Valley)