I was home visiting my parents a few weeks ago in the desert where they live, Kennewick, WA, part of the Tri-Cities- Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick. You might recognize the name from the Kennewick Man and even seen something that resembles it from an episode of “The Simpsons”- Homer works at a plant similar to where the top secret Manhattan Project (where the A-bomb was assembled) was rooted in Hanford, a mere 20 minutes away.
I coerced my lovely cousin and part-time muse, 20 year old Alex Aaron, to let me take some flicks of her and answer some questions about living in what Forbes named “one of the best small places for business and careers”.
10 Best Things About Living in the Tri-Cities, WA
1. Target! The Go Collection (there is never a quarrel about that girl that just walked away with your size), basic closet staples for cheap, and you can pick up some groceries as well.
2. Thrift stores/antique stores. The stores we have are always well stocked with everyone else’s throw-away’s, the staff aren’t pretentious nor will overcharge.
3. Bigger cities such as Seattle, WA or Portland, Oregon are only 3&1/2-4 hours away. The drive is always beautiful, scenic, and mountainous. Orchards, vineyards, great American cookin’ “Mom and Pop” restaurants and historical sights line the way.
4. The Gorge in George, WA is also only about 3&1/2 hours and houses one of the most beautiful outdoor ampitheaters, especially when the sun sets. Sasquatch Festival rounds up the best indie/rock/punk/folk bands and artists yearly. (NIN and Jane’s Addiction this last year, sort of an odd touch mixed with Gogol Bordello, Kings of Leon, Santogold)…anyway, 35+bands, comedians and DJs for $250. Awesome. Other events held at the Gorge include various rappers and Warped Tour.
5. Hanford, Battel, Bechtel…the T.C. is immune to economic crunches because of the large flow of government funds. . Everyone uses their credit cards like there is no tomorrow! And the water may be contaminated with radioactive waste due to the plants…
6. www.washingtonwine.org
7. No need to parallel park! Whee! I abhor and dread the possibility that I may have to parallel park and I will drive farther to find a parking lot.
8. Also, there is no such thing as valet parking nor pay to park. Although, there are a lot of cops, they’re not very forgiving, and the cabs charge mucho dinero.
9. No need to worry about the fashion concious, or the seasons. Dress accordingly to the weather and wear whatever you want. The trash will keep drinking their beer, the rest will scowl because you stand out and the random kids will be your bff and ask you for a cigarette.
10. Thank GOD for iTunes because there are no record stores around here.
