Washington 101

If the fictional Edward Cullen would become real, where would he live? Still in the state of Washington, of course.

And why not? What is great about Washington is that it is not only a place where businesses become a success but it is also where you can take your woman to propose to marriage ala Edward Cullen style.

Washington is a state near the Pacific Ocean and south of the British Columbia of Canada. The forty-second state of the United States, it is the only state named after a U.S. President. To distinguish it from the capital, Washington D.C., it is often referred to as “State of Washington” or simply “Washington.” Its nickname “Evergreen,” proposed by Charles T. Conover of Seattle, Washington in 1890,  is truly a great monicker as  its forests are full of evergreen trees and the abundant rain that showers the state keeps the plants green all year long.

And who would not want to live in the Evergreen state? Aside from the lush greenery everywhere, nature lovers are not the only ones enticed to live here but also the people who want to make millions or even billions of bucks someday. Washington earned $311.5 billion in 2007, thanks to the businesses inside the state such as Boeing, Alaska Airlines, Expedia, Nordstrom and Car Toys. The cafe business Starbucks is also stationed here, as well as the beverage Jones Soda. Gamers will jump up and down on finding out that Nintendo, who produced famous games such as Mario, and Valve Corporation, the maker of Counter-Strike, Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2, is in Washington. Tech savvy folks will surely delight in finding that Microsoft and Amazon.com is based in the Evergreen state. Billionaire residents of Washington includes Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Steve Ballmer and Charles Simonyi of Microsoft, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, as well as James Jannard of Oakley.

But the lush greenery of Washington does not only inspire future billionaires, it also inspires lovers. Want to imitate Edward Cullen by climbing up a tree and showing your vampire-like skills to impress your loved one? Why not climb the majestic Olympic Mountains with your woman and lie down on the rich forest floor, just like Edward and Bella did? For those who want to show off a bit of history, visit the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and narrate how the still active but awe-inspiring volcano erupted in 1980 and buried the Spirit Lake.

Not ready for a thrill of heights? Visit Washington's Arboretum and still get the forest feeling with your Bella as the place is filled with huge collections of flora. Feel wonderful with the sight of blooming azaleas, camellia and magnolias, and be close to nature with the Asiatic and Japanese maples, birches, poplars, larches, lindens and oaks (not sure if you'll be allowed to climb them like Edward Cullen, though). Can't get enough of flowers? Visit the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, and see their 1880's Victorian farmhouse and country garden. You can even surprise your woman with a gift of lilacs bought from the Gardens.

Want to drive your truck and just enjoy a picturesque Washington scenery with your Bella? Visit the Palouse, a 208-mile ocean of green hills where Native Americans and settlers used to thread. Hike the hills, bike around, or catch your dinner fish, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your woman busy until your much-awaited proposal.

Neighboring the Pacific Ocean do have its advantages, of course. Washington's San Juan Island offers a quick retreat where couples can do whale watching, fishing, or just lying on the shore, watching sunset. Enjoy long walks with her under the evening sky, and watch the waters sparkle as they reflect the moonlight.

So why not book a vacation in Washington and surprise your Bella? She might even be delighted that you know bits of Twilight.