A West Coaster’s Guide to the East Coast
If we had an objective publisher’s eye on this compendium of travel observations, I imagine there would be a note saying something like “You seem to have an unnatural obsession with draught-ridden landscapes and irresponsibly high elevations. Maybe we could try to connect more with readers who enjoy robust tree canopies and completely flat bike rides?” I, like any professional, take imaginary feedback very seriously, with an open mind and a critical eye towards complete inclusivity. Thus, an east cost trip was deemed essential travel; both a necessity to ensure a well rounded blog, and to guarantee AN AWESOME SUMMER VACATION!!
Before digesting this comprehensive guide to the best views of the Atlantic, I recommend some visualization exercises for my fellow westerners out there.
Imagine a place where you can drive several hours, not just to end up in a different location within the same state, but instead actually traverse across multiple states! I kid you not, here in “New England” people are just commuting in and out of different states and commonwealths on a daily basis. It’s complete insanity.
Try to contemplate a rainstorm that does not simply provide you a fraction of an inch of water, but actually pours down multiple inches of rain in a matter of hours! I mean trees are just growing everywhere…with leaves!
Ok, so you’re enjoying this fantasy getaway, but what is actually out on this “alleged” eastern side of the Mississippi, you ask. Well trade in the tortillas for some sourdough, put away your Patagonia and bust out the L.L. Bean, because you’re about to hear all about it.
Atlanta, GA
A giant city made up of little cities. The A is best enjoyed with a local tour guide that has the inside scoop on the best parts of all the unique neighborhoods within this sprawling metropolis. No double-decker bus required. All you need is a taste for good BBQ and a hankering for some Best Friends!
Charleston, SC
Big fan of pastel colors you say? Feel like pairing those shorts with tiny alligators on them with some freshy fresh seafood and a hearty serving of southern drawl? It’s all boats and buddies in Chucktown y’all. If you don’t get why that’s good enough for a trip on its own, then you don’t deserve the low country boil!
Richmond, VA
Decidedly in the South, Richmond has plenty of hospitality and an undercurrent of hipster for anyone craving craft beers and the groomed mustache look. For us, it’s all about convincing the amigos to ditch work and pretend to be farmers in their own backyard.
Pittsburgh, PA
Shall we call the look, an “industrial chic?” Only my oldest friend would compel us to visit Steel City, but by god she did it, and we were smitten! Find a blue collared shirt and throwback a local beer with the Yinzers. This old factory town serves up as many friendly folks as it does old timey smoke stacks!
Philadelphia, PA
Call me Founding Father and find me a bell to break! Only our second time in this city, but I totally understand why Ben Franklin spent so much time here. Phila is not just for brotherly love, it’s for lovers of friends and food too.
Boston, MA
New England! To totally immerse ourselves in the culture we prepped by watching Ben Affleck in The Town. And thank God we did. Boston is just like that, only with a little less bank robbing and a lot more babies and besties.
Maine
Maine’s state motto is simply one word - Vacationland. Those are my vibes people! From Portland to Acadia NP and back - water everywhere, green as far as the eye can see, and everyone is high on fresh lobster all day, every day!
