Thursday, May 7, 2015

Fort Bragg, California

Outside Magazine has listed Fort Bragg, California on its best towns list for 2015.  They have listed their top 64 and are giving folks an opportunity to go online and vote to narrow down the list.  Their voting system is similar to that of the NCAA's March Madness brackets.  Here's a link to check it out - of course I would encourage you to vote for Fort Bragg, CA.

In March, Jeff and I received a phone call from Outside Magazine.  They told us that they were considering Fort Bragg and asked us questions about our town.  My first comment was that it is a place that feels good to come home to.

I love living in Fort Bragg and have made it my home for many different reasons.  The top 2 reasons being the outdoors and the community.

Obviously the outdoors is what got Outside Magazine's attention and if you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that kayaking in Fort Bragg is AWESOME.  Kayaking is only one of many ways to enjoy the outdoors in Fort Bragg.  Hiking, biking, walking, running, photography, horseback riding, birding, paddling, surfing, diving, fishing, and mushroom hunting are a few of the most common outdoor pursuits here.  Here's a video that Jeff and I made in 2009 about outdoor adventure in Fort Bragg, California.

Possibly one reason that I enjoy Fort Bragg's Community is that many of the residents are fellow outdoor enthusiasts.  However, I feel deeper community roots than the common bond over the outdoors.  Fort Bragg is a small town community where people care about others.  One can't go to the grocery store without running into people that you know.  When in a hurry, a quick wave and hello is acceptable, but on more leisurely days we value the opportunity for a quick catch up.

I have seen folks express their opinions on facebook that we don't want to be recognized as a "best town" for a variety of reasons including that people will want to visit or move here.  I think this is a good thing.  Our community is very much dependent upon tourism and outdoor recreation (which support our household).

Regardless, I am super happy to live in Fort Bragg and am sharing this blog post as my way of encouraging folks to give Fort Bragg a look - whether for visiting or living.  Click here to vote for Fort Bragg, CA.