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In my travels around the country, and to a lesser extent the world, I’ve always attempted to take note of whether a particular state or city seems to be a welcoming place for folks with beards. Printed here, in no particular order, are my findings.
Portland, Maine
Starting close to home, just a few miles down I-95 is the city of Portland, Maine. This city is near and dear to my heart for many reasons, not the least of which is its seeming acceptance of all things facial hair. Walking down Congress Street on any given day, one is sure to see both young and old sporting beards.
Do note, however, that proximity to Maine College of Art will significantly increase chances of spotting “ironic mustaches.” With any hope, these young hipsters will realize those handlebars are so much more than a cheap laugh or a quick nod to Freddie Mercury; they are tried and true facial accessories. Of lesser note is the likelihood of running across bros with chinstraps in certain parts of the West End.
Asheville, N.C.
Affectionately referred to as “Mustache-ville,” this city, perhaps due to its proximity to Appalachia, is one of the most beard-friendly places I’ve ever been. In any given city, you’re likely to find men aged 40 and older with beards. Asheville is different. To me it seemed like everyone, young and old, black and white, rich and poor was sporting some pretty glorious whiskers.
Usually, regardless of locale, you can be certain that servers and cooks in your restaurant will be clean-shaven, often not by choice. I was delighted to see servers in many of the Asheville establishments where I dined had beards. For best beard-watching, try out Malaprop’s on Haywood Street or Rosetta’s on Lexington.
An important note though: On my trip to Asheville, I also wandered southeast through some of the more rural parts of South Carolina. These places were decidedly not beard friendly. At all. I wouldn’t wish the suspicious looks with which I was met on anyone. And it wasn’t because I’m a Yankee — I was traveling with South Carolina plates.
Seattle, Wash.
There’s just something about the West Coast. There were a lot of $60-secondhand-shirt type stores, ethnic restaurants from all over the world and beards. Lots of beards. So far as personal experience dictates, Seattle is the beard mecca of North America.
I spent most of my time in Seattle meandering around the University District, where students from University of Washington live, eat, study and socialize. Walking down The Ave (formally University Way N.E.) is like traveling through a hyper-trendy facial hair exhibition. I personally spotted full beards, muttonchops, goatees, handlebar mustaches, and even fu-manchus. The place is solid gold. I’d love to recommend some beard hotspots, but it didn’t seem to matter where I went. Just ride the Metro and get off anywhere locals congregate. You won’t be disappointed.
Been to any beard-friendly locales, or have any other facial-hair stories, questions or comments? I want to hear them. E-mail beardpolice@mainecampus.com. I’ll answer any questions to the best of my ability, and the best will be printed in this column.
