Brandon Fralic
Five Rustic Resorts and Lodges on the Olympic Peninsula
Planning a trip to America’s national parks usually involves camping or staying in a historic lodge. Olympic National Park is no exception, with countless campgrounds, lodges and resorts to choose…
Visiting Five Yakima Valley Breweries
The Yakima Valley may be best known for its must-visit wineries, but there’s more than grapes growing in this American Viticultural Area. Home to over 75% of all US hop…
Spending a Weekend in Yakima
From the winding Yakima River Canyon to hilltop hop fields, vineyards and hiking trails, the Yakima Valley is a sweet escape for Washington sun-seekers. My family enjoyed a weekend exploring…
Spending a Day at Guemes Island
Located across Guemes Channel from the city of Anacortes, Guemes Island is a relaxing place to get away for the day or weekend. A quieter, closer and cheaper alternative to…
Seeking Winter Sunshine at Lake Chelan
“300 days of sunshine” is a promise worth traveling for — especially in the winter. So after spending much of the season in hibernation, my partner and I hit the…
Snowshoeing to Artist Point at Mount Baker
Offering unbelievable mountain views from the parking lot, Artist Point is the jumping-off point for many summer hiking and backpacking adventures. Winter is another story. When the road to the…
Spending a Weekend at Lake Quinault Washington
“The lake between two rivers,” Lake Quinault is a glacially-carved lake situated at the edge of pristine temperate rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula. Lake Quinault is the ideal jumping-off point…
Spending a Day in Westport
There’s nothing like a trip to the Washington coast. Though I live near the rocky shores of Bellingham Bay and enjoy easy access to saltwater, nothing compares to the powerful…
Spending a Weekend in Tacoma
Located 33 miles south of Seattle, Tacoma is a dynamic waterfront city whose art museums, outdoor recreation and brewery scene have turned it into a thriving Washington destination. In 2019…
Spending a Weekend in Northwest Whatcom County
Northwest Whatcom County is a hotspot for family-friendly adventures. Home to two state parks, miles of beach access, a brewery and fresh seafood eateries, it’s the go-to destination for folks…
Visiting Four New Breweries in Bellingham
Anchored by classic northwest brewpubs like Boundary Bay and Chuckanut Brewery, “Brewingham” has long been a favorite Washington beer destination. Bellingham’s modern brewery boom began around 2012 with the opening…
Pairing Washington Cheese, Food and Wine at Home
Many of us rely on restaurants to source the best cheese from local creameries. Pairing cheese with food and wine is mysterious work, perhaps best left to chefs and sommeliers….