Every year the Skagit Valley attracts swarms of Washingtonians who celebrate the coming of spring by visiting the annual tulip festival. The city is often abbreviated as Mt. Vernon, WA by locals and visitors alike. Many pass through the town of Mount Vernon, but rarely stop to discover the unique treasures the town offers. Mount…
Crunch, crunch, crunch, swoosh crrr… run, jump, slip and slide down the twisty, turny, steep green slide — hoping not to shoot off the edge. And back around to the balance beam, hop onto the frog, over to the swings and back up the steps shaped like leaves and turtle backs before racing down the…
Yakima is truly an amazing place. Yes, I grew up here, so it should be pretty easy for me to make that comment. Every once in a while, I need to be reminded by what makes this valley so special. This article was originally written more than 14 months ago. It was to celebrate the…
If you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway with gorgeous waterfront views, rolling farmlands and forested trails, Lopez Island is the place for you. Lopez Island, the third largest of the San Juan Islands is about an hour and a half drive and short ferry ride from Seattle. You won’t find a glamorous nightlife here,…
Are you ready to take a deep dive into the charm, challenges, and incredible creativity bubbling away on Orcas Island? This episode of the Exploring Washington State podcast with special guest Cole Sisson is a true treat. Whether you dream of Pacific Northwest adventures or are passionate about local flavors and culture, you’re in for…
What started in 1871 — with Missionaries and French fur traders bringing vinifera plants to eastern Washington — turned into the American Wine Growers launching Ste. Michelle wines in 1967 and creating their first Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Semillon and Grenache Rosé. In 1974, the Washington State winery phenomenon, Chateau Ste. Michelle, broke ground in…
Spring has sprung and tulips are once again blossoming in the Skagit Valley, thus drawing in visitors ranging from families enjoying a day out together to Instagrammers hoping for a great photo op. One of the most iconic tulip farms to visit in the area is Tulip Town in Mt. Vernon. When the original owners…
Mount Storm King in the Port Angeles area of Olympic National Park boasts one of the most incredible views in Washington. Climbing 2,000 feet above Lake Crescent, you can see almost the entire pristine blue lake, northern views of the Olympic Mountains, the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island. My husband and I first tackled…
When you imagine a cidery what comes to mind? For me, it’s sweeping orchards and farm animals nestled in a quaint valley, the sound of buzzing bees and baaing lambs abound with a cool breeze wafting through the trees and rustling the leaves. While many cideries do fit this description, a recent surge in urban…
Did you know that your Friday night IPA is likely made from juicy hops grown in Yakima, Washington? Or even the apple on your counter, and the sprig of mint in your salad? I’d say it’s well known to most Washington residents that Yakima Valley has a fascinating geographical and native history, killer views of…
If you are a long-time Washington resident or a new visitor just passing through, you know the appeal of taking the time to spend a day in the mountains. Spring in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect time to get out and explore. Clean, crisp air and sunny mountaintops can be found in the town…
In a crazy year like the one we all just experienced, collectively we needed to grab hold of anything we could to keep some “normalcy” in our lives. Some of us got outdoors more, some of us bought a new home gym, some of us binged all of Game of Thrones, and well, some of…
