Category Archives: Towns

Individual towns and places in Washington State

Visit Washington State Using Your 2018 Tax Refund

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You’ve finally finished that dreaded tax filing task and you’ve discovered you’re getting a tax refund you didn’t expect. Why not use that money to visit WA State? We have it all here. Deserts, mountains, ocean beaches, iconic cities, just about any landscape you desire.

This year, especially, with all the new regulations and rules, you probably didn’t know whether a tax refund was in the cards or not. Now that it is, I’d like to suggest some Washington State vacations to consider for this summer and beyond.

National Parks

courtesy VisitRainier.com

If you’re trying to visit all the national parks in the U.S., we have three dynamos for you. Mt. Rainier National Park, good for hiking, camping and colorful bursts of wildflowers from May-September, and lots of snow after that. “The Mountain” is considered one of our greatest treasures. The best view of Mt. Rainier, where you can almost touch the snow-covered peak, is from the Gondola on Crystal Mountain. At the top, take time to enjoy a superb meal at the Summit House.

courtesy Visitrainier.com

Olympic National Park, known for the Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge, also boasts some lovely lodges ideal for your stay. Lake Crescent, Lake Quinault and Kalaloch (pronounced clay-loch). Lots to see and do including touring Forks, where the “Twilight” books were set.

I love all our national parks, but North Cascades National Park may be the most rustic yet most scenic of all. With its celestial blue lakes, forested alpine landscape and the chance to learn about nature at the North Cascades Institute, this is a trip you’ll not soon forget.

The Palouse

College football fans rejoice. In Pullman, you can take in a Washington State Cougars’ game this fall and tour what is considered one of the seven wonders of Washington State. Gently undulating hills wrapped in wheat dominate the landscape. The best view from Steptoe Butte gives you glimpse into how these mounds were made thousands of years ago. While you’re there, travel the Palouse Scenic Byway to drink in all of the Palouse’s beauty.

Bellingham

Like craft beer? Want to try more? Bellingham is the place for you. Last summer this town had 15 locations to serve you brews. Plus, they have a dog-friendly tavern, Paws for a Beer, if traveling with Fido appeals to you. But you can’t drink beer all day when you visit this town because they have a ton of other attractions to see.

The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, walkable Fairhaven District, art galleries, Chuckanut Drive with a stop for oysters and kayak adventures are only a few of the must-sees here.

That’s only a taste of Washington State vacations. If you’re interested in other regions, drop me a line at writemix@harbornet.com and I’ll pen another post like this one.

New Vancouver WA Waterfront Showcases the Columbia River

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“The fourth largest city in Washington (State) has ample reason to promote their heritage, but a new waterfront project in the works will give them more cause to toot their horn. Set to open the first phase in mid-2018, this $1.5 billion development will infuse new vitality into the area along the Columbia River. The design calls for restaurants, shops, and breweries.”

I wrote the above for the 2018 Washington State Visitor Guide. hThis past week I got up close and personal with what’s been done so far. To say I was impressed is an understatement.

Now

That’s the very good news. Two restaurants have already opened in this first phase of construction. Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar opened last September, and Wild Fin welcomed its first diners around the same time. My friends and I chose Happy Hour at Twigs because we were already familiar with Wild Fin.

On my first visit (yes, I had to take a second look) to the Vancouver WA waterfrontproject the sun shone brightly causing the Columbia River sparkle. Masses of humanity and their canine companions took advantage of the newly-paved trail to get in their daily required steps. Groups of people chatted while others dined al fresco.

Photo courtesy Vancouver, WA, Waterfront Project

We made a delicious choice. I treated myself to Twigs Mezza, an appetizer with grilled pita, garlic hummus, olive tapenade and tomato confit. My compadres ordered Roasted Brussels Sprouts and the Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread. Lots of oohing and ah-ing and no complaints at all.

And Beyond

Looking forward the Vancouver WA waterfront project will encompass 3,300 homes, 32 acres of retail and restaurant space plus Hotel Indigo, a 6-floor, 138-room lodging facility set to open in 2020. The hotel (to be completed in 2019) itself will house three restaurants and a sky bar. Phase two, which includes apartments and condos, is scheduled for completion in 2020. Phase three is too far away to have an estimated finish date yet.

Photo courtesy Vancouver, WA, Waterfront Project

The centerpiece of the park is the 90-foot cable-stayed pier that mimics the hull and mast of a ship, once only an idea of artist Larry Kirkland. This connection to the river symbolizes Vancouver’s reconnection with its waterfront in the form of a stunning backdrop.

If you’ve not visited the “other” Vancouver for a few years, you’ve got a real treat in store.

Local Activities After Christmas, 2018

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The kids are still home from school, so why not try out some of our local holiday wonders – ones you may have missed while getting ready for the big day yesterday.

Here are some ideas:

  • Zoolights at Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma

I have it on good authority (my son and daughter-in-law) that this is spectacular and magical this year. It’s open from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. until January 6. Admissions ranges from $6-$12

Another electrical blowout event that takes you along Spanaway Lake for two miles. $14 per vehicle

  • Polar Bear Plunge

If you’re into ice cold water to remind you it’s a new year, this one’s for you.

What: Join the crowd and splash into Puget Sound on New Year’s Day

When: 11:30 a.m., Jan. 1

Where: Point Defiance boat launch, 5912 Waterfront Drive, in Point Defiance Park. Free

This week and early next is the best time to go to Seattle, before Viadoom takes over when the Viaduct closes and traffic is predicted to be catastrophic.

  • Enchant: New this year, Enchant Christmas is an immersive holiday experience with lights, a market, ice skating, entertainment, food and drink and more at Safeco Field. I’ve heard they have “pay what you can” days, but I don’t find that on their website, so you’ll need to ask. This event runs through December 30.
  • Wildlights at Woodland Park Zoo. We like to illuminate our zoos around here. Open from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. through January 5. $10-$15
  • Seattle Center Winterfest, Through December 31, the Seattle Center is filled with free and affordable activities such ice sculpting and ice skating. The festival rings in the New Year with spectacular fireworks, Fountain of Light dance party and live music by premier cover band, Sway.
  • Nutcracker Ballet  Just two more days to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s rendition of the Nutcracker at McCaw Hall. But that means they have some screamin’ good deals.
  • Gingerbread Olympic
    Enjoy the wonder of  oversized gingerbread house made with more than 4,000 real gingerbread bricks. This is one of my all-time favorite charity events. Stop by and see what local architects can create from gingerbread. Open until January 1 in the lower lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

If you’re ready for a short road trip, here are my suggestions for activities beyond Seattle and Tacoma.

  •  New Year’s Eve Wildlife Viewing Cruise  with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center: Leaving from Port Townsend’s Point Hudson Marina at 1 p.m., tickets cost $55 per person. Call 360.385.5582, ext. 104, to make reservations.
  • First Night Celebration in Port Townsend: This all-ages, alcohol-fee event features live music and children’s activities. From 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
  • New Year’s Eve at Taps at the Guardhouse at Fort Worden: 8 p.m. -midnight. Live music and bubbly.

 

Let’s not forget our friends to the east. Bellevue goes all out with their fun and frolic for the holidays.

 

  • Garden d’Lightsat Bellevue Botanical Gardens runs through December 30. I saw this last year for the first time and was blown away by the amount of work that goes into this more-than-magnificent lighting display. Children under 10 are free, everyone else pays just $5.
  • Ice Skating at the Bellevue Downtown Park, 100 100th NE continues through January 13. Admission is $10-$15

I highly recommend calling before going to any of these events as I just discovered one big New Year’s Eve party had been “cancelled due to unforeseen events.”

 

 

 

 

 

Shakespeare Comes to Whidbey Island

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Did you know that April is Shakespeare’s birthday month? Or that you don’t have to travel to Ashland, Oregon, to help celebrate the occasion?

On April 7, 2018, the town of Langley on Whidbey Island will present their annual Sonnet Slam. Find out what a sonnet is from Dr. Stephanie Barbe Hammer at the Langley Library, beginning at 11 a.m. Then learn how to read a sonnet aloud, practice a few and take your newfound talents to an open mic nearby.

Explore the town during the Sonnet Treasure Hunt and see how many you can find. Collect the most sonnets and win a prize.

This is your chance to wear a Shakespearean or Elizabethan costume and win a prize for your garb, too.

 

Professionals, novices, everyone is welcome to this celebration.

Open Mic Locations and Day’s Schedule:

1 p.m. – Ott Murphy Wines

2 p.m. – Anthes Ferments (restaurant)

3 p.m. Useless Bay Coffee

4 p.m. – Bring your discoveries to Useless Bay Coffee. Prizes awarded for the best Slams, Sonnet Treasures found and Costumes.

Come join us for fun and celebration. Happy Birthday William Shakespeare!

 

All-Around Fun at Long Beach

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A couple of weeks ago, we took a short R&R to my favorite Washington beach. Long Beach has everything a beach lover could ask for – shopping, great dining, and of course, a beach to walk on or better yet, take your shoes off and dig your toes into sweet, soft sand.

When we arrived, the first order of the day was a drive through Cape Disappointment State Park, which has never been a disappointment. We enjoyed the mild wind on what was otherwise a hot day inland. Savoring the quietness, I thought the beach would be the ideal spot for meditation had I been alone.

 

Back in Ilwaco, just outside the park, we dined on Serious Pizza, a place where the food is divine and the service impeccable.

Waking up to that fresh misty breeze, the next day we couldn’t wait to take a trip to Jack’s Country Store in Ocean Park, the oldest general store in Washington State. We picked up some vintage toys for our granddaughter’s ninth birthday. Last year I needed a new Discover Pass (for entry into Washington State Parks) and a latte. Jack’s had both. In fact, I venture Jack’s has whatever you need. The ultimate in one-stop shopping.

 

Cruising through town on our way back, we stopped at Marsh’s Free Museum. What a fun place. Shells galore, weird creatures under glass, lots of souvenirs, and nonstop entertainment. Then we popped across the street for some refueling in the form of a slice of boysenberry pie at the Cottage Bakery.

 

But of course, the best part of a seaside stay is an early morning stroll along the beach while most folks are still sleeping. I was lucky enough to encounter a group of horseback riders also enjoying their time trotting along next to the surf. Sitting on the bench of a well-placed picnic table then seemed like a slice of heaven.

To look for lodging or other information about Long Beach, visit www.funbeach.com.

 

Two Ferries Sold

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Last October the Hiyu and the M/V Evergreen State were put up for sale. Although it took quite a while they both now have new owners. Speaking of ferries, Anacortes is known mainly as the place to catch the ferry to the San Juan Islands, but the town has so much else to offer. Later I’ll tell you how you can win Anacortes Getaway for Two that my friend at Small Town Washington and the Experience Anacortes are giving away.

The Hiyu is destined to become a floating entertainment venue on Lake Union. Yeah, for keeping it local. The M/V Evergreen State will leave us and provide active ferry service in the protected waters of the southern Caribbean.

I would love to have a ferry, but as a freelance writer my income doesn’t jibe with the cost of these vessels. Starting bid for the Hiyu was $300,000 and it eventually sold for $150,000 while the Evergreen State price was dropped from a handsome $450,000 to $300,000 when it sold. The latter measures 296.7 feet and holds 87 cars. The former was the smallest of the fleet and carried only 34 cars.

What do you do with a ferry once you buy one?

Dyer Oxley, a writer at MyNorthwest.com, did lots of research on this and came up with some factual answers. Right here in our own neighborhood the M/V Skansonia serves as a wedding an event venue on the north shore of Lake Union in Seattle.

The M/V Rhododendron currently helps out with oyster farming in Fanny Bay, British Columbia, Oxley discovered.

Another retired vessel, the M/V Enetai is docked at Pier 3 in San Francisco and serves as a ballroom with a full bar.

Here is some ferry trivia for you:

  • 2 million commuters, tourists and travelers ride Washington State Ferries (WSF) in 2016
  • Those same ferries travelled 910,610 miles
  • The Seattle-to-Bremerton route carried 2.1 million foot passengers in 2016, the most since 2004
  • The Chimacum, a new Olympic Class ferry, will join the Seattle-to-Bremerton run in the spring of 2017
  • WSF is taking advisement on how to improve service on the busy Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route from a volunteer citizen group

 

Here’s the Anacortes giveaway contest and it is full of good stuff. Hurry, the contest ends April 15th.

Afternoon Tea

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My daughter wanted to have a “girls” afternoon out and imbibe in tea and tiny finger sandwiches so I made reservations at The Secret Garden in Sumner, Washington. There, 75 different flavors of tea don the menu and the setting in a colonial style home couldn’t be more reminiscent of a slower time, less cell phone watching and excellent service.

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The “tea” meal was divided into courses. First came the pots of tea, which needed to steep a few minutes more after arriving at your table. My choice, Ambrosia, blended exotic fruits and coconut. It was as good as the menu promised.

You select from the menu a grouping of different items, much like the family meals at a Chinese restaurant. Three of us wanted the same grouping, while the 8-year-old preferred the children’s menu item with a main course of peanut butter and jam sandwiches, with the crusts removed, of course.

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Then came a sweet, flakey scone served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and raspberry jam. After we’d finished the scones, we were given a scoop of mango sorbet to cleanse the palette. Then the showcase, the three-tiered tray of savory, sweet and sandwich treats, arrived.

Everything was presented in a beautiful and delicate way. You could tell much love and care went into the preparation. From the cucumber sandwiches to the pinwheels and quiches, nothing was left untouched by our table plus we needed a to-go box.

AfternoonTea20170325_123413copyReservations are recommended at The Secret Garden. Go early and peruse the lovely gift shop.

Other places where afternoon tea is served in this state:

Queen Mary Tea Room in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle

Cederberg Tea House in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle

The Silver Spoon Tea House in Spokane

Brambleberry Cottage & Tea Shoppe in Spokane

Even more suggestions here.

 

Now That’s a Train Ride

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In the first half of the 1900s, cooking for loggers fell to a few women. Some of them also washed the lumbermen’s clothes and cleaned their cabins. Known collectively as “flunkies,” they lived in their own shack. At the Logging Museum in Mineral,

FlunkyCabinthumbnail_20160722_133306Washington, you can visit a re-creation of one of their cabins complete with a wood burning stove, iron, nylons hanging on a clothesline and even a period radio.

You’ll board the Mount Rainier Railroad in the small town of Elbe. The turn-off from Highway 7 is easy to miss. Watch for the restaurant in a train car and make the next possible right turn, then park behind the train car. Buy your tickets inside the designated building or better yet, get them online to ensure you and your party have a seat on the train.

On our ride, a lady came through the cars selling authentic train whistles, something you might want to give to a child who doesn’t live with you. When the engineer puts the train in gear, you can sit back and watch nature pass by outside your window. The steam train chugs along as you travel through forested land, over Mineral Creek and alongside the Upper Nisqually River. MountRainierRailroadDSCF1954

The first half of the two-hour experience stops at the Logging Museum in Mineral. Besides the flunky cabin, you’ll have time to tour other buildings where loggers lived and ate plus a restoration shop and engine room. The authorities give you plenty of opportunity to look around and talk to the staff. Then you hop on board for the return trip to Elbe.

If you’ve already made plans for the rest of summer, no worries. The steam train becomes the Wine Express on September 24th with tastings provided by three local wineries. Later in the fall, the Great Pumpkin Patch Express takes over with Snoopy and Charlie Brown aboard and for the holidays the train transforms into the Polar Express.

Have you ridden the Mt. Rainier Railroad? What did you think?  MountRainierRailroadDSCF1946

Disclaimer:  My granddaughter, daughter and I were generously hosted on this trip.

What’s New and Cool in July, 2016

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Have a Blast at Run of the River in Leavenworth, Updated

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This beautiful, luxurious bed and breakfast has to be one of the few places where once you land, you never want to leave. Run of the River has conquered the science of splendor.

To enjoy the scenery, you can sit on your deck and sip a glass of wine or adjourn to some comfy chairs placed in the grass on the property. Then if you’re patient you’ll spot wildlife. When we visited, we spent a good part of one evening watching a doe and her two fawns drink from the creek below our balcony. What a pleasure and change from the busyness and traffic congestion most of us experience at home.

 

The next morning we discovered at breakfast that other guests had seen a cougar, a bear and a raccoon picking cherries high up in a cherry tree.

The endless chi cha cha and chirping of various birds, the lush greenery and the creek that reflected mirror stillness all make you feel like you’ve landed in nature’s wonderland. Of course, every once in awhile you need sustenance.

That’s what the morning breakfasts provide. Five-course gourmet meals that nobody can ever finish, filled with healthy, local, tasty ingredients. Everything is freshly made in the morning while you’re still lounging in bed, from the blended fruit juices to the quiches. Then if you need an afternoon snack or a dessert after your dinner out at a Leavenworth restaurant, you’ll find something sweet and delicious (and different everyday) in the dining area to take to your room.

Run of the River seems perfect for everyone – from those wanting to get away and relax to honeymooners from all over the globe (we met two from London).

Room amenities include an old-fashioned working typewriter, a rainshower in the bath, bird feeders on every deck, and more. Current specials feature a golfing package, a fishing package, a Canadian resident special and more.