Getaways & Day Trips

Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)

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Leavenworth, Washington is a small town (pop. ~2,000) about 120 miles east of Seattle. Nestled in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area is graced by mountains rising to 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The area is known for sunshine, low rainfall (9 inches per year), and nearby fruit orchards. The town of … [Read more...] about Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)

2022 free park entrance days in Washington State

Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days. Plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park. Or, get away to another park around Washington State. Short History of Our National Parks In 1872 in the … [Read more...] about 2022 free park entrance days in Washington State

Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color

If you are seeking Washington State fall colors, there are many beautiful, scenic drives throughout the counties in the Puget Sound regions. The colorful fall foliage is often set against deep green evergreen trees, with lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains completing the vista. After dry or hot summers, … [Read more...] about Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color

Guide to Washington State Wine Growing Regions

While Washington State’s first wine grapes were planted in 1825, the first commercial plantings did not begin until the 1960’s and major production not until the 1970s. Forty years later, Washington is the second largest premium wine producer in the United States behind California. Wine growing regions around … [Read more...] about Guide to Washington State Wine Growing Regions

Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State

Like our tulip fields in spring, acres of beautiful blooming sunflowers are another unique and stunning photo opportunity. Sunflowers typically bloom August-September in Western Washington. Several farms hold festivals during the blooming season. Enjoy self-guided field trips and u-pick opportunities. Below you … [Read more...] about Sunflowers Fields & Festivals in Washington State

16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free

The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. They are arranged roughly north to south. Find our Google Map with each of these lighthouses pinpointed at the end of the list. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though most will gladly accept donations. Lighthouses inside … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free

Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)

The Washington State International Kite Festival (WSIKF) is a week-long kite celebration and competition held annually in breezy Long Beach, WA about 170 miles southwest of Seattle. Held during the third full week of August, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday, Kitelife Magazine calls … [Read more...] about Getaway: August Kite Festival in Long Beach (170 mi. SW)

Getaway: Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (150 miles)

The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival is (usually) held in Wenatchee (150 mi. E of Seattle) from the last weekend in April to the first weekend in May (except 2020-2021). Wenatchee's Apple Blossom festival reflects the importance of the Apple Industry to Washington State, exhibiting the pride that its many … [Read more...] about Getaway: Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (150 miles)

Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State

One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is all the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can head out for a day trip, a long weekend getaway, or a long family vacation. You'll spend less time getting there … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State

Pilot Flying J travel centers in Washington State

Pilot Flying J (PFJ) is the largest operator of travel centers in North America with more than 750 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The travel centers are committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care, and a smile at every stop. Last time we checked, in Washington State there were nine Pilot … [Read more...] about Pilot Flying J travel centers in Washington State

Video tours of lighthouses around Washington State

Washington State has many lighthouses guiding ships along treacherous shores--some historic and some still functioning. Let these YouTube videos whisk you away to these idyllic and secluded structures. (Listed roughly north to south) Video tour of 3 San Juan lighthouses This video gives a brief tour of several … [Read more...] about Video tours of lighthouses around Washington State

Getaway: Grand Coulee Dam recreation area (230 mi. NE)

Grand Coulee Dam, located 230 miles northeast of Seattle on the Columbia River in north-central Washington State. The massive dam is part of The Columbia Basin Project, managed by U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation. Grand Coulee Dam includes three major hydroelectric power generating plants and a pump … [Read more...] about Getaway: Grand Coulee Dam recreation area (230 mi. NE)

Skagit Valley trip planner

Skagit Valley is located about 60 miles north of Seattle, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or just a quick day trip. It’s an easy drive straight up Interstate 5 (I-5). But, you can also get there (or return) via the following more leisurely routes. For a more scenic route, you can drive take … [Read more...] about Skagit Valley trip planner

Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) owns or manages nearly a million acres of land divided into 33 designated Wildlife Areas across the state. Watching wildlife is an increasingly popular pursuit for residents and tourists. Wildlife viewing is a pastime that can be enjoyed in any season, in any … [Read more...] about Where to watch wildlife in Washington State (free!)

Most amazing natural wonders in Washington State

The following destinations represent some of the most interesting natural wonders in around Washington State. We've grouped them by region. There is a Google map at the end of the article with pinpoints to the various locations. Some of these make fun day trips, while others require a weekend getaway or longer … [Read more...] about Most amazing natural wonders in Washington State

10 cheapest places to buy gas in Seattle and Tacoma

Bookmark this page to always find the lowest price on gas in the greater Seattle metropolitan area. The list of gas prices below is continually updated, giving you real time access to the lowest price near you, in every Seattle neighborhood from Shoreline to Rainier Beach, and the eastside including Bellevue, Kirkland, … [Read more...] about 10 cheapest places to buy gas in Seattle and Tacoma