Outside
The W Seattle Debuts Outdoor-inspired Renovations
Hotel's guest rooms redesigned to reflect Pacific Northwest style
Hotel guests will feel like they’re checking into the great outdoors with the debut of the W Seattle’s Pacific Northwest–inspired guestroom renovations. Each of the 415 guest rooms and nine suites of the downtown hotel have been redesigned to reflect Seattle’s history of aeronautical innovation and outdoor recreation. Illustrating these influences are design details such…
5 Washington State Parks Less Than an Hour Away
Take a trip into nature with one of these five convenient locales
Sponsored by Washington State Parks With a busy summer schedule, it might seem hard to escape the city for anything, let alone a serene nature getaway. However, these five Washington State Parks—all conveniently less than an hour drive from Seattle—provide the perfect opportunity for a quick summertime adventure. Whether you’re in the mood for a…
Getaway Idea: Road Trip Around the Hood Canal
Enjoy a peaceful weekend of beach-combing, site seeing and tasty treats
For as long as I can remember, my family and I have spent a significant chunk of our summer in and around the Hood Canal area. The short drive, or ferry ride is well worth it for the outdoor adventures and uniquely historical experiences. Here are a few tips for how to maximize your time…
Road Trip: Kite Festival at Long Beach
Get ready for a colorful, small-town getaway
WHERE: Long Beach, a small town in the southern coastal corner of Washington, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Seattle. WHY: The Long Beach–based World Kite Museum’s annual Washington State International Kite Festival (8/15–8/21, kitefestival.com). The seaside skies will be ablaze with colorful kites during this weeklong celebration and competition, which attracts professional kite flyers from…
Chatting with a PCT ‘Trail Angel’
These volunteers are heaven-sent
Andrea and Jerry Dinsmore planned to run a tiny truck stop when they retired from their jobs as a truck driver and mechanic, respectively. Instead, they became volunteers, running a “human stop” as trail angels—people who help thru-hikers (those who hike long-distance trails from end to end) with small acts of kindness—welcoming more than 500…
6 Top Biking Trails in the PNW
These trails pave the way for cycling amongst walkers and runners—but not cars
With Haley Durslag, Cassie Gruber and Jake Laycock 1. The Sammamish River TrailThis is the country cousin of Seattle’s Burke-Gilman Trail. It starts in Bothell where the Burke-Gilman ends and continues for 11 miles to Redmond’s Marymoor Park. It is dead flat for almost its entire length. And while it’s almost as popular as the…
The 14 Best Places to Hike in the PNW
The days are long, the sun is shining— it’s time to get outside
With Haley Durslag, Cassie Gruber and Jake Laycock The days are long, the sun is shining—it’s time to get outside. Our guide to 14 of the region’s best hikes and six bike rides that will help you celebrate the season by enjoying iconic trails and urban adventures. Half-Day HikesYou can take these hikes in the…
8 Perfect Small Town Getaways
As Seattle continues its boom, the relaxed charm of small towns seems all the more attractive
As Seattle continues its boom, the relaxed charm of small towns seems all the more attractive. These Northwest hamlets, brimming with character, friendly locals, fantastic food and scenic views, are some of our favorite places to get away from it all. 1. Dayton, WashingtonA sleepy wine country town with a wide thoroughfare—and an annual event…
Blast From the Past: Old-School Activities in Seattle
Turn back time by taking advantage of Seattle's old-school pastimes
It seems that in terms of technology hubs, Seattle has got it all: Microsoft (of course), Amazon’s expansive urban campus, and now, the shiny sheen of a new Facebook office. The high-tech gizmos of Back to the Future-fame have all but become our reality. And while the city seems to be approaching a Jetsons-esque landscape at…
Road Trip: To Bend, Oregon, and Back
Welcoming summer with a weekend of food, brews and exploring the outdoors
This past Memorial Day weekend, my partner and I packed our bags for a getaway. We opted to hop the state line and head to Bend, Oregon, since it’s a short drive from Seattle and on that particular weekend, was forecasted to be rain free. While there, we indulged, imbibed and made our way to…
Getaway Idea: Escape to Hot Spring Heaven
Relax at some of the Northwest's prime soaking destinations
Warm soaking pools, better known as hot springs, have become highly sought-after travel destinations. These natural thermal features are produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater, and larger springs are the result of cracks in sedimentary rock. Water in the pools surpasses outside temperatures, which makes them a unique natural element. While travelers seek…
San Juan Lavender Festival: A Summer Island Adventure
Summer festival showcases the delectable tastes, sites and smells of lavender
WHERE: San Juan Island, Washington’s bucolic getaway, a few hours’ drive and a ferry ride from downtown Seattle. WHY: 15th annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival & Summer Arts Fair at Pelindaba Lavender Farm in Friday Harbor (7/16–7/17; pelindabalavender.com). Hear about how lavender is farmed by going on a tour, or grab some lavender ice…
Create Your Perfect Travel Itinerary with New Seattle-based Site
A new Seattle-based website helps you create an unforgettable trip
Seeing iconic landmarks and historical sites is part of the allure of travel, but often it’s the little things—the hidden gems that don’t appear in guidebooks or brochures—that make a trip unforgettable. Sharing those lucky finds and personal experiences is the inspiration behind Jrrny (jrrny.com), a website launched in February by local entrepreneur (and former…
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