Where: Goldendale, Washington, in Klickitat County. WHY: To bask in the vastness of the universe at the Goldendale Observatory (1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale; 509.773.3141; free admission). WHAT: One of 20 global “dark sky parks” (public land that remains largely unaffected by light pollution and has an exceptional number of starry skies), perched on a hilltop…

Sponsored Content Sure, we’re happy that springtime has arrived. But Spring in Seattle can be deceptive—sunny enough to tempt us outside, but a little too chilly to let us enjoy it. But that’s why airplanes, resorts, and tropical drinks were invented! If you’re longing to warm up for a few days or a week, here…

Where: Historic Coupeville, Washington, on Whidbey Island. Why: For the 29th annual Penn Cove MusselFest (3/6–3/8; Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St.; thepenncovemusselsfestival.com). Where: Founded in 1986 by locally based Captain John Colby Stone, the festival is dedicated to the sweet, meaty, nationally revered mussels grown in Whidbey’s Penn Cove. (A member of the…

Where: The Oregon Coast, from Astoria to Brookings. Why: Because quilting is cool again, and it’s time for the 15th annual Quilt Run 101 (2/6–2/16; quiltrun101.com). What: A no-sneakers-necessary “run” (via car) along Pacific Coast Highway 101 with stops at 14 participating quilt shops, where you can shop for fabrics, get your Quilt-Run “passport” stamped…

WHERE: Salish Lodge and Spa seated at the edge of Snoqualmie Falls (6501 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie; 425.888.2556; salishlodge.com. $199–$339). WHY: Start the new year off right with a mountain retreat minus the white-knuckle stress of driving over a snowy mountain pass. And Twin Peaks fans will want to celebrate the news that the iconic TV…

We may have more than our share of soggy, gray days here in Seattle, but we find solace in one fact: It’s probably snowing in the mountains! Then we make tracks to bright, bracing snow country. Whether you prefer to enjoy your winter wonderland up-close on slopes, trails and ice rinks or from the warm…

WHERE: The Quileute Oceanside Resort, on the northernmost point of Washington’s Pacific Coast (330 Ocean Drive, La Push; 360.374.5267; quileuteoceanside.com). WHY: For wild midwinter weather drama and unbeatable storm watching. WHAT: This rustic resort is perched on First Beach in La Push (one of the main settings for the Twilight series) and it’s second to…

Where: Downtown Olympia. Why: To experience the thrill of the hunt at the city’s vintage and antique store circuit. What: Twenty-five eclectic shops, most of them located within walking distance of each other, offer everything from sassy vintage cocktail dresses to decorative knickknacks and historical collectors’ items. Begin at Courtyard Antiques (705 Fourth Ave. E; 360.352.3864), where…

WHERE: The lederhosen capital of the Pacific Northwest: Leavenworth, Washington. WHY: For the 16th annual Leavenworth Oktoberfest (10/3–10/4, 10–11 and 17–18. $10–$20). WHAT: This gigantisch celebration of Bavarian beer features a bevy of both imported German beers (Hofbräu, Weihenstephan, Zwick’l) and locally crafted German-style brews (from Oroville’s Alpine Brewing and Leavenworth’s own Icicle Brewing). The…

Where: Leavenworth, Washington. Why: The Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival (9/26-9/28, autumnleaffestival.com). What: Since it began in 1964, the Autumn Leaf Festival has celebrated the colors of the turning autumn leaves with a jam-packed, Bavarian-themed bash. What to Expect: Community and family-friendly activities, including live music from the likes of the General’s 7 Dixie Band,…

Where: Skwachàys Lodge in Vancouver, B.C. Why: This new boutique hotel (rooms start at $225, 31 W Pender St.; 604.687.3589; skwachays.com) near the historic Chinatown neighborhood is awash in art and culture from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Each floor is assigned an animal spirit, and each of the 18 rooms features a…

For coastal camaraderie, nothing beats a beach fire. Follow these steps and spark a blaze to create a cozy mood—and cook a few marshmallows, too! For coastal getaway ideas, read our Best of the Northwest Coast story here. Here’s How:1. Check regulations. Fires are permitted on most beaches in Washington and Oregon, as long as…