Travel
11 Perfect Weekend Getaways Near Seattle
From small towns to luxe resorts, trek to these nearby spots to recharge in 48 hours
From farm stays in the San Juan Islands and deluxe pampering at heritage resorts to small-town exploring and more, we pack plenty of pleasure—but zero stress—into your precious weekend. So, get going! 1. Destination: San Juan IslandsIn some hot and humid archipelagos, “island cuisine” is shorthand for frozen fish flown in from far away and…
Road Trip: Port Townsend Boat Show and Film Festival
Why a trip to Port Townsend for September's Boat Show and Film festival is a must
WHERE:Port Townsend, a picturesque maritime city on the Olympic Peninsula. WHY: Because Port Townsend is great anytime, but even better when there’s a boat show or film fest. WHAT, PART 1: Since 1979, the Wooden Boat Festival (9/11–9/13; Point Hudson; nwmaritime.org) has celebrated Port Townsend’s historic past as a thriving seaport. This year, the party…
A Taste of The Tropics at Hotel Albatross
Set sail with spirited tiki drinks and kicky street food at this Ballard hangout
Ever since Coleridge’s famed “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” the albatross has been seen as an unwelcome weight. But Hotel Albatross, on the west end of Ballard’s Market Street (2319 NW Market St.; 206.566.6181; Facebook, “Hotel Albatross Ballard”), is so full of exuberant and spirituous fun, it quickly alleviates any burdens. But, first, know it’s…
Instagram Inspiration: Our Weekly Top 5
Can you believe these coastal views are all within two hours of Seattle city limits?
Sometimes after a long work week you just need to spend a day at the beach. Sometimes you also need a dose of quiet and relaxation, which lamentably often can’t be found at Seattle’s main beaches on a 90-degree Saturday afternoon. So if you’re looking to get a little warm sand between your toes and…
Road Trip: Richmond Night Market
Take in colorful festivities and tasty cuisine at this Richmond outdoor market
WHERE: Richmond, British Columbia WHY: For the Richmond Night Market (runs through October 12, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.–midnight; Sundays, 7–11 p.m. $2.75 entry fee, free for kids 10 and younger and adults 60 and older. 8351 River Road; richmondnightmarket.com). WHAT: Richmond is often overlooked by visitors bound for Vancouver—its flashier B.C. neighbor—but the city…
Want to Get Away? Give Mexico’s Ensenada a Whirl
From fantastic foodie establishments to cutting-edge wineries, we explore all this city has to offer
This article originally appeared on Seattlebridemag.com.A short drive over the Mexican border, just 85 miles south of San Diego, sits Ensenada, the third largest coastal city in Baja California. It’s been a favorite destination amid the surfing crowd for some time, known for its steady waves and calm beaches, but to many Americans it’s vaguely…
Sorrento Hotel Gets a Huge Makeover
Local designers burnish the klondike–era Sorrento Hotel
More than 100 years after Seattle’s oldest continuously running hotel opened its doors, the Sorrento has a new look. Original guests—from Gold Rush millionaires and Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition attendees—treated the Italian Renaissance–inspired building on First Hill like their second residence. And the hotel-wide renovation embraces that spirit of a luxury home with a modern aesthetic, especially…
Why You Should Try Fly Fishing in Montana Even if You’re an Indoorsy Person
Hunker down at one of Montana's many lakes and rivers then head to Billings for brews and fun
Sponsored by Visit Billings It’s summer so it’s high time to unwind and experience all the great outdoors has to offer. One of nature’s most relaxing activities is fly fishing. (Author Izaak Walton once referred to the sport as “the contemplative man’s recreation.”) One of the best states in which to cast a line is…
6 Things Washington State Parks are Good for Besides Hiking
Get outside and get creative with these six ideas that go beyond the usual suspects
Sponsored by Washington State Parks There are hundreds of Washington State Parks–in all sorts of sizes (e.g. Posey Island State Park in San Juan County is a mere one acre) and with all sorts of attractions (think flaming methane geysers or tours of limestone formations). And while camping and hiking are perhaps two of the…
Flying High: The Best Washington Zip Lines
The best zip line tours in Western Washington
Maybe it’s the promise of being airborne and getting a bird’s-eye view of forest canopies, park flora and fauna—or perhaps it’s a nod to our ever-shortening attention spans—but either way, zip lines are the thrill ride du jour, so get zooming. Tacoma Trips Zoom Deep Forest Ziplines, Point Defiance Park; pdza.org/zoomZip stats: Two sets of…
How to Experience Tofino on Vancouver Island, B.C., Like a Queen
Our digital editor's whirlwind expedition to one of Canada's most idyllic villages
“Have you traveled or been in contact with anyone who has visited Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea in the past 21 days?” The question startled me. I hadn’t been outside the U.S. since the Ebola crisis began so I hadn’t expected anything but routine inquiries: “Why are you visiting Canada?” “Do you have anything to…
Canada By Rail: An Unforgettable Road Trip
Soak up the scenery, breathe in the mountain air and maybe spot a grizzly
We’ve been traveling east all day, the late afternoon sun is golden, the sky deep blue. I’m standing on an open-air deck watching the range-country scenery outside of Kamloops, British Columbia, roll by. It’s dry cattle country—a surprising shift from the dense greenery west of the Cascades. Suddenly, someone shouts “sheep,” and we scan the…
4 Local Hikes for Beginners
This roundup of hikes ranges from easy to moderate, so you can stop the research and get outside
We’re used to being humbled by the nearby snow-capped peaks and glistening blue waters, lush forests and beautiful blooms. There are myriad ways to explore the outdoors in the Northwest, but if you’re a beginner, embarking on a day-long hike can be incredibly intimidating. What do you wear? Do you need to bring food? What…
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