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Roche Harbor by Jack Riley

2 Days in Roche Harbor

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Roche Harbor Resort by Jack Riley
Photo by Jack Riley

You don’t have to be a boat lover to enjoy this boater’s paradise. Roche Harbor’s richly preserved history offers nineteenth-century clapboard buildings, old gardens, and incredible sunsets – all perfect for relaxing. Enjoy local seafood, some of the best doughnuts in the Pacific Northwest, and views of the surrounding mountains. 

Whether you arrive by boat or seaplane, be sure to keep an eye out for pods of local orcas. They can frequently be seen playing in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands, especially during the summer months.

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two women enjoy wine at caprio cellars

How to Plan a Walla Walla Wine Girls’ Getaway

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Wine tasting on the patio at Caprio Cellars in Walla Walla
The beautiful patio at Caprio Cellars in Walla Walla offers stunning views of the region — a perfect place to sample and savor a glass of vino.

It’s not convenient from anywhere. A 4.5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington, and a 3.5-hour drive from Portland, Oregon — Walla Walla isn’t a pop-over destination. (Unless, of course, you’re catching a Seattle to Walla Walla charter flight.) But the renowned Walla Walla wineries are well worth the trek.

Nestled in the southeastern corner of Washington State, Walla Walla wine country spans nearly 3,000 acres. It stretches into the northeasternmost tip of Oregon. And, it offers the ultimate girls’ weekend destination for those who want to unwind, relax, and sample some of the best wine in Washington.

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Maggie in Friday Harbor

The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Friday Harbor, WA

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Maggie in Friday Harbor

On the edge of the US and Canadian border, where the ocean flows freely between the two countries – water-locked drops of island oases can be found. With the Olympic Mountains lining the horizon and old-growth forests aplenty, the 250 days of sunshine beckon visitors and delight locals.

Friday Harbor, the largest of the San Juan Islands’ towns, is home to some of the finest restaurants, coffee shops, and artists’ studios and galleries. Here, whale watching enthusiasts enjoy the sights of resident and transitory pods; outdoor adventurists explore a variety of parks and trails; and boaters take full advantage of known and lesser-known coves, marinas, and shorelines.

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Blue Grouse Estate Winery by Jacqueline Downey Photography in Cowichan Valley

Can’t-Miss Cowichan Valley Wineries

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Blue Grouse Estate Winery by Jacqueline Downey Photography
The sweetest slice of wine country heaven you’ve probably never heard of. Photo by Jacqueline Downey Photography

Warm days and crisp nights, gravelly soil rich with minerals, and lush aquifers imbue Cowichan Valley wines with fruit-forward flavors that deliver a crisp, dry finish. The conditions are similar to what’s found in the northern regions of Germany and France. The main difference is: Cowichan vines are relative babies. 

The oldest operating winery can trace its lineage back more than 1,150 years. By comparison, the first commercial wineries on Vancouver Island appeared just 100 years ago, making wine from local loganberries. It wasn’t until the 1980s that grapes were planted in Cowichan Valley, located on the southern end of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

But make no mistake — this quaint slice of paradise produces exceptional grapes. It’s a fact that was recognized in June of 2020 when Cowichan Valley was formally given a sub-geographical indication (sub-GI). An official and protected term in B.C., it helps people identify local wine origins, signifying that at least 95% of the wine was made with regionally grown grapes.

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Walla Walla Vinters

Walla Walla Getaway

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Sep 17, 2021 Rick Turner
Walla Walla Getaway
Photos by Sara Satterlee

Sipping, eating & chipping through Walla Walla.

Someone much less clever once said of New York, that it was a city “so nice, they named it twice.” But those of us who spend our time between the nether regions of Parallels 46 and 47 understand that there is really only one city that accurately fits that description.

Walla Walla (a town so nice … you know the rest) is tucked away in the southeast corner of Washington, where the state meets with Idaho and Oregon to serve up a hardcore Northwest vibe with a little something for everyone.

It is where small-town hospitality meets the French Rhone Valley. Where Lonestar belt-buckles and old faded Levi’s meet oaky notes and bold tannins. It boasts one of, if not, the top golf course in the state. It’s a burgeoning Foodies delight and the recreation options are endless year-round.

It’s hard to experience all that this sleepy little Eastern Washington burgh has to offer, but my good friend Sara and I figured we’d give it a try. Read more

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Pacific Northwest Spring Break Getaways

Feb 20, 2020
Pacific Northwest Spring Break Getaways

Go beyond the traditional spring break getaway. This year, spend a little more time enjoying and a little less time traveling by taking advantage of the fabulous adventures right here in the Pacific Northwest.

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The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Traveler in Your Life

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Dec 12, 2019
The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Traveler in Your Life

From off-grid fishing adventures and inspiring day-trips to food-filled dining experiences and seaplane-inspired gear, discover the best gifts for travel lovers.

Don’t assume the only way to spoil your favorite travel enthusiasts is with an all-expenses paid trip to Paris. There are tons of amazing experiences right here in the Pacific Northwest. Gather inspiration from this collection of Seattle-based day trips, epic guided tours, inspiring remote destination getaways, and more!

17 Travel-Inspired Gift Ideas

whale watching

Whale Watching in the San Juans with San Juan Safaris

Images, videos, and stories pale in comparison to seeing a wild orca breach in front of the bow of your boat. And, there’s no better place to go whale watching than in the San Juan Islands. Catch a 45-minute scenic flight to Friday Harbor, where San Juan Safaris will take you on a whale watching adventure you’ll never forget.

Sunken Garden

Butchart Gardens with CVS Tours

The Butchart Garden’s 55-acre grounds are a sprawling burst of color and life. Separated into uniquely themed displays, it feels as though you’re wandering from world to world as you explore. The Sunken Garden looks like it might have been pulled from the movie ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.’ The Rose Garden appears to be preserved from the Elizabethan era. And, in the Japanese Garden there’s an overwhelming sense of calm.

Seattle Scenic Flight Tour

Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour

From the dock-side departure and thrilling takeoff to the incredible views of Seattle and water-landing – Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tours are filled with excitement and beauty. The narrated flight might take you over Seattle’s beloved houseboat community, our city’s professional sports stadiums, and the beloved University of Washington.

Kayaking in the San Juans with Evergreen Escapes

Perfect for everyone from the beginner to the experienced kayaker, Evergreen Escape’s all-day San Juan kayaking excursions are lead by an experienced naturalist. Throughout the day they’ll share tidbits about the islands’ history, natural habitat, and beautiful creatures you’ll see.

Beer

Beer Tasting at Island Hoppin’ Brewery

Locally brewed goodness. That’s what you’ll find at the Island Hoppin’ Brewery. Founded by three Orcas Island natives, this island hot spot features full-flavored beers, tasty bites, and an inside look at the brewing process.

Multi-Course Extravaganza at the Willows Inn

Located on Lummi Island, the Willows Inn has been touted as America’s truest destination restaurant. Its constantly changing menu is inspired by seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. You might find black cod smoked and transformed into doughnuts. Cold soup could be paired with grilled flowers. Crab may be soaked in pine nut milk; mussels paired with sunflower roots; and aged, wild venison leg roasted to perfection. This isn’t an all-the-time kind of dinner joint. This is a special celebration destination where you’ll savor every bite.

Golfing at Semiahmoo Resort

Semiahmoo seems to be sliced from a different era – a time when folks moved a little slower and savored the moment just a bit more. Perhaps that’s why this idyllic destination is one of our favorites. Home to a beautiful golf course – featuring epic views – it’s the perfect getaway for a leisurely round. It also happens to have some great food, so make sure to schedule enough time to grab a bite.

Kenmore Air Gift Shop

Commemorative Gear

From cozy graphic sweatshirts to seaplane-themed t-shirts, give your travel-loving enthusiast a wearable reminder of a great trip!

Fishing at a Remote Lodge in the BC Islands

There’s fishing. And then there’s fishing in the BC Islands. This is an experience you’re not soon to forget – complete with ocean-to-table cuisine, epic views, and incredibly experienced guides.

Susies Mopeds

Leisurely Moped Adventure of San Juan Island

Explore San Juan Island on your own schedule with a leisurely moped ride. Visit Lime Kiln State Park to do some land-based whale watching. Stop by the Pelinda Lavender Farm to soak in the relaxing scent of lavender. You also might want to drop by the alpaca farm, Roche Harbor’s Lime Kiln Café, and the San Juan Island winery.

Tea at the Fairmont Empress

Tea at the Fairmont Empress is old-world elegance at its finest. Served in the sophisticated Lobby Lounge since 1908, it features the Empress’ own blend of expertly steeped tea and a large selection of small bites.

The Ultimate Victoria Photo Walk Fairmont Empress by Ty Edwards

A Photo Walk in Victoria

Whether you have a big DSLR or a sleek smartphone, this photo walk will give you plenty of opportunities to snap some amazing pictures. Fly up for the day. Explore the city. Stop for a bite. And, capture the experience each moment in a farmable picture.

Urban Hiking in Seattle

You don’t have to leave Seattle to go on an adventure. This city is full of epic urban hikes that feature stunning views, great spots to grab some grub, and not-so-well-known gems to enjoy a moment of solitude.

Sea & Sky Scenic Trip to Victoria

Travel to Victoria by sea and come back by air for the best of both worlds. Partnering with the Victoria Clipper, we offer Sea & Sky packages. Available as a day trip or an extended stay, you’ll be able to view the trip from more than one beautiful angle.

Kenmore Air Chief Pilot Chuck Perry does a preflight check

San Juan Islands Ride-Along

What’s life like for a seaplane pilot? Find out on a San Juan Islands Ride-Along. This fabulous adventure takes you up to the San Juan Islands and back. You may even be able to score the copilot seat! There’s no better view than the copilot’s seat. But with most airlines, you don’t get to ride shotgun. Book one of our San Juan Scenic Flights to get a taste of what it’s like to be one of our pilots!

West Coast Wilderness Lodge

Visiting the West Coast Wilderness Lodge

If there was a summer camp for grownups, it would be called the West Coast Wilderness Lodge. Located in the BC Islands, this remote destination is tucked among the wilderness. It offers a wide variety of activities (including hiking, kayaking, and martini making), a restaurant worthy of world-renowned praise, and comfy beds you won’t want to leave.

Destination Dining

Destination Dinners with Pretty Fork have fused travel, intrigue, and great cuisine. You never know where you’re headed, what you’ll see or what you’ll eat. But one thing’s certain – these trips won’t disappoint!

Are you ready to spoil your someone special?

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Kid-Friendly Victoria Weekend

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Mar 22, 2018 Mikaela Cowles
Kid-Friendly Victoria Weekend

With its interactive museums, plethora of parks, and walkable streets, Victoria offers the perfect kid-friendly getaway the whole family will love.

Friday

10:15 AM – Start with a Sweet National Symbol

Through a sweet treat, you can start your Victoria adventure with an introduction to one of Canada’s best-known national symbols – a beaver tail. Made with whole-wheat pastry dough, these donut-like treats are hand-stretched and served warm. Toppings range from chocolate hazelnut to apple cinnamon.

Plus, you can get them just blocks from the Inner Harbour Victoria Seaplane Terminal at BeaverTails. This beloved Canadian chain is also well-known for poutine – a local favorite featuring fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.

12:00 PM – Wander the Inner Harbour & Get Lunch

Red Fish Blue Fish Tacos

Once you’ve dropped your bags and situated yourselves, take a walk around Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Ghosts are said to linger around the heavily protected inlet. But don’t worry. The monuments, totem poles, and historic sites resting along the harbour’s shores remain spirit free until the wee hours. Wander past the elegant Parliament Buildings, where carriage rides are often seen beginning their adventure. Stroll through the gardens at the Fairmont Empress, which have been frequented by foreign dignitaries and famous individuals throughout the years. Try and blow a bubble as big as the pink Old Victoria Custom House, located at Broughton St. and Wharf St. And for lunch, pop down to the waterfront dock, where Red Fish Blue Fish serves rave-worthy fish ‘n’ chips and tacos. Housed in an up-cycled cargo container, this outdoor eatery tempura-batters their seafood, creating a light and flavorful meal.

2:00 PM – Feel Like a Giant

Devoted to the miniature recreation of historic scenes and beloved tales, Miniature World features more than 85 dioramas and displays. The Great Canadian Railway travels across the country. Knights stand tall around King Author’s round table. From space and fairylands to old England and car rallies, this will make even the smallest among us feel like a giant! Throughout the museum you’ll find several push-button actions and trundling trains, sure to capture your child’s excitement.

5:30 PM – Fries and Burgers (Guilt Trip-Free)

The typical fast-food joint can often leave you feeling more than a tad guilty about giving your kids the burgers and fries they crave. Such is not the case at Big Wheel Burger, where a commitment to locally sourcing sustainable, environmentally-friendly ingredients has been the practice since they opened in 2011. Here, the fries are crispy. Patties are made to satisfy meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. And the shakes are delightfully creamy.

Saturday

9:00 AM Breakfast

From savory to sweet, fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors make West Coast Waffles a go-to for breakfast. The standard butter and pure maple syrup toppings are certainly available. But it’s their more untraditional waffle toppings which make this kid-friendly joint shine. Your kids will love green apples and caramel sauce toppings. Or for a special treat, consider the Oreo waffle, which has Oreo cookie baked into the batter! Adults will dig the waffle’s savory side ranging from a Mexican inspired avocado, salsa, and egg to a pulled pork and BBQ sauce monstrosity. They even have a pizza inspired waffle, served with a side of ranch perfect for dipping.

10:30 AM – Whale Watching

Zodiac whale watching tours in Victoria

Is your little one ready to saddle up for adventure? Prince of Whales zodiac whale watching tours are one-part thrill and two-parts awe-inspiring beauty. These boat-based adventures take you and your kid out on the water to see some of Mother Nature’s most graceful and powerful creatures – orca whales. You’ll also have the chance to see shorebirds, sea otters, seals, dolphins, and grey whales!

12:30 PM – Lunch

Chances are your kids won’t want to leave the water once they’ve gone whale watching. So, don’t ask them to. Have lunch by the water at Fisherman’s Wharf. Just a short stroll (or water taxi ride) from the heart of the Inner Harbor, this working bay is home to a variety of novelty shops and restaurants. It’s also a fun place to watch seaplanes land and ferries come into port.

2:00 PM – Get Hands-On with History at the Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum’s elaborate exhibits immerse you in the region’s rich history. From the rugged ice age to the First Peoples’ traditional ceremonial house, your child can feel like they are walking in the footsteps of those who came before them. Say ‘Hi’ to Woolly, the museum’s unofficial mascot – a full-size mammoth. See just how ‘spacious’ the quarters of a ship’s captain can be. And, wander through the grand streets of Victoria in the late 1800s. Discover more about the Royal BC Museum.

5:30 PM – Dine Like a Local

Skip the fancy tablecloths. With its dedicated kid’s menu and funky interior, John’s Place offers a fun and affordable dinner destination beloved by locals. You’ll find an extensive menu raging from a southwestern-inspired meatloaf to a hearty Bangers ‘n’ Mash special loaded with fried onions and buttermilk mashed potatoes.

Sunday

9:00 AM – Breakfast

Blue Fox Café may have some of the best eggs Benedict in Victoria. They also have one of the most kid-friendly menus. From apple loaded pancakes to almond-infused French toast, this Victoria breakfast staple has a friendly staff and great service. Just be warned, it’s a favorite for locals. So, there may be a wait.

10:30 AM – Stretch Your Legs and Say ‘Hi’ to the Animals

Head to Beacon Hill Park, where you and your kids can explore more than 200 acres of gardens, walking paths, and playgrounds. The park even has a petting zoo (aka Beacon Hill Children’s Farm) where you will all have the opportunity to pet goats and see a variety of animals, including peacocks.

Book Your Victoria Kid-Friendly Adventure

Additional Things to do in Victoria

Where to Drink Tea in Victoria

Victoria is a city rich with historical architectural and beloved rituals – not the least of which is tea. From afternoon tea to high tea, Victorians and visitors celebrate the indulgent reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life.

7 Calorie Burning Walks in Victoria

Eat and walk your way through British Columbia’s iconic capital, while soaking in Victoria’s breathtaking views, quaint neighborhoods, and thriving food scene.

19 Most Instagrammable Places in Victoria

There’s more to Victoria than the Fairmont Empress and Parliament Buildings. While both of these iconic landmarks are certainly deserving of a visit, B.C.’s quaint capitol is loaded with Instagram-worthy destinations.

3 Hidden Gems in Victoria BC

Beyond these standard tourist attractions, there are some lesser-known gems that offer a peek into Victoria’s rich history and culture without ending crowded corridors and long lines.

The Ultimate Victoria, B.C. Photo Walk

When you have just a day to soak up the majestic beauty of Victoria, B.C., don’t let a second go to waste. Hit the streets. Immerse yourself in the culture. And, don’t forget your camera. You’ll want it on this photo walk.

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Mount Rainier, the Pacific Northwest’s Quintessential View

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Jun 6, 2017 Mikaela Cowles
Mount Rainier, the Pacific Northwest’s Quintessential View

Witnessing the towering peak of Mount Rainier is a quintessential Pacific Northwest moment. And, there’s no better view than from the window seat of a 10-passenger Cessna Caravan.

Born more than half a million years ago, Mount Rainier stands at a staggering 14,410 feet. That makes Seattle’s reigning giant nearly three miles tall!

The massive mountain dwarfs the other peaks in the Cascade Range. (They summit at a mere 6,000 feet.) This ice-covered monstrosity is jaw-droopingly beautiful, dominating Seattle’s skyline and beyond.

Home to 25 glaciers, Mount Rainier’s massive collection of ice spans roughly 36-square-miles. That’s the largest collection of permanent ice on a single US mountain south of Alaska!

Birthed From Rock and Ash

Get up close and personal with Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is not the result of a single eruption. Rather, it’s a stratovolcano – a cone of stone gradually formed by intermittent seismic eruptions and lava flows.

Scientist estimate the first eruptions began roughly 500,000 years ago. The cone likely topped out at 16,000 feet above sea level. However, a massive eruption reduced the giant’s stature.

In addition to losing some of its height, the collapse created a 2-mile diameter depression on the northeast face. It sent a 100-foot-high mud wall surging from the mountain. Known as the Osceola Mudflow, the mud kept running for 125-square-miles until it reached the waters of Puget Sound.

Sleeping Giant

Get so close to Mount Rainier you can capture it with a smartphone!

Mount Rainier hasn’t had a major eruption in nearly 1,000 years. While the sleeping giant has had smaller eruptions – resulting in equally scaled down mudflows and floods – it’s considered dormant.

The downtime has been kind to its steep hillsides and rolling valleys. Mount Rainier National Park’s lush landscape has become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Here, wildflowers abound and forests tower.

Fly Face-to-Face with a World Wonder

Stare Face-to-Face with Mount Rainier

In 1792, English explorer George Vancouver named Mount Rainier after his fellow navigator – Admiral Peter Rainier. However, Native Americans originally named it “Tahoma,” meaning “the mountain that was God.”

And when sitting face-to-face with it – you’ll understand why. The sheer rock walls of volcanic stone are layered with massive sheets of ice. Below its impressive crest rests a lush tree line studded with glacier-feed lakes.

And as if staring at the giant doesn’t make you feel small enough, ski resorts on the surrounding peaks reveal ant-like men below. Its size is humbling. This is one of Mother Nature’s true wonders. And from a window seat on a Cessna Caravan, you can get up close and personal.

Book Your Volcano Mountain Tour!

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Mount St. Helens – A Living, Breathing Giant

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May 25, 2017 Mikaela Cowles
Mount St. Helens – A Living, Breathing Giant
The cratered top of Mount St. Helens steams periodically, reminding those who dare to explore its slopes that this volcano is still very much alive.

Like a napping giant, Mount St. Helen’s mouth-like crater spews plumes of lava-heated smoke. It’s a reminder that, even though the peak hasn’t had a major eruption for more than 40 years, it’s not done.

May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens forever changed the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. While its eruption was small by volcanic standards, the force of its blast was the largest and most destructive in US history.

The Crater’s Jagged Edges are Hauntingly Beautiful

Capturing Mount St. Helens with an iPhone

The eruption collapsed the north side of the mountain, creating the biggest recorded landslide in modern times. The debris and mud (known as lahar) flowed all the way to the Columbia River, taking it 17 miles from the mountain and over terrain that was 600 feet deep in places.

During its explosion, Mount St. Helens lost 1,300 feet of its elevation. The formerly symmetrical cone became a 2-mile-wide crater. Today, its edges remain jagged and haunting in their beauty.

The blast generated roughly 500 times the force of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. It claimed 57 lives. The ash plume rose 15 miles high. And, the lahar destroyed roads, forests, and homes for more than 185 miles.

From the Ashes Mother Nature Rises

Cessna on the runway

Today, scientists consider Mount St. Helens a world-class outdoor laboratory. It’s one of the few instances in modern times where we have been able to witness old-growth forests begin to re-establish their roots.

As the eco-system continues to recover, the landscape is the epitome of re-birth. Plants that can survive off nitrogen absorbed through their air rather than the soil began to first take root – like the Prairie Lupine. Today, vast hillsides are scattered with wildflowers and prairie land. And, insects and animals have returned.

Soar Above the Steaming Crater

Steam rising from Mount St. Helens

The eruption left the mountain at a staggering 8,363 feet. It created a horseshoe-shaped crater. At its center rests a lava dome, from which plumes of superheated steam erupt.

Scientists have confirmed that fresh molten rock has been recharging the volcano since 2008, building a magma reservoir. While there’s no accurate prediction of when, it’s safe to say that the giant will indeed wake.

The only question is, will you see the steam rise before it erupts again?

Yes! I want to see Mount St. Helens!

Photos by Sara Satterlee

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