Travel
Ski Resorts and Crowd Free Trails
When winter arrives, we strap skis or boards to our feet and let gravity do its thing.
Going Downhill Here’s a handful of familiar snowsport options, plus one that’s a little out there. Visit skiwashington.com for more. The Summit at Snoqualmie (elevation: 5,420 feet)For a quick after-work ski session, head to Seattle’s closest resort. For the price of one lift ticket, you can enjoy four ski areas that accommodate the shy beginner…
9 Can’t-miss Peaks
They’re massive. Magical. Magnificent. Northwest mountains to put on your bucket list.
We’ve all asked (and answered) the classic vacation question: The mountains or the shore? As it happens, we feel strongly both ways. But after publishing our Ultimate Coast Guide three years ago, we knew we had created an obvious imperative. And so we present our paean to Washington’s magnificent mountains. Why? Well, to paraphrase the…
Rachel Hart’s Mountain High
Our fearless leader talks mountains, chocolate cake and Seattle's soul.
That whole thing about climbing a mountain because it is there? Yeah, I’ve never quite understood that philosophy—unless it’s a metaphor that applies to something like a big piece of chocolate cake that happens to be in my line of vision. Many years ago, my husband and I were hiking Mount Rainier—this was pre-kids, so…
Get Scenic at the Columbia River Gorge
Take an artsy road trip to the first annual Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Discovery Month.
WHERE: The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. WHY: For the first annual Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Discovery Month (columbiagorgeartsandculture.com), wherein 19 arts organizations spanning the Gorge celebrate local art, music and culture. Events include the Columbia Gorge Fiddle Contest (May 6-8 in Hood River, OR; columbiagorgefiddlecontest.com), featuring the best fiddlers in the west, plus…
Disney Cruises to Embark from Seattle Starting May 28, 2012: Pro or Con?
Family-friendly Seatle vacations just got a boost with the announcement of Disney Cruises departing
Just got word today that starting May 28, 2012, Disney Cruises will sail from Seattle to Alaska, making stops at Tracy Arm, Skagway (aren’t they they known for pie or something like that?), Juneau and Ketchikan as well as Victoria, B.C. We’ve never been on a Disney cruise (or any cruise for that matter, though…
Outdoors: Put On Your Sailing Shoes
The Mountaineers Will Tie Them For You
How can you live in Seattle — right between the ocean and the lake — and not know how to sail? Now is your chance to make it right. The Mountaineers‘ Seattle four week sailing course begins on April 6, and includes four Wednesday evening classroom programs as well as at least one training sail…
Outdoors: Consider Rediscovering Discovery Park
Follow a Docent on a Hike Through Seattle's Premiere Park
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of touring Discovery Park in Magnolia, join a Seattle Park’s docent on a 3.5 mile walk there this coming Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. (ages 18+ only). Plan on some slight elevation gain and, given that this is Seattle, be prepared for mud and rain….
Outdoors: The North Cascade Institute’s New Slate of 2011 Programs
North Cascades Institute Launches 2011 Programs
This week the North Cascades Institute, which is celebrating its 25th year conserving and protecting Northwest environments through experiential outdoor education, announced an exciting slate of learning programs and field excursions as part of its 2011 schedule. This year the Institute made a special effort to bring back some of its favorite field instructors from its…
Road Trip to Enumclaw Chocolate Festival
Savor locally crafted chocolates and wines at the third annual Wine and Chocolate Festival.
Where Enumclaw for the third annual Wine and Chocolate Festival (2/4–2/5; Enumclaw Expo Center, 45224 284th Ave. SE; enumclawchocolatefestival.com). Why: This year’s event features an indulgent lineup of locally made truffles and flavored chocolates, plus pours from 22 Washington wineries. Pair for the course: Savor salted caramels from Newcastle-based Sweet Decadence and sip a Merlot…
Gray Weather Survival Guide
The sky may be gray, but that’s no reason to feel blue. We’ve come up with plenty of ways to survive
The sky may be gray, but that’s no reason to feel blue. We’ve come up with plenty of ways to survive—and thrive—during our long winter nights and rainy days. 1. Play ball! This town’s big on pinball—thanks to our weather, and because we’re a little geeky, says Larry Reid, curator at Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery…
Day Trip: Kent
Take note, urbanites. There is civilization south of Ikea. Thanks to the draw of Kent Station mall,
Take note, urbanites. There is civilization south of Ikea. Thanks to the draw of Kent Station mall, the busy ShoWare Center and a newly remodeled library, old town Kent has amped up its charm. The four-block stretch running from First to Fourth avenues, between Meeker and Titus streets, is lined with antique shops, restaurants, quaint…
Road Trip: Portland, Oregon
Portland says come on down and have a beer
Where: Portland, Oregon, for the 2010 Holiday Ale Festival (12/1–12/5; $20-$25; holidayale.com) in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Why: To clink beer mugs in a microbrew mecca, where 45 breweries from the Northwest and beyond—including Widmer Bros. Brewing Co., Cascade Brewing and Alaskan Brewing Co.—offer tastes of holiday hops accented with wintry whiffs of cranberries, raspberries and…
Sage Advice for Camping with Children
Camping with kids presents special problems, so we asked a family-camping expert for some answers.
Should I buy my child a special ergonomic telescoping titanium trekking pole? Only if you hate nature. There is no way that pole is not going to be used to whack the crap out of trailside vegetation (and probably your ankles and your child’s little brother). Balance is a learned skill—let them learn it! Save the…