Natalie Compagno and Greg Freitas
Walla Walla: More Than Wine
Visitors come to sip and shop, but they return for the city’s sense of community
There seem to be two camps regarding Walla Walla: Those who love it, and those who haven’t been there. To be sure, the city boasts an enterprising spirit in this creative college town of artists, makers, brewers, and bakers. For a small town of 34,000 people living on farmland, there’s quite a lot going on. …
Sip, Swirl, and Stay
Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley 20 years after Sideways uncorked its charm
As Maya Randall from Sideways says, “I started to appreciate the life of wine, that it’s a living thing, that it connects you more to life.” Sideways turns 20 this month — the cult classic that won an Oscar, grossed $100 million, and transformed the American wine industry. The Sideways Effect is real, turning pinot…
A Magical Ferry Tale
Explore Victoria car free with a speedy trip from Seattle via the Victoria Clipper
Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is accessible by seaplane or by car ferry, from Port Angeles or the B.C. mainland. But thanks to the Victoria Clipper, leaving the car at home to reach the picturesque provincial capital is not only convenient but enjoyable…
Hidden Washington: Welcome to Bothell
Small-town charm and quirky fun meet riverside relaxation just outside Seattle
Seattleites traveling on State Route 522 would recognize the famous motto on a road sign: “Welcome to Bothell…for a day or a lifetime.” That is, if the local jokesters haven’t covered up the first three letters of the town name. After decades the signage disappeared, due to accidents and construction. Finally with the backing of local merchants, the markers returned in 2018…
Nashville Beneath the Surface
Take advantage of an easy direct flight between Seattle and Music City
To a certain extent, the traveler knows what to expect when taking the direct flight from Seattle to Nashville for a long weekend. The throngs on Lower Broadway at the honky tonks, the bachelor/ette parties, the face-melting hot chicken, the Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline museums, the Grand Ole Opry. All of it is fun, and none of it is unexpected. But on a recent visit we found quiet, intimate moments of discovery in loud, rambunctious Music City…
A Seattle Architecture Weekend
A staycation for the design-inclined
Hidden among the thicket of cranes and spheres, Seattle contains an array of architectural marvels that deserve exploration. From historic treasures to contemporary masterpieces, here’s a curated itinerary to immerse yourself in Seattle’s fine design.
Summer Travel Reading List
Explore new worlds and adventures with these new travel books
Summer and travel books go together like boat drinks and umbrellas. Here are eight brand new reads and one bonus edition newly in paperback to inspire wanderlust to distant lands — whether you are mentally voyaging from an armchair, couch, paddleboard, or floatie.
Hidden Washington: Leavenworth All Year
This Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains offers more than just Oktoberfest and Christmas celebrations
Beyond the beer and bratwurst and lively seasonal celebrations — notably Oktoberfest with a “K” and Christmas with a heaping dose of Nutcrackers — Leavenworth is a fabulous place to spend a long weekend…