Staycation secrets

Hikers on Hurricane Ridge trail in Olympic National Park,  AdobeStock

Port Angeles tour company to welcome more hikers with new location

Tour company plans to open ‘heart and soul of the operation’

 

Artwork is found throughout La Conner, including along its channelside boardwalk. Jon Bauer photo

Fall for La Conner, Washington: fewer crowds, full charm

A local shares why autumn is the best-kept secret in this artsy waterfront town.

 

The Methow Valley in North Central Washington draws visitors year-round for hiking, rafting, skiing and fly-fishing.

Twisp with a twist: Road-tripping to Washington’s Methow Valley

Welcome to Twisp, the mountain town that puts “fun, funky and friendly” on the map.

 

View of Liberty Bell Mountain from Washington Pass overlook where the North Cascades Highway descends into the Methow Valley. (Sue Misao)

Take the North Cascades Scenic Highway and do the Cascade Loop

This two-day road trip offers mountain, valley and orchard views of Western and Eastern Washington.

View of Liberty Bell Mountain from Washington Pass overlook where the North Cascades Highway descends into the Methow Valley. (Sue Misao)
Join us as we explore some of the western US’s most stunning destinations. Isogood_patrick // Shutterstock

13 of the most surreal places to visit in the western US

You know those places that feel so dreamlike that you ask yourself, “Did I just fall into a screensaver?” No? Well, that’s probably because you’ve… Continue reading

Join us as we explore some of the western US’s most stunning destinations. Isogood_patrick // Shutterstock
The Everett Music Initiative has announced the lineup for its annual Music At the Marina concert series. (Photo courtesy City of Everett)

Everett Music Initiative announces Music at the Marina lineup

The summer concert series will take place each Thursday, July 10 to Aug. 28 at the Port of Everett.

The Everett Music Initiative has announced the lineup for its annual Music At the Marina concert series. (Photo courtesy City of Everett)
Tulips grow at Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)

Stop and smell the flowers at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

North America’s largest tulip festival features five gardens and runs through April

Tulips grow at Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Curtson Distillery owners Robert Thompson, right, Malinda Curtis, center, and employee Sarah Trocano, left, at the distillery in Sultan. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Sultan, Washington’s Curtson Distillery turns bad beer into beautiful whiskey

Robert Thompson and Malinda Curtis use an innovative method to make moonshine and umber.

Curtson Distillery owners Robert Thompson, right, Malinda Curtis, center, and employee Sarah Trocano, left, at the distillery in Sultan. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Whidbey Island chef Michael Weeks welcomes visitors to Penn Cove Musselfest, returning to Whidbey Island, Washington, March 7 to 9. Photo by Luisa Loi

Mussel tussle: Chefs to face off in annual Whidbey Island festival

As spring awakens, many in the Puget Sound region come out of their shells every year to enjoy some world-class mussels in the heart of… Continue reading

Whidbey Island chef Michael Weeks welcomes visitors to Penn Cove Musselfest, returning to Whidbey Island, Washington, March 7 to 9. Photo by Luisa Loi
Seattle is a city made for spring explorations. Sergey Novikov // Shutterstock

8 spectacular things to do in Seattle in the spring

Seattle in the spring enjoys a unique blend of urban charm and nature activities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and… Continue reading

Seattle is a city made for spring explorations. Sergey Novikov // Shutterstock
La Conner, Washington produces more tulips and daffodil bulbs than anywhere else in the U.S.

3 of the ‘most charming small towns’ in the the Pacific Northwest

American tourism is often associated with big cities, focused on the largest metropolitan areas in each state. But small towns around the U.S. are a… Continue reading

La Conner, Washington produces more tulips and daffodil bulbs than anywhere else in the U.S.
The M/V Puyallup docks at the Edmonds waterfront on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 in Edmonds. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Show off your city: The best places to take a visitor

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here’s where to impress your guests!

The M/V Puyallup docks at the Edmonds waterfront on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 in Edmonds. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, Washington, the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest.

How one village became the Christmas capital of Washington state

Leavenworth, in central Washington, calls itself the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest

Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, Washington, the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest.
Amtrak Cascades train 517 to Portland departs from Everett Station on Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

U.S. federal money moves Pacific Northwest high-speed rail forward

Planning for an ambitious high-speed rail system in the Pacific Northwest will continue thanks to nearly $50 million in new U.S. federal funding. Traveling at… Continue reading

Amtrak Cascades train 517 to Portland departs from Everett Station on Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Tulalip Resort Casino. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Stay in style: Discover the top hotels for your perfect getaway

Which hotel will make your next stay unforgettable? Herald readers have the suggestions for you.

The Tulalip Resort Casino. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
People take photos of the lights surrounding the the fountain at the the entrance to the Tulalip Resort & Casino in Tulalip, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald

Record Tulalip holiday display lights up the night

The largest light display in Washington is free of charge and open through Jan. 12.

People take photos of the lights surrounding the the fountain at the the entrance to the Tulalip Resort & Casino in Tulalip, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald
Enchant Christmas returns to T-Mobile Park in Seattle! Enchant Christmas photo / Courtesy Visit Seattle

Why Seattle is a favourite holiday season destination

No matter the time of year, Seattle offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation and celebration. Come December, many of those celebrations take on a decidedly… Continue reading

Enchant Christmas returns to T-Mobile Park in Seattle! Enchant Christmas photo / Courtesy Visit Seattle
Children fish in the water and climb near the renovated boat launch at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Children fish in the water and climb near the renovated boat launch at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, near Stanwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The award-winning and locally owned Magnolia Hotel is perfectly located for those wanting to enjoy downtown Victoria. Courtesy The Magnolia Hotel

City lights, cosy nights: ​​A weekend escape to downtown Victoria

“We need to get away,” I said to my husband after the monotony of parenting, working and daily life had lately left us feeling more… Continue reading

The award-winning and locally owned Magnolia Hotel is perfectly located for those wanting to enjoy downtown Victoria. Courtesy The Magnolia Hotel
A couple stands on a large piece of driftwood in the wind at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park on Friday, Jan. 4, 2018 in Mukilteo, WA. There is a small craft advisory in effect until 10 pm Friday. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Chasing sunsets: The best spots to watch the day’s end

Looking for the perfect place to catch a stunning sunset? Herald readers have you covered.

A couple stands on a large piece of driftwood in the wind at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park on Friday, Jan. 4, 2018 in Mukilteo, WA. There is a small craft advisory in effect until 10 pm Friday. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)