3 state parks in Port Townsend for Memorial weekend fun
Fort Worden State Park in Port TownsendPhoto by Andrew S on Unsplash. There are over 100 state parks in Washington State and with a sunny forecast for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, there will be plenty of opportunity for some outdoor, socially distanced fun.
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: Cascade Cliffs in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood
Tasting room at Cascade Cliffs in the Georgetown neighborhoodMary Jo Manzanares. With a winery in Wishram, Washington, and tasting rooms in Woodville, Georgetown, and Hood River (Oregon), there are plenty of ways to learn about and enjoy Cascade Cliffs wine.
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: House of Smith in Seattle
Tasting Room at House of Smith/Jet City Winery in GeorgetownMary Jo Manzanares. Charles Smith is the winemaker behind House of Smith, the largest independent and winemaker-owner winery in Washington State. Smith took a winding path to get to winemaker, first spending time working in restaurants and traveling as a rock band manager, before selling 330 cases of K Syrah out of the back of his 1987 Astro van.
Read full story5 spots for great food in Langley
Located on the south end of Whidbey Island overlooking the Saratoga Passage, Langley’s community of just over 1,000 people entices visitors with small-town hospitality. With charming inns and cottages, seven wineries in the area, and a stunning natural environment, Langley is a perfect getaway destination for wine tasting, great food, and outdoor activity.
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: Maryhill Winery in Woodinville
The Woodinville Tasting Room of Maryhill WineryMary Jo Manzanares. In 1999, Craig and Vicki Leuthold established Maryhill Winery and set out to produce premier wines in the Columbia River Gorge. The winery is located in Goldendale, Washington, with a tasting room in Spokane, Vancouver, and Woodinville.
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: Cave B Winery in Woodinville
Cave B Winery tasting room in WoodinvilleMary Jo Manzanares. Winery owners Vince and Carol Bryan started in the wine business with Champs de Brionne, which means fields of Bryan. Their first release was in 1984. To make their first release extra special, they planned a big release party, cleared some adjacent land to feature music, and invited everyone. The music and wine event was a big hit, grew into a summer series of events, and from there became known as the Gorge Amphitheater.
Read full story5 things to do in Walla Walla this weekend
Whether you prefer to sample fine food and wine during a weekend break, like to discover a region’s fascinating history, or simply want to kick back and relax, Walla Walla has lots to offer. Browse the farmers market for local fare, explore history at a museum, or enjoy the Balloon Stampede (held in October).
Read full storyGood eats in Woodinville: Vivi Pizzeria
Fried artichoke appetizer at Vivi PizzeriaMary Jo Manzanares. Located in the Hollywood District of Woodinville, Vivi Pizzeria is a family-owned restaurant featuring authentic Italian fare (the owner-chefs are Italian).
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: DeLille Cellars in Woodinville
DeLille Cellars in Woodinville Wine CountryMary Jo Manzanares. DeLille Cellars in Woodinville is well-known for the European winemaking art of blending Bordeaux and Rhone grape varieties in a way that showcases local terroir. DeLille has received consistent honors from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for both its red and white wines.
Read full story5 Mothers Day dining options in Gig Harbor
The Narrows Bridge connects Tacoma and Gig HarborMary Jo Manzanares. Gig Harbor has taken its rich history of commercial fishing and boat building and turned its downtown area into a historic waterfront community, attracting visitors with its galleries, parks, public and private docks and marinas, shopping, and dining. It is also one of the many small towns that promote itself as the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: Abbe Winery, Federal Way
Abbe Vineyard and Winery in Federal Way was founded in 2009. The project started slowly, planting about a quarter of an acre of Chardonnay and Mellon grape varietals. The following year, the planting continued - more Chardonnay, some Pinot Noir, and testing out some Pinot Munier, Riesling, Viognier, and Muscatel vines to see if they would grow well. The third year brought about a substantial increase in Pinot Noir vines, and the vineyard and winery grew from there.
Read full storyHave you visited Northwest Trek?
Northwest Trek in Eatonville, Washington, is a great outdoor activity that provides easy social distancing. Plus, you can enjoy some of the best Pacific Northwest flora and fauna.
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: Smoky Rose Cellars, Walla Walla
Smoky Rose Cellars is a family-owned and operated business. Josh, a retired Air Force meteorologist is the winemaker and vineyard manager. Jodi, a food microbiologist, runs the tasting room and events side of the business. Sister Amy, currently a Cobra Helicopter pilot with the US Marine Corps, is poised to jump in once she retires. Mom and Dad, Jill and Bill, help out with harvest, errands, retail, and anything else that’s needed.
Read full story7 things to do in Pioneer Square this week
As we're starting to ease into good weather, grab a jacket and head to Pioneer Square to soak up some Seattle history. And have a great time doing it, too. Walk around, wander through shops and galleries (some are open), and grab a table for lunch or a drink. This is where it started in Seattle - the area was rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire - so don't take it all for granted.
Read full storyWeekend wine tasting: Eternal Wine, Walla Walla
Eternal Wine in Walla Walla was founded in 2014 by owner/winemaker Brad Binko. He grew up in Buffalo, New York, attending college there before heading west. Binko is a graduate of Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program and is a certified sommelier.
Read full storyHiking recommendations on San Juan Island
As spring weather starts warming things up, it's a great time to schedule a getaway that gets you back to nature, allows for social distancing, and puts you in tune with the great things about Washington State. There are lots of things to do on San Juan Island and hiking is one of the tops things on the list.
Read full storyTake a scenic drive around Washington State
Road trips are a classic part of Americana, and you’ll find many incredible and historic routes across the United States. And this summer, given travel restrictions, we'll probably be seeing more road trips than in previous years. While you can find great routes everywhere, the Evergreen State definitely stands out among the best. From the lush Pacific Northwest landscapes to towering mountains and breathtaking water views, a Washington State road trip feels good for the soul.
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