Outdoors
The Northwest is an outdoorsy playground all year round - punctuated by mountain ranges that bisect Washington and Oregon and continue on up into British Columbia. As the seasons change and the inevitable autumn rain kicks off, there's a positive flip side to all the sprinkles - snow in the
Travel
Sometimes taking a vacation outside of Washington is just not in the stars. However, Washington state is not short on amazing vacation destinations. Case in point - Skamania Lodge. Skamania Lodge is the perfect place to get away from it all, quite literally. About 45 minutes from Portland, the lodge is
Attractions
The Northwest is a wild kind of place, at least outside of the cities. Mere miles outside of Seattle, Portland, Tacoma and other major Northwest cities, you'll find forests and bodies of water and the Northwest as it was before humans took over. You'll also find plenty of places to
Travel
Thurston County is home to the Capitol and one of the best farmers markets in the region. The county includes Olympia and all the perks of city life, from arts and live entertainment to microbreweries, as well as fantastically rural places to explore - parks, bays, forests and rivers. While
Attractions
The Pacific Northwest is an amazing part of the country - filled with lofty evergreens, rolling hills that lead the way to towering mountains, expanses of water, and plenty of wildlife to check out along the way. Driving the area's scenic byways will take you through forests and oceans alike,
Bars & Clubs
Each year, Olympia Brew Fest strives to give South Sound residents plenty of reasons to get out and drink some beer - as if most Northwesterners need any reason at all. To spice up the afternoon, the Oly Beer Fest brings in food, live music and more, all set against
Features
Pacific Grill is one of Tacoma's stand-out culinary gems - a hub that combines a revamped urban space, the arts, romantic atmosphere and (most importantly) delicious food. Diners at the Pacific Grill, which is located in the historic Waddell Building, are surrounded by exposed brick and just the right amount
Outdoors
Long before Tacoma was a trendy art hub known for its downtown museums and culture, it was a port town bustling with incoming ships and trains the western terminus for the Northern Pacific Railroad. Maritime Fest, which will be held this weekend, July 18 and 19, started as a way to
Outdoors
Summer in the Northwest is all about festivals that take advantage of the long, warm days. Some are large and some are smaller, but all are a great way to get in touch with the region and enjoy some time outside. A great family festival taking place this weekend is
Attractions
The Puget Sound is a maritime region. Even if you're not a boater, you can still delve into the local maritime heritage in plenty of ways - some of the best of which are festivals, museums and actual water vessels. Get up close and personal with submarines, Navy destroyers or
Outdoors
Never let it be said that the Pacific Northwest isn't filled with adventurous pursuits. From watersports to amazing aerial adventures, get out of the city, and you'll find high adventure around every bend. Skydiving If high adventure is what you seek, jumping out of a plane to catch sight of Northwest scenery
Outdoors
The South Sound includes a lot of waterfront. From Tacoma to Olympia, you'll find plenty of stretches of waterside perfect for a stroll or a hike, some well-groomed and paved, and still others wild and untamed (well, at least less tamed). There are few better ways to enjoy the Northwest. On
Features
Whether it's a date night or girls night out that you seek, you can hardly go wrong with wine and chocolate - the pillars of any evening on the town worth its salt. Fortunately for all, Waves of Perfection is here to turn the afternoon of May 23 into an
Outdoors
The sun is out, the kids are restless and the last thing you want to do is watch another episode of Dora the Explorer. What to do? Go outside! Tacoma and surrounding cities and towns have so many fabulous green spaces to offer. Chances are there's a park with a great
Outdoors
While Memorial Day gets buzz as a day of sales and public pool openings, the reality is the holiday is a day of remembrance. Memorial Day stands to remember those who have fallen while serving in the country's armed forces. Visiting one of the area's many memorials is the perfect way
Features
Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year. While you may not want to go out and party hardy with the margaritas, there's nothing wrong with skipping home cooking that night and heading out for a little Mexican food! But that's no reason to head to Taco Bell either.
Outdoors
May is the start of festival season in the South Sound - the weather warms up, the sun comes out most days (at least, let's hope it does) and events galore take to local parks, green spaces and venues. Almost all South Sound festivals make great family events, and a
Bars & Clubs
In the Northwest, beer and coffee are staples of the average diet. If you're looking for a well-sized, yet still approachable beer fest, look no further than the 4th Annual Gig Harbor Beer Festival. Each year, the Gig Harbor Beer Festival grows a bit. In its first year, only 11 brewers
Guides
Whether you're young or old, fit or still getting there, fencing can be a great physical activity - one that not only develops cardiovascular fitness, balance and strength, but also engages your mind. Perhaps you've never picked up a sword, sabre or foil, but it doesn't matter. You too can
Guides
Mt. Rainier is not far at all from Joint Base Lewis-McChord - just a little over an hour from most parts of Tacoma, and only slightly farther from the Olympia area. At 14,411 feet, Mt. Rainier is difficult to miss and a prominent fixture on the horizon. It's even better
