Washington State
Seattle
Seattle sits in the Northwest corner of the United States, nestled between majestic mountains, lush forests, and wondrous waterways, making it one of America's most beautiful cities. Seattle began as a logging town over a hundred years ago, but now is more famous as the home of Microsoft, Amazon.com, and Starbucks. It presents a variety of interesting contrasts between the old style town built on sweat and the new town built on silicon and coffee beans. Pioneer Square is a perfect example with new businesses located in historic buildings that are now permanently preserved as part of a national historic district. Summers in Seattle are among the best in the country and attract visitors from far and wide who come to see the famous Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Fremont Troll.
Seattle is anything but ordinary. It's a place where bike messengers share elevators with world-renowned researchers, where fishermen have lunch alongside top surgeons. It's a city where the extraordinary is commonplace and commonplace is anything but. And if you look closely, you just might discover that in Seattle there are amazing things happening all around you.
From a jet engine to an espresso machine to grunge rock, Seattle's world-changing events have all had a distinct sound. But the symphony doesn't end there. Your visit to Seattle may bring you the sound of an Orca blowing as it surfaces, the roar of the crowd at Safeco Field or the near silence of the Olympic rain forest. Come to Seattle and hear for yourself.
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands exist not only as gems in Washington’s famed archipelago, but also as a state of mind. Experience an island culture borne of geographic seclusion and resilient spirit, where art and nature converge and enrich each other and outdoor adventure and marine stewardship intensify experiential learning. The San Juans are nestled between three great cities – Seattle, Vancouver B.C. (home of the 2010 Winter Olympics) and Victoria B.C., surrounded by the Salish Sea. Of the 172 named islands in the San Juans, three of them - Lopez, Orcas and San Juan - have accommodations, attractions and amenities for visitors.
With a temperate marine climate unique in the Pacific Northwest, San Juan County has more than 400 miles of rocky and sandy waterfront. Life in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountains means an average of 247 days with sunshine annually and about half the rain of the mainland. Spring and fall are especially enticing, when the weather and serenity combine for a memorable visit.
Watchable wildlife abounds. View porpoises, seals, sea lions, Orca whales and occasionally humpback, minke and gray whales. On land, watch for red fox and bald eagles. Migratory birds, including trumpeter swans, winter on lakes and wetlands. Transient and indigenous species make this one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the world.
Be seduced by true “Island Time” in a place without stoplights or bridges to any of the islands. Experience farmers markets, restaurants serving island-grown organic produce, local history museums, performing arts centers, galleries, artist studio tours, waterfront parks and wildlife cruises. Sea kayaking, hiking, biking, birding and scuba diving are popular outdoor activities. Special events and cultural festivals occur year-round. Destination weddings are extremely popular, with all professional services available locally for the traditional or most unique weddings. Romantic getaways and honeymoons are enjoyed year-round in the Islands.
Olympic Peninsula
Olympic National Park, just forty miles from where forest and surf collide, icy mountain peaks pierce the sky. In between these extremes, ancient trees draped in moss reside deep inside a temperate rain forest. Salmon and Steelhead make annual runs up rivers that flow all four directions from these jagged peaks.
Options aren’t scarce when you visit Port Angeles, in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula. Whether your interest is kayaking, wine tasting, antiquing, eating or just spending time on the beautiful beaches, Port Angeles has something for every traveler. Ride your bike along Discovery Trail, a waterfront trail that stretches from the west end of Port Angeles into Port Townsend. Taste locally grown food at the farmers markets. Enjoy the water view from Francis Street Park. Or, explore the Fine Arts Center, which features works by more than 500 Northwest artists.
Leavenworth
Travelers will love escaping to a quaint German Village right in Washington’s own backyard. Leavenworth, located in Central Washington, is your Bavarian getaway complete with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. A four-season destination, Leavenworth has an endless list of adventures for visitors with all interests.
In the summer, visitors can escape the summer heat by taking a wine-tasting tour or wild ride on a river rafting day trip. The vast area surrounding Leavenworth provides outdoor enthusiasts with a wilderness ready for hiking, biking and rock climbing.
In the winter, Leavenworth embodies a winter wonderland with sleigh rides, dog sledding, alpine skiing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. For those looking to stay warm, they can sip hot chocolate and wander through the downtown shops enjoying specialty cheeses, chocolates, wines and unique gifts.
