Staycation secrets

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

 

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…

 

The Tulalip Resort Casino. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
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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.

 

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)
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Reconnect with nature: Best campgrounds and RV parks to explore

Herald readers voted the top three spots for your next outdoor adventure

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)
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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)
A person walks their dog at the Centennial Trail Rhododendron Trailhead in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald).
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Explore the Great Outdoors: Top Hiking Trails for Every Adventurer

Ready to discover the best trails and breathtaking views? Herald readers have you covered.

A person walks their dog at the Centennial Trail Rhododendron Trailhead in Lake Stevens, Washington on Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald).
A rainy day is no match for a city like Seattle, which offers an abundance of wet-weather activities, including a visit to the famed Space Needle. AdobeStock

12 great things to do in Seattle when it rains

An iconic city synonymous with rainy weather, Seattle brilliantly showcases that drizzle can’t dampen its spirit. From exploring Seattle’s world-class museums like MoPop to engaging… Continue reading

A rainy day is no match for a city like Seattle, which offers an abundance of wet-weather activities, including a visit to the famed Space Needle. AdobeStock
Twede’s Cafe is pictured at the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in North Bend, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Relive ‘Twin Peaks’ with cherry pie and damn fine coffee at Twede’s Cafe

The North Bend cafe, known as Double R Diner on the campy cult-classic, serves up nostalgia and a damn good breakfast.

Twede’s Cafe is pictured at the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in North Bend, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mt. Rainier, in Washington state, is the subject of an exhibition at Washington State History Museum, The Mountain Was Out.

‘The Mountain was Out:’ Tacoma museum welcomes new exhibition celebrating Mt. Rainier

Western Washington residents have a love-love relationship with Mount Rainier. Catching a glimpse of the state’s tallest peak often elicits the expression: “Look! The mountain… Continue reading

Mt. Rainier, in Washington state, is the subject of an exhibition at Washington State History Museum, The Mountain Was Out.
The West Coast offers a lot to love for Halloween fans!

Scaring up a Halloween fright fest in Seattle, San Fran, L.A. & Vegas

It’s the happiest time of the year for lovers of ghoulies, ghosties and things that go bump in the night. If you’re looking for thrills… Continue reading

The West Coast offers a lot to love for Halloween fans!
A view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a gateway to a new tourism corridor connecting Canada and the United States. (Black Press file photo)

Border-breaking Juan de Fuca Corridor opens new tourism era for Washington state and Vancouver Island

Partnership between Canada and the U.S. to drive economic growth

A view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a gateway to a new tourism corridor connecting Canada and the United States. (Black Press file photo)
The Leavenworth area has great biking and hiking trails, including to Icicle Ridge.

Highway 2 hikes: 6 trails for the final push of summer

Washington’s Highway 2 has it all: salmon jerky stands, a popular ski hill in Stevens Pass, the kitschy Bavarian town of Leavenworth. But don’t forget… Continue reading

The Leavenworth area has great biking and hiking trails, including to Icicle Ridge.
Planes on display inside Charlie Hangar at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald

‘Not just your old plane guys’ museum:’ History, aviation buffs love this Everett destination

New exhibits celebrate the wartime efforts of women in the Second World War and parachuting dogs.

Planes on display inside Charlie Hangar at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald
Onions are grilled up at the Walla Walla Burger booth during opening day of the Evergreen State Fair on Aug. 25, 2022 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Save money and time with advance ticket sales for Evergreen State Fair

The fair’s 115th installment runs 11 days starting Aug. 22 in Monroe. “Bright Lights, Summer Nights” is the theme.

Onions are grilled up at the Walla Walla Burger booth during opening day of the Evergreen State Fair on Aug. 25, 2022 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Performers joust during the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire at Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, Washington, on Sunday, Aug. 06, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Royalty and revelry: The spirit of the Renaissance comes to Monroe

The annual Renaissance fair will open its doors every weekend from July 20 to Aug. 18

Performers joust during the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire at Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, Washington, on Sunday, Aug. 06, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The San Juan Islands in Washington offer dramatic landscapes from mountaintop to sea.

Essential summer weekend getaways on the US West Coast

Summer is made for exploring and fortunately here on the West Coast, you have must-visit destinations in every direction! WASHINGTON 1. San Juan Islands, Wash.… Continue reading

The San Juan Islands in Washington offer dramatic landscapes from mountaintop to sea.
The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)

10 accessible trails to explore this summer in Snohomish County

For people with disabilities, tree roots and other obstacles can curb access to the outdoors. But some trails are wheelchair-friendly.

The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)