International Mermaid Museum opens in Westport, WA

Heading out to the Washington coast beaches always captures a magical feeling for me. And what adds even more mystical fun to time with the surf and sand? Mermaids!!

Sail Bainbridge: Exploring all the PNW has to offer, from a sailboat named True

"There's something about the way the air moves. The way it smells. The salt. The sounds. It's just a pretty magical experience."

Travel Tuesday: The Best of Oregon

Well it’s official, summertime weather has arrived in Seattle!

Photos: You can visit an Alpaca Farm on San Juan Island

Did you know that alpacas hum? Or that they're related to camels? You can learn these facts (and more) about these adorable animals at The Farm at Krystal Acres.

ROAD TRIP! 4 easy destinations for when you just want to get away

As the good weather of late spring approaches, it has us craving one thing- road trips! Whether they are long or short drives, there is nothing quite like packing up the car for a couple of days and heading out for a change of scenery. Time spent with the ones you love seems easier to come by when you are away from the everyday distractions and responsibilities of everyday home life.

Travel Tuesday: Sawtooth Mountain Scoping

Tag along with PNW photographer Tina Drebin on a backpacking trip up to Sawtooth Mountain to take in the sights (oh hey there, Mount Adams! ) and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

Travel Tuesday: Mountain Views at Artist Point

If a deep breath of fresh mountain air were to take the form of a Steller story, this post from nature photographer James Esh would be the result! Tucked right alongside Mount Baker, Artist Point offers fields of wildflowers, seemingly endless expanses of evergreen trees, and peaks aplenty. Paired with the glowy late afternoon light that James captured, it’s truly a scene of PNW beauty.

Photos: Surf the World's Largest Standing Wave in Lake Chelan

Well this is cool!

Travel Tuesday: Pocket Park on the Bay

When it comes to public greenspaces, Seattle is lucky enough to essentially have an embarrassment of riches. If you’re looking for a spot to soak in some vitamin D and sweeping waterfront views when old standbys like Gas Works or Discovery are feeling a little too crowded, allow local photographer Sam Horine to acquaint you with Smith Cove Park!

Travel Tuesday: The Foxes of San Juan Island

Did you know that only one of Washington state's 172 San Juan Islands has a population of wild foxes? Well thanks to photographer and storyteller Max Nichols, we sure do now! Kudos to Max for managing to spot and photograph these elusive, adorable little islanders. Click along in the gallery below to reap the rewards of his patience and sharp eye – and get ready to fall in love with the San Juan Island locals!

Photos: New 'Crystal Sky Camp' glamping experience only accessible via chairlift

This collab between Crystal Mountain Resort and Under Canvas kicks off July 1, 2021.

Photos: Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club completes $3.8 million renovations

Just a cool $3,800,000....

Travel Tuesday: Island Time

There is perhaps nowhere better to visit for a proverbial battery recharge than the San Juan Islands.

Travel Tuesday: Exploring Olympic National Park

Sometimes it almost feels like Washington state is just plain showing off – and there are few places where this is more true than Olympic National Park.

Travel Tuesday: The Remote Beauty of the Enchantments

The Enchantments region of the Cascades are as beautiful as they are notoriously difficult to get a camping permit for. But that didn’t stop local photographer Joe Tobiason, who trekked 20 miles on a day trip into this untouched wilderness for an engagement shoot, bringing along his point-and-shoot film camera. Click along in the gallery below to explore the jagged peaks and shockingly blue alpine lakes of this remote area through Joe’s vibrant film photography – no permit required! jtobiason.

Photos: 'Pause, Rest, Worship' at this Tiny Chapel in Sultan, WA

According to the chapel's Facebook page, the mini church was dedicated in 1962 during the time of the World's Fair held in Seattle.

Travel Tuesday: Dusk at Mount Baker

On a crisp, sunshiny day in Seattle we’re sometimes lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Baker in the distance, but have you ever gotten up close and personal with this volcanic beauty? Nature photographer James Esh invites us along on a sunset photo excursion to the glaciated giant, complete with some tips on how best to capture the iconic PNW peak during this time of day. Click along in the gallery below to soak in the vibrant colors and dramatic silhouettes of sundown hour at Mount Baker!

Leavenworth cancels 2021 Oktoberfest because of COVID-19 restrictions

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. - Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest has been cancelled for the second year in a row. Organizers of the festival, which is held every year in Washington’s famous Bavarian town, announced the cancellation on their website Tuesday. In the announcement, organizers said because of COVID-19 restrictions on entertainment, food, dancing, and singing they have decided to cancel the festival for 2021.

Photos: Wandering through Winthrop, Washington's only Western-themed town

5 rental homes in Washington straight out of a fairytale

When you think of fantasy-themed lodging, you probably think of castles in Ireland or the Hobbit set in New Zealand. But Washington state is full of magic, too. (There's even a hobbit house for rent in Orondo! ) Twilight locations aside, we have cool castles, dramatic waterfalls, beautiful bridges and several enchanting vacation rentals — some less than one hour from Seattle.

Travel Tuesday: Spectacular Seattle Sunsets

I think we can all agree that Seattle is an exceptionally scenic city, but what’s its best angle?

Photos: Up, Up & Away! Winthrop's annual Hot Air Balloon Festival kicks off

Winthrop, Washington is famous for it’s cozy western themed town, miles of cross-country skiing and a pretty unique, winter hot air balloon festival.

Photos: #ThatNWBus is an iconic roadside attraction outside Washtucna, WA

Travel Tuesday: A Day on the Olympic Peninsula

Occupying the farthest northwest point of the contiguous United States, the Olympic Peninsula has all the rugged natural beauty you could dream up packed into one region. Dramatic mountain peaks, towering evergreens, an unobstructed expanse of Pacific Ocean – maybe even a bald eagle or two! Tag along in the gallery below with Seattle photographer Eric Bird on a visit to this little corner of PNW paradise.

Travel Tuesday: Lakes and Snow and Bear Prints - Oh My!

Hello Winter...

Travel Tuesday: Woodsy Weekend Getaway

Crackling fire? Check. Steamy hot tub? Check. Towering evergreens? Check.

Travel Tuesday: North Cascades Snow Day

If you're like us, these months of lockdown and social distancing measures might have you teetering on the brink of full-on cabin fever and considering a move to the mountains to try and get away from it all.

Some of the Largest Trees in the World Are in Our Backyard

Last fall I needed to get away. Some nature. Some reprieve from technology. A moment to breathe deep and stand in awe.

Travel Tuesday: A Moment of Zen at McDowell Creek Falls

At a time when a lot of us could probably use a dose of serenity and a deep breath of fresh forest air, we're lucky that the Pacific Northwest can deliver both in spades.

Photos: Prehistoric Gardens in Oregon is home to 23 full-sized dinosaur sculptures

Travel Tuesday: Camping in a Winter Wonderland

If Pacific Northwesterners know how to do one thing, it's not let the weather get in our way of our outdoor adventures!

Photos: Missing Christmas already? This Leavenworth holiday shop is open year-round

Welcome to Kris Kringl in Leavenworth, where the holidays aren't just once a year - they're YEAR-ROUND.

Cars seemingly roll uphill by themselves on Gravity Hill outside Prosser, WA

Just outside Prosser, WA lurks a mysterious stretch of road where cars seem to be able to roll uphill without help from their engines.

Travel Tuesday: Exploring Barclay Lake

Jagged mountains, dense forest, and serene pools of water - the quintessential trifecta of PNW outdoor beauty - can all be found on a day trip to Barclay Lake.

Travel Tuesday: Snowshoeing in Stevens Pass

There are few sounds that scream "winter has arrived" more than the crunch of first tracks in fresh powder.

Photos: The Teapot Gas Station that's a Yakima Valley landmark

No, you can't buy fuel here but looking through the window, they appear to sell coffee cups (teacups?)

Travel Tuesday: Ballard Staycation

One small silver lining of this difficult year that has been decidedly light on travel is that we've had the opportunity to better familiarize ourselves with the place that we call home.

Photos: Giant outdoor movie screen returns with holiday light show to Gold Beach, OR

"Illuminate the Pacific" is a light show covering six acres from the hotel's oceanfront rooms to the sea.

Travel Tuesday: Cabin Season

There are very few reasons we could think of to leave the charming warmth of a mountain cabin, but a cedar soaking tub would definitely top the list! Get some winter staycation inspiration from travel expert Jess Dales as she spends a weekend among the evergreens on a retreat to Packwood, WA. From the natural wood walls to the kitschy artwork, you’ll be packing up your coziest sweaters and a good book for a visit to this woodsy haven before you even reach the end of the gallery below!

Travel Tuesday: Sky High in Skykomish

We'd argue that Skykomish's lush evergreens and winding river don't have a bad angle when it comes to photography, but Seattle-based photographer Sam Horine makes a pretty good case for shooting it from above!

Travel Tuesday: Fall at Diablo Lake

Northern Washington's Diablo Lake is well known for its almost luminescent shade of blue, but as nature photographer James Esh shows us, the lake takes on a richer, moodier hue in the low light of fall!

Photos: Outdoor enthusiasts create epic 'Gear Shed' to house their equipment

Today, in the most PNW story you'll see all week...

Travel Tuesday: What We're Thankful For

We are all really missing travel right now.

Travel Tuesday: Up close and personal with Mount Rainier

Any Seattleite worth their salt could pick Mount Rainier out of a lineup of glaciated peaks, but most of us are only familiar with its silhouette from afar.

Thompson Seattle voted the #1 hotel in the PNW

For the second year in a row,Thompson Seattle has been voted the #1 hotel in the Pacific Northwest for Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards. More than 715,000 readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences for this year'sReaders' Choice Awards. Thompson Seattle, located downtown, is known for it's sophisticated, refined atmosphere and views. Here's how the rest of the PNW's ranking stacked up this year: Thompson (Seattle, WA) Stephanie Inn (Cannon Beach, OR)

Travel Tuesday: Stunning Spokane

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Travel Tuesday: An Utterly Enchanting Hike

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the worlds coolest places.

A haunting history at the Palace Hotel in Port Townsend

In the heart of historic Port Townsend, where Victorian buildings stand stately along Water Street, there is one such building with its own colorful past. The Palace Hotel. Built in 1889 by retired sea captain Henry L. Tibbals, this landmark housed many businesses throughout its years, from a billiard parlor and saloon to a town newspaper. The more well-renowned proprietorship to call this building home lived here from 1925-1933.

Paradise on the Pacific: Exploring the Washington Coast

Since the health crisis began, more and more people are working remotely - and some companies are keeping their employees at home for the long haul. That has a lot of families leaving big counties and heading for the mountains, or the coast. This includes vacation towns like Seabrook, WA. I've visited many times before, and it's one of my favorite spots. But there's also a lot to do in town, and beyond.

Travel Tuesday: Chasing Waterfalls

We are all really missing travel right now.

Travel Tuesday: An Autumn Hike to Blanca Lake

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Travel Tuesday: Backpacking Bliss at Granite Lake

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Travel Tuesday: Cozy Coupeville Getaway

We are all really missing travel right now.

The retro Oregon trailer resort that's downright groovy

The Vintages Trailer Resort is a little over a three-hour drive from Seattle, but once I arrived, I felt like I’d traveled farther. A lot farther. As in, back in time. Located in Oregon Wine Country, each guest at this groovy resort gets the keys to their own retro trailer. The exteriors range from fun and colorful to brightly polished silver aluminum, but the interiors are the real star.

Travel Tuesday: Golden Larches and Blue Lakes

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Travel Tuesday: Girls' Getaway to the Mountains

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Photos: A remote, socially distanced stay at the uber-popular Getaway House

Travel Tuesday: Timberlines & Highways - A PNW Road Trip

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Get away from it all at these dog-friendly cabins in Leavenworth

As I crawled through August-Sunday afternoon traffic in Leavenworth, I began to wonder whether I had made a wise decision to get away with my dog, Sitka, for a few days during a pandemic - albeit for a comped press trip (woe is me, I know). People lined the streets, picnicked in the parks, some wore masks while many did not. But as soon as I turned down the wooded driveway of LOGE Leavenworth Riverside, I breathed a sigh of relief.

The perfect Italian meal exists at Portland's La Buca

This summer my husband and I celebrate our 13th anniversary. As we brainstormed how to best celebrate - definitely a night away, definitely good food - I tossed out the idea of trekking south to Portland. We lived outside the city for a few years and have fond memories and many favorites in the City of Roses, one of the top being La Buca Italian Cafe. If I had to eat one food genre for the rest of my life it would be a hard toss up between Mexican and Italian.

Travel Tuesday: Up Close and Personal with Mount Rainier

We are all really missing travel right now.

New Airbnb campaign highlights North Cascades National Park Service Complex

Washington is basically paradise for lovers of the outdoors. And a national park in the state has been chosen for a new Airbnb campaign aiming to connect guests with parks around the country. TheNorth Cascades National Park Service Complex is one of three parks chosen for the national campaign, which officially launched Tuesday — which just so happens to be the 104th anniversary of the National Park Service.

Travel Tuesday: A Winter Weekend on Whidbey

We are all really missing travel right now.

Travel Tuesday: A 2014 Visit to Pacific City, OR

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Seattle vs. Los Angeles: A look at their most potent, non-obvious differences

You've probably thought about it when on a weekend trip to Los Angeles (when leisure travel was still safe). As a Pacific Northwesterner, it's nearly impossible to be in a city with almost constant sun and not think - "Could I live here? " And in LA's case, also wondering "Why does no one here have gray hair except Lindsey Buckingham? " Rest assured, your counterparts in Los Angeles have those same fantasies, except their questions are maybe a little more like...

Photos: The history of Pacific Northwest lighthouses

Travel Tuesday: A Family's Fond Farewell to Seattle

We are all really missing travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

13 'Twilight' film locations in the Pacific Northwest you can visit in real life

With a new companion book coming out on Aug. 4, "Twilight" fans will once again visit the moody, mysterious town of Forks, Washington — this time from the perspective of Edward Cullen, the iconic (and dreamy) centenarian vampire. While Stephenie Meyer's best-selling series takes place in the Olympic Peninsula, nothing was filmed in the area for the movie adaptations.

Photos: Seattle's first fully modular hotel opens in South Lake Union

Travel Tuesday: A Canadian in Seattle

We are all hungry to travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Photos: A glimpse at the many 'Welcome' signs across Washington

Travel Tuesday: Memories from a Trip to Enumclaw

We are all hungry to travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Photos: Visit a Port Orchard Hobbit House this Summer

Travel Tuesday: A Throwback Visit to Friday Harbor

We are all hungry to travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Seabrook, WA: A beach town with something new every day

The moment you arrive, it feels like home — the perfect spot to unwind and relax. Casey Roloff had a vision 17 years ago when he founded Seabrook, a beach town on the Washington Coast north of Ocean Shores, that's now thriving with something new every day! "Seabrook is bringing back the art of town-building, where pedestrians streets are designed from the beginning to be beautiful and memorable, so you actually wanna walk all around town," saidRoloff.

Photos: Mailbox Peak is a rite of passage for WA's hikers

Travel Tuesday: A PNW photographer's favorite shots from the region

We are all hungry to travel right now, which means it's the perfect time for us to partner with Steller, a travel storytelling platform where everyone can come together to discover and share incredible experiences from the world's coolest places.

Virtual Tour: We were granted access to WA state parks, during closure

From shimmering waterfalls to serene vistas, we have traveled from the coast through the cascades (safely) to attempt to capture the natural majesty of some of Washington's state parks - which we were granted access to from officials during their closure for COVID-19. Some of them are open again and ready for some socially distanced outdoor fun and relaxation. If your necessary travels bring you near any of these parks, they are totally worth a visit. Palouse Falls State Park.

Tips from Rick Steves on keeping your traveling spirit alive

Bummed your travel plans for the next 3/6/12 months are cancelled? So is Rick Steves! We checked in with him remotely, to see what the travel king has been up to during quarantine.

Photos: Majestic views of Washington state parks during closure

The rooftop igloos at Spokane's Davenport Hotel have us 's-mitten'

When it comes to Spokane accommodations, nothing tops a stay at one of the luxurious Davenport hotels. Equal parts refined and comfortable, the room, amenities, and customer service is top notch.

A near perfect itinerary for 3 days in B.C.

Ahh, wintertime in the PNW. It's the time of year when we're simultaneously supposed to be invigorated and motivated for the new year (which we've still barely started, by the way), but Seasonal Affect Disorder and the months of gray ahead are becoming more and more of a sinking reality... If a week in Mexico or Hawaii isn't in your budget, may we offer up an alternative trip to the north?

Visit Palm Springs to relax and rejuvenate

What better way to take a break from the cool weather and drizzle than to head to a sunny place for some amazing days of fun and relaxation to recharge your engine. With direct flights on Alaska and Delta airlines, you're just a couple of hours away. Between a classic mid-century modern vibe and stunning desert backdrop, Palm Springs has blossomed into a world-class resort destination.

The 5 Biggest Weekends to AirBnb in Washington

Holy Airbnb... Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company, announced today that its host community earned a combined $49 million in supplemental income while welcoming approximately 106,600 guest arrivals to King County for the five biggest guest arrival weekends in 2019. The popular weekends all fell during the summer months including events like Seafair and Labor Day weekend.

Don't get Forced out: Snagging a spot on new, ultra-popular Star Wars ride at Disneyland

Heading to Disneyland for the new Star Wars ride? You don't need to use The Force or Jedi mind tricks to score a spot in line for the new Rise of the Resistance ride at Disneyland, but you do need a game plan, some fast fingers... and be somewhat of a morning person. My family just spent a few days at the park earlier this month and found out firsthand that getting on the ride is no easy task. We got there 15 minutes after the park opened on a Monday and saw the tickets were already gone.

Yurts, Cabins, Tiny Homes - Oh My! 8 Unique PNW Overnights to Explore

When booking vacations you may be focused on finding a hotel with the most amenities, the biggest suites, the fastest WiFi. And while traveling this way is the norm, there’s a new twist on travel popping up. And that is the complete opposite. Instead of boasting opulence, travel destinations are embracing a move towards minimalism.

Upcoming Modernism Week shows off the unique architecture in Palm Springs

When you first step foot into Palm Springs, you'll probably notice a few things immediately. Buildings with predominately glass exteriors, clean lines, breeze blocks, pools almost anywhere, flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, and rows of palm trees lining the streets. There's a definite theme here, and it's known as desert modernism.

Get Outta Dodge: The Best Winter Deals to Book Now

Now that the holiday season has passed, it’s the perfect time to book a vacation. While you may be exhausted from holiday travel, keep in mind that airlines tend to offer some of the best flight deals right now, plus hotels offer disconnected rates to encourage winter travel. Check out the below deals, some are a short drive from Seattle, while others are a direct (and reasonably priced! ) flight to get you on your way.

Photos: Open year-round, the Umpqua Hot Springs are a delightful winter excursion

Palm Springs architecture masters the art of modernism

When you first step foot into Palm Springs, you'll probably notice a few things immediately. Buildings with predominately glass exteriors, clean lines, breeze blocks, pools almost anywhere, flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, and rows of palm trees lining the streets. There's a definite theme here, and it's known as desert modernism.

Whistler's new Winter Light Walk is Wondrous

Light installations are very IN right now. Projections, light shows, strobes - who knows whether it comes from campfire nostalgia (anyone else do the whole "flashlight-bunny-ears" schtick? ) or just flexing our tech muscles at how far we've come since those flashlight days - it feels like they're popping up everywhere. Pacific Science Center has a multitude of laser shows year round, and last year MOHAI saw "Borealis, a Festival of Light" debut to much success (it will be back in 2020).

Battle of the Airports: Sorry Sea-Tac, I'm only flying out of Everett's Paine Field now

Ever since Everett’s Paine Field opened to the public this spring I’ve been itching to fly. I blame my Pan Am obsession, but I’ve always found air travel to be exhilarating! With a new terminal practically in my neighborhood, I knew a trip was in my future. Both Alaska and United Airlines fly out of Paine’s two gates, spanning 24 departures each day - so I started scanning for a flight deal. And I scored one. Just $79 to California! My son and I departed at 2:30 p. m.

Essential packing tips for the holidays, or any day

The holidays are finally here! You've booked your flight, bought your gifts, and checked the weather. Now all you need to do is pack. As exciting as holiday travel can be, there are plenty of potential stressors that might be out of your control. One way to keep things moving smoothly is to keep your luggage manageable, easily accessible, and in compliance with the U. S. Department of Homeland Security requirements. Follow these essential packing tips during your next holiday journey:

'Friday the 13th'-themed Tacoma rental is a horror fan's dream (err-nightmare?) come true

For some, this may be your worst nightmare - while others rush to book a weekend ASAP. This, ladies and gents - is the"Friday the 13th"- themed Airbnbon Lake Steilacoom, aka "Camp Crystal Lake" in Tacoma. When you think about renting a cabin for a weekend getaway, it seems like most people would want a quaint and cozy cabin without a side of death, right? Think again! Camp Crystal Lake comes alive in this Friday the 13th themed Airbnb (Image courtesy of Cameron Black).

[Film] Photos: We had a truly 'negative' time in Las Vegas

The largest Christmas Light Festival in the PNW is in Stanwood

It’s a known fact: Seattleites love Christmas lights. Maybe it’s because of our shorter days during the winter or the cold, wet weather that comes with it, but whatever the reason, we like our lights. The bigger the better, the more the merrier. In recent years, the city has fully embraced the Enchant Christmas light festival at the T-Mobile Park and now it welcomes the new indoor festival, Lumaze on Pier 91.