Seattle Skyline

Seattle, built on a series of evergreen hills, surrounded by the waters of Puget Sound, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The gorgeous skyline is readily recognizable, with the well known space needle. Mountain backdrops in the east and west, with vistas of Mt Rainier seen from various points throughout the city, give meaning to the nickname the 'Emerald City'. With less average rainfall than New York and Atlanta don't let rumors of grey sky and rain deter an opportunity to visit Seattle.

Top ranked Universities, headquarters of well known companies, like Starbucks, Amazon, Nordstroms and nearby Microsoft, Seattle hosts frequent business travelers along with throngs of tourists. Packed with world class shopping, restaurants, and nightlife (that will leave you sleepless in Seattle), the City is amazing.

Now is spring training time for the Seattle Mariners who's home field is Seattle's Safeco Field. Regular season play begins with the first home game in Seattle on April 12th. Spring training games are played out of state. A baseball game is always fun, and a reasonable event for the whole family.

Basketball fans also have some great local choices, the Redhawks Basketball men's and women's teams from Seattle University, as well as University of Washington Huskies. Catch your favorite college match up through March. The Women's professional basketball, Seattle Storm play at the Key Arena starting in May.

Editor's Pick: For unique athletic entertainment the Rat City Roller Girls have bouts at Key Arena scheduled for March, April, May and June. A bout is sixty minutes of unscripted action and excitement. This is the 6th season for the team and they are a great addition to the Seattle sports community. Come support these ladies who are driven by the love of the sport, players are not paid.

Set on the inlets and waterways of Puget Sound, it is no wonder that Seattle is a mecca for boating and sailing. The Northwest Marine Trade Association's annual Boats Afloat Show is held on Lake Union. This is the largest boat show on the west coast and features an indoor show at the Qwest Arena and the outdoor show at Lake Union. A great event to see all types of watercraft in one location.

Early March Seattle hosts the Northwest Women's Show. This is an annual event and tradition for many mothers, daughters, friends and sisters. The show features seminars, demonstrations, fashion shows, food and entertainment all geared toward enriching the lives of women. There is no better destination for a girls trip than the Northwest Women's Show.

Seattle is a diverse city and many cultures are celebrated in festivals throughout the year. Two springtime events held at the Seattle Center showcase Seattle's cultural heritage. In March join the Irish Week Festival for Irish music, dance and culture. Featured will be Gaelic games for everyone, language lessons, and genealogists to help trace your Irish roots. Come mingle or jig with the Irish.

The Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival will be celebrated in April. This coincides with the blooming of the cherry blossom on trees gifted by Japan to Seattle and planted around the city. Enjoy delicious Japanese food and tea ceremonies, artwork, Ikebana flowers and Taiko drumming. Seattle has deep roots with Japan and spring is the perfect time to celebrate.

Cascades National Park

The Washington Cascades divide the state, providing a beautiful scenic mountain backdrop for Seattle and the coastal cities. The Cascade mountains lure urban dwellers with an abundance of recreation and activities. In the north of the state, North Cascades National Park, Lake Ross and Mt Baker define the region. In southern Washington, Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier dominate the skyline. Winter and Spring access to mountain recreation can be limited by weather, so plan carefully if storms are in the forecast. Specifically, route 20 in the north opens in April for the spring and summer.

Access to Mt. Baker Ski Resort, is through Bellingham, from the west. Head up the mountain in April this year for Easter. The Ski Resort is holding its annual Golden Egg Hunt. Past prizes have included season passes and large cash prizes - it may be worth taking a break from the skis to participate. Travelers Tip: North Cascades National Park is open year round, however, depending on conditions facilities and roads may be closed. If winter and early spring takes you there be sure to check the conditions first.

The central Cascades are the primary playground for urbanites from western Washington. With slightly more moderate weather than the north, and closer access from Seattle, it is a mecca for outdoor recreation. In winter and spring, snow sports are popular at nearby Snoqualmie Resort, Crystal Mountain, White Pass and Stevens Pass. All are perfect for a day trip,long weekend or a vacation.

The eastern side of the Cascades are considered the sunny side. The combination of sunshine and the great outdoors can't be beat. The Wenatchee Valley is in the center of the region, and leads to Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort. For winter athletes, the 21 mile Hog Loppet nordic trek begins at the top of Mission Ridge. This is held the last Saturday in February. Geared for hard core nordic skiers, it is a good skills and endurance test for participants. Another terrific winter event is the Wenatchee Valley Du (biathlon), the last Saturday in March, featuring a 3 mile run and a 17 mile bike ride.

The town of Wenatchee sponsors a Marathon mid April, and the event also includes a half marathon, 10K, and walk for those still working on their endurance. Wenatchee is also home to the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, which is held the end of April. 2010 is the 35th anniversary of the event with a growing schedule of events. This year's schedule includes parades, a golf tournament, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, fun run, and an apple pie bake off. A terrific family event for the Spring.

The southern region of the Washington Cascades is home to two famous volcanoes. Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the state, and the showcase of it's namesake national park. Mount St. Helens, which many living witnessed erupt in 1980, is a popular destination particularly for climbers. The area around Mount St Helens was designated as a national monument after its eruption, partially to honor the lives that were lost in the event. These well know landmarks are popular destinations for travelers and adventure seekers from all over the world Yakima Washington is a gateway on the eastern side of the Cascades. The City is located at the confluence of the Naches and Yakima Rivers. With luck, Yakima's 2010 Polar Plunge Freezin' for a Reason has passed, saving you a plunge in the icy river, but the Special Olympics, who is the benefactor, will still take donations.

Best Western Hotels are perfect for your travels in and around the Washington Cascades. Start the days out on the right foot, with conveniently located accommodations and affordable prices. You can count on Best Western for your lodging needs.

Ferry on Puget Sound

The northwest corner of Washington, beginning at the city of Blaine on the Canadian border, through Bellingham and down to Olympia on the south end of of Puget Sound, is a travelers paradise. From the sizzle and excitement of the City, to the peaceful beauty of a small San Juan island, any vacation dream can come true. The estuaries of the Pacific Ocean fan out in Puget Sound into a web of inlets, and channels. The waterways of Puget Sound are critical to the regions economy, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation.

On the border of Canada and the city of Blaine, a Peace Arch was constructed to celebrate and foster peace between the US and Canada. This is the only monument in the world built with this intent. Through April of 2010, the surrounding park is hosting the Peace Arch International Sculpture Exhibit. Juried selections, from international artists, are nestled among the gardens of the park. With spring blooms and the magnificent sculptures, this is a perfect time to visit the park.

Bellingham, is not only a gateway to Mt Baker, it is a City full of fun and exciting activities. A great place to celebrate a “green” St Patrick's Day, Bellingham's parade will feature human and green powered floats. Bring the entire family to see the dancers, bagpipe and marching bands. While you are there, join the Runnin' O' the Green. With a 2 mile fun run or walk, and a 5 mile race – everyone can participate, regardless of ability. Come back near Bellingham in April for Dirty Dan Days Seafood Festival in Fairhaven. The schedule features several unique events you won't want miss. There is a fish fillet contest, a salmon toss, the cupcake eating contest and chowder cook-off – plus some non-food fun as well, with art exhibits and toy boat building.

Island living is a definitive culture of the region. Towns like Friday Harbor, and Oak Harbor are favorite getaways for nearby city dwellers. With waterways buffered miles away from the pacific, Puget Sound is a playground for sailing, kayaking and boating. By boat or bridge, head to Oak Harbor in April for the Holland Happening, a festival celebrating the dutch heritage of the island. The three day schedule includes a family carnival, street fair, canal races mixed with lots of food and fun.

Olympia and Tacoma, at the south end of Puget sound celebrate spring with some unique festivals and activities. The Fifth Annual Dragon Boat Festival, hosted Saint Martin's University, is held the last weekend in April. Dating back to origins as an ancient Chinese protest, dragon boat racing has evolved as a festival and fun event. Join the spectators to watch over 24 elaborately decorated boats compete and race.

Tacoma, the hometown of glass artist Dale Chihuly, and is home to the Museum of Glass. Welcoming visitors to the city, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, connects downtown Tacoma to the waterway across the freeway. Worth a visit to the City on it's own, the Bridge is a 500 ft pedestrian walkway featuring several large scale, breathtaking glass installations.

Make Best Western Hotels throughout Washington's northwest your lodging choice. For a weekend, overnight or a vacation, Best Western Hotel locations are convenient as well as affordable. Start your travels with Best Western.

Olympic National Park
Washington Coast

Western Washington is rugged and largely undeveloped, buffering the coast from the larger cities along the Interstate 5 corridor. The Washington Coast remains remote, with cliff lined shores and dramatic vistas to reward and inspire visitors. Old growth timber forests, advance close to the coast. Winter storms cull the weakest trees, falling them to the beach where they are stripped and polished by the ocean waves. The uncommon beauty of the Washington Coast, gifts visitors with unforgettable sights.

The Long Beach Peninsula, in the south, is one of the most popular coastal areas on the coast. The beach is easy to get to from Longview and Kelso off of Interstate 5. Winter and spring draw travelers to the solitude of 28 miles of beach, without the summer crowds. (The water is cold and dangerous, even in summer, so don't think you will be missing out.) Recreational beach fires are allowed on the beach, and this time of year you can drive on all the beaches. Watch out for harbor seal pups after mid April, when whelping season begins. Mother's can retreat to the water, if disturbed, but the pups may not. Leave, and don't bother them, so the mother will return.

Travelers Tip: The best beach combing is the morning after a winter storm coinciding with a high tide. Treasures are there for the taking, arrive early, remember, 'the early bird gets the worm'.

March is whale watching season, as the Grey whales migrate back home for the summer. This is a great time to visit the beach, the events are getting started for the season. Families with children will love the World Kite Museum's Spring Fling. This is scheduled each Saturday in March to cover the spring break season. Music Fans won't want to miss the Annual Long Beach Bluegrass Festival. Held the last weekend in March, the festival features the best regional musicians, an open mic and free gospel shows on Sunday.

Fishing enthusiasts remember Halibut fishing season opens in May. You can get the kids excited about fishing in April at Black Lake - A kids only fishing derby will be held, complete with prizes by age group and hot dogs for lunch.

Ocean Shores, a 6 mile peninsula, is about mid point along the Washington Coast. Another amazing destination to enjoy the beauty of remote beaches filled with natural beauty. The weather is temperate all year, seldom reaching freezing in winter. Winter and spring storms can be awe inspiring with waves reaching well above 20 feet.

March in Ocean Shores settles down and festivities begin. Pack up the family and come out to the Beachcombers Fun Fair, the first weekend in March. The 23rd annual event, this year features a kid's science fair on Saturday morning, in addition to the vendors, exhibits and seminars. The Razor Clam Festival and Chowder Cook-Off, also in March, is family friendly. Beginning with the coronation of the Clam Kind and Queen, the festival lineup includes a marketplace, live entertainment, dancing and lots of food. Don't miss the highly anticipated chowder cook-off, where you can taste and vote for the best professional and amateur chowder on the coast.

The Olympic National Park dominates Washington's north coast, buffering the coastal towns of the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle and Tacoma. Equally as exciting as the coast to the south, but different, offering a fresh experience to travelers.

Look for Best Western Hotels in your travels to and from Washington's unique coastal areas. Convenience and affordability are trademarks of Best Western Hotels and they make the perfect beginning and end to a day of travel.

Spokane Clock Tower

Spokane and Spokane Valley make up the largest metro area in Eastern Washington, Their location is just a few miles from Idaho and about 100 miles south of the Canadian Border. The area is an outdoor enthusiasts wonderland, in any season. The Spokane Metro Region is bisected by the Spokane River which provides and abundance of water recreation and activities. The Rocky Mountains rise dramatically to the east beckoning visitors to resorts, camping, fishing and hiking.

No need for a long drive and a lot of expense to enjoy outdoor winter sports. There are five local ski areas in the region, all within a short drive. Washington resorts are Lookout Pass and Mt Spokane. Close by in Idaho Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass, and Silver Mountain Resort are excellent options. Ski or snowboard to your hearts content or take to the beautiful countryside on snowmobiles, snowshoes or cross country skis. The snow is excellent and lasts well into spring.

Well known Gonzaga University, is located in Spokane. This private Jesuit university draws top students and educators to the area. Currently, the Jundt Art Museum on campus is exhibiting the Holy Family which features prints and creches of the nativity. The exhibit runs through mid March. If you are on campus, there is an unconfirmed rumor that Bing Crosby's last toupee' is housed in the rare book room at the Foley Library. Just a rumor!

The Zags (nick name for Gonzaga athletic teams) are in full swing this time of year with a full schedule of Men's and Women's sports. Basketball games are scheduled through March. Baseball spring training games can be seen in Tucson and Peoria Arizona and San Antonio Texas, with the regular season games starting in March. You can also catch some golf and tennis through the spring.

Spokane is called the Lilac City ,and the city blossoms, along with the lilac blooms, in April and May. The Lilac Festival and the Blooms Day Run are two of the most popular events in the City. Runners from all over the world come to participate in the 12K run held the first weekend in May.The Lilac Festival is held later in the month. The 2010 theme is “Freedom is not Free”. The festival features a parade, royalty, food and games. This is lots of family fun, so don't leave anyone at home.

Basketball Fans: Spring is a great time for basketball fans in Spokane. Boys and Girls state championships are held early March. Later in the month, the NCAA Division I first and second rounds will be played at the Spokane Arena. Basketball players of all ages and their fans, plan to come back to Spokane in June. The annual Hoopfest, which may be the biggest 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the world, is a highlight of the year in the city.

Hockey fans also have a full spring schedule of games with the Spokane Chiefs action.

Spokane is the cultural center of western Washington as well. The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture in Spokane is featuring three outstanding exhibits this spring. “Art and People: Spokane Art Center and the Great Depression,” will be on display through April. Jumpin' with the Big Bands is a tribute to 1930's and 1940's jazz, including instruments and media from the period. Living Legacy: The American Indian Collection was the founding collection of the Museum and the current exhibit an alternative and culturally appropriate view of selected pieces from the collection.

While planning or traveling in Spokane, look for a Best Western Hotel for lodging. With convenient locations and affordable pricing, Best Western Hotels meet the needs of any traveler.

Highway to Walla Walla

South Eastern Washington's geography is predominately the Columbia Plateau or Columbia Basin with it's scab lands and coulees. Further to the south east, rolling hills emerge, leading to the Blue Mountains in the Southeast corner of the state. The warmest and driest region of the state, the region encompasses much of the most productive agriculture land, including Washington's wine grape region.

Walla Walla, well know for sweet onions and it's wine industry, is also central to the state' wheat production. The Daily Market Cooperative in Walla Walla is the place to go for local produce and other products. The 2010 winter update for locally grown Kicker Strawberries is the crop continues in it's dormancy with anticipated fresh harvest beginning in June. Since 2002 the Monteillet Fromagerie has been producing artisan cheeses and is a also open for visitors to see the production and the dairy herds

For History buffs, the Fort Walla Walla Museum will open April 1st. 2010 is the 43rd year of operation, and opening day features the Grand Opening of a new entrance building and exhibit galleries. Later in April, the Museum will host the annual Ice Cream Social with free admission for the day, live music, food and living history performances. A nice opportunity to take the family, have some ice cream and learn about local history.

Known as the Tri-Cities, Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick are the center of an outdoor adventure land. The confluence of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake rivers nearby provide an abundance of water recreation. The sun shines over 300 days a year making the region an ideal year round travel destination.

Runners can keep busy with multiple organized races during late winter and spring. Run With the Composer will be held in Richland on Feb 20th, featuring a fun run along with 1K and 5K races. St Patrick's Day Foot Race and Leprechaun Dash are held in March. The Dash is specifically for kids with a one mile race, adults have a 5K and 10K option. The Spring Fever Run also features a 1 mile fun run for the kids along with a 5K. Want more of a challenge? The Rage in the Sage Duathlon is a 2.5 mile run coupled with a 10 mile mountain bike ride. This April event is held near Benton City.

The Spring Barrel Tasting in the Yakima Valley is scheduled for the last weekend in April. Over 50 wineries will participate at their vineyards at locations throughout the Yakima Valley and into the Tri-Cities area. This is an amazing opportunity to sample upcoming vintages and unfinished wines from the barrel.
North from the Tri-Cities, Othello is the southern gateway to the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway which runs north through miles of beautifully amazing scenery including Moses Lake. (Aspiring singing stars may want to take a drive up near Ephrata in early March for the 2nd Annual Byway Idol Competition.)

Fishermen grab your tackle box, bass fishing season is on and the tournaments are starting. The Potholes Open will be in mid April and Moses Lake will sponsor an event in May. The Hydro Boat Races will be held later in April at Connelly Park for those that need more action than fishing.

Grand Coulee Dam is Northeastern Washington's most famous landmarks. The dam spans almost a mile across the Columbia River and it is the nations largest producer of hydroelectricity. The resulting Lake Roosevelt is 130 miles long and is centered in north eastern Washington and also serves as the center of recreation for the region. Spokane is the largest city in the region, and sits as it's eastern anchor.

Interesting Tidbit: Spring travelers to Grand Coulee Dam will be disappointed to know the February Bald Eagle Festival has been canceled in 2010 after 8 years, however this will be transitioning to a scholastic program during the year.

Route 97 along the northeastern valley of the Cascades is a beautiful drive, passing though towns like Chelan and Omak. Chelan on the east end of Lake Chelan is a gateway for winter sports and activities. A great region for skiing, boarding, snowmobiling and tubing. Later in March bring your four legged friend and family for the St Patrick's Parade 4 Dogs and Kids. Presented by the local Lion's Club, it's a good opportunity for the kids to be in a parade and don't forget to wear green. Remember many Best Western Hotels are pet-friendly. There is nothing more mesmerizing than the sight of brilliant colored hot-air balloons floating above the late winter scenery. The Winter Triathlon is held the same weekend with the unique combination of biking, running and cross country skiing. The roundup will also feature music, food, and plenty of family activities.

With a diversity of things to do and places to go, look for a Best Western Hotel for the nights on the road. Bring the whole family, with convenient locations, and affordable prices, Best Western Hotels are a smart addition to your travel itinerary.