Seattle Skyline

Seattle, coined metronatural by the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau, describes the city's idyllic mix of urban and natural lifestyle. Summer brings abundant sun to the emerald city with the waterways of Lake Union, Lake Washington and Puget Sound dotted with sailboats and yachts. From the top of the famous space needle, blue sky dominates the view. The lawns and walkways near Pike Place Market, the Waterfront and Pioneer Square fill with lunch time crowds taking advantage of the perfect summer weather. Well known Seattle neighborhoods - Queen Anne, Capitol Hill and Mount Baker come alive in summer. In fact, Lake Washington Boulevard between Mt Baker and Seward Park is closed to car traffic on some weekends for bicycling.

Summer means Seafair in Seattle. The city's celebration of summer brings a variety of community events and activities for summer fun. From June's Rock and Roll Marathon, the July Pirate's Booty Milk Carton Derby on Greenlake, to the Air Show and Fleet Week in August, Seafair has something for everyone.

Athletes can enjoy the 2010 Benaroya Research Institute Triathlon July 18th. This is a sprint distance race featuring 1/2 mile swim in Andrew Bay, 12 mile bike along Lake Washington Blvd and 3.1 run through Seward Park. Put your summer training to the test on this flat and fast course in one of Seattle's most beautiful neighborhoods. With Splashers and Dashers events for the kids, bring out the entire family!

The Seattle Chamber Music Society presents their 2010 Summer Festival July at the Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall and during August in Eastern Seattle at the Overlake School in Redmond. In its 29th year, music fans can enjoy four weeks of chamber music concerts during July and two weeks in August on the Eastside. Special family concerts will be presented along with pre-concert recitals and preview lectures - A terrific opportunity for families and young musicians.

Bumbershoot, one of Seattle's most popular music and arts festival celebrates its 40th year in 2010. September 4th through the 6th at the Seattle Center, an amazing event to enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Music fans will enjoy the best in a broad variety of music and the arts. Headliners include Bob Dylan, Weezer, Hole and Mary J Blige just to name a few. Multiple stages and a full schedule ensures music for every taste and age group. Events also include visual arts, words & ideas and performing arts including dance and modern opera. Theatre and spectacle shows are also part of the weekend with a motorcycle thrill show and pedal bike rodeo. Excitement and entertainment for everyone, don't miss the 40th Annual Bumbershoot.

Cascades National Park

The Cascade Mountain range traverses Washington dividing Puget Sounds lush and moist evergreen cities on the west from more arid eastern cities like Yakima and Wenatchee. Mount Baker is the highest peak in the North Cascades. However, Mount Rainier in the central cascades is the tallest in the entire range. Washington's cascades include Mount St. Helens, well-known for its dramatic eruption in 1980. The cascades location close to the Pacific Ocean results in substantial precipitation particularly snowfall. Spring and summer travel is spectacular along the range as melting snow sends water cascading down the creeks and crevices – hence the name Cascades.

Runners can get a jump on summer May 22nd in Mt Vernon. 2010 is the First Annual Have a Heart Run featuring a 10K and 2 mile run. Join this inaugural event and bring the family, the course is safe for all and fairly flat. Skagit County hosts the event which will benefit its community action programs. Delightful in spring, the Best Western College Way Inn or the Best Western Cotton Tree Inn are ideal for travelers. Conveniently located off Interstate 5, you can stay a few days and visit North Cascade National Park before or after the Have a Heart Run.

Plan now for the 2010 Omak Stampede (Rodeo) August 12th through the 15th. A community tradition, this is the summer to enjoy a rodeo with family and friends. The stampede begins with the world famous suicide race where riders race down suicide hill, across the Okanogan River to the rodeo arena. The race celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. With all the traditional events and entertainment of a rodeo, visitors also enjoy roman riding and trick riding performances.

If you're traveling with a collector, be sure to get the local Stampede Charm Trial Bracelet. Starter bracelets are available at four area trailheads and charms are found at local merchants and shops. Hint: The Best Western Peppertree Inn in Omak is not only a convenient place to stay, the new suitcase charm can be purchased here. Enjoy a nice hike and get to know the area as you search for your favorite charms.

Cashmere, between Wenatchee and Leavenworth, on the eastern slopes of the Cascades, host the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival. An entertaining summer event, the 2010 festival is June 18th through the 20th. Catch the top local and regional acoustic bands and performers on stage. Or, bring your instrument for workshops, jams and the band scramble. Great food and beverages will be available at the festival to keep you going. Both the Best Western Icicle Inn in Leavenworth and the Best Western Chieftain Inn in Wenatchee are close-by and convenient. With affordable rates, stay a night or two longer to enjoy summer in the Cascades.

Ferry on Puget Sound

Puget Sound in Washington State extends from Deception Pass State Park in the north to Olympia in the south. A complex system of waterways and estuaries that are now integrated into life in the Northwest. Charming cities like Oak Harbor, now connected to the mainland by Deception Pass Bridge, once relied on the water alone for transportation off Whidbey Island. Cities like Mt Vernon, east on the mainland (actually named after President George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate), can be reached via automobile heading north on Highway 20, over the bridge to I-5. Interstate 5 parallels the eastern side of Puget sound, running south through the Seattle and Tacoma metro areas and through Olympia.

A 4th of July celebration doesn't get better than Oak Harbor's ol' fashioned festivities. Widbey Island is home to Naval Air Station Widbey Island, who kicks off the day with an exciting flyover marking the start of the annual parade. The celebration continues through the day, culminating at night with a spectacular fireworks show over the bay. A fun family event and great place to enjoy the 4th of July. The Best Western Harbor Plaza Inn and Conference Center in Oak Harbor is ideal for spending a few days on Widbey Island. Quality amenities at an affordable price make a good choice for travelers to Oak Harbor.

Maryville's signature summer festival is the Maryville Strawberry Festival. The 2010 event is June 11th through June 20th. The theme for the 79th annual event this year is Summertime Fun ~ a fitting moniker for a fun and entertaining celebration. The Second Annual Kid's Party in the Park features Reptile Man and Ronald McDonald among the entertainment. Performers include live music, dance and even a hypnotist in the line-up. You won't want to miss the strawberry shortcake eating contest and adult trike races – unique and crazy events for summer fun!

Everett Washington, just south of Marysville off I-5, kicks off a healthy summer June 5th with Get Movin' ~ a free summer program for family fitness. Test your summer fitness at the Yankee Doodle Dash in Everett on the 4th of July. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. Events include a 10k, 5K and one mile race for runners, walkers and wheelers. The Yankee Doodle Dash begins a full day of celebration. The city of Everett hosts a downtown parade complete with marching bands, clowns and drill teams. Head to Legion Park for an afternoon picnic and live entertainment. Kids will love the special activity area with art and games. A traditional fireworks display tops off the evening after dark and a full day of fun and activities.

Three Best Western Hotels are located in Marysville and Everett ~ the Best Western Tulalip Inn in Marysville, the Best Western Navigator Inn and Suites and the Best Western Cascadia Inn, in Everett. Convenient for Travelers staying in the area to enjoy these wonderful community events, the affordable rates and amenities are ideal.

Olympic National Park
Washington Coast

The Washington Coast remains a pristine glimpse back into the days when Lewis and Clark first spotted the Pacific. From the northern point of the Olympic peninsula to the south where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, visitors happen upon charming towns mixed in the forests and waterways of Coastal Washington. Sturgeon, Salmon and Tuna beckon fishermen while kayakers and canoers explore the water trails and wildlife. Beachgoers dig for clams or fly kites in the almost constant breezes. Fort Canby State Park, now Cape Disappointment State Park draws history buffs with the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Ocean Shores hosts the largest arts and crafts festival on the west coast in September. The 42nd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival is September 10th through the 12th, 2010. Sponsored by the Associated Arts of Ocean Shores and hosted at the Ocean Shores Convention Center this indoor and outdoor show showcases the best and most unique art works of the west coast.

Paddle the Shores is a fun family event for paddling enthusiasts and fans. A variety of activities, races and competitions are held for human powered watercrafts. There will be a Stand-Up Paddleboard Race, Wacky Kayak Races and a Poker Paddle on Duck Lake. The 2010 Paddle the Shores is September 18th and 19th – a great end of summer celebration of the water recreation on the coast of Washington.

Music Fans mark October 21st through the 24th on your calendars for the 2010 Ocean Shores’ Celtic Music Festival. Billed as the largest Irish Music Festival on the West Coast, there will be 6 stages and 20 bands at four venues. Come hear the best Irish bands from the west coast. The Galway Ramblers or Galway City, Ireland and the Oliver Mulholland from Derry, Ireland will also be playing. This makes a terrific fall getaway.

Perhaps Dixieland Jazz is more your style – Ocean Shores also hosts the Dixieland Jazz Festival November 7th through the 9th 2010. Jazz Bands from around the US and Canada will play over 100 hours of Jazz at five different venues. Come and listen or dance the evening away. You can even join in the Umbrellas Parade at Ocean Shores Convention Center, a traditional Dixieland event.

The Best Western Lighthouse Inn Suites in Ocean Shores is an ideal spot for visitors to the Washington Coast. Bring family and friends, the Best Western is an all-suites hotels. Enjoy looking out at beautiful ocean views while relaxing in comfortable accommodations. The rooms have fireplaces and kitchenettes, so make yourself at home. Enjoy the Washington Coast at The best Western Lighthouse Inn Suites.

Spokane Clock Tower

Spokane, metropolitan center of Eastern Washington, is enjoying the dry summer season. Set in the Columbia Basin between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Rocky Mountains in the east, abundant outdoor activities make summer ideal for residents and visitors. The Spokane River running through Spokane with the Centennial Trail and Riverfront Park are ideal for summer recreation. Runners, walkers, bikers fill the trails, with canoes and kayaks dotting the river. Outside the city over 75 pristine lakes set among spectacular scenery provide abundant fishing and water recreation sites. Spokane in summer is the heart of the inland Northwest.

A variety of markets in and around Spokane showcase the bounty of the areas summer agriculture. Browse for the best and freshest produce, meat, eggs, baked goods and other products in Eastern Washington. The Liberty Lake, Northside, South Perry and Millwood markets in Spokane and nearby in Cheney and Airway Heights are open various days of the week through the summer months.

For a fun family event, the Cherry Festival and Cherry Pickers Trot and Pit Spit mid-July celebrates Spokane's cherry harvest season. Held in the Green Bluff area, north of the city, you can pick your own cherries, enjoy cookouts, live music, arts and crafts and test your spitting skills. There is a short run for young kids and a four mile run through the orchard areas. Come watch the women spit pits over 30 feet and see if the men's record of 43' gets broken. Pretty amazing skills and a lot of fun!

Spokane Hosts the 2010 American Legion Baseball World Series August 13th through the 17th. Eight teams of the best 16 to 18 year old baseball players in the country will gather at Avista Stadium for the week-long championship. Avista Stadium is home to the Spokane Indians, the city's minor league baseball team. The Best Western Peppertree Airport Inn and Liberty Lake are convenient for travelers to the world series. With affordable rates, you may want to stay in Spokane for a few days longer and enjoy an Indian's game or the beautiful Spokane area. The Indians resume play at Avista Stadium on Friday August 20th.

In Spokane over the Labor Day Weekend? The 31st Annual Pig Out in the Park will be held at Riverfront Park September 1st through the 6th. The 2010 event features nearly 50 food booths with over 225 menu items, adult beverage gardens and two stages hosting 55 free concerts. New this year, an acoustic stage will be opening. Enjoy popular local and regional musicians - Leroy Bell, the Coco Montoya Band and Rail are just a few. It is summer in Spokane and there is something fun for everyone.

Highway to Walla Walla

Travel in eastern Washington in spring and summer is delightful. Vineyards, fields and orchards in the Walla Walla Valley and Tri-Cities area cover thousands of acres. Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities of Southeastern Washington are a primary agriculture producing region of the state. Close to the Oregon and Idaho borders, travelers to and from these states will pass through the region. The Tri-Cities including Pasco and Kennewick are an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. Summer brings abundant water recreation action on the Snake, Yakima and Columbia Rivers which converge in the region. Further north Spokane and Liberty Lake entice travelers with an equally exciting array of terrific outdoor activities.

Looking for a great family getaway? Liberty Lake hosts Liberty Lake Days 2010 on July 31st. Held at Pavillion Park, the entire Liberty Lake community comes together for a good old fashioned celebration. Bed races start the day at 9am and the excitement continues throughout the day. Kids will love the races including three legged, gunnysack and tricycle events. A cakewalk, egg toss and pie eating contest will draw older contestants. A full day of carnival rides and games, car show and display booths make for a great celebration.

The Best Western Peppertree Liberty Lake Inn is ideal for travelers to Liberty Lake. Come a day early and spend the night so you can enjoy the Friday night cruise. Held July 30th, you can cruise with your classic car, or just relax and watch the cars parade down Liberty Lake road.

Motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy the Desert Spring Fling in Kennewick at the end of May. Sponsored by the Washington District of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association this four day event will be held at the Benton county fairgrounds. All riders and bikes are welcome for a full weekend of rides, games and fun. The Best Western Kennewick Inn is convenient and perfect to start your day with a full hot breakfast buffet before the rally.

Plan June 11th and 13th for the 2010 Fort Walla Walla Days celebration and western art show. A trip into the past, bring friends and family to enjoy walking through encampments of mountain men, and watch re-enactments of historical characters and events. A great event for history buffs, featuring diverse exhibits, entertainment and performances. Celebrate the past, enjoy works by the best local and regional artists and explore the 17 original buildings that were part of Fort Walla Walla. The Best Western Walla Walla Suites Inn is ideal for a getaway to enjoy Fort Walla Walla Days or the wine country nearby. Bring the dog along, this Best Western is pet-friendly. With affordable rates and a complimentary full breakfast you can enjoy your travels and start the day out right.