Holiday in Centralia

March 2012

GO: Websters Woods in Port Angeles

Our Pacific Northwest forests are a work of art. I am stunned by the beauty of cedars draped whimsically in chartreuse moss, or when I see sun-dappled ferns carpet a forest floor. One Pacific Northwest swath of woods takes the concept of art a giant step further. Take an enchanting hike through Webster’s Woods, an […]

Read more.

Pie and Coffee in Forks

It wasn’t the Twilight series that brought us to Forks in the pouring rain. (Though I must confess to you, I bought a copy of New Moon at Forks Outfitters on the south side of town while I was there. The clerk looked at me, in my Gore Tex and muddy hiking boots, with inquisitively arched eyebrows.) […]

Read more.

GO: San Juan Kayak Expeditions

Sponsored by San Juan Kayak Expeditions 745C  Tarabochia Ln. Friday Harbor WA 98250 map and directions phone: 360.378.4436 website: sanjuankayak.com email: sanjuankayak@rockisland.com Description: Formed in 1980, San Juan Kayak Expeditions is the ORIGINAL sea kayaking outfitter in the San Juan Islands! Sea kayak with orca whales, stellar sea lions, river otters, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more! […]

Read more.

The Hotel Monaco, a Swank Sleep in Seattle

On the south edge of the upscale shopping district in downtown Seattle, there sits the Hotel Monaco. I remember when the Monaco opened 13 years ago, with its bold striped awning, dazzling art deco styling and very friendly valets. I sipped discounted happy hour drinks at Sazerac downstairs to soak in the Monaco vibe. It […]

Read more.

Sea Kayaking the San Juan Islands with Outdoor Odysseys

Sponsored by Outdoor Odysseys 86 Cedar St Friday Harbor WA 98250 map and directions phone: 800.647.4621 website: outdoorodysseys.com email: kayaker1987@gmail.com Description: With 175-forested islands surrounded by crystal-green waters and snow-capped mountains, the San Juan Islands are an idyllic sea-kayaking destination. Most of our tours are conducted off the west side of San Juan Island – the prime area […]

Read more.

100 Things We Love: Seattle

1. The Space Needle. Although a surprising number of Seattlites have never done the tourist thing and taken the elevator to the top, we love it dearly because it defines our skyline and captures our city’s future-facing entrepreneurial spirit. 2.  The International Fountain at Seattle Center. This is Seattle’s front porch and gathering place. Kids dance in […]

Read more.