Summer Getaways in Washington

Spring has fully come into bloom and the way that I know this is because I can’t walk down the street without seeing all the cherry blossoms wafting in the gentle winds. But before we know it, spring is going to turn into summer and that means summer vacation and if you’re planning on visiting the west coast, Washington is a great place to visit. Here is a list of some of the must see spots of Seattle and beyond.

~ Pike Place Market (Seattle): It seems that there is an unwritten law in Washington that says every time you decide to write an article about attractions in Washington, you have to include the historic Pike Place Market but there is a good reason for that. Within these buildings are all sorts of fresh produce, flowers and fish plus all sorts of great novelty and specialty shops. Ten Zing Momo will cater to your mystical side (just follow the smell of incense, you can’t miss it) while you try to decide on which of the many restaurants you want to have your next meal at.

~ Wine Tours (various): In the last decade or so, Washington has become a hot spot for wine tasting and vineyards with over 300 popping up from as far west as Bainbridge Island, to as far east as Spokane and even as far south as Olympia and beyond. If you’re in the mood to tour one of our many vineyards and try some wonderful Washington wine, you’ll find that you’re never more than a hop, skip or ferry ride away from one.

~ Washington State History Museum (Tacoma): Just a short drive south on I-5 will take you right through the heart of downtown Tacoma where you can visit our famous Washington State History museum and learn about our short but extraordinary history from the first settlement of Lewis And Clark to the end of the Oregon Trail led by Ezra Meeker (who eventually settled just a bit further south in my hometown of Puyallup).

~ Wolf Haven (Tenino): Going even further south on I-5 is the absolutely extraordinary Wolf Haven Intl. Wolf Haven was established as a refuge for wolves who either could not survive in the wild or had to be rescued from dangerous environments. Also taking part in national species protection programs, this small sanctuary offers tours where you can get close to the wolves while learning more about them and their enigmatic beauty. This is a must see.

~ Olympic National Park: For the last choice, I could have easily chosen Mt. Rainier or Mt. St Helens as places to visit but that would’ve been too easy. Instead I chose the incredible yet largely ignored Olympic National Park, home of Washington’s very own Olympic rainforest. This is the perfect to get away from the world and experience the true beauty that Washington has to offer its residents and guests.