1. Lake Quinault Lodge - 2 Nights for the Price of 1

    Valid thru April 24, 2024

    Built in 1926, Lake Quinault Lodge is located in Olympic National Park, designated a national park in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The lodge was designed by Robert Reamer, the Seattle architect who also designed Yellowstone Park's Old Faithful Inn. The heart of the lodge is the lobby with its river-rock fireplace, wicker couches and overstuffed chairs. 

    Rooms are located in the main lodge, a converted boat house and a contemporary lakeside building -- ranging from rustic to modern. The Roosevelt Dining Room in the main lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner -- and guests are welcome to order meals to go. 

    Among the other amenities are a game room, sauna and indoor heated swimming pool. Spending time outdoors (bring rain gear!) is a popular activity, and hikes include the Quinault Lake Trail adjacent to the lodge. The nearby Rain Forest Nature Trail is only a half-mile long and a good introduction to the surrounding ecosystem.

    Lake Quinault Lodge

    Olympic National Forest, 345 South Shore Road

    Quinault, WA 

    888.896.3818

    ©SueFrausePhotos

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    Location: Lake Quinault Lodge, 345 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575, USA
    Labels: Historic Lodges Lake Quinault Olympic National Park Olympic Peninsula Spring Washington

  2.  

    The Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey Historical State Park will open in mid-April 2024 this year, following updates to its exhibits. 

    Attracting more than 50,000 visitors a year, the lighthouse now features museum quality interpretive panels with improved readability. There will also be new ways to interact with the two Fresnel lenses on display.

    The previous exhibits were in place for nearly 15+ years. They told the broader story of Fort Casey State Park, whereas the new exhibits focus on the history of Pacific Northwest lighthouses. 


    The Admiralty Head Lighthouse was constructed from 1901-1903. Designed in the Spanish mission style, it is unique among Pacific Northwest lighthouses. The lighthouse stands as a remnant of early 20th-century maritime safety and navigation tools that changed rapidly with the advancement of technology. 

    ©SueFrausePhotos

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    Location: Fort Casey State Park, 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA
    Labels: Coupeville History lighthouse Washington State Parks Whidbey Island



  3. See how flight attendants in the 1970s started a revolution to improve women’s rights


    Seattle's Museum of Flight is hosting a preview screening and filmmaker discussion of FLY WITH ME, a new documentary premiering February 20, 2024 on the PBS American Experience series. The film reflects on the 1960s and following years when flight attendants were maligned as feminist sellouts -- yet they were on the frontlines of a battle to assert gender equality and transform the workplace. 

    The preview screening will be held at the museum on Saturday, February 10 at 3PM. A panel discussion, moderated by American Experience Executive Producer Cameo George, will be held after the screening and includes Sarah Colt, the film's writer and co-director; Ann Hood, author and former airline attendant; and Mary Pat Laffey Inman, the airline purser whose 1970 class action lawsuit demanding equal pay for women pursers helped change workplace equality. 

    The screening and panel discussion are free for Museum members and included with general admission. Space is limited and pre-registration is advised. 

    Stewardesses photo via San Diego Air & Space Museum, circa 1970, from Fly With Me. Fly With Me logo art courtesy PBS American Experience.


    9404 East Marginal Way South 
    Seattle, WA 
    Open Daily 10AM - 5PM 


     


    Posted by
    Location: Seattle, WA 98108, USA
    Labels: #films Airlines Movies Museum of Flight Museums SEA Sea-Tac Seattle

  4. Sasquatch flies in to greet visitors at the Museum of Flight on December 16, 2023

    Yes, Sasquatch is arriving via helicopter at Seattle's Museum of Flight on Saturday, December 16 at 11AM. The friendly creature is headlining a new art-themed celebration of winter, Solstice with Sasquatch. The globally famous furry fellow from the forest will be flown to the event by the Washington Department of Natural Resources in its UH-1H Huey helicopter. 

    According to the DNR's publicist, Sasquatch is "excited beyond words" to visit the museum. "They also have a special affinity with aviation." Family legend says that more than 100 years ago, Sasquatch's great grandmother personally helped Bill Boeing and his team select the finest woods in the Northwest forests for making their first aircraft.


    Solstice with Sasquatch


    This new art-themed celebration includes a myriad of events: holiday music, free hot cocoa and pet portraits, family art activities, felt bracelet workshops, poster prizes and a presentation about the sun and solstice from Arvin Ash. Throughout the day, from 11AM to 4PM, there will be surprise visits with Sasquatch. A complete list of events may be found at Solstice with Sasquatch.

    The public is invited to greet Sasquatch as the helicopter lands at the Museum tarmac on December 16 at 11AM. Admission is free to watch the landing; indoor Solstice with Sasquatch events are free for Museum members or included with general admission.
     

    9404 E. Marginal Way South
    Exit 158 off I-5 on Boeing Field
    Seattle 98108


    Posted by
    Location: Seattle, WA 98108, USA
    Labels: Aviation Family Museum of Flight Museums Seattle

  5. ©SueFrausePhoto

    During the holiday season, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC welcomes guests with twinkling lights, beautiful ornaments and presents beneath the tree. Enjoy s'mores on the Veranda or sip special holiday spirits with one of the hotel's many festive offerings. 

    If you're a resident of BC, Alberta, Washington or Oregon you'll receive 10% off your stay -- plus complimentary self-parking and no fees for pets. Here are details of the holiday highlights: 

    Special Rate for Pacific NW & Alberta Residents ~ Good through April 30, 2024.

    Festive Veranda - Overlooking the Inner Harbour with an outdoor fire to roast marshmallows, enjoy hot beverages and indulge in cheese or chocolate fondues. Outdoor heaters and cozy blankets provided. 

    New Year's Eve in the Bengal Lounge ~ Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and culinary stations featuring Pacific NW cuisine and selected items inspired by the former Bengal Lounge menu. Bubbles at midnight in the Palm Court & Lobby Lounge. 

    Christmas in Victoria ~ If you're thinking of spending Christmas in Victoria, click on the link for Tourism Victoria's list of special events and things to do while spending time in BC's capital city. 

    Getting to Victoria ~ With the demise of Washington State Ferries service between Anacortes, WA and Sidney, BC on Vancouver Island, there are fewer ways to travel to Victoria. Here are several options: 

    Posted by
    Location: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
    Labels: BC Ferries Black Ball Ferry Line British Columbia Christmas Fairmont Holidays Hotels Kenmore Air Victoria VictoriaClipper Washington State Ferries

  6. An icy dock at Lake Crescent Lodge in November 2015

    Now that the summer crowds have departed, autumn and winter are a fine time for a weekend getaway. For a limited time, Lake Crescent Lodge is offering a sweet deal: Book one night and get the second night free. It is valid November 1, 2023 - November 21, 2023 and December 1, 2023 - December 21, 2023. Must book by November 1, 2023. 

    Also offering a second night free is Lake Quinault Lodge, pictured above. The special is valid October 15, 2023 - April 25, 2024. 

    For reservations at both lodges, book online at Olympic National Parks.

    Among the variety of  accommodations at Lake Crescent Lodge are the Singer Tavern Cottages, featuring 10 one-bedroom cottages and three two-bedroom cottages. All with lake and mountain views. The cottages were built following the design and footprint of the original 1915 cottages. 

    Lake Crescent Lodge's amenities include a dining room, lounge and bar, fireplace, gift shop, lake and beach access and free parking. Pet-friendly rooms are available. 

    Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Crescent Lodge 

    Sunset at Lake Crescent Lodge


    ©SueFrausePhotos

    Posted by
    Labels: Historic Lodges Hotel Packages Lake Crescent Lake Quinault Olympic National Park Olympic Peninsula

  7. Being a travel writer, I receive oodles of emails pitching hotels, resorts, destinations and anything to do with eating, playing and sleeping. 

    One of the more unusual pitches I've received is from Casa Velas, an all-inclusive  80-suites hotel in Puerto Vallarta. Their latest amenity? Taco Therapy, which they describe this way: "Assisting in anxiety and stress relief, improving sleep quality and boosting antioxidants." Who knew? 

    Outdoor lobby of Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta

    The adults-only hotel's Taco Therapy experience is available in August, celebrating National Wellness Month. It features four curated tacos that provide holistic benefits for mind, body and soul. All tacos are served in lettuce taco leaves. "Lettuce contains a compound called lactucarium, which has sedative properties," states the press release. "It  can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality." The hotel's four featured tacos are below.

    ANTI-ANXIETY TACO: Made with asparagus, avocado, salmon and spinach. 

    DREAM TACO: Ingredients include carrots and chicken breast.

    STRESS-RELIEVING TACO: Includes tuna, spinach, garlic and sesame seeds. 

    ANTIOXIDANT TACO: Sweet taco made with fried dough, chocolate ganache and berries. 


    Sue's Taco of Choice
    (which is actually a tostada, pictured above)

    Guerrero Flour Tortilla 
    Ground Beef Taco Meat 
    Lettuce 
    Cheese 
    Tomatoes
    Sour Cream
    Salsa

    Buen Provecho! 

    Posted by
    Location: C. Pelícanos 311, Marina Vallarta, 48354 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
    Labels: Boutique Hotels Food Hotels Mexico puertovallarta

  8. Lake Quinault Lodge was built in 1926, in 53 days!
    ©SueFrausePhoto

    Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic National Forest is offering three lake tours each day now through September 10, 2023. All tours begin and end at the lodge, where a comfortable captained pontoon boat will take guests on the lake. You do not need to be a guest of the lodge to take a tour. 

    Daybreak Lake Tour ~ Sightings may include bald eagles, osprey and river otters. Learn about the Quinault Rainforest and the surrounding vistas, plus tribal life and the area's early explorers and pioneers. Two Hours: 9-11AM.

    Afternoon Lake Tour ~ Learn more about the area surrounding Lake Quinault Lodge and its opportunities for hiking, canoeing and visiting the giant trees. Two Hours: 1-3PM

    Sunset Lake Tour ~ This sunset cruise does not include a lot of narration, but is intended to help guests wind down their day in the Quinault Rainforest. 90 minutes: 6-7:30PM.


    LAKE QUINAULT LODGE BOAT TOURS

    Daily thru September 10, 2023

    Adults: $50
    Ages 2-11: $35
    Under Age 2: Free

    Reservations may be made through Lake Quinault Lodge Front Desk: 360.288.2900

    Lake Quinault Lodge

    A 1/3-mile trail to the World's Largest Spruce Tree is located about a mile from Lake Quinault Lodge.

    ©SueFrausePhotos
    Posted by
    Location: Lake Quinault Lodge, 345 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575, USA
    Labels: Boat Tours Boating Hotels Lake Quinault Olympic National Park Olympic Peninsula

  9.  

    Diana Krall at the keyboard at Fort Worden's McCurdy Pavilion with bassist John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton and guitarist Anthony Wilson 

    When I heard Diana Krall was performing in Port Townsend for Centrum's 50th Anniversary Benefit Concert on July 10, I didn't pause to purchase tickets. I first heard Krall at Jazz Port Townsend decades ago, and a dozen or so years later in a summer concert at Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville. I've been a fan ever since. 

    Diana Krall with bass player John Clayton, Artistic Director of Centrum's Jazz Port Townsend

    It turns out that 19-year-old Krall applied for a scholarship to attend Jazz Port Townsend's workshop in 1984. While there, she met drummer Jeff Hamilton and later in her hometown of Nanaimo, BC, bassist Ray Brown. The rest is jazz history, as Krall relocated to Los Angeles and her journey as one of the world's leading jazz vocalists and pianists began to skyrocket. 

    With eight of her albums debuting at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart (she is the only jazz singer to do so), Krall's albums have garnered two GRAMMY Awards and 10 Juno Awards. This Dream of You is her fifteenth studio album, released in 2020. She is currently on tour in the US, Mexico and South America. Bravo Diana Krall!
    John Clayton, Diana Krall, Anthony Wilson and Jeff Hamilton acknowledge their well-deserved standing ovations following their concert at Fort Worden's McCurdy Pavilion.


    ©SueFrausePhotos
    July 10, 2023 ~ McCurdy Pavilion 
    Fort Worden ~ Port Townsend



    Posted by
    Location: Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
    Labels: British Columbia concerts Fort Worden Jazz Nanaimo Port Townsend

  10. Lady Washington returns to Langley on Friday evening following a two-hour day sail. ©SueFrausePhoto 

    The Lady Washington is docked at the South Whidbey Harbor in Langley and is open for tours and day sails through Sunday, June 18.

    Constructed as a brig and launched in 1989 as part of the Washington State centennial celebration, Lady Washington was built in Aberdeen, Washington by Grays Harbor Historical Seaport. The new Lady Washington is a full-scale replica of the original Lady Washington, which in 1788 was the first American vessel to make landfall on the west coast of North America.  

    Over the years, Lady Washington has appeared in several motion pictures and television shows, including Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; Star Trek: Generations; Once Upon A Time; and Revolution. 

    Dockside Tours (pay what you can) are offered June 11 and 15-18. Day Sails (two hours) are available June 10-11 and 15-18 (prices vary). There are also two brunch sails on June 11 and 18 (Father's Day). For online reservations and tickets, go to Grays Harbor Historical Seaport. 


    Farmer Bob and I toured the Lady Washington in May 2022 when it made a stop in Langley. ©SueFrausePhotos





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    Location: 228 Wharf St, Langley, WA 98260, USA
    Labels: Langley Ships South Whidbey Whidbey Island
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