Northwest By Design - 10 Great Ideas for Road Trips by ‘Theme’

With record-breaking gas prices, why not set your sights on exploring your very own Evergreen State? We offer some unique getaway ideas and travel suggestions “by design” – including reader-favorites – whether your interest lies in exploring scenic byways, touring Washington Wine Country, taking in the Great Washington State Birding Trails, hitting the casinos, or following festivals across the state. The resources listed below are designed so that the journey, not so much the destination, will be sure to create rich and lasting memories. Enjoy!

Washington’s Scenic Byways

No other place in the world can you visit a rainforest, wine country, a river gorge, two mountain ranges, five volcanoes, an ocean, numerous rivers, streams and lakes, a desert and a myriad of islands – and all without leaving Washington. Scenic Byways are chosen not only for their scenic and recreational qualities; they must also possess historic, cultural or archeological significance, or provide outstanding natural habitat to the state’s diverse wildlife. The roadways take you to places that are unique and unforgettable. Maps, route information, and the “not to miss” attractions along 23 scenic byways can be found at www.experiencewa.com/experience-washington/scenic-byways.aspx.

Rediscovering Washington

A Guide to the Evergreen State was first published in 1941 as our state’s contribution to the America Guide Series, which included volumes on all the states. The guides are part history, part cultural record, and part travel maps. Over a period of almost a decade, thousands of writers, artists, photographers, mapmakers and professional wanderers traveled the country’s roadways in a remarkable effort to record the landscape of America. An updated guide is available in CD form, which contains the historic content of the original but is updated with current field notations and digital navigation tools. It includes a collection of images and graphics, historic audio and video selections, and a colorful scrapbook of roadside Washington. The CD can be downloaded at http://revisitingwashington.org or call the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation for more information: 206-624-9449.

Northwest Heritage Tours

The Heritage Tour series offers narrated audio guides accompanied by printed guidebooks and feature eight distinctive trips in Washington. The audio guides are timed to coincide with the speed limits, so the narration unfolds in real time corresponding to the landscape, and include traditional music and stories from local residents along various routes through Washington State. The tours point out spectacular natural sites and places of historic interest, and introduce you to the people along the route and their rich array of traditional expressions of our culture. The guides can be purchased online (from $10-$18 plus shipping and handling) or ordered through your favorite bookseller. For more information, visit www.washingtonfolkarts.com/index.html

Exploring Washington’s Wine Country

Washington wines have garnered worldwide fame and acclaim. With over 600 wineries scattered across all four corners of the state, touring Washington’s Wine Country is also experiencing a surge in popularity. One of the great things about visiting wineries is that many are family-owned, providing the opportunity to sample small-production, award-winning varietals that may not be available at stores. Growers and winemakers often delight in sharing their craft with visitors. For more information about touring and tasting opportunities and to design your own tour, visit http://washingtonwine.org/explore or call the Washington Wine Commission (206-667-9463 – press 0) to order the booklet “Touring Washington Wine Country”

The Great Washington State Birding Trail

Birding is an “in” thing with millions of Americans participating in bird watching activities every year. The Audubon Society, in cooperation with the Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife and others, has made it easy for you to find the best bird watching in the state. They have created birding trail maps with six routes completed and another on the way. Birding trails might more accurately be called birding drives because they link existing roads known as good birding spots. Some trails include water routes where you can paddle your canoe or kayak to see birds; other trails include hiking or walking routes – but most are designed to be enjoyed as part of a road trip. The maps can be purchased for $4.95 at wa.audubon.org/birds_GreatWABirdingTrail.html or contact your local Audubon chapter.

Native American Culture & Hitting the Casinos

The Travel Guide to Washington State's Indian Country will help you become more acquainted with the Native American tribes who welcome you to journey through their lands, view tribal art, visit cultural centers, casinos, and learn of the diverse cultures and respect for native traditions. The Travel Guide to Washington State’s Indian Country with suggested tours and itineraries is available at http://mustseeindiancountry.com.

Casino Days

Lifelong friends Doris and Carol are the first to admit it: they have become casino enthusiasts. Their affection for the slots took them by surprise and began about 17 years ago on a road trip to Nevada to visit friends. And what’s a trip to Reno without dropping in a nickel? “We don’t make it to Reno very often,” says Doris, “but we discovered the tribal casinos right in our area. It’s fun, and we consider a day at the casinos our entertainment. We budget for it just as we would a night at the movies. When our cash is gone, we’re done for the day. And there’s always the chance you might win something! If you do, it’s a plus.” Doris and Carol have visited many of the tribal casinos in the state and bet they can hit every one. The odds are in their favor.

Follow the Festivals

The sheer volume and variety of festivals in Washington is simply amazing and planning your trip to catch some fun festivals is one way to explore different areas in our state. Perhaps you’ll catch Kirkland Uncorked (a regional showcase of art, food and wine), Winthrop’s Rhythm & Blues Festival, the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, or some old-fashioned parades. Check out the Washington Festivals and Events website, organized by month: www.wfea.org/html/events_calendar.html

Readers’ Favorite NW Getaways

Favorite Day Trip: Mount Rainier, La Conner, Port Townsend. Favorite Weekend Getaway: a virtual tie between Victoria B.C. and the Washington coast, with Leavenworth coming in third. Other notables include the San Juan Islands and Lake Chelan. Favorite Scenic Drive: Chuckanut Drive, with its farmlands, exquisite sunsets, bay and island views, scores top honors. The Stevens Pass Greenway (from Everett to the fruit orchards of Wenatchee) scores second. Don’t rule out the North Cascades Highway (if it ever opens - it was still closed due to snow at press time) or the Skagit Valley/Whidbey Island Loop with a stop at Deception Pass State Park. Best Kept Secret Getaways: Kayaking the Willapa River near South Bend and Willapa Bay, a quiet stay at Samish Island in Skagit Valley, the Goldendale Observatory State Park.

Other Ideas:

Washington Curiosities, New Deal Destinations (WPA & CCC projects), Historic Lighthouses, Gorgeous Gardens, Trails for Slow Walkers, Traveling with Fido, Driving Trips for History Buffs, Washington’s Scenic Rail Excursions – the list goes on. Do you have ideas for Northwest travel destinations you would like to share with Northwest Prime Time readers? Please email editor@northwestprimetime.com (subject line: NW getaways)