Staycation secrets

Planes on display inside Charlie Hangar at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald

‘Not just your old plane guys’ museum:’ History, aviation buffs love this Everett destination

New exhibits celebrate the wartime efforts of women in the Second World War and parachuting dogs.

 

Onions are grilled up at the Walla Walla Burger booth during opening day of the Evergreen State Fair on Aug. 25, 2022 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Save money and time with advance ticket sales for Evergreen State Fair

The fair’s 115th installment runs 11 days starting Aug. 22 in Monroe. “Bright Lights, Summer Nights” is the theme.

 

Performers joust during the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire at Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, Washington, on Sunday, Aug. 06, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Royalty and revelry: The spirit of the Renaissance comes to Monroe

The annual Renaissance fair will open its doors every weekend from July 20 to Aug. 18

 

The San Juan Islands in Washington offer dramatic landscapes from mountaintop to sea.

Essential summer weekend getaways on the US West Coast

Summer is made for exploring and fortunately here on the West Coast, you have must-visit destinations in every direction! WASHINGTON 1. San Juan Islands, Wash.… Continue reading

The San Juan Islands in Washington offer dramatic landscapes from mountaintop to sea.
The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)

10 accessible trails to explore this summer in Snohomish County

For people with disabilities, tree roots and other obstacles can curb access to the outdoors. But some trails are wheelchair-friendly.

The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)
Grand Coulee Dam – one of the most popular destinations in central Washington.

Dam good fun: Family-friendly roadtrip through Central Washington

School is letting out for the summer, which means families have a chance to spend a little more time together. Most communities have pools and… Continue reading

Grand Coulee Dam – one of the most popular destinations in central Washington.
The best time to dig for razor clams is about two hours before or after low tide. On Thursday, March 14, 2024, Mocrocks Beach in Moclips, Washington, had a -0.3 tide at 10:12 a.m. By 9 a.m. the beach swarmed with clammers thumping their digging tubes against the sand to stir the razor clams into showing where they were hiding. (Brenda Mann Harrison / Special to Sound & Summit)

Washington roadtrip to Moclips: razor clam digging with fries and grunge

We joined thousands of clammers in search of the tasty shellfish. Kurt Cobain’s memorial and Big Tom burgers were stopovers.

The best time to dig for razor clams is about two hours before or after low tide. On Thursday, March 14, 2024, Mocrocks Beach in Moclips, Washington, had a -0.3 tide at 10:12 a.m. By 9 a.m. the beach swarmed with clammers thumping their digging tubes against the sand to stir the razor clams into showing where they were hiding. (Brenda Mann Harrison / Special to Sound & Summit)
Barlow Pass Trailhead is the end of the line on the Verlot side of Mountain Loop Highway during the road’s closure on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Washington hikers rejoice: Renewed road to Mount Pilchuck, Mountain Loop to open

The notoriously rough route to an iconic hike got a makeover. And the full Mountain Loop Highway, with routine repairs, opens Monday.

Barlow Pass Trailhead is the end of the line on the Verlot side of Mountain Loop Highway during the road’s closure on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Some of the crew involved with the Whidbey Renaissance Faire. (Photo by Bill Huls)

Faire thee well: Renaissance comes to Whidbey Island May 25 and 26

Event features dancers, a juggler, ‘Fakespeare,’ live music and lots of food

Some of the crew involved with the Whidbey Renaissance Faire. (Photo by Bill Huls)
Sasquatch crossing sign in the Oregon wilderness

Mysterious monsters and mythical beings: Explore the rich folklore of the West Coast

In a place beyond the pines, towering mountains and misty coastlines resides a rich history of folklore shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The West Coast… Continue reading

Sasquatch crossing sign in the Oregon wilderness
A mural by Gina Ribaudo at the intersection of Colby and Pacific for the Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, Washington on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Mural brings wild animals, marine creatures to life in Downtown Everett

For the past month, artist Gina Ribaudo has been hard at work painting scenes from land and sea onto the brick building at 1515 Pacific… Continue reading

A mural by Gina Ribaudo at the intersection of Colby and Pacific for the Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, Washington on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
We are entering peak race season, so plan out your races now while early bird tickets are still available!

Run your way up – or down – the West Coast with this bucket-list race guide

Whether you’re a seasoned runner seeking new challenges or a first-timer eager to join the ranks of marathon finishers, we can all agree that once… Continue reading

We are entering peak race season, so plan out your races now while early bird tickets are still available!
Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island (Photo provided by Empower Investing)

Orcas Island’s storied Rosario Resort finds a local owner

Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island has a new owner.  Empower Investing, a Washington company founded by local Orcas Island residents, assumed ownership of… Continue reading

Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island (Photo provided by Empower Investing)
View of Cheakamus Lake from Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler.

Trails for all hikers: Visiting spring’s must-explore West Coast parks

Beautiful hikes span the West Coast and are perfect destinations when spring coaxes us back outside! We’ve gathered a selection of hikes that stand out… Continue reading

View of Cheakamus Lake from Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler.
Chicken Sandwich showcased at the Mariners food preview day. Ben Ray / The Reporter

Mariners unveil new ballpark eats for 2024 season

A couple of our reporters headed to T-Mobile Park to see if the Mariners’ food budget was as tight as their player free agency budget.

Chicken Sandwich showcased at the Mariners food preview day. Ben Ray / The Reporter
A group of friends hang out in a banya, a Russian sauna that is typically more humid and hotter than a traditional sauna, at Banya by fgm on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

At Banya, spa with 200-degree sauna in Everett, stress just melts away

A banya in Russian refers to a hot room or sauna. You can also plunge in the cold pool. Or play chess and eat piroshki.

A group of friends hang out in a banya, a Russian sauna that is typically more humid and hotter than a traditional sauna, at Banya by fgm on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Karen Byram feeds her herd of alpacas at Alpacas De La Patagonia in Camano, Washington. Visiting guests have the opportunity to meet and feed some of the animals on the farm. Ryan Berry / Everett Herald photo

Alpaca Getaway: Take a farm-style retreat to Camano Island

At Alpacas de la Patagonia, fuzzy friends and breathtaking beauty make the perfect winter weekend.

Karen Byram feeds her herd of alpacas at Alpacas De La Patagonia in Camano, Washington. Visiting guests have the opportunity to meet and feed some of the animals on the farm. Ryan Berry / Everett Herald photo
Discover Portland and other Oregon destinations with local travel author Matt Wastradowski in his latest book, Moon Oregon.

Explore Oregon like a local with brand new guide

By Jeff Klein, The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash. Ever wanted to explore the Columbia River Gorge like a local? Heading to Bend, Ore., or even the… Continue reading

Discover Portland and other Oregon destinations with local travel author Matt Wastradowski in his latest book, Moon Oregon.
You’re never far from the mountains or water when you visit Seattle, Wash.

What to do in Seattle?

Seattle’s tourism scene has been on the rebound since the pandemic. Last year, 33.9 million visitors passed through Seattle and King County, and this holiday… Continue reading

You’re never far from the mountains or water when you visit Seattle, Wash.
Jaxen McInnis, the creator of the Snackin Shack, in his transformed garage on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Bite into Everett’s Snackin Shack, a sweet museum of offbeat treats

It’s like the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! of odd snacks.  Lady Gaga Oreo cookies, mac & cheese gummy candy, vanilla milkshake potato chips and… Continue reading

Jaxen McInnis, the creator of the Snackin Shack, in his transformed garage on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)