One of the most important parts of wedding planning is choosing a perfect honeymoon destination. Even though many people dream about endless sand beaches and tropical paradises, we’re here to change your mind by presenting fun travel ideas for newlyweds in the Pacific Northwest. Hopefully, we’ll be able to inspire you to at least consider visiting one of them with your loved one.
Bellingham is home to family-owned farms, Halloween activities, spooky tours, and more during the fall season! There is always something to do and this fall you can fill your weekends with fun, local activities.
SM’ Apples
Just North of Downtown Bellingham in Ferndale, Washington is SM’ Apples U-Pick Orchard. This U-pick orchard is family-owned and home to about a dozen varieties of apples. You can check out their website here to find harvest dates and prices for their apples. Their U-pick Orchard is a great family-friendly activity for this fall! Spend the day tromping through the rows of trees picking apples for apple pie, apple sauce, canning apples, and more!
Bellewood Farms and Distillery
At Bellewood Farms and Distillery, you can experience a farm-to-glass distillery in action. Bellewood takes apples grown on their very own farm and turns them into their award-winning Gin, Brandy, and Vodka. Their unique tasting room is open Wed-Sun from 10 am to 5 pm. They aim to put the highest quality fruits into their distilled products, and they are proud to focus on sustainable agriculture.
If you are looking for family-friendly activities, Bellewood Farms and Distillery offer a host of fun activities for all age. Their U-pick apples are a fan favorite, and during September and October, they are known for their Orin, Sonata, Bellewood Prince, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples. You can take their bin train out to the field and spend the day picking apples.
During late September through October, their Harvest Happens event runs every day from 9 am to 4 pm. In addition to apple picking, they have a large field of pumpkins to choose from, Fresh Cider Doughnuts and kettle corn on the weekends, and much more. Bellewood Farms and Distillery is an excellent place to celebrate fall and local harvests.
Sunday Drive on the Water
If you are looking for stunning views of the Puget sound paired with a bit of fall, driving down Chuckanut Drive is a great option. Chuckanut Drive is a winding road that follows Bellingham Bay from Edison to Bellingham. With excellent scenic views, this drive is popular year-round. Covered by a canopy of trees, during the fall, this drive becomes a colorful fall fairytale. If you have part of the day to spend, do this drive and perhaps stop at Taylors Shellfish as you pass by for excellent views of the water and even better locally harvested Oysters.
Gore and Lore Tour
Every fall, Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls offers a Gore and Lore tour of Bellingham. The Gore and Lore Tours feature Creepy tales from downtown Bellingham’s crypts – unsettling hauntings, strange historical happenings, and horrific true crimes in the dark heart of Bellingham. If you are looking for a creepy activity to do this Halloween season, check out the Gore and Lore Tour.
Also hosted by Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls, you can take a Sin and Gin tour. These tours follow Bellingham’s saloon history through the prohibition era. This tour is 18+ and is an excellent option for adults looking to get to know Bellingham’s past.
Bellingham’s Irish Festival
If you are looking for a unique fall event this season, consider checking out Bellingham’s Irish Festival. From October 8th- 10th, you can enjoy educational workshops, classes, and performances, as well as several theaters, shops, and restaurants that are participating. This is a fun way to learn about Irish culture and enjoy a weekend.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Fall in the Pacific Northwest is notably mild. The weather is clear during much of September and October, and the temperatures are mild, making for great outdoor recreation. In the Bellingham area, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground awaits. There are a number of relays, races, and hikes that the city of Bellingham hosts in the fall that are open to anyone to sign up. Several bike races in September and October are an excellent way to enjoy the lovely fall weather outside.
If you are looking to be a bit more adventurous, the Puget Sound and Bellingham bay are calm and the same temperature year-round. Many people enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports throughout the fall. Bellingham Bay is a perfect space to kayak through September and October.
Lake Padden is home to an excellent outdoor walking trail that is mostly paved or gravel, which means it will not get as muddy as other trails during the wetter months. Fragrance Lake is another great hiking option year-round as it is a 5-mile trail that brings you to a lake. The hike does not have very many extended viewpoints, which means your experience will not be impacted by weather.
City of Bellingham sponsored Events
During most Halloween Seasons, Bellingham hosts a number of fun, family-friendly events. In previous years, Halloween scavenger hunts, virtual Halloween historical tours, scary storytellings, Farmers Market Pumpkin Hunts, and more have all been on the Calendar for October. Make sure to check in with the City of Bellingham’s website this October to see all the activities.
Bellingham is full of activities year-round, and fall is no exception. If you are ready to celebrate the fall harvest, there are pumpkin patches and farmer’s markets galore for apple picking, corn mazes, and more if you are a Halloween adventurer, spooky tours, Halloween nights, and more on the horizon in Bellingham this fall. If you are just looking for more ways to be outside. Now that summer has ended, there is plenty of hiking, biking, and water sports options for you to enjoy in Bellingham through October. Cozy Flannels, hot apple cider, and pumpkin season are quickly approaching, so make sure to check out all of the options in your area of Bellingham.
Check back into the Bellingham Clever Neighbor to find more season activities, recommendations, and more.
While the rest of Washington State begins to fall into the rainy fall weather and things button up for the cold weather, Skagit County is entering one of the year’s busiest seasons. As Skagit County is a farming community, there is much to harvest and celebrate in the fall months. September and October are alive with festivals, harvests, and plenty of picture-worthy colors and activities. Fall in Skagit County is beautiful and full of harvest colors and pumpkin patches for the whole family.
While many people think that the end of August brings the end of good weather in Western Washington, during an average year, the weather remains clear and warm during September, and October temperatures stay in the 50s. It is an excellent time to dive into all of the agriculture in the PNW.
Fall in the Skagit Valley is beautiful whether you love pumpkin patches, harvest dinners, farm stops, or bird watching. There is something fun for everyone to partake in.
Gordons Pumpkin Patch
If you are looking for fall colors, Instagram-worthy photos, and pumpkins galore, Gordon Skagit Farms in West Mt. Vernon is the place to visit. This outdoor playground is full of beautiful pumpkin displays full of every type of pumpkin and gourds you can imagine.
Gordon’s pumpkin patch prides itself on honing in on the best of Skagit Valley in the fall. This pumpkin patch is dedicated to fall, so you will not find any spooky spider webs or gouls hiding around the corners. You can, however, find local apples, dried flowers, and corn stalks.
If you are lucky, you might run into the horses and chickens that live on the property. In addition to the animals, you can find beautiful dresses, people, and other structures made out of corn and dried flowers. Gordon Skagit Farms is the quintessential fall in Skagit County.
Schuh Farms
Schuh farms is the perfect mix of Halloween and Fall festivities. While Schuh farms is open during most of the year, they truly shine during September and October. They have a large field where you can go out and pick your pumpkin. It is always fun to weed through rows and rows of pumpkins to find the perfect one to carve.
Schuh Farm is also in west Mt. Vernon and is home to a cute farm stand, farm animals, and lots of local delicacies. There are apple hand pies, local honey sticks, apples, and homemade applesauce. For young children, there are some Halloween-themed decorations and activities. The fan-favorite activity at Schuh farms is the animal area where goats, chicks, and sometimes pigs are often there.
Bird Watching
Fall bird watching is another excellent fall activity in the Skagit Valley. In October, the Snow Geese migrate back to the Skagit Valley from Russia’s Wrangel Island and parts of Alaska. The department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that nearly 80,000 Snow Geese spend their winters in Western Washington.
They are indeed a sight to behold. These Snow Geese are recognizable by their black wing tips and red feet. They come to Fir Island in Early October and Stay until mid-April. They move in huge groups across Fir Island and the Flats of La Conner and Mt. Vernon. On any given day in the winter in Skagit Valley, you are able to find them nestled in a farm field somewhere. They eating worms and other goodies leftover from the crop season.
In addition to the Snow Geese, Skagit County is home to many other birds during the fall and winter. With farmlands, marine areas, mountains, and forests, there are many environments for many different species. From Eagles to Blue Heron and more, Skagit County is the place to visit if you are a bird lover.
The Skagit Bay- Skagit Wildlife Area – Wylie Slough Area on Fir Island is just one of the many areas for birding in Skagit County. From the sea to the mountains and all of the farmland and forests in between are full of some of the best birding in Washington State. If you are ready to go birding on your own, simply decide what birds you want to see and head to the right water basin area in the valley.
If you are new to birding or want a guided tour of a new area, check out Skagit Guided Adventures for their birding tours. They offer several different birding tours throughout the year for different areas and types of birds. Even if you aren’t out specifically looking for birds, make sure to look up every so often as you adventure around the valley because you never know when you might spot a bald eagle, a nest, a hawk, or a flock of Snow Geese.
Festival of Family Farms
The Festival of Family Farms is one of the highlights of the fall season in Skagit County. The festival is a way for the county to celebrate the hard work of farmers through the busy season. Part of the main fun of the Festival is where everyone can learn what it takes to run a farm. From growing crops to feeding and tending animals, many of the Festival of Family Farms activities are hands-on experiences.
Participating farms, wineries, and other agriculture or livestock-based farms across Skagit County every year. This year’s festival of family farms will happen the weekend of October 2nd, and 3rd from 10 am-4 pm on both days. Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, kid’s activities, farm tours, and animal exhibits are all common occurrences at the festival. Local restaurants often set up booths at the farms to sell goodies, and each stop turns into a mini farmers market of sorts. Whether you are traveling with young children or solo, the Festival of Family Farms is a must-do activity in the fall.
Fall Crops
While many people associate the spring and summer with fresh fruits and veggies, Skagit Valley crops are harvested year-round. The fertile grounds and mild winters make for the perfect growing climate for leafy greens and root vegetables. A fun fact on fall harvests: Skagit Valley produces 95% of the red potatoes grown in the state of Washington.
If you are local to Northwest Washington and want to take your local buying year-round, consider a winter CSA. A CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA is a model where members pay upfront to help farmers cover the cost of growing the food, and in return, members get a portion of the harvest. This is a great avenue to support local farmers and eat local veggies year-round.
There are CSA’s nearly year-round in Skagit Valley with Pickup spots as far north as Bellingham and as far south as Seattle and Renton. Boldly Grown Farm offers a fall and winter CSA program that offers all sorts of locally grown goodies from November to March.
The Pumpkin Pitch
If you are a pumpkin enthusiast, the Burlington Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch is for you. This family-friendly event happens on the last Saturday of September at Skagit River Park from 10 am to 4 pm. This is a great event for small children because of the inflatables, pony rides, kid’s activities, and more. This event is completely free and takes a love of squash to a new level. There are often cars made out of zucchinis hurling around the park, a great pumpkin weigh-in contest, and best of all, the pumpkin patch.
Imagine pumpkins flying hundreds of feet through the air at high velocity. Every year, pumpkin pitch competitors build catapults or traction trebuchets to launch their pumpkins the entire length of the park. The pumpkins crash land at the end of the field, and the winner takes bragging rights for the year. The Burlington Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Pitch is truly a fun way to spend a Saturday.
There are so many fun things to do in Skagit County in the fall. Don’t let the rainy weather and clouds stop you from adventuring! On any given weekend in Skagit County in the fall, there is a farm festival, pumpkin-themed event, or a crop to be harvested. If you are ever looking for an additional way to spend the day, simply drive through the farm fields and see what is being grown and harvested.
While tourist season in Skagit County definitely peaks in the spring and summer, there is so much to explore and do in the county year-round. The fall can be a great time to beat the crowds and still enjoy mild weather. Biking, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities are extremely popular past times September- Early November before freezing temperatures come.
If you need activities to do in Skagit County in all of the other seasons of the year, make sure to check back in with the Clever Neighbor!
Visiting Boise in the winter months offers a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you are wanting to brave the frigid slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts or would rather stay warm in a gorgeous natural hot spring, Boise offers something for everyone.
Bogus Basin
Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin offers easy access to countless winter activities. The main attraction is the ski hill which offers 2,600 acres of terrain, 80 runs, and 10 lifts. If flying down a mountain is a little extreme for your taste, they also offer cross-country skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing. Bogus Basin is also home to Idaho’s only mountain coaster, where riders can fly down 4,330 feet weaving in and out of trees and experience the mountain like never before.
Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden
If you’re visiting during the month of December, the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss event for the whole family. Every night during December that Idaho Botanical Garden lights up with over 550,000 lights across its 14 acres of land. Along with the amazing visual experience, there are food trucks, live music, and fun events and activities for the kids. Winter Garden aGlow is one of the botanical garden’s biggest fundraisers of the year, so not only will you receive a memorable experience, but you will also be helping the garden provide a wonderful service to the local community.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley is an extremely popular ski-resort town about 3 hours northeast of Boise that offers skiing, fine dining, and an exciting nightlife. Bald Mountain is what brings most winter tourists up to the town. If you enjoy beautiful views, you’ll find plenty in Sun Valley, but the one you can’t miss is at the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge located at the top of Bald Mountain. At 8,800 feet you can see forever, and if you time it right you can see the mountains turn from white to a combination of a breathtaking pink and blue at sunset, just make sure you call ahead because you do need a reservation.
Along with the mountain, Sun Valley has a laundry list of other winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and ice sculptures. Once you have gotten your fair share of outdoor time, you’ll need to warm up inside with a hearty meal and a drink of your choice. There’s plenty of options to choose from, but some of our favorites include Sawtooth Brewery, Lefty’s Bar & Grill, and The Roundhouse.
Hot Springs
It’s difficult to find yourself anywhere in Idaho without being close to a hot spring. There are dozens of springs within a couple of hours of Boise, here’s a great guide that lists most of the ones available to the public.
If you’re looking for a hot spring experience that has a resort feel to it with built-out pools and some amenities such as bathrooms, food and drink, and on-site parking, we’d recommend Goldfork Hot Springs near McCall or The Springs at Idaho City. Both locations are easy to access while still getting all the benefits of a natural hot spring.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to experience a more “natural” hot spring experience you can’t go wrong with Kirkham Hot Springs or Trail Creek Hot Springs. Both require a small but relatively steep hike down to the pools, but the scenery and experience is well worth it if you can make the trek.
McCall
Another lovely mountain town about 2 ½ hours north of Boise is McCall. With many of the same characteristics as Sun Valley, McCall offers all the typical mountain activities in a beautiful city built right next to Payette Lake.
Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort are both within a short drive from McCall and have some of the best ski terrains in the Northwest.
In late January to early February McCall hosts their annual Winter Carnival which is a favorite among locals and tourists. One of the main attractions is the ice sculpture contest, where amateurs and professionals compete for $1,000+ prizes for the best sculpture. There are upwards of 100 sculptures each year so just walking through town is an event in and of itself.
The supporting events are just as fun, with activities such as a dog sled challenge, chef collaborative dinner, mardi gras parade, and snowshoe golf.
Looking for more things to do while you are in Boise? Check out our other guides here.
Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The fall months are some of the best times to visit Boise. Tree’s all around the city start to change, turning the city from a giant green patch to a kaleidoscope of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The weather is also quite pleasant in the fall months, nestled right between the 100 degree days of summer and the freezing, windy days of winter. Along with the city’s natural beauty, there are a number of exciting events going on during these months that are sure to please.
Spirit of Boise – Hot Air Balloon Festival
Probably the most popular fall event, as well as one of the most picturesque, is the Spirit of Boise hot air balloon festival. It is a 5-day event that usually takes place the first week of September. They do a wonderful job offering different types of events for the whole family.
It typically starts with a kid’s day where kids can take a “tethered ride” where they can experience a hot air balloon ride while still being roped to the ground, giving parents slightly less anxiety about watching their child float away. Later in the week, they have multiple flights where 20+ balloons take to the skies and float over the city and neighboring areas. On Friday night they have the Nightglow Spectacular, where they inflate all the balloons after dark and put on a light show along with music, drinks, and other fun events.
Treefort Music Festival
If music is more your thing, the Treefort Music Festival is a great opportunity to see not only great artists from Boise and the Inland Northwest, but the festival attracts big names from across the country as well. Previous years have featured artists such as Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, and Lizzo. If none of those appeals to you, there are over 100 shows every year, so you’re bound to find something that fits your taste. It’s typically a five-day event in the heart of downtown that features beer gardens, comedy shows, and plenty of food trucks to explore.
Boise Farmers Market
Every Saturday local farmers, artists, business owners, and chefs set up downtown for the Boise Farmers Market. Located in the heart of downtown, the farmers market is a great place to start your Saturday even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything. You will get the chance to see unique works of art by local artists, local and international cuisine, and tons of options for organic vegetables, beef, and fish.
Boise State Football Games
Even though Boise isn’t home to a major sports team, they still have one of the most exciting teams in college football. The Boise State Broncos rose to prominence in the early 2000s and have made it to a bowl game every year since 1999. The team is fun to watch and the environment is electric for a sports fan. Along with the great food and company at the tailgate, the stadium includes the famous “smurf turf” which was the first non-green playing field in college football history.
Boise Restaurant Week
If you consider yourself a “foodie”, or just enjoy a great meal in a fun environment, you can’t miss the Dine Out Downtown – Boise Restaurant Week. Dozens of restaurants participate in this event which includes special menus, deals on food and drinks, and fun events put on by each restaurant. Usually, this is held around the last week of October or the first of November. If you’re wanting to double down on your Boise food experience, there is also the Boise Grilled Cheese and Beer Festival held right before restaurant week.
Harvest Festivals
Few things get people more excited about fall than harvest festivals, and the Boise area has plenty of them. With pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, along with numerous other activities there is fun for the whole family at any of these festivals. There are numerous festivals throughout the fall, including in Eagle, Garden City, Caldwell, Emmett, and Kuna.
Boo at the Zoo
If you’re visiting around Halloween the Boise Zoo hosts an annual Boo at the Zoo event for children and families. The event usually consists of costume contests, prize giveaways, trick or treating, face painting, and games for all ages.
If you’re in town earlier in the month you can still experience the Zoo with a Halloween twist. Every weekend in October they have Spooktacular Evenings from 6-9 PM. They call it a “merry-not-scary” event that is suitable for all ages. The Zoo will be lit up with Halloween displays and will also have activities and special entertainment every night.
Visiting Boise during a different time of the year or want to check out more of what the city has to offer, check out our other recommendations here.
Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Boise is rightfully called the City of Trees – a city famous for its multiple outdoor opportunities and unique natural setting. It is a charming place, full of cultural, fun, and recreational activities. And even though the Downtown has a thriving social life, the suburbs are tranquil and safe. However, unlike most state capitals, finding unique and fun things to do won’t require you to leave the city territory. Everything is very close, accessible by public transport, a short drive or a pleasant walk. If you’re new to the area and want to introduce your kids to the fun amenities of their new home, here are the top 5 family-friendly activities in Boise, ID.
family homes1. World Center for Birds of Prey
A trip to Boise Zoo might be the first choice for families with kids, but a visit to the World Center for Birds of Prey is a new, refreshing experience. It is an exotic and original way to introduce your children to the mightiest creatures of the wilderness. Focused on predator birds, such as eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, and vultures from all over the world, the Center is not a typical Zoo. Here, you get to interact with the birds and see the raptors in action! It is guaranteed family fun for all ages, even toddlers.
2. Idaho Botanical Gardens
Cozily tucked into Boise Foothills lay Idaho Botanical Gardens. On 15-acres of space, you can enjoy exploring exotic and vibrant flora from all over the world. It is a perfect place for nature lovers of all ages, especially if you visit the site in spring. But even if you come here during other seasons, there are 800 plant species to see and learn about.
Also, if you’re new to Boise and you enjoy DIY landscaping, it is an excellent opportunity to learn about gardening using domestic and native plants. Even though the weather here is fit for many plant species, it is always good to use self-sustaining native plants when landscaping your new home.
3. Boise National Forest
Technology and office jobs are keeping us indoors every day. Not to mention that “screen time” for our kids it’s no longer a privilege but their new reality. What better way to spend healthy and quality time with your family than reconnecting with nature in one of the prettiest national forests in the US? Countless rivers, hot springs, and campsites will make you instantly fall in love. During your stay, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. Your kids will be busy exploring some of the most popular kid-friendly trails in Idaho. In the meanwhile, you can relax and restore your “batteries” from everyday stress. To fish in Idaho, anyone over the age of 14 must have a valid fishing license check out the tackle village complete guide of license discounts and exemptions for anglers with a disability.
4. Planet Kid Indoor Playground
Families with toddlers and young kids often have trouble finding ways to spend that immense amount of energy their little ones have. If you want to challenge your kids’ boundaries when it comes to pure physical fun, take them to Planet Kid Indoor Playground. Any type of fun you can imagine is available here. From tackle, rope swings, slide to the cargo net, and web climbing. And the best part is, it’s fit for all ages up to 12 years old. The area is split by activities and age, separating toddlers in their own special corner – the Toddler Town! We can assure you that this will be your kids’ favorite from all the family-friendly activities in Boise, ID.
5. Discovery Center of Idaho
If you have curious kids that enjoy history and science, Discovery Center of Idaho will be their favorite place in Boise. There is something for every age, from dinosaurs and Ancient Egypt to virtual reality and many other interactive workshops. The Center has over 150 unique stations, guides, and live programs. All that will provide hours and hours of quality fun and education for your family!
Moving to Boise, ID
Even with the growing popularity in recent years, Boise is a relatively small and calm city. However, the city itself is part of The Boise-Nampa Metropolitan Area, also called the Treasure Valley. The district attracts many investors, millennials, and young professionals in advanced manufacturing, food production, and technology. Still, magnificent nature, a healthy environment, and affordable living costs make the city quite popular among families.
The median home value is approximately $300.000. Although, with a bit of luck, you can find great family homes for $200.000 or less. And even though the real estate market is competitive, finding the home of your dreams is not that hard. The Boise housing market offers magnificent homes in many different styles, from historic to mid-century modern. Just take your pick and settle down in your new family home stress-free with the help of reputable local moving services.
Unlike the housing, transportation, utilities, and groceries in Boise cost less than the US average. With relatively affordable costs of living and many cultural amenities, the city has excellent growth potential. Thus, no wonder many students, business people, and families chose Boise as their new home.
Conclusion
Whether you plan to relocate to Boise or take a family road trip from across the country, there are many activities to explore in the Treasure Valley. Especially for families with kids! And even though there are plenty of indoor family-friendly activities in Boise, ID, we’d recommend you to get the best of the great outdoors. Still, all the above-mentioned natural and recreational amenities are just a glimpse of what this delightful city can offer. To get a full image of Boise life, it’s essential to consider all aspects of the place. To enjoy yourself with family, you do not have to take a day or a weekend off. A simple stroll Downtown will be refreshing. It is clean, walkable, with a mix of charming shops, top-notch restaurants, and beautiful unspoiled green surfaces, such as Military Reserve Bike Park and Boise Whitewater Park.
Artificial intelligence has been making our lives easier in many ways and across numerous sectors. When you get the best answer for your Google search, that’s AI. When Netflix picks just the right next show for you, it’s AI again. The technology has also been used to recognize and fight Covid-19.
AI’s potential is enormous, and we’re just starting to scratch the surface of all the possible uses. The travel industry has joined the trend, and new AI uses in travel emerge every day. Here’s how AI is changing the way we travel.
Robot Concierge
Not only can AI-powered software help customers online, but it can also assist them face-to-face. It is now possible to find robot concierges at the front desks of some hotels. They can answer any tourist questions and provide other information.
One such example is Connie, a robot experiment at the Hilton hotels. Connie stands at the front desk and greets all the customers politely. It can provide information about the best restaurants nearby, for example, and even turn its body around to point you in the right direction. Connie’s eyes are expressive, i.e., they change colors to express understanding and emotion.
So while employees handle more complex requests, Connie can deal with all the usual questions.
Hotel AI Assistants
Hotels and similar businesses have even more uses for this powerful technology. Namely, there are now AI personal assistants, which can make your stay even more enjoyable and comfortable. You can get these in the form of an app and always have them handy.
These AI assistants can answer any questions, but they can also turn up the heating in your room before you arrive, for example. They may also turn the lights on and off or dim them. You can either give your assistant a voice command or a text-based one. It will use the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to “communicate” with the appliances in your room.
Customer Service Bots
Customer service is incredibly important in the travel industry, and the emergence of AI-powered chatbots is taking it to the next level. These bots can help provide online assistance to customers with little to no help from a live rep.
They can answer any questions and provide information in an instant. If a customer is looking for recommendations, chatbots can provide them as well as, if not better than, any live representative. They can help people complete bookings in no time.
Hotels and other businesses have started implementing them on their websites and social media, and people seem to love the self-service option they provide. Plus, they are available around the clock, so people can interact with them at any time.
Data Processing
The travel industry benefits majorly from the data processing and analytics abilities of AI technology. Various AI-powered tools allow businesses to process huge amounts of data in minutes and draw meaningful insights and conclusions.
Many businesses in the travel and tourism industry use these tools to understand their customers and their needs better. Before, they had to rely on their intuition, but now, they can simply take a look at the relevant data points. This way, they can make adjustments so as to cater to their customers better.
Both businesses and customers benefit from this type of smart analytics as customers get what they want and businesses thrive as a consequence.
Travel Recommendations
AI-based recommendations are everywhere these days. We’ve already mentioned Netflix, but another great example is any online shopping experience. The algorithm will learn what you like quickly and be able to recommend the best pieces for you.
In the travel industry, many booking platforms utilize this ability and deploy AI to help customers make an ideal pick. The algorithm analyzes your behavior on the site, your searches and preferences, and recommends ideal places to visit and things to do at your destination, for example.
Some websites even offer personalized travel recommendations, where they ask you a series of questions about your preferences (i.e., the food you like, the weather you prefer, etc.) and let the software provide the best choices for you.
Mobility as a Service
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) has been nicknamed the Netflix of transportation. In essence, it represents an ecosystem of transportation options that are at a commuter’s disposal. MaaS has a huge potential in the travel industry as it can help travelers move around with ease using the best possible modes of transport. One example of MaaS is the Helsinki-based app called Whim.
A tourist can install the app which will lead them door to door by pointing out the best (or preferred) transportation options, including anything from public transport to bicycles. The AI mechanism behind it helps integrate all the different transport networks in a functional, holistic system.
Facial Recognition as a Boarding Pass
One day, not too far from now, we’ll probably be able to travel without having to carry passports and other documents with us. Thanks to AI, biometric authentication has surpassed our expectations of what’s possible, and we can now use facial recognition tools to identify passengers without interaction with airport employees.
Finnish airline operator Finavia is already testing this kind of technology in hopes to simplify and shorten the complicated passenger journey at the airport.
Cheap Flight Prediction
Flight prices can fluctuate wildly, and it’s difficult to predict their affordability in the near future. However, AI’s power of accurate prediction is the basis for apps such as Hopper, which allow you to save money on travel by hunting down the cheapest flights, as well as hotels and other modes of transport.
Apps such as these allow travelers to see the world on a budget and never spend a dime more than necessary. Researching this kind of information would take us a lot of time and effort, and now, we can have it at a tap.
As you can see, AI is making travel cheaper, more convenient, and more personalized for everyone. It’s making it easier to book a trip, get wherever you want to go and find exactly what you’re looking for.
You don’t need to get a new kitchen or remodel the bathroom to increase your home value. There are simple and inexpensive ways to give your property a facelift, and you can even do many of them yourself.
If it’s a rental property and you’re away, your collection agent can take care of the refurbishments, and you can pay them over time from the rent. What’s more, a property management company can help you decide on the best home improvement projects to boost your property value.
A little goes a long way, so here are some ideas on how to improve the appeal and price of your property.
Freshen Up the Wall Paint
One of the easiest ways to increase your property value is to roll up your sleeves and touch up the interior with a fresh coat of paint. If the walls have smudges, the color is outdated, or they simply haven’t been painted in a while, they might put off any potential buyers or tenants instantly.
Since walls are a blank canvas against which people envision their future furnishings, it’s best to go for a neutral color.
Pro tip: A study has found that houses with black, smokey, or charcoal front doors sell for $6,271 more than others on average. Repainting the door is inexpensive and simple, and it can have a massive impact on the overall appeal.
Upgrade Your Bathroom
The most effective home improvement projects that can skyrocket the price are bathroom and kitchen remodels. However, you don’t have to remodel the entire bathroom to boost your property value. Making a few changes in decor can do magic.
You can update your fixtures for cheap and get a major glow-up. For starters, if there are any leaky faucets or anything that doesn’t work properly, replace it. Add more storage space if possible. Then, you can also improve on the overall aesthetics by getting a new vanity, changing its countertop, or painting it over.
You’d be impressed at the difference a $15 dollar shower curtain can do.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
There’s one rule real estate agents agree on — if you can do only one thing to improve your home’s marketability, work on your curb appeal. It’s the first thing buyers see, and first impressions can color the entire experience.
Depending on your budget, you don’t even have to do much. Prune any shrubbery, mow your lawn, paint your mailbox, add some decor to your front door, and make sure the windows are squeaky clean.
You may also add a stone veneer and change the garage door or even plant more greenery to make the house look homier. Most of these changes are extremely cost-effective with a great ROI.
Update Fixtures
One of the most effective and inexpensive updates that is often overlooked is changing the fixtures around the house. For example, outlet covers and switch plates often won’t even cross your mind, but you can change them for a few dollars apiece and make them look much more expensive.
You can also replace your light fixtures and achieve a major effect on the overall appeal. Tacky old chandeliers can be a complete eyesore, and you can switch them for elegant, energy-efficient, and easy-to-install ceiling lights, which will brighten up the space.
You may also add new blinds, change old doorknobs, get better-looking curtain rods.
Restore the Floors
Installing new flooring can be expensive and time-consuming, but you can refresh your floors in other ways. If your house is old and carpeted, chances are you have a hardwood floor beneath them. Hardwood is much more attractive than old and shaggy carpets, so you might as well reveal it.
You can restore the glow to your hardwood floors by sanding and refinishing them. It’s a bit of work, but it’s much cheaper than paying for the new wood and labor.
Hardwood is the best flooring option for adding resale value. It can have an ROI of 70 to 80%.
Deep Clean
The biggest turn-off for potential buyers is bad odors. You may have noticed that every house that is lived in has a distinctive smell. Unfortunately, different people find different smells unpleasant, so it’s best to deep clean your house before you show it to any potential buyers.
People also hate to see signs of neglect in bathrooms and kitchens, so give these areas some extra love while cleaning. You may want to hire professional services because they know exactly what to look out for and how to take care of it.
Deep cleaning helps with another home buyer turn-off, i.e., clutter. Make sure everything is tidy and there are no bad smells.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency has become a major concern for home buyers, and a drafty home simply won’t do. You can improve the overall energy efficiency of the house by sealing any cracks around doors and windows or adding some insulation to your attic.
Ceiling fans are another green addition to a home that buyers will appreciate. You may also help conserve water by installing low-flow fixtures in the bathroom and save energy by installing LEDs.
Various studies have found that energy efficiency can both make your property more desirable and increase its value on the market.
Paint the Kitchen Cabinets
You can spruce up your kitchen by simply repainting your cabinets. You don’t have to install new ones if the old ones are functional, but you can easily make them look fresh and new by painting them over. You can always go for white paint since it will make the kitchen look spacious, clean, and pleasant to be in.
Depending on the state they’re in, you may want to scuff them with sandpaper first and add a finish to make them look as good as new.
As you can see, increasing your home value doesn’t have to be expensive and difficult. There are a ton of small improvements with a huge ROI you can practically DIY.
Like most of the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham and the surrounding area is full of outdoor adventures. Whether you like the Mountains or the ocean, in Bellingham you don’t have to choose. From the Bay, you can often see the North Cascades, and from the surrounding hill areas, you have stunning views of the San Juan Islands. It truly is the best of both worlds for outdoor enthusiasts, which is why many flock to the area during the summer months.
While the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham included, is often known for its rainy, gloomy weather, Bellingham gets 160 days of sun a year. Most of those days of sun happen from Early June to late September. The moderate temperatures, often in the mid 70s in the summer, make for the perfect outdoor weather. If you are looking to check out the sound and the summits, Bellingham is the perfect place to plan a few adventures.
Hikes
While the hikes highlighted below are specifically in the outer reaches of Bellingham, there are hundreds of stunning hikes in the area. Whether you are hiking in Bellingham or the greater Whatcom County or using Bellingham as a hub to reach the North Cascades, there are too many hikes to count. The Cascades provide a plethora of unmatched hiking and backpacking trails that are only a quick car trip away from Bellingham. Hikers in Bellingham can experience some of the best alpine hiking in the world while also enjoying coastal hikes in their own backyards.
Oyster Dome
Oyster Dome is an exceptionally popular hike on Chuckanut drive. On any given Saturday or Sunday in the summer, Chuckanut drive will be lined with cars from hikers headed up to Oyster Dome. Oyster Dome is a 6 mile out and back hike with an elevation gain of 1050 feet. This hike does not have a trail parking lot, so you will need to park on the side of the road on Chuckanut Drive. This is a busy road with limited visibility, so make sure that you park as far off the road as possible.
You will hike in the woods for most of the 3-mile trip, quickly gaining elevation as you go. This is a family-friendly hike, so there are no cliffs as you are making your way to the summit. The hike up is mostly in the woods, providing hikers with shade from the summer sun. Once you reach the top, there are stunning views of the Sanu Juan Islands. The top has a reasonably large opening from the trees where many hikers set up hammocks, eat lunch and take in the views.
Fragrance Lake Trail
Fragrance Lake is also on Chuckanut drive and is another very popular hike in the Bellingham area. Just as the name suggests, Fragrance lake trail leads you to fragrance lake. The lake is an excellent swimming hole with clean, cool water. Some hikers are known to bring floaties with them to spend the afternoon floating in the lake. Parking is limited, so be prepared to park on the road.
This hike is 5.5 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 950 feet, making it accessible to most hikers. It features a wide dirt trail to the top where the lake is located. While many hikers choose to stop when they reach the lake, the trail does circumnavigate the entire lake, providing many different spots to get down to the water. Pack a lunch and a towel because you will want to spend time hanging out here during warm days in the summer.
Walking Trails
In addition to the many hiking trails, there are several great walking paths and trails as well. The below trails have paved portions that are wheelchair accessible and offer great views of the Bay and lakes.
Lake Padden
Lake Padden is home to swimming areas, a dog park, a baseball field, seven miles of trails. On any given day, this area is packed with all sorts of recreational, from runners, walkers, and hikers to horseback riders, bikers, swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers.
The lake Padden features a large section of trail on the north side of the lake that is pavement. The back half of the lake and a number of trails that branch out are not paved, but many of them are exceptionally wide. There is minimal elevation gain on the north side of the lake and only a few hundred feet on the south side. If you are looking for a family day full of activities, Lake Padden is excellent for its trails and other activities.
Bellingham Board Walk
The Bellingham Boardwalk is another popular spot to check out. Spanning from Taylor’s dock to Boundary Bay Brewing Company in Downtown Bellingham, this walking path is stunning. The entirety of the path offers views of Bellingham Bay, and several parts offer walking on docks. The trail begins in the Fairhaven area of Bellingham and expands into the downtown area. This beautiful walking path goes through Boulevard park, where you can stop at Woods Coffee. Gravel trails supplement the boardwalk section through some sections, but you get to enjoy ocean views the whole walk.
Activities near the Water
While you can’t do anything in Bellingham without being near the water, the below activities are for those who want to venture into the Bay. With calm waters and reliable tides, Bellingham Bay is great for water activities of all kinds.
Teddy Bear Cove
Teddy Bear Cove is a beach area off of Chuckanut Drive that is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, kayaking, and more. This area is well-known and is a great way to feel like you have a private beach with a view of the San Juan Islands. While many people know Teddy Bear Cove as a swimming location, there is an even better reason that it made it onto this list.
Teddy Bear Cove is also known for Bioluminescence. Bioluminescence are living organisms that produce light. These microorganisms produce a blue, glowing light in the water in Teddy Bear Cove during the summer months. In particular, during July and August, Bioluminescence can be found in the cove when the moon is at its least dark. In order to see this magical show, head to Teddy Bear Cove on Hot summer nights when there is little light pollution and no wind. These will be the best conditions to try and catch a glimpse of the blue glow.
Some people enjoy night kayaking in this area to catch the Bioluminescence. If you carefully check for ideal tide conditions, the cove gives your protection from the broader Bay and allows kayakers to experience peaceful conditions. Make sure to check the weather, tides and wear a life jacket if you are going to put any watercraft into Teddy Bear Cove at night.
Kayaking Larrabee
Just up the road from Larrabee State Park is a public boat launch. This area is a trendy kayaking spot because of the incredible sunset views. On clear, warm days, there will be a few dozen kayakers and paddleboarders just off the shore waiting for sunset. This spot is ideal because you do not have to kayak very far to get a view. Just a few hundred feet from the launch will put you in a perfect viewing area for the summer sunsets.
As with any water activity, make sure to check the tide and be aware of which way you are moving once you put it into the water. While most tides are mild in this area, occasionally 12-14 foot tides move in and out of the Bay very quickly. There is a $10 fee to park at the boat launch that is cash only.
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Bellingham Bay
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding is a Pacific Northwest pastime. Because the weather is only suitable for a short window during the year, June, July, August, and September are very busy water sports. If you head to any body of water in the Bellingham area during the summer, you are sure to catch someone enjoying the water.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding Bellingham Bay is a fun way to spend the day. There are a number of places you can launch from, and the water off of Boulevard park is often very calm. If you do not have access to a paddleboard or kayak, there are a number of companies that do tours and rentals to help you get in the water.
Bellingham has an amazing collection of outdoor activities. The beautiful, mild weather in the summertime makes it perfect for outdoor activities, and the Mountains and Ocean provide a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Check back into the Clever Neighbor to find out more about things to do in Bellingham.