If you are a first-time visitor to Seattle, you might be wondering what there is to see and do in Emerald City. To be honest, there are so many attractions worth mentioning that it’s difficult to choose just a few. This magnificent city is not only rich in culture, art, technology, and entertainment, but it is also ideal for outdoor activities and leisure. Not to mention the Seattle gastronomic scene, which will delight any foodie.
Just like any close-knit community, Skagit county does a lot of community-centered events during the holiday season. In any given neighborhood, Christmas lights begin going up in early November, and by early December, neighborhoods are fully decorated. Every house will be lit, trees will be up, and you may even hear Christmas music.
Christmas is a fun time to be surrounded by friends and family, but it is also fun to partake in all of the community festivities around you. While so many traditions happen in December, this article is meant to help you pick out just a few Christmas-related activities to do near you this December. All over Skagit County, there are tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas plays, and more going on. Make sure to look into your cities events list to find a complete list of the events.
In December, the Swinomish Channel will be aglow with the lights from decorated boats! The La Conner Boat parade happens every year and is a community favorite. Boats from the marina decorated with Christmas lights, Santas, music, and more drive through the channel at night!
Everyone lines the La Conner Channel Walkway and settles in with hot cocoa. Christmas music plays to get ready for the parade of boats to move down the channel and under the rainbow bridge before turning around and coming back through. Many of the boats are themed for their owner’s favorite Christmas movies. Some people even get creative with costumes to match their boats.
There are quite a few spectacular neighbors with amazing Christmas lights in Skagit County. In Burlington, Nearly L.U. School, there is a very well known neighborhood, well known for its Christmas lights that is. Every year homestead Drive gets into the Christmas spirit. Every Single house puts lights up, and many houses add festive music, blow-up characters, or other fun additions to their yard. Many people add lights to the trees that line the neighborhood, and the neighborhood votes on the best lights every year.
In 2019, the neighborhood decided to take its Christmas celebration up a notch and have a winter block party complete with a sleigh and a real-life reindeer. The reindeer stayed for a few hours while children waited to take their pictures with it. There was Christmas music and hot cocoa, and because the event was posted on the news, people from all over the valley turned out to join in. On any given year during December, there is often a steady stream of cars making their way through the neighborhood to check out the lights once it’s dark out.
Most cities and towns in Skagit Valley do some type of Christmas celebration each year, but Mt. Vernon also offers a Christmas Parade. In early December, Mt. Vernon hosts a parade followed by a tree lighting event in Downtown Mt. Vernon. The parade usually starts at 5 pm and travels down the main street before the Tree lighting ceremony happens at Pine Park. This is a very fun community even, and the parade is filled with Christmas lights and people dressed as Santa.
Another key part of every Christmas celebration is a Christmas tree! There are several Christmas tree farms in Skagit County and even more in the surrounding areas. But you won’t have to go far for a perfect tree as Mclean Christmas Trees on Mclean road in Mt. Vernon sells excellent Christmas trees. The Mclean Christmas Tree Farm is a 12-acre farm with a variety of Christmas trees. They have Fraser Firs, Nordman Firs, Blue and Green Spruce, Douglas Firs, and Pine Trees. They open on the weekend after Thanksgiving on a normal year and often sell out extremely quickly. On their website, they mention that they have been completely sold out of trees for several years by December 2nd or 3rd.
If you are excited about a traditional tree cutting experience with your family this Christmas, you may be interested in the National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. Every year, there are limited permits available to cut down Christmas Trees in the national forest. Christmas Tree permits are available for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie national forest. The permitting usually begins in early November and goes until Christmas. This is a unique opportunity to partake in an old Christmas tradition that is unavailable in many areas of the state and the county.
The Towns of Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, and several others also hold annual Christmas tree lighting events. The dates and regular occurrences of these events change from year to year and have been affected by the ongoing pandemic, but it is worthwhile to check out your town’s community page in the late fall to find out what activities are happening near you.
There is plenty of opportunities for Santa Pictures in Skagit County as well. At many of the tree lighting events and the Mt. Vernon parade, there are Santas that are ready to take pictures with young children. Every year, the Burlington Mall offers a Santa Display with a Santa that children can talk with and take pictures with.
The town of Concrete offers a holiday lane every year, and several other areas have drive-through Christmas light displays. There is a singing house in Sedro-Woolley that times its Christmas lights to a local radio station. The singing house is located at 4623 Blank Rd. off Prairie Rd. near Samish School, Sedro-Woolley (musical display 92.3 FM. There is also a singing house on HWY 20 West towards Anacortes that has a very festive light display that is also in tune with a radio station. Anacortes has a community light show in the middle of December every year.
In Skagit county, there is no shortage of light displays, decorations, and events that happen to celebrate the winter holidays! It is a festive time, and due to the limited daylight hours and colder weather, taking advantage of some of these holiday events can be a great way to stay entertained during December. Check back into the Clever Neighbor for more holiday events and activities year-round.
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.
The drive between Spokane and Seattle is usually just a little over 4 hours, but the drive is packed with vastly different kinds of scenery, as well as numerous worthwhile stops that will help break up your drive.
With over 1.5 million tourists flocking to the area each year, Snoqualmie Falls has become one of Washington’s most popular tourist attractions. The main attraction is the 270 foot tall waterfalls that are only a 10-minute detour from the I-90 freeway. Viewers can get great views of the majestic falls from two separate observation decks, check their website before you go to make sure the observation decks are open to tourists.
There are plenty of other attractions surrounding the falls, such as a gift shop, a 2-acre park, numerous trails, and even a candy factory & cafe. If you’re looking to try your luck you can go just down the road to the very popular Snoqualmie Casino where they have 54 game tables and over 1700 slot machines.
Leavenworth combines a fascinating history with entertainment and european flavor for a one of a kind experience in the inland northwest. An old logging town that ran into trouble in the 1930’s when the railway was rerouted out of town, town leaders of Leavenworth decided in 1960 that they needed to take action to save their beloved town from being deserted. They looked at the surrounding nature and came to the conclusion that it looked nearly identical to Bavaria, so they decided to makeover the town to fit it’s surroundings.
Since the makeover, this little town has become a top tourist destination and now attracts 1 million tourists every year. They host numerous festivals such as the Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest, and Christmas Lighting Festivals. If you aren’t passing through during one of these festivals there is still nearly endless of unique dining, activities, and amenities that blend northwest and bavarian cultures like nowhere else in the world.
Soap Lake is an unassuming but fascinating lake that is a must stop if you are into mineral baths and the healing power of nature. The lake isn’t just another body of water with some minerals in it, Soap Lake is known to have the most diverse mineral content of any body of water on earth. The lake was originally carved out from ancient floods, and after thousands of years of ground water leaching through nearby basalt cliffs, the lake is saturated with minerals such as sulfate, carbonate, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride. The lake is known to have a pH level at or close to 10.0. Another fascinating tidbit is that the lakes water is stratified into layers that don’t mix, and have never mixed throughout its history. Locals and visitors alike have claimed for centuries that the lake leaves their skin feeling soft and smooth, as well as relieving various aches and pains throughout the body.
When it comes to live music in the northwest United States, The Gorge Amphitheatre is difficult to top. Tucked into the banks of the Columbia River, this venue offers visitors a place to soak in some rays while listening to various genres of music. The real treat is watching the sun slowly drop down behind the stage and behind the Columbia River for one of the better sunsets you will ever see.
It’s hard not to be blown away by the Cascade Mountains, especially if you’re traveling west from Spokane where the landscape is relatively barren and flat. Seeing them is one thing, but hiking into the mountains is a whole nother experience. Whether you want to stop for a quick hike to stretch the legs or go on a full-day hike, there is something for everyone. You can find an extensive list of trails here, but some of our top recommendations include, Annette Lake Trail, Talapus Lake Trail, and Margaret Lake Trail.
Looking for more exciting things to do on your trip to Washington, check out our website for other great suggestions!
Saurabh Chatterjee, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The PNW is home to an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Northwest Washington is home to Skagit County, which is the perfect spot to find fun activities for the whole family this summer. Located in between Seattle, Washington, and the Canadian border, Skagit county touches the Puget Sound and reaches all the way into the North Cascades. With endless room to explore, traveling Skagit county will provide you with excellent indoor and outdoor activities to keep any adventure entertained for a long weekend or maybe a few weeks if you have the time.
Skagit County is expansive! So we have broken down this guide to adventure into three separate parts to help keep your travels organized. Activities to do near the water (the West third of the county), the Valley (the middle third of the county), and the foothills (the Eastside of the county).
Skagit County spans through Anacortes and into the Puget Sound, encompassing Guemes Island and Samish Island. This area is ideal for kayaking, boating and fishing, and biking! If you are looking for activities to do on the water, consider getting out in a kayak. There are plenty of rental areas in both La Conner and Anacortes. If you head into La Conner, launch from town and head southwest through the channel. Look for the hole in the wall, and you can paddle through and head into the Skagit Bay. Be prepared to see seals, porpoises, Eagles, and maybe whales, if you are lucky.
If you want to try your hand at Island life, head to Anacortes and take the ferry to Guemes Island. This tiny ferry will take you on a quick trip across the Guemes Channel over to the island. Guemes is a popular spot to bike. You can circumnavigate the island with views of Samish Bay, Bellingham Channel, the North Cascades, and Mt. Baker on a clear day. The whole island takes just a few hours to bike around, and there are even a few hiking trails that you can stop at on your path.
A must-see stop is Deception Pass Bridge south of Anacortes. Rosario beach on the northside of the bridge is an excellent spot for a hike or kayaking trip. If you are feeling brave, walk across the bridge for a great view of the Puget sound from the center point. If you are looking for more incredible views of the Sound, consider hiking on MT. Erie. The trails will take you to a high vantage point to see amazing views of Anacortes, Lopez Island, and the ferry crossings.
The perfect place for a sunset picnic near the water is at Washington Park. With picnic tables that line the shore, you will be able to enjoy the sun and the saltwater all in one place. During the summer, this location is busy, so make sure to get here early to grab a table. Watch the Ferries pass to and from the islands, walk the trails or cruise the beach for shells. Washington Park is an excellent stop for all ages and a way to see great water views without having to hike. There is a road that takes you all the way through the park to a viewpoint at the top, so make sure not to miss it on your drive out!
The quaint town of La Conner is not just the perfect place to launch a kayak from. There is a number of great shops to wander through and merchants to talk to. If you head down to the main street, find a parking spot and plan on spending at least a few hours checking out all these shops. Like a farmers market, you’ll want to check out all the offerings and walk down both sides of the sidewalk. If you get hungry during your shopping, pop into one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or head into the Calico Cupboard at the end of the street for a Coffee or a dizzying array of baked goods to choose from.
What is commonly referred to as the Skagit Valley is an excellent place for great food, biking, views, and fun. This section spans from Conway to Alger. Starting in Conway, consider heading the Skagit Wildlife Area-Wiley Slough. This area is a bird watcher’s favorite spot! Eagles, Heron, and more are all common sites in this area. You can take a bike ride on the Skagit River Dike to get here, or you can park your right at the wildlife area and walk the short trail out to the water. This area is high in ecological diversity. Take your wildlife ID books with you!
Food, drinks and more biking. Edison and the Bow, Wa area is a quieter area of the Skagit Valley, home to far lands and sloughs. Edison has a few excellent restaurants that come with great views. Check out Slough foods, where you can eat with a view of the slough and the wetlands beyond. Right next door, be sure to stop into the Bread Farm for fresh bread, cookies, and other baked goods. This entire area is excellent for biking, and if you head west from Edison, you can bike onto Samish Island.
Be sure to drive through the farm fields between Bow and Burlington. In the summertime, stop by From the Farm to get fresh berries: strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and more accompanied by homemade shortcakes and local goodies. There is plenty of berry stands throughout the Valley. While From the Farm is dedicated to berries from the Skagit Valley, there is a fruit stand in the parking lot of Karl’s Paints & Supplies in Mt. Vernon that hosts peaches, cherries, and apples from Eastern Washington.
Suppose you are looking for a bit of indoor fun; head to Alger, just off I5 to the Skagit Valley Casino. Complete with a hotel, several restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to gamble, the Skagit Valley Casino is an excellent place for some adult fun. This large Casino is the biggest north of Marysville, Washington, which is about an hour south.
In downtown Mt. Vernon on Saturday mornings, you will find the Mt. Vernon farmers market. Right along the Skagit river, vendors from all over the county set up on the embankment to sell food, trinkets, and local gear. If you are looking to support local vendors and buy a few souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Skagit county, this is the perfect stop. After you finish wandering through the farmer’s market, there are a variety of breweries and restaurants to walk to. There are also a few excellent shops to wander through on the main street.
If you are ready to hike the North Cascades, the Sauk Mountain Trail might be the perfect fit for you. This 4.2-mile-long trail takes you up switchbacks to the top of Sauk Mountain. During the summertime, you can see wildflowers, marmots, chipmunks, and butterflies. This trail gains 1200 feet and reaches a high point elevation of 5500, giving you great views of the rest of the North Cascades mountain range. At the top, there is often snow, so be careful if you want to venture farther than the viewpoint at the top. Bring a lunch and a cold beverage because you will want to spend a while sitting at the top, enjoying the views. This trail sits along highway 20, headed east into the foothills of the Cascades.
The Skagit River runs across the entirety of Skagit County. The river itself begins in southwest British Columbia in Canada and ends by flowing into the Puget Sound. The river is roughly 150 miles long. The Skagit River is the only river in the United States that is home to all five species of salmon. If you are a fishing enthusiast, then look no further. There are plenty of great areas to fish on the river.
If you want to venture just outside of Skagit County, you can follow the river up highway 20 to Diablo Lake, which is a reservoir created by the Diablo dam. The water here is often a picture-perfect blue, and there are plenty of viewpoints along highway 20 to take in the views. The Skagit river also supports one of the largest populations of Bald Eagles in the United States. No matter where you are on the river, you are bound to find lots of fish, birds, and views.
Just outside of Concrete, Wa, you will find Baker Lake.
Baker Lake is a massive lake situated just inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Park. Home to hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and swimming areas, Baker lake is the perfect summer stop. With stunning views of Mt. Baker and plenty of coves and beaches to explore, it is a favorite place for many people from Skagit County. If you are looking to stay, there are plenty of campgrounds on the lake.
Make sure to take a trip over the dam while you are here! It is definitely worth the drive. Bake lake has a few different swimming areas and public parks that often fill up during the summer months so make sure to grab a parking spot early in the day. If you are looking for a hike, there is a trail on the south side of the lake with incredible views of the mountains and even a few spots to jump in and swim.
If you are driving up HWY over the North Cascades, make sure to stop in Newhalem. This tiny town is the last town on the west side of the mountains and is a great pit stop on your way to Eastern Washington. The family favorite of this iconic stop is the retired train right on the side of the HWY. This historic train is often a playground for young children and their families. Make sure to take a turn ringing the bell attached to the front. If you need a place to stretch your legs, there are a few walking trails and even a campground in this tiny town.
At the very eastern edge of Skagit County, in the Northern Cascades off highway 20, you can find the Blue Lake trailhead. This trial is a hot spot for day hikers because of its beautiful views. This four-mile roundtrip hike is perfect for almost any ability hiker, and the payoff is huge. The lake is crystal clear during the summertime, and if it’s hot enough outside, you can even take a dip. During the summer, the snow will melt off, and the trail is clear and easy to navigate. If you make the trek during the summer, make sure to come back in the fall to see the Larches!
While many tourists are in Washington to visit Seattle, the Skagit County is a must-see stop just an hour north of the city. With places to play for both ocean and mountain lovers, there is something for everyone. If you are ready to hike, fish, boat, bike, and play in the Sound, you have to make a trip to Skagit County this summer. There is a plethora of tiny towns, ecological diversity, and stunning views. From the Islands all the way into the cascades, the Skagit Valley may be one of the most diverse counties in the PNW. If you are looking for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, or you are visiting from another part of the country, make sure to start planning all your stops in Skagit county today!
If you plan to visit Skagit County this summer, these summer activities mentioned above should be on your list! Never underestimate Skagit County as this outdoor playground has lots to offer, and it will only make you fall in love with the PNW even more. To learn more about Skagit County, visit https://cleverneighbor.com/
A summertime trip to Seattle is just what you need this year to make the most of the warm sunny weather. Summer is one of the best times to explore Seattle as you don’t have to worry about layering yourself and restricting yourself from taking part in activities due to the extreme cold. This urban center has more in store for you than you know. From sightseeing and exploring famous eateries to embracing Seattle’s nature spots, there’s a lot to do. To give you some inspiration as to how you can spend your summer, here are the top 10 fun things you can do this summer in Seattle.
Starting your summer morning at the historic Pike Place Market is the way to go with it if you’re a fan of sampling different kinds of fish, and of course, the famous lavender shortbread. The Pike Place Market is one of the most cultural and touristy landmarks in Seattle, where you can find some of the best local seafood. You also get a chance to capture some cool clicks of famous fishmongers who throw fish at people who pass by. You might want to visit the place on an empty stomach and sample your way to a tummy full of delicious treats.
Instead of exploring on land, you can now enjoy your summer on the sea by taking a ride on the ferry. It’s not every day that you get a chance to ride a ferry and take in Seattle’s beautiful view. The ferry is a stable means of transportation in the Pacific Northwest. This way, you can witness Settle’s fantastic sights and adore the famous blue skyline. You can even get off on different spots to grab a bite and then hop back in.
What’s the one thing that all tourists want to try out in Seattle? Visiting the Waterfront, of course! There are a lot of fun things you can do here, like taking a ride on the 175 feet tall Seattle Great Wheel, dining at Anthony’s Pier 66m, stopping by the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop and visiting some mummies, and plenty of other fun things. You can even wander around the area and take in the different sights and smells. It’s the perfect place to visit in the evening and will add a memorable aspect to your summer this year.
The perfect summer night is when you have a BBQ with your loved ones at a nice comfy spot like the Carkeek Park beach in Seattle. This site is a perfect place to spend time with family and friends and engage them in other activities as well. Besides the beach, there’s a lot more to explore at Carkeek Park, such as the forest, wetlands, and meadows. You can also go for a hike and swim with your little ones at the beach. This is a safe and fun place for family and friends, and you definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on a chance to spend a lovely summer day here.
If you want to try out something unique and fun this summer, a trip to Union Bay in a boat or canoe will quench your thirst for adventure. There’s a lot you will witness while boating your way through Union Bay, such as great blue heron, bald eagles, lily pads, and lots more. You will also get a chance to boat under the 520 that passes by marshland. You’ll never forget what it feels like to boat under the bridge. Make sure to rent a boat, canoe, or kayak for an hour and explore the natural aesthetic of Union Bay with your favorite person!
Get the best of on-water touring by paddling along the Puget Sound. Paddling is a fun sport and gets even better when you get to discover new sights in Seattle, along with the creative houseboats lined up on the coastline. You will get to do all of this on a stand-up paddleboat, which makes for an awesome experience. After all, who would miss out on riding a stand-up paddleboard? That’s right, no one! So why not experience this unique sport this summer in Seattle?
Relive your soccer team days and add a unique touch to it by playing bubble soccer. This innovative game is a unique take on the traditional as you’re literally encased in a beach ball that makes you bump into each other. It’s a fun way to spend time with your friends and families and has a competitive game to start the summers on a good note.
Visit the aerial adventure park in Woodinville for this summer’s dose of thrill and excitement. From traversing ropes through the tea tops to visiting local wineries, there is a lot to do here. This park welcomes all kids and adults, but don’t be fooled: this is where you will find yourself doing things you never imagined you would do. You will have to make advance bookings as this place is in high demand.
Need more ideas? Check out the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park on the outskirts of Seattle. You will fall in love with the systematic Coal creek trail and the seasonal coal creek waterfalls. This is the perfect thing for you to do this summer if you want to find your way with nature again.
If you’re an art lover, you will definitely fall in love with the Seattle art museum’s Olympic sculpture park. This is located at a public park where you will come across some amazing sculptures and also get a mesmerizing view of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
If you plan to visit Seattle this summer or are already living there, these summer activities mentioned above should be on your list! Never underestimate Seattle as this urban center has lots to offer, and it will only make you fall in love with the city even more. To learn more about Seattle, visit https://seattle.cleverneighbor.com/
Ocean Shores is well-known for their beaches and network of lakes and lovely waterways.
Though the city is surrounded by water, there is more to do than just water based activities. There’s a ton do this fall. Read on for our list of Ocean Shores activities to enjoy this fall.
There are many local events to enjoy in Ocean Shores.
The Whale of a Quilt Show is a free event in mid-September at the Convention Center. You’ll be dazzled by the handmade quilts by the Sea-Pal Quilters of Ocean Shores. There is lots to see, do and sample with the various demonstrations, vendors and items for sale on site.
If you are a car enthusiast, don’t miss the Show N Shine at the Shores at Quinault Beach Resort & Casino. Enjoy fantastic cars and prizes, food and music. It’s sure to be a fun weekend. Check out these other 7 fun things at Quinault Casino.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the West Coast’s largest Irish music festival. The Celtic Music Feis takes place October 15 – October 21 on 10 different stages. Enjoy 30 bands and over 100 artists coming from all over the US, Canada, and Ireland.
This year is the 15th anniversary of this fest and is sure to be the best one yet.
Enjoy a nature walk surrounded by low, grassy dunes. Bring your dog and enjoy the beach or the river. This park is often secluded and so is a wonderful spot for solitude.
Enjoy a day by the river and the beach at the same time! At Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park you can enjoy 8,316 feet of Pacific Ocean saltwater shores as well as 9,950 feet of freshwater shoreline on the edge of the Copalis River.
The famous shark in Ocean Shores lives at Sharky’s! Bring your gang to take a picture inside the jaws of a giant shark head. It’s a classic photo op that’s as much fun to take as it is to look at.
Sharky’s shop features shark versions of everything for youngsters such as books, DVDs, shirts and stuffies. They also offer a selection of beachwear for adults.
Now that the weather is getting chilly, enjoy an aromatic coffee at Ocean Beach Roasters & Bistro. Pair it with a freshly baked pastry or take a look at the breakfast or dinner menu.
Besides roasting coffee, this hot spot has a selection of wines and beers on tap. You can choose to sit on the outdoor patio or in the dining area inside.
Call to see about special events such as wine tasting and food pairing nights. There’s also live music each month.
If you want to grab a few souvenirs during your stay in Ocean Shores, you can head over to Cloud Nine.
There’s a selection of trinkets you can bring home to family and friends as well as some wearable apparel such as sweaters that say Ocean Shores.
Check out Fusion Gallery and feast your eyes on a variety of eclectic art by local artists.
There are a host of original works of art and one of a kind greeting cards. Pottery, ceramics, photography and beautiful jewelry is also on display.
No matter what kind of art you enjoy, visit Fusion Gallery in Ocean Shores. It’s unassuming from the outside but is packed with treasures inside.
Knowledgeable staff can give you information on the artists and their work. You won’t regret stopping by.
The Gallery of Ocean Shores is a an exhibition space for the North Beach Artists Guild. The guild works to educate and enrich the community of Ocean Shores with artwork. Stop in to learn a bit about the local art scene and support their efforts!
When it’s cold outside, find shelter and warmth in one of the many local restaurants that Ocean Shores offers.
Galway Bay Irish Pub may be the perfect match for a fall day along the Washington Coast! Their varied selection of beer, whiskey and cigars along with a full menu of traditional Irish food will have you considering a move to the peninsula.
Looking for some pizza? Dugan’s has been preparing pizza for the people of Ocean Shores for decades.
Have a hankering for some spice? Head over to Las Maracas for some steaming-hot Mexican fare. Reviews reveal that locals love the generous portions and the varied menu.
make sure to subscribe or check back as we review other restaurants in and around Ocean Shores!
Enjoy a drive at sunset and take in the colorful leaves.
Fall is the perfect time to go horseback riding on or off the beach. Host a bonfire on the beach with your closest friends. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
Explore Ocean Shores from the water by hiring a boat from Ocean Shore Boat House.
Rent a Duffy Electric Boat, kayak or stand-up-paddle-boat. Also available are Hobie eclipse pedalboards and hydrobikes. Any of these will allow you to tour the 23 miles of the Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways.
Ocean Shores boasts some of the best kayaking, canoeing, boating and SUP experiences in Grays Harbor. Rookie paddlers will love the calm canals that are protected from the coastal winds.
See the many vacation and retirement homes along with wildlife as you paddle the canal.
There’s too much to do in one day. So talk to the staff at the Boat House to help you plan a route that is customized to how much time you have.
The playtime family fun has something for everyone. From virtual reality to bumper cars and go-karts. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the day here.
Enjoy ice cream, mini donuts or a soft pretzel at the peppermint parlor located right inside the Playtime Family Fun.
Another excellent outing for the whole family is Pacific Paradise. It features the largest mini-golf course on the Washington coast.
There are also bumper boats to enjoy. Inside you’ll find a 5000 square-foot arcade featuring a variety of classic and modern arcade games.
Visiting from out of town? Check out our list of hotels in Ocean Shores.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Home Port restaurant. Here, you can enjoy succulent razor clams all year long! On the weekends, this restaurant offers prime rib.
Home Port is a local hot-spot for watching the game, having a drink and enjoying a Sunday morning breakfast. Their lounge may take you back in time with it’s wood paneling and sunken bar.
There are so many Ocean Shores activities to try. We hope this list has given you some ideas to make the most of fall this year.
Make sure to check out our website frequently for local resources, and more Ocean Shores things to do.
Did you have an uneventful summer? You may have procrastinated planning all those camping trips and beach getaways, and now summer is almost over!
But, don’t worry! You can redeem yourself this fall. If you don’t already live in the Pacific Northwest, consider taking a trip up this way to enjoy the gorgeous autumn weather.
There are so many things to do around Seattle, that your days will be booked. But don’t forget to make time for some of the fall festivals – you won’t regret it.
But with so many to choose from, how can you decide which ones to attend? Keep reading to discover the 9 best fall festivals that can’t be missed.
Do you have any plans for this Labor Day weekend? You do now! Every year, the Bumbershoot Music Festival takes over Seattle. As one of the best fall festivals in Washington State since 1971, you need to check it out.
Bumbershoot isn’t your average music festival – it’s more of a celebration of the arts. Any type of art form, including dance, theatre, music, comedy, and visual arts will be showcased. You can expect to see some big-name artists perform this year, including Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers, Ludacris, and J. Cole.
Are you planning to be in the Pacific Northwest in September, but haven’t picked a date yet? That’s okay – the Washington State Fair runs for 20 glorious days from August 31st until September 23rd (although it is closed on Tuesdays).
This is one of the best Washington fall festivals as there are so many different things to do and see. Kids will love the Discover the Dinosaurs exhibit and the Fair Farm Petting Zoo, while adults will get a kick out of the Cirque Ma’Ceo Equestrian Stunt Show and the Home Arts Cooking and Crafts Demonstrations. There are tons of food and activities to keep the whole family busy.
What’s your favorite part of fall? Is it all the festive foods? Then, you’re in for a real treat.
Head to Seattle in fall for the annual Cider Summit on September 7th and 8th. Of course, the main draw is sampling artisanal ciders. Once you’ve tried the cider here, you’ll never want boring old grocery store cider again!
But, there’s more to this festival then delicious cider. You’ll also get to try some amazing food and listen to live music!
Is there no limit to the amount of pizza you can eat? Are you ready to put that to the test?
The San Gennaro Festival of Seattle is one of the best ways to spend fall in Washington State. This Italian street fair has everything from your favorite Italian foods to live Italian music. You can eat your heart out, enjoy some music, and learn a little bit about the Italian culture if you find yourself in Seattle from September 7th to September 9th.
Of course, the Italians aren’t the only one partying this fall. The St. Demetrios Greek Festival has been one of the best fall festivals in Washington State since it began in 1960.
Indulge in some of your favorite Greek food, including traditional baklava and lamb. Listen to live Greek music and watch award-winning Greek dancers perform as you enjoy your weekend (September 14th through September 16th). Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Greek wine tasting too!
Hmm, are you seeing a theme form? The Artisan Cheese Festival is yet another amazing fall festival that circulates around food.
You’ll get to learn about and taste artisan cheese made from local cheesemakers while you pair it with some wine. But it’s not just the cheese you’ll enjoy – there will be other artisan food and beverage stands here so you can pair your amazing cheese with as many things as possible. Just be sure to leave your kids at home for this festival on September 15th – nobody under 21 years old will be admitted.
September 15th is a big day in Seattle – both the Artisan Cheesemakers Festival and the Fishermen’s Fall Festival take place on this day. If you opt for the Fishermen’s Fall Festival, you’ll get to spend your day learning about fishing.
This one of the most unique family-friendly fall festivals. Kids love the fishing-themed crafts and meeting all the fun animals The Reptile Man brings with him. Of course, you’ll get to indulge in some amazing seafood, and know that proceeds from the activities support the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Foundation.
Have you always dreamed of celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany? Well, we can’t help you get there, but we can offer you the next best thing – the Freemont Oktoberfest.
Between September 21st and September 23rd, this neighborhood in Seattle comes to life with live music and beer steins filled to the brim. If you hate leaving your dog at home, take them with you on Sunday for a festive Dogtoberfest!
Of course, no list of fall festivals would be complete without something Halloween-themed. The Zoo Boo occurs October 13th and 14th at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. It’s a great way to let your kids enjoy the zoo with a unique twist.
Halloween decorations and jack-o-lanterns adorn the zoo, and everyone enjoys the day in a costume. Plus, there are some adorable Halloween themed activities, like pumpkin bowling, and candy everywhere. Don’t forget to stop at one of the best Tacoma restaurants for dinner after the zoo.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the next few months, hit up the Pacific Northwest. Washington is home to some of the best fall festivals that will get you excited for autumn. Just follow our list of the best fall festivals in Washington State to make sure you hit the best ones.
Did you like this list? Check out our blog to learn more about what’s going on in Seattle and the surrounding cities.