Vancouver BC
What a great place--every bit as wonderful as Seattle and the Canadian exchange rate makes it affordable. We think Canadians are some of the friendliest people around and the mix of cultures makes this city truly cosmopolitan--yet there is still an air of the Northwest pioneer. This is a city you should stay in for a week to enjoy it well. There are great small cities around it with rail transport in , a fantastic ferry system, and--well, one of these days I'll expand on this.

Victoria
If you've always wanted to go to England but can't afford the trip or theme away, Victoria is a good substitute. You can take a ferry or the Victoria Clipper and do this city in a day--a very long day But you will miss a lot. Vancouver island is another destination that is truly worth a vacation week of its own. But for day tripper, there's Butchart Gardens, high tea at the Empress, the gardens at the old military academy, and Parliament.

Yakima Wine Country
If you're looking for something different, here is a quick trip to the "dry side" of the state. About a three hour drive will get you into the hot interior of Washington. Apples, wheat, hops, and grapes flourish here. There are lots of wineries and microbreweries, small towns, great antiquing, and friendly farm folk, not to mention some of the best white water and fishing in the state.. This is where us wet side folks go in the early spring and late fall when our sun is gone and they are not sweltering or freezing.

San Juan Islands
One of Washington's treasures, a place of eagles and orcas and beautiful sunsets, the islands sometimes seem more difficult to get to than the moon. As tourism increases, the ferries get more crowded and a four to eight hour wait is not unheard of. One option is to go to Canada and visit their Gulf Islands which have more "civilized" service. If you really want to do the loop in one day, leave your car in Anacortes and walk-on. Otherwise find a great B&B and slow down to island time.  

Leavenworth/ North Cascades
Californians take note--this is the Solvang of the North--but set amidst snow capped peaks that do remind one of the alps. Bavarian chalet styled homes, inns, and stores could almost make you believe you are in Garmisch. In late summer the snow is usually gone but the crowds have arrived. Our favorite times to visit are Spring and Fall. It's four hours from here and unless you are shopping for Hummels, you can find scenery every bit as lovely much closer to Tacoma.

Spokane and Beyond
When I was a kid we visited relatives just west of Spokane almost every year. I hated it--it was August--hot, dusty wheat fields spread to the horizon. As an adult I have come to love that region--seeing a dozen wheat combines spread across a vast wheat field reminds me of the spirit and scope of the country--teamwork--and personal resourcefulness. Spokane and the Palouse deserve a trip of their own for those who appreciate farms, ranches, rodeos, marvelous fishing and hunting, and people who are the salt of the earth.