The small town of Index, Washington is just about 50 miles northeast of Seattle and packed with scenic beauty you only find here in the PNW. Escape from city life for a weekend getaway where time slows down and nature is right out your front door.

A wooded retreat is a place to relax and recharge your body, mind, and soul. An hour north of Seattle in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains lies a forest haven, the Index Cabins. These Pacific Northwest gems developed from a family retreat into a unique collection of six riverfront vacation rentals, including the rustic luxe Treeframe cabin. Here’s what you can expect during your stay.

Sister City: the concept instantly conjures up a sense of unity, and for good reason. Born from our innate desire for international cooperation and camaraderie, there are numerous reasons to forge sister-city relationships, including fostering cultural exchange, tourism, and global friendships.

Do you love tulips and need more of a flower fix? This article is for you! A road trip to the floral paradise of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia is an easy drive from Seattle and a spectacular visual adventure.

When I think about wellness or my work/life balance, a walk in nature might be my perfect prescription for the blues. Sometimes it's a rejuvenating full-body massage followed by a hot soak, or even staying in bed, curled up with a good book.

It's a misty morning in the PNW as the Amtrak Cascades train rolls into the station. The sound of its whistle is heard first, moments before the outline of the big engine is seen coming down the tracks to a full stop.

We're gathered with fellow travelers on the platform, our breath forming small cloud puffs as we exhale, rising to mix with the foggy air. There are no snaking security lines. Strangers greet each other with nods and smiles. A little chatter breaks up the calm. In fact, it seems the only thing missing (if you can call it that) is the stress so often linked to traveling.

We approach the waiting passenger cars, pulling up the e-tickets on our phones, as the assistant conductor greets us with, "Welcome aboard!"