With the holiday season upon us, it can mean a dazzling, non-stop whirl of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and a whole lot of socializing. For those of us choosing a sober or 'sober-curious' path, navigating these times can feel like a mixed bag of emotions.

My hike began benignly, with a boardwalk leading over a wide, tumbling section of Placer Creek. The trail, designed by historian Dick Carron, gently meandered through tall spruce and fir trees. The AllTrails description listed it as a moderate, four-mile hike with a 744-foot elevation gain, and the simple description foretold a change in the story. I was here, in Wallace, Idaho, a town built on the bones of a mining boom and anchored in the story of a man I had only ever met in a book: "Big Ed" Pulaski. The trail ahead, they say, is the same path he and his fire crew fled down, a desperate race to escape the most catastrophic forest fire in American history, an inferno that earned the name, The Big Burn. More…

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We could spend 'Eight Days a Week' at The Edgewater's famed Beatles Suite

A Day on the Spice Trail

From Skagit soil to slice, your wheat bread may be more local than you think

Being vegan certainly has its foodie challenges and trying to find a vegan friendly menu in Anacortes can be a real search—until you head to Cosmic Veggies.

Sunflowers are said to represent happiness, vitality, and strength. They're also just pretty to look at.

Tofino, British Columbia is a small beach town nestled on Vancouver Island's untamed western edge, where highway meets the Pacific, where ancient rainforests meet the rugged, dramatic coastline.

Nestled along the Skagit River midway between Seattle and the Canadian border, Mount Vernon is your perfect starting point for a Skagit Valley adventure. Globally known for its breathtaking spring tulip fields and rich agricultural heritage, Mount Vernon offers plenty of things to do, from hiking and biking to beer tasting and antiquing. Use this guide to discover what to see, where to eat, and more.

Crafting the perfect foodie escape is effortless with a trip around the Olympic Culinary Loop. This itinerary covers the loop’s four regions and can be done in four days or longer for a more leisurely pace. Whether sipping artisan ciders, sampling seasonal harvests, or dining on the region’s celebrated seafood, each region along this route has something to offer.

Did you know Wallace, Idaho is the center of the universe? At least, according to Prime Minister Rick Shaffer. And yes, he holds the title of Prime Minister, the only one in the U.S., and he lives in Wallace.

It is said that the best way to experience a region is through its food. Think of a lovely puttanesca reminiscent of Naples or a simmering paella that tastes like Spain. The same is true closer to home, specifically Skagit County, where bountiful food and agriculture can bring you closer to this valley. Dig into these local crops and have them delivered to your home through Skagit's variety of CSAs.

Trade highway traffic for a laid-back train journey for the chance to truly soak in the scenery during your Washington State travels. Train rides in Washington are the perfect car-free travel experience, taking you past snow-capped mountains and along pristine coastlines. Three primary Amtrak routes crisscross the state—the north-south Amtrak Cascades and Coast Starlight and the east-west Empire Builder—connecting major cities, charming towns, and stunning natural landscapes.

Trade the fast-paced Seattle scene for Victorian charm and whisk away to wellness in British Columbia's capital city on the coast.

Escape the city's hustle and embrace the wild beauty of Washington's coast this winter. Trade traffic jams for crashing waves, deadlines for dramatic skies, and discover a unique winter pastime—storm watching. It's a chance to witness nature's raw power, a thrilling spectacle of wind and sea, and a welcome respite from the everyday frenzy. A coastal getaway offers a moment to pause, breathe, and connect with the untamed spirit of the Pacific.

Whether you are a novice or a lifelong birder, a morning walk along the Skagit Wildlife Preserve lends itself to some stellar bird watching. From shorebirds to falcons, ducks to herons, the banks of this wetland area are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including flocks of migrating fowl, calling this valley home for the winter.