Washington

Pros: beautiful cities, wilderness and wildlife
Cons: rain..

An Earthquake in Seattle! When I heard this news last night, I was in the middle of writing my first draft for a review about one of our favorite vacations and destinations in the United States, Washington State and the majestic beauty...

Pros: Great scenic destinations! A nature lovers paradise.
Cons: Well, it is home to Starbucks.

Growing up in Oregon with a family who did a lot of outdoor activities I got to see my fair share of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, including neighboring Washington. I came to love our neighbor to the north and its great scenic beauty. Needless to say, ...

Pros: Diverse topography, close to shore and Pike's Market
Cons: Too far away!

I used to call Washington State home a few years back. I worked at a mental hospital, then called O ...

Pros: Breathtaking scenery, mild climate, wonderful sense of community
Cons: The fact that it cannot be our permanent home

Everyone has his or her own definition of “home” and “hometown.” Some people like to use the old adages of “home is where the heart is” or “home is where you hang your hat.” I have to lean towards the former with my definition of hometown.

I...

Pros: Surprising collection of murals in a remote location
Cons: Little known beyond the immediate area

Himself and I literally stumbled over the small town of Toppenish in 1996 during a visit to the Pacific Northwest. We weren't looking for it; we didn't even know it was there. We were traveling in the wilds of south-central Washington State after a...

Pros: Small town, safe, little traffic, great outdoor opportunities, Ellensburg Rodeo
Cons: Very limited shopping, restaurants, and ethnic diversity, too much wind

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

My first impression of this little rural town in central Washington was not very positive when I arrived for a job interview 11 years ago. I was coming from the rugged beauty of Bend,...

Pros: A wonderful collection of memorabilia from past wars and conflicts, Admission is free
Cons: Limited operating hours

With the majesty of Mt Rainier in the background and looming pine trees as far as the eye can see, there is a place where you can take a step back in military history – the Ft. Lewis Military Museum.

In order to visit the museum, visitors must...

Pros: Stability, safety
Cons: A little bit of a yawner

Olympia

Olympia. State capital of Washington. Birthplace of…birthplace of…birthplace of…well, nothing really major, to be honest. Still, it's a little town that just keeps on trying to inject a little vibrancy into its culture.

If...

Pros: Fun for the whole family
Cons: Only open for 2 months

North of Seattle about 55 miles , just off of Interstate 5 a few miles south of Mount Vernon, is a corn maze.
I believe this is the second year these folks have done this and believe me, they really outdid themselves this year.

They've...

Pros: Very inexpensive fun for the whole family if you set a betting limit
Cons: Darn those losing horses!

The recent Sea Biscuit movie craze got our teen age son and his girlfriend interested in horse racin ...

Pros: Delicious meals served fast and friendly
Cons: family run - closed whenever the feeling strikes

Here's a theory for you. I imagine there is a limited amount of luck to be had on this planet, and we're all entitled to an equal share. Some of us might get lucky in spectacular fashion, such as winning our state's lottery or being discovered in a...

Pros: Magnificent Scenery
Cons: Closed in winter

Most of my life, I’ve traveled the world. My friends envy me for the exotic places I’ve seen. They’re jealous of my travel. They don’t believe me when I tell them that a steady diet of airline food is shortening my life. Though I’ve streamlined the...

Pros: Incredible views, atmosphere, activities, and people
Cons: If you have an aversion to tie-dyed granola munchers, best stay away

There are going to be many people that will be very angry with me for spilling the beans on what has been a "best kept secret" for years and years, and I've been reluctant to write reviews of my favorite places for fear of having them spoiled...

Pros: Stunning scenery, Great camping, Fishing, and Swimming
Cons: Cold in the winter

The place: Glacier Missoula Lake, an enormous body of water covering three thousand square miles of northwest Montana (half the volume of Lake Michigan). Locked behind a massive dam of glacial ice, the lake has been building for centuries and the water...

Pros: everything!
Cons: ouch! my head! damn! my wallet!

What can I say about Ellensburg, WA? Drive one hour east of Seattle (through the Cascade Mountains) and you would think we were on another planet. The town's main industry is the Thorp Farmers' Market, Central Washington University (accreditation...