Category Archive: United States

Road Tripping: The Most Scenic Drives in Washington State

There’s nothing quite like a road trip through Washington State. From the lush Pacific Northwest landscapes to towering mountains and breathtaking sea fronts, hitting the highways and byways of this region just feels good for the soul. Maybe that’s why so many people find themselves hitting the road when the Pacific Northwest weather turns nice. There’s so much to discover that you might not even know where to begin. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to find something for your road tripping mood – Washington is pretty magical. Need some inspiration? Here’s a shortlist of some of the most picturesque routes in the Evergreen State. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway It’s hard to get more iconic than the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. Stretching 350 miles and outlining the entire Olympic Peninsula, you’ll have impressive views of the ocean and beaches […]

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King Cake: Louisiana Mardi Gras Tradition

The King Cake, a beloved staple of Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana, has a history as colorful and vibrant as its sugary exterior. This sweet treat, deeply rooted in European traditions, has evolved into a symbol of Louisiana’s cultural heritage and festive spirit. Origins and History of the King Cake The King Cake tradition can be traced back to European celebrations of Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day or Twelfth Night. This Christian holiday, observed on January 6th, commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. In medieval Europe, elaborate feasts were held on this day, featuring a special cake that contained a bean or coin. Epiphany was widely celebrated in Europe, and French settlers brought this tradition to Louisiana in the 18th century.  Over time, the King Cake became intertwined with the Louisiana’s Mardi […]

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Visit Washington State National Parks

When you visit Washington State’s National Parks, you’ll find everything from beautiful views, a variety of landscapes, magnificent wildlife, and interesting historical sites. The state has numerous parks to visit, including national parks, national historical reserves, and national historical parks, giving visitors a choice when it comes to what they can see or do when traveling around Washington State.

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Hit the Slopes: 20 Slopes for Skiing in Washington State

Washington State offers winter enthusiasts a snowy paradise with its diverse and picturesque ski destinations. From the towering peaks of the Cascade Range to the serene beauty of the Olympic Mountains, both sides of  Washington offer a wealth of ski resorts that cater to both seasoned adventurers and those seeking a more casual winter wonderland escape.

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Seattle: 12 Things to Do in Pioneer Square

The Seattle summer is in full swing. Sports, outdoor events, parades, and lots of visitors and locals taking advantage of the sunny weather. Combine a sunny day with art, culture, and history with a day in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. On a weekday Pioneer Square is full of people in suits, the King County Courthouse and numerous office buildings are close by. On weekends, you’ll find a mix of workers, shoppers, tourists, and a few men and women who, unfortunately, call the park benches home.   The Pioneer Square historic neighborhood is a great place to discover Seattle’s early history, wander through the shops and art galleries, or grab a table at a restaurant or café.  For sports fans, T-Mobile Park (Mariners MLB baseball) and Lumen Field (Seahawks NFL football and Seattle Sounders FC soccer/football) stadiums are a short walk away.  […]

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Washington Wine Tasting: Darby Winery, West Seattle

Darby Winery in West Seattle is a great urban spot for wine lovers. Located in the West Seattle junction, it’s an easy walk to much of the neighborhood, and if you’re coming from further away, the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge makes it an easy drive. The Darby Story The winery started in 2002 when Darby English, the founder, and head winemaker, began making wine in his basement. His goal was to make the best wine in the state using the best products and winemaking techniques.  Three years later, he started producing wine for commercial sale. With less than 400 cases total, about half Syrah and half Viognier/Roussanne, the supply sold out extremely fast.  One year later, Darby tripled his wine production to 1,200 cases in one year and opened a tasting room. Locals loved his wine then, and […]

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Washington State Wine: Tasting at Dusted Valley Winery

Dusted Valley uses sustainable farming practices to create wines they want to drink. As part of the commitment to sustainable practices, it was the first Washington winery to use screwcap closures on all its wines. Wine tasting at Dusted Valley is easy – whether at the winery in Walla Walla, or the tasting rooms in Edmonds and Woodinville – there are many opportunities to try Dusted Valley wines. The Dusted Valley Story Dusted Valley Winery started out as a common dream shared by the Braunel and Johnson families. Both families had relocated to Walla Walla from Wisconsin and discovered a passion for making wine. In 2003, this dream became a reality, and the two families began Dusted Valley project in the southern outskirts of Walla Walla, Washington. Located in Walla Walla’s Southside wine district, Dusted Valley has a commitment to […]

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Learn All About Washington State AVAs (Wine Regions)

Washington State wine is sold in all 50 US states as well as in over 40 countries around the world. Chances are, you’ve seen a Washington wine on a wine list pretty much anywhere you’ve traveled. Learn all about the Washington wine industry and the Washington State AVAs (wine regions) that produce these delicious and award-winning wines. Washington is the second-largest wine region in the United States, trailing California. (Oregon comes in third.) The climate creates a near-perfect environment for the acres of vines growing grapes for both red wine and white wine. Washington wines are solid performers at wine competitions, flashing their signature crisp acidity and fruit-forward flavors that win accolades in reputable wine competitions. Additionally, Washington is home to forward-thinking, sustainability-conscious vineyards and wineries. So let’s dig in and learn more about the Washington State AVAs . What are […]

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