Want to get out of the fast lane, slow down, and let nature nourish your soul?

Take the alternate route between Ellensburg and Yakima, in either direction, on the Yakima River Canyon Road. While the I-82 freeway climbs high over Manastash Ridge, (elevation 2672’) through a sagebrush “moonscape”, WA State Route 821 (SR 821) winds and meanders through the Yakima River Canyon. About 20 miles long, it follows the path of the river, lined with steep hills of basalt, red rocks, and a few trees, as well as the ever-present desert sagebrush.

The scenery is stark and dramatic in any season. Icy frost in winter may create a monochromatic crystal-white scene, and bald eagles come to feed in January and February. Spring sunshine sparkles in the waters of the Yakima River, as is it fills and flows with snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains. In late summer and fall, river rafters float through the Canyon, taking advantage of long daylight hours, and the coolness of the river, while big horn sheep roam the steep hillsides. A few twists and turns of the river are lined with trees of gold and brown in autumn, where anglers stand in waders, painting a quintessential scene of Yakima River Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing.

Join the Annual Yakima River Marathon sponsored by a local runners club. A few times a year, there are organized bicycle rides through the Canyon. The road is two lanes, and follows the contour of the river, sometimes at river level, and sometimes on hillsides above the river. The visual experience changes with the seasons and the light of the day. Bring your camera! Whatever form of transportation you choose – auto, bicycle, raft, or your own two feet – don’t miss this scenic road through the Yakima River Canyon. Perhaps eons from now, the Yakima River may have carved Washington’s version of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Time will tell.

The WBBG features the Orchard Inn, a Yakima Bed and Breakfast.

Walla Walla Bed and Breakfasts are within the Wine Country region of Washington. A spectacularly beautiful region, with rolling green hills of wheat, apple orchards, hops, the famous Walla Walla onions, and of course the vineyards of the region.

When planning a trip to the region, do not get stuck just on Walla Walla, although we have fabulous members with gorgeous Inns right in town, there are a few more in places you may not have heard of. The tiny town of Touchet may not be none outside of the county limits, but it is home to the grand mansion bed and breakfast of Cameo Heights. Set amongst vineyards and featuring amenities you would expect to find at the best of hotels.

On the way to Walla Walla there is also have the wine growing region of Yakima, maybe more famous for it’s apples but nonetheless peppered with vineyards.

For a true tour of the region plan on stopping at the Orchard Inn Bed and Breakfast in Yakima or the Cozy Rose in Grandview. Yakima is considered the gateway to wine country, especially if you are travelling from the Seattle area. Spend a couple nights here to slow down from the faster pace of the west side of the cascades. By the time you reach Walla Walla you will already be feeling like a local and have sampled some great wineries.

While in the region you are going to want to make the most of the tasting rooms experiences, and there are many of them. One of the best ways to sample generous amounts of wine is to take a guided tour or limo service, depending on the size of your group and your desire to join others or go solo, your innkeepers will be able to recommend the very best tour operators in their area.

Also keep in mind when purchasing your wines to take home that many vineyards can arrange shipping so that your purchases do not take over your luggage and you arrive home to some very nice reminders of your trip.

So remember Walla Walla Bed and Breakfasts when looking for a wine themed getaway.

I do a lot of traveling in Washington state.  My trips include interstates and backroads, mountain passes and floating bridges,  state forest roads and hilly Seattle neighborhoods. Sometimes I travel in the spring, amidst rain showers or January with the threat of snow in the passes.  I have gone from Spokane, to Seattle to Orcas Island in a day. (a very long day)   Below are a few helpful links to help you plan your trip, plot your route and avoid traffic, road construction or weather related delays.  These links are programmed in my laptop and also on my phone….my suggestion…never leave home (in Washington state) without them!

1.  Washington State Traffic and Passes   http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/passes/

This is a must when driving in Washington.  This site includes alerts about planned road construction and road closures, mountain pass reports as well as webcams to let you know what your route looks like….in real time.  This is handy when heading across the Cascades to the “other” side of Washington.

2.  Washington State Ferry Schedule  http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/schedule/

This great site includes current ferry schedules, information on traveling by ferry as well     as rates and offers webcams at several of the more popular ferry landings.  From this site    you can have the schedule sent to your   cell phone or mailed to you.  If you are traveling to  Canada or on the Port Townsend/Keystone route reservations are a must and can be easily made here.

3.  Cascade Loop Scenic Highway  http://www.cascadeloop.com/index.php

This is a beautiful drive that winds from Everett, over Whidbey Island, through the Skagit Valley, over the Cascades, past Lake Chelan, through the Methow Valley, past Wenatchee and Leavenworth.  There are a number of ways to travel this route and a number of options for covering this beautiful area are found on this site.

4.  Washington State Parks    http://www.parks.wa.gov/

If you are looking for information on enjoying hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking…..any number of great outdoor activities, then start with Washington state parks.

5.  Washington Wine Commission   http://www.washingtonwine.org/about.php

Looking to taste Washington wines.  This site offers a guide to wineries throughout the state.  Many are well known and are a destination in themselves, but explore…perhaps the next great Washington wine will be produced by that small grower tucked away down a winding lane.

6.  Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild   http://wbbg.com/

Looking for a place to stay?  This guide includes inns and bed and breakfasts throughout the state.  Here you can find lodging to meet any need, a romantic getaway, a girls getaway weekend, a few days enjoying the great outdoors, small town getaway, island relaxation or family friendly accommodations.   Inns are listed by region, making it easy to plan your trip.  You can reserve online from this site at many of the properties.

So before you plan your next trip, check out these helpful sites.  Once armed with information, discover Washington, one inn at a time.

There are a number of places to stay close to Seattle Tacoma International Airport…SeaTac to those living in the Pacific Northwest.  Most are hotels or motels, many are well known and some… not so much.  I was like most people….does it really matter where I stay?  I am leaving tomorrow morning. Give me a bed, a paper cup full of mediocre coffee and a TV and I will be just fine.  Great price and proximity to the airport is all that matters.  Then I asked myself, do I need to sacrifice a comfortable bed, luxurious sheets, great food, room to relax (perhaps with friends) and great food just to be within walking distance of the airport?

You can stay within minutes…that is 10 minutes…of SeaTac and have all the wonderful amenities that a bed and breakfast offers.  I know of five great places that are close to the airport and still an easy drive to downtown Seattle.

Eagle’s View Bed and Breakfast offers 3 rooms, each thoughtfully appointed with numerous amenities and beautiful views of the Puget Sound.  Complete with  gourmet breakfast and only 4 miles to the airport and 9 miles to downtown.

Soundview, a private cottage overlooking the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains offers a deck and hot tub, king size bed and your very own kitchen.  Very private and again only 10 minutes from the airport.

Escape to Three Tree Point located on a quiet hillside overlooking the sound and mountains. Choose your own private suite or cottage each with private kitchen, stunning views, numerous amenities and  easy airport access.

Guest House Bed and Breakfast boasts a two room suite, gourmet breakfast and is perfect for couples traveling together.  Enjoy plenty of room to gather either inside, or outside in the charming garden with a hot tub and only minutes from the airport, downtown Seattle and the cruise ship terminals.

Finally, consider Olympic View Cottage Bed and Breakfast … you will understand the name once you arrive!  Choose this private cottage with hot tub, deck and wonderful views of the mountains and sound.  Again, have all this and your own private kitchen, just minutes from the airport.

No more mediocre coffee, cereal in a box, tough bagel or pre-packaged cream cheese.  Whether you choose to start your trip close to the airport or spend your last night there, do it in style and comfort.  Begin your vacation minutes after arrival and settle into a hot tub with a view.  End your trip by relaxing in your own private suite with all the modern amenities.   Make your business trip about more than business by enjoying work in quiet, stress free environment.  No problem finding a place to park, no long line to check out and no bad coffee (our BnB’s just don’t DO bad coffee)!

Visiting Seattle?  Now is the time to go online or pick up the phone and choose the perfect spot close to the airport….so very convenient, yet if feels miles away.   It is time to discover Washington and the great accommodations close to the airport…one inn at a time!

We love our pets.  We don’t just walk them, we exercise them.  We feed them a special blend of food created just for the breed, size and age.  They visit the vet, get immunized, tested and x-rayed.  We have them fluffed, buffed and poofed: nails trimmed, teeth cleaned and nary a flea or tick to be found.  Some of our pets have wardrobes, appropriate for the season, a special chair in the sunroom and their very own space in our bed.  So why can’t we travel with our pets?  Why do so many places say no to mans best friend?  Statistically, 39 % of Americans have a dog.  More than 50% of dog owners consider their pet a family member.   Many of those people would like to travel with their pet.  So, what can we as pet owners do to be “good guests” and encourage more innkeepers to allow pets.                                                                                                                                                      I have been an innkeeper/owner and I understand the issues innkeepers face, but  I would love to travel with my pet, so I asked a few innkeepers what we could do to make our dogs more welcome.

First, research the inn and see if they are listed as pet friendly.  If they accept pets, they should list this on their website or in their brochure.

1.        Be honest.  If you want to bring your dog, tell the innkeeper.  Please do not describe your 80 lb. golden retriever as a small, ball of fur that no one will even notice.  There is a big difference between a Labrador retriever and a Chihuahua.  Believe me, people notice. Also, many innkeepers have pets of their own, and those furry friends are definitely “Top Dog” at the property.

2.       Keep your pet well groomed.  Consider a trip to the groomer before you leave to insure that Fido is clean and well brushed. Most dogs shed, but a well groomed dog is less likely to leave fur balls under the bed.  Also, flea and tick treatment is a must.

3.       Do not leave you dog unattended in the room.  No matter how well mannered he is at home, he is much more likely to bark or whine when you leave him in a strange place.  Barking and whining bother other guests and innkeepers are then left to deal with the complaints

4.       Keep your dog leashed and be sensitive to others.  Not everyone likes dogs. In fact, some are either highly allergic or very afraid of dogs.  Keeping your dog with you and leashed is the polite thing to do.

5.       If you dog is not securely and completely house trained, then leave him home with a friend or board him at a reputable kennel.  Cleaning up soiled carpet is not a job anyone wants, especially your innkeeper.

6.       Have Bags on Board.  Carry bags with you at all times and clean up after you pet promptly  Everyone appreciates this.

7.       Please Please Please do not allow Fido to sleep on the beds, sit in the chairs or bath in the jetted tub.  Innkeepers spend a considerable amount of money to insure that everything is neat, clean and in impeccable shape.  Be considerate of the next person who will enjoy  the room.

8.   Always notify the property that you are bringing a pet when you make your reservation.  Confirm the pet policy of the inn.  Not all inns take, large dogs, some charge a pet fee while others limit the number of pets you can bring.

So, that being said, are there any bed and breakfasts in Washington that will welcome you and your very best friend!  Of course there are.

The Miller Tree Inn, located in Forks, WA and just a short drive from the Olympic National Park and the Hoh Rain Forest accepts pets in their Orchard Suite for a minimal charge. Take your dog for a quiet night of solitude amidst towering pine trees at Manitou Lodge outside Forks.

Four properties in the Seattle Metro area will welcome your pet.    Although, Three Tree Point is located within easy driving distance of SeaTac Airport, it is a quiet, restful getaway that  offers you a beautiful view of the sound, as well as a place for your dog.    The Chambered Nautilus welcomes pets in their University Suites and is within easy walking distance of the University of Washington as well as great dining and shopping.  You and your dog can take long walks in the Capital Hill neighborhood and enjoy Volunteer Park, all surrounding the beautiful Bacon Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Finally, the Inn of Twin Gables, has the 2 bedroom Garden Suite complete with kitchen that will accommodate your family and your pet.

Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins located in Carson, along the Columbia River Gorge offers individual cabins and has one set aside as pet friendly.   Enjoy natural beauty, a great breakfast and luxurious surroundings.

If you are in the San Juans visit Argyle House, a beautiful craftsman style bed and breakfast, conveniently located in downtown Friday Harbor and very very short walk from the ferry or visit the serene Trumpeter Inn located on a five acre country estate.

Charles Nelson House, located on the Long Beach Peninsula enjoy a breakfast featuring fresh local ingredients and take your pet on long walks along Willapa Bay.

So now that you know that your favorite four legged friend is welcome, open that laptop or pick up the phone and reserve a getaway at one of these great inns.  It is time for you to discover Washington, one pet friendly inn at a time!

When people think of visiting Washington state they think of Seattle, Pike Place Market, the San Juan Islands, Mt. Rainier…a long list of places to visit on the west side of the Cascades.  They also think of fog, rain, mist, umbrellas and raincoats.   After traveling all over Washington state, I want to give you 10 good reasons to visit the “other” side of Washington and spend some time in sunny, friendly Spokane.

1.  Bike the Centennial Trail.  Spokane has numerous bike trails in varying degrees of difficulty.  Get outdoors in the sunshine and enjoy a ride.

2.  Golf in Spokane.  Beautiful courses abound and it is sunny there!

3.  Enjoy sunset at beautiful Riverfront Park…sunny means sunset!

4.  Shop Spokane.  There are lots of wonderful shops located in pleasant, walkable and sunny downtown.  Visit one of their local shopping malls if you need to get out of the sun.

5.  Take the breathtaking Spokane Falls Sky Ride on a sunny Spokane day.

6.  Visit Gonzaga University and attend a football or basketball game.  Sports are more fun in the sun.

7.  Enjoy fine food in one of many Spokane restaurants and ask for a patio table…in the sun.

8.  Stay at Waverly Place Bed and Breakfast, an historic home located in the Corbin Park Historic District of Spokane.  Walk the tree lined streets, shaded from the sun.

9.  Spend the night at the 1908 Marianna Stoltz House Bed and Breakfast, an historic home just a few sunny blocks from Gonzaga and surrounded by century old shade trees.

10. Sleep peacefully at the E.J. Roberts Mansion, a 23 room bed and breakfast and historic treasure, located within easy walking distance of downtown, reminiscent of turn of the century sunny Spokane.

Remember, Washington is beautiful and diverse.   Check out  life on the “other” side of the state and discover sunny Washington, one inn at a time.

There are a number of reasons to visit Walla Walla.  Whitman College,  a small private liberal arts institution draws talented students from all over the United States, so perhaps you will find yourself there as a parent.  My daughter and I traveled there when she was school shopping and we had a delightful time.  We strolled amid the tree lined streets and neighborhoods to Main Street where we found warm welcoming coffee shops and delightful restaurants.

Now, several years later, I visit a new Walla Walla.  Although the town has retained all of the charm of a small college town it has added grapes.  Lots and lots of grapes!  Walla Walla has over 75 wineries and more than 30 vineyards at it’s doorstep.  Now parents come to visit their students and stay to travel through premier Washington wine country.  Wine tours, wine tastings and of course, wine dinners abound.

This select wine region of Washington stretches from Walla Walla up through the tri-cities area and into Yakima.  In fact, I started my last trip amidst the grape vines and apple orchards of the Yakima Valley detouring into Grandview and then wound through southern Washington to Walla Walla.  The entire route was dotted with wineries and vineyards rolling over the hillsides.

Although you could choose a standard motel rooms along the way, my choice is always a bed and breakfast.  The ambience, the personal service, the thoughtful amenities and of course the sumptuous breakfasts make my trip more than a simple wine tour, they make it an experience!  Consider visiting The Orchard Inn in Yakima where you wake up amidst the apple orchards and the fruit at breakfast was picked that morning.  Visit the Cozy Rose in Grandview a beautiful bed and breakfast located withing easy driving distance of 40+ wineries and several microbreweries.  Almost to Walla Walla you will find The Cameo Heights Mansion.  Here you can savor the incredible view while relaxing in the in ground pool or steamy hot tub.  Finally, in Walla Walla you have two choices for the perfect getaway.  The Maxwell House, a friendly and traditional bed and breakfast  is located within easy walking distance of the college and local restaurants or you can visit The Inn at Blackberry Creek and relax in English country elegance close to everything that the wine country has to offer.

So why haven’t you left yet?  Its time to discover Washington and the Washington wine country, one inn at a time.

The kids are finally back in school. No more sandy sneakers, wet beach towels, sunscreen, bug repellant and campfire marshmallows stuck in your hair. It’s time for you to sit back and relax. Grab a few of your girlfriends and pick the perfect bed and breakfast to pamper you, while you catch up on sleep and girlfriend time. Head to the coast to walk on the beach or enjoy the splendor of a beautiful garden. Wine tasting in Wine Country is always a favorite. After all the running around this summer you may want to sit back and enjoy the view and maybe an old movie. Delicious food is always the highlight of any girlfriend getaway and a Washington Bed and Breakfast will always provide a high quality, multi-course breakfast–and they do the dishes! Your innkeeper will be delighted to tell you all the best restaurants in the area and of course the best places to shop. It’s time to enjoy some “me” time, so call your girlfriends and escape to a Washington Bed and Breakfast. Members of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild are independently inspected and approved to assure each guest receives the highest standard of hospitality and cleanliness.

As natives of Washington we love summer but we don’t always enjoy the heat. Escape the heat and relax at a local bed and breakfast. Washington state has so much to offer with a weekend trip to the Islands, Coast, Mountains, City, Peninsula or east to wine country. Cool off with some air conditioning or cool ocean breezes. Enjoy a stroll in the garden and take in all the summer beauty. The best way for me to relax is with a cool drink, fresh baked cookie and a book curled up on the front porch. Eating well and relaxing are the perfect refresher after a long week. Plan your next weekend at a Washington Bed and Breakfast. All members of the Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild are independently inspected and approved to assure guests will receive the highest level of cleanliness and hospitality. Discover Washington…One Inn At A Time.