Travel - Fall Staycations, September 2016

Travel FALL STAYCATIONS

SEPTEMBER 2016 An Advertising Supplement to the Lewiston Tribune, Moscow-Pullman Daily News and Whitman County Gazette

How to enjoy this year’s staycation

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ake the most of a vacation spent at or nearby home.

Recovery from the recession that began in 2008 has sparked renewed interest in vacation travel.

Resort bookings are up, and millions will enjoy exotic vacations in the months to come.

While discretionary spending is increasing, some individuals and families continue to take a conservative approach to their finances, and that approach extends to how they spend their time off. Many are still embracing “staycations,” in which families forgo travel in favor of staying home. Staycations may not be as exotic as trips abroad, but there are several ways that families can make their staycations enjoyable and memorable.

· Invest in your home or lifestyle.

Instead of bankrolling a trip overseas, channel those funds into improvements for your home or yard to create a relaxing atmosphere you can enjoy year-round. Install that pool or landscape the backyard to make it feel like a tropical paradise. Coasting across the water of a lake or ocean is an enjoyable pastime, so repurpose your vacation funds to buy a boat or some jet skis that you can enjoy throughout the warmer months.

· Become a tourist in your hometown.

Chances are you have never experienced the sights of your hometown the way a tourist might. Plan a few days when you can act like someone visiting your town or city for the first time. Go to the top of that tallest mountain or get a tour of that local factory. Seek out and visit monuments and points of history in your community. Hop on one of those sight-seeing buses and learn something new about where you live. You may just be surprised at what you can discover.

· Look for hidden gems.

Office: (208) 875-0708

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Some local businesses may be willing to open up for “behind the scenes” tours if you ask. This can be a fun excursion for young children. Ask employees of a movie theater if you can see the projection POTLATCH room. Newspaper offices may host Scenic 6 Park tours of their facilities. Even a bowling 22 RV Spaces - $25/Day alley can be fascinating to kids if they $350/Month $10/Day Tent Camping can see ball-return mechanisms or how Open All Year: Drinking Water, equipment is stored. Watching the Dump Station, Hookups, Pets OK, Playground, Pull-through Sites, zamboni machine clean the ice at a rink Bathrooms and Showers also may be an entertaining sneak peak 125 6th St, Potlatch, ID 83855 into rink operations.

Reservation: (208) 310-4407

· Splurge on a show or sporting event.

Attend an event you normally wouldn’t unless you were on vacation. Take a trip to see a Broadway or Broadway-inspired musical at a nearby theater or take the family to see your local sports team play a home game against its biggest rival. Treat yourself to concession stand snacks and a few souvenirs.

· Dine out a few nights.

Vacations often entail eating out, especially if meals are not included in a traditional vacation package. Use your staycation as the opportunity to dine at local restaurants you have yet to visit. Indulge the kids one night and put them in charge of choosing the meals.

Forget those diet plans for a day or two and savor that triple-scoop ice cream cone. If the cost of dining out has you concerned, select restaurants that offer coupons in community mailers or value packs.

· Read the newspaper or community bulletin.

Chances are you can find a number of entertaining and low-cost activities sponsored by your town or other organizations close to home. Fireworks displays, movies under the stars, boat tours, and fairs are just a handful of the fun events that may be coming soon.

· Turn off electronics.

Take a break from some of your devices during your staycation. By doing so, you will be less likely to fall into your daily habits and more likely to make the most of your time to rest and relax.

Travel

September 22, 2016

Plan your fall foliage road trip

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utumn is a great time to embark on road trips and take in the awesome spectacle of fall foliage. Come autumn, thousands of motorists take to the highways and backroads to experience the ever-changing landscape made beautiful by leaves changing colors. Fall foliage road trips make for a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon.

With cameras in hand and provisions at the ready, motorists can make the most of their next fall foliage road trip.

· Book accommodations early. If you plant to stay overnight, book your trip as early as possible and don’t be surprised if costs are high.

Autumn is not only a peak time for leaf color changes, but also it’s a prime time for vacationers interested in comfortable temperatures and amazing scenery, so autumn lodging rates may be equal to or exceed the rates charged during the height of summer vacation season. Verify room rates and openings well in advance if you have your heart set on staying in prime leaf color country. · Employ a few tricks of the photography trade.

Fall foliage may be at its most vibrant at sunrise and sunset when the sun is low in the sky and will not cast much glare. Slightly overcast days also may help leaves’ colors pop, but too much cloud cover may cause a lack of vibrancy in leaf color.

· Know when to go. Learn the best times of the year to see the peak leaf colors. Mountainous regions and many located in northern latitudes will see changes in leaf color earlier than other regions. Drivers living in certain areas of Canada, regions of the Rocky Mountains or in particular parts of New England can expect to witness leaves changing color as early as September, while much of the midwest can expect peak color in mid- to late-October. Southern regions may not see leaves change color until November. · Aim for a weekday. Many people plan fall foliage road trips on the weekend. These “leafers” or “peepers,” as they’re sometimes referred to, flood normally empty rural areas and can easily cause traffic jams.

Schedule your own trip for a weekday so you can avoid most of the crowds and enjoy a more serene environment for hiking excursions or countryside visits.

· Watch the weather. Autumn weather can be unpredicable. Some days it may be crisp, while other days it will be hot. Sometimes you may experience hot and cold weather on the same day. Dress in layers so that you can be comfortable and shed or add layers as necessary. · Explore different spots. Do not take the same route or visit the same towns each year. Vary your trips to experience a greater range of autumn magic. From the eastern seaboard to the Rockies, explore as many awe-inspiring palettes of fall colors as possible.

Open All Yea r

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RV Park, Cabins, Camping, Motel Rooms, Marina, Swimming Beach, C-Store, Fishing Supplies and Restaurant 631524202

www.johnwayneswaterfrontresort.com

360-681-Duke (3853) | 2634 W. Sequim Bay Rd. | Sequim, WA 98382

September 22, 2016

www.boyerpark.com 1753 Granite Road, Colfax, WA 99111 For reservations and information

call 509-397-3208.

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Located on Highway 77 in Albion, Idaho, Marsh Creek Inn has 12 rooms with cable TV, telephones & refrigerators.

Enjoy BBQs, Dutch oven cookouts, horseshoes, croquet, shing, and boating nearby at the Snake River. While you're there, visit Shoshone Falls. Complimentary coffee and mufns available.

Thirty miles away is the City of Rocks National Reserve, a landmark on the Oregon and California trails. Rock climbing and camping are popular activities in this area of unique granite formations.

Enjoy an evening by the re in our rustic lobby, which is located in a restored log house that was originally built in 1879.

20 Minutes from Pomerelle Ski Resort W FOR CALL NOTIONS! RESERVA

(208) 673-6259 673-5367

or (208)

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386 South Main, Albion, Idaho

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General Store & Gift Shop • Cabins • RV Sites • Open Daily Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Stays Available

MARSH CREEK INN

Planning pointers for a fun night out on the town

Great beer, good food and old friends

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lanning a night out on the town with family and friends can be a fun experience. Scouring the most popular hotspots and the newest restaurants falls far short of burdensome, and those tasked with such a responsibility often enjoy the opportunity to get out of the house and soak up some local culture.

Chief springs fire & irons brew pub.

As fun as such planning can be, hosts must consider the needs of all who plan to attend before making any final decisions. The following are a few ways hosts can ensure everyone enjoys a night to remember for all the right reasons.

Up to 9 Beers Brewed on Site Full Pub and Pizzeria Menues (509) 382-4677 148 E. Main Dayton WA 99328 fireandironsbrewpub.com

· Consider finances.

Dinner at the hottest restaurant in town might sound like a grand idea, but hosts must consider if such a feast is affordable for everyone on the invitation list.

Hot new restaurants or established locales where reservations are hard to come by tend to be expensive, so hosts should make sure everyone can afford such hotspots before making any reservations. Peruse menus online when looking for a restaurant, paying particular attention to the average cost of an entree at each restaurant you’re considering. When planning a dinner for an especially large party, call each restaurant to determine if they offer limited menus to larger parties. Many restaurants do this for parties of 15 or more, charging a set price per person, and

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SUPER 8 - AIRPORT WEST SPOKANE, WA

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CALL FOR OTHER SPECIAL RATES & DATES

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Adult lift ticket $20 • Youth $17 Under 6 and Over 70 Free

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SEASONAL PASSES ON SALE NOW!

OPEN DEC 26 - MARCH 11 Open 9-4 weekends & Holidays (snow dependent) 208-464-2311 skibaldmountain.com facebook.com/skibaldmountain

Travel

September 22, 2016

that price is not always less expensive than it would be to dine a la carte. When necessary, find a restaurant where the cost per person is within reason so no one feels like they need to skip the night out on the town due to financial constraints.

· Choose a central location.

Whether you’re getting together for a sit-down dinner or just drinks, choose a location that’s easily accessible for everyone on the guest list. Doing so increases the likelihood that guests will make it out. A location that’s near to all also allows both you and your guests to spend more time together and less time traveling.

· Choose a location that’s accessible by public transportation.

In addition to finding a central location, hosts also should look for a location with easy access to public transportation. This helps guests avoid sitting in traffic, and it’s also safe when nights out on the town will involve drinking alcohol, reducing the risk that you or your guests will get behind the wheel when it’s safer to take a subway, train or cab.

· Consider the needs of every guest.

When planning a night on the town, hosts must consider the needs of each individual guest before making any reservations or concrete plans. For example, if the group includes a guest with a physical disability, then any gathering spot you choose must be wheelchair accessible and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Another thing

to consider is each guest’s lifestyle choices. If one guest does not consume alcohol, then try to organize a night out on the town that involves more than just hopping from bar to bar.

· Solicit ideas.

If you’re having trouble planning a fun night for all, solicit some ideas from those you invited. Just because you’re hosting the gathering and acting as the go-to guy or gal for those with questions about the night does not mean you can’t ask some questions of your own. Ask guests what they want to do, and remember that no idea is too outlandish. If you decide to center the night around a particular activity, just make sure it’s something everyone on the guest list can participate in.

· Be specific when sharing information about the night.

Once all of the plans have been made, be as specific as possible when sharing those plans. Give an address for each place you plan to visit on the night and encourage guests to make use of their cars’ GPS systems or online navigation websites so everyone gets there without any trouble. Charge your cellular phone right before you head out for the night so the phone does not die should anyone call and ask for last-minute directions or instructions.

Planning a night out on the town is a fun responsibility, but also one that requires careful consideration of a host of factors.

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September 22, 2016

Travel

Last-minute family travel BPT

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verything takes more time with young children in tow.

When even a simple grocery store trip takes strategic planning, most parents forget about organizing a weekend getaway, especially if it’s spontaneous.

The truth is, small kids can be amazing travel companions with a little forethought. Use these smart parent planning tips whenever you’re feeling pangs of wanderlust. This weekend’s last-minute travel adventure could turn into incredible memories that will last a lifetime.

· Find a hotel with room to spread out To ensure an enjoyable trip, you want the comforts and space of home when you’re on vacation. Being stuck in one room with few amenities can be a travel nightmare, especially if you have kids who like to move or a baby who goes to bed at 7 p.m.

· Avoid a heavy itinerary The beauty of last-minute travel is, your family doesn’t have to stick to a strict schedule.

Kids want to spend the morning at the pool?

Go for it. Then, sneak in a quick nap with your toddler before visiting the local museum in the afternoon. Because you’re not stuck with an extensive itinerary, you can kick back and enjoy some quality bonding time together.

· Limit drive time to 3 hours or less When it’s just you and your partner, the journey is part of the excitement of traveling.

For kids, time in the car is boring at best and agitating at worst. To avoid tantrums and too many “Are we there yet?” questions, limit travel time to three hours or less.

If you have young kids, try leaving early in the morning so they fall back asleep or plan to travel during nap periods. For older kids, pack plenty of activities, load up the mobile device with new apps and buy some inexpensive-yet-fun surprises they can open along the way.

Have the last-minute vacation blues because everything is booked?

If tickets are sold out, ask to be put on a cancellation list. It’s highly possible your family will be able to sneak in at the last last-minute, and you may even get a discount for filling the spot on short notice.

FALL SPECIAL

Stay 3 Nights & Only Pay for 2*

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Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Wed: Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 Closed Wed & Thurs: Dec. 1 through March 31 Open daily April 1 - July 31 208-826-3299 elkriverlodge.net

That’s not to say you shouldn’t explore the area; it’s about finding a good stress-free balance. For weekend excursions, focus on one main activity you’d like to accomplish, such as visiting an amusement park or local monument. For longer trips, plan no more than one activity per day to avoid burnout.

*Valid on new bookings through 12/15/16

McCall’s Largest Selection of Premier Vacation Rentals in McCall and Surrounding Area

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Lodging or Property Management 208-634-7766 or 800-551-8234 accommodationservices.com

541-432-2951

Joseph, OR 97846 www.FlyingArrowResort.com

The largest Charter Company on the Oregon Coast

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Overlooking the Confluence of the Big Salmon and Little S a l m o n

Dockside Charters

R i v e r s , S a l m o n R a p i d s L o d g e f e a t u r e s spectacular views, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, breakfast, cookies and

DEPOE BAY, OREGON

milk each evening. Stop by! We hope you choose to stay

Call (541) 765-2545 or 1-800-733-8915

with us on your next trip to Riggins.

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208-628-2743 Toll-Free: 877-957-2743 salmonrapids.com

Turn east at the stoplight and follow the signs (next to the Coast Guard Station-No Stairs)

FISHING – Rockfish Ling Cod, Salmon, Tuna, Halibut WHALE WATCHING – On a 50’ Boat or 26’ Zodiac Style Boat Let us introduce you to our local Resident Whales up close & personal! www.docksidedepoebay.com Daily fishing and weather reports • Daily whale updates

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541-432-2391

Joseph, Oregon www.WallowaLakeResort.com

Salmon Rapids Lodge 1010 S Main Street • PO Box 408 Riggins, Idaho, 83549

TUNA HEADQUARTERS

September 22, 2016

Gifts for the family globe-trotter MetroCreaive

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hen shopping for the holidays, shoppers often discover that the best gifts are the ones that speak to a person’s passion. A sports fan, for instance, might want nothing more than tickets to watch his favorite team play. When catering to a person’s interests, shoppers should find out what that passion is and then the process of finding the perfect gift becomes a lot easier.

PARK&FLY

D Ca ire l ct l Fo r

Included FREE:

• Airport Shuttle • Full hot breakfast • Fitness center • Business center • Heated outdoor pool and indoor hot tub • Shuttle to and from area restaurants, shopping and Northern Quest Casino

Of course, passions can vary. For those with an on-the-go loved one who’s seemingly always planning his or her next globe-trotting adventure, the following gift ideas are sure to please.

· The Backpacker

2 2726 S. Flint Road Spokane, WA 99224

509.838.3226

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Travelers come in many shapes and sizes. Those who prefer backpacking through the woods instead of jetting off to the nearest island resort may love a new backpack. When shopping, don’t look for backpacks tailor-made for students.

Instead, visit your nearest outdoor store and look for a bag that’s sturdy and capable of storing a variety of items needed for camping. Daypacks are smaller and made for campers who frequently take day trips or shorter overnight trips. These packs are lightweight and boast enough room for a small amount of supplies. Medium-duty packs typically provide more storage and support than smaller daypacks. They often feature internal frames and can be used when backpacking through a variety of trails. An expedition pack will be larger and is ideal for campers who need to carry a lot of weight because they tend to go on longer camping or hiking trips.

www.wingatehotels.com

Located just 200 yards from the Spokane International Airport

· The Road Tripper

Another thoughtful gift for the family road tripper is a membership to a roadside assistance service like AAA. Such memberships can prove invaluable if or when your loved one’s car breaks down. These prepaid memberships ensure drivers will have access to emergency roadside service, discounts at many hotel chains across the country and even maps and directions to help them plan their next trip.

· The Jetsetter For those who feel travel is best done in style, one of the often dreaded parts about following their wanderlust is sitting in airports or on airplanes as they anticipate the adventures that await them at their destinations. Such restlessness might be quelled with an e-reader that enables travelers to read books, stream movies and television shows and update their status via social media apps so their friends and family can follow them on their adventures.

Some new luggage may also make a jetsetter’s holiday that much better. While a completely new set of luggage might break the bank, consider a nice duffel bag or a small travel bag with room for toiletries and other small items no traveler can do without.

September 22, 2016

Travel

Great City Center Locaton - walk to countless resaurants, the downtown shopping area and Riverfront Park.

Complimentary hot breakfast bar • indoor parking garage.

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Despite the high cost of fuel, some people still feel road trips are the best way to travel. Travelers who can’t get enough of the open road would benefit from a gift card to a filling station, which can drastically reduce the cost of their next adventure.

When going this route, shoppers should be sure to buy a gift card to a filling station their loved one is bound to encounter on the road. The card won’t do much good if drivers won’t be able to use it. Before purchasing a card, call the company or visit their Web site to ensure they have locations along your loved’s one route.

33 w. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane WA 99201 509.623.9727 • bwcitycenter.com

Open year round.

Lodge · RV Park Natural Hot Spring Restaurant · Saloon Gas & Service Station and Mercantile

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www.mountainvillage.com • 1-800-843-5475

Travel to these ghostly haunts

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arious places around the world are home to spooky tales and locations that are purported to be visited by spirits.While many people grow up listening to ghost stories and scary tales, few take to the road to witness potentially haunted sites. A haunted Halloween road trip can help fuel ghostly interests.

Here are a few places to include on your journey.

· Banff Springs Hotel: This hotel in Alberta, Canada, was built

more than 125 years ago as a luxury stop for train travelers. It’s rumored to be one of the most haunted places in Canada. One of the most popular of all the haunting reports involves former bellman Sam McCauley. McCauley served at the hotel during the 1960s and 1970s, and some people insist they still see him to this day. He likes to help guests up to their rooms, dressed in his 1960s uniform, often turning on lights and opening locked doors. If you try to tip or make conversation with Sam, he vanishes.

· The Crescent Hotel: Located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel is often referred to as the most haunted hotel in America.

The property is said to be haunted by several spirits, including a young woman who died after falling from the roof. · Edinburgh Castle: A site of many bloody battles that overlooks what many people say is the most haunted city on Earth, Edinburgh Castle

All are welcome...

keeps tourists guessing with many paranormal activities. The most common is the feeling of being touched and pulled and visions of apparitions.

· Fort Mifflin: Fort Mifflin is America’s only Revolutionary War battlefield that is still intact. Located in Philadelphia, the 14 restored buildings supposedly house plenty of spirits from the past. A screaming woman is often heard, and she is so loud that the police have been called to investigate. · Monte Cristo Homestead: Located in Junee, New South Wales, Monte Cristo Homestead is considered to be the most haunted place in Australia. Tragic events, including many deaths, have occurred on the homestead since it was first constructed. · Moundsville Penitentiary: Moundsville Penitentiary was one of America’s most violent correctional facilities and the final stop for almost 1,000 criminals. Many people died at the West Virginia facility. While the prison closed in 1995, some say that tortured spirits can be seen and heard on prison tours. · Tower of London: There have been many reports of paranormal activity at the Tower of London. Anne Boleyn, whose tragic marriage to King Henry VIII ended when she was beheaded, is said to be seen walking the tower’s corridors near the spot of her death. ? Mass

and prayer ? Retreats ? Historical Museum ? Book and Gift Shop ? Raspberry Festival ? Healing Center ? Concerts ? Inn

...come join us.

Monastery of St. Gertrude ? Cottonwood, Idaho w w w. S t G e r t r u d e s . o r g

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September 22, 2016