Bellingham Alive | Direct Destinations Feature by K & L Media

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Layovers can be fun, and a chance to stretch your legs. But with layovers, there are two truths: 1. They keep you from getting where you’re going; and 2. They increase the odds something will go wrong — a flight delay, a missed connection, lost luggage. Direct Destinations celebrates the nonstop flights, places you can fly from Bellingham without a layover. Book with Alaska Airlines or Allegiant to fly from Bellingham International Airport to the following cities: Mesa, Oakland, Hawaii’s Kona and Maui, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Portland, among others. Or you can take San Juan Airlines, a commuter service providing scheduled or charter flights to the San Juan Islands and a bunch of often hard-to-get or time-consuming travel destinations. Skip the ferry, or the mind-numbing I-5 commute, to get to places like Port Angeles and Port Townsend in a snap. Other cities include Olympia, Bend, and Spokane, along with B.C.’s Victoria, Vancouver, Tofino, and more. San Juan Airlines’ headquarters are right next to the airport.

So don’t wait. Safe travels.

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Maui County, Maui Nui, create a synergy that is unique in Hawaii. The geographical relationship of Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i makes it possible to wake up on Maui, spend the day sailing and snorkeling off Lāna‘i, and be back in time for a sunset lū‘au on the beach at Wailea. Or you can hop on a plane and explore Moloka‘i’s east-end rainforest or tour the remote, historic Kalaupapa Peninsula. These inter-island adventures offer unique views of the islands, their coastlines, and their looming mountains from the grand Pacific Ocean. Why do people love Maui? It’s neither too big nor too small. It’s manageable. It has remote wilderness and glamorous resorts, rural neighborhoods and staggering natural The Shops at Wailea is Maui’s beauty. At West Maui’s Kapalua Bay, most glamorous complex, 150,000 the white-sand crescent is a favorite square feet with more than 60 shops and for picnics, snorkeling, swimming and restaurants in a Hawaiian architectural motif. Hike a rainforest echoing with the songs of diving. A few minutes south, Kā‘anapali birds found nowhere else on the planet. There Beach stretches for miles between are trails to the Haleakala Crater, waterfalls with fun-loving Lāhainā and historic Pu‘u plunge pools for swimming, and walks into valKeka‘a, a volcanic outcropping known leys so deep they never see a sunrise or a sunfor its Technicolor snorkeling. South set. Bicycle from the east end of the island at Wailea Resort to Kapalua on the west Maui has its own allure, a string of end, or downhill from the crater. white-sand beaches and welcoming coves along Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena.

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he three islands of

IF YOU GO

EVENTS

Airline: Alaska Airlines* Kahului Airport

November 25 Welcome Home the Whales with Pacific Whale Foundation. pacificwhale.org

Flight duration from Bellingham 6 hours, 30 minutes (one way) Bellingham flights offered Year-round

FUN FACTS Maui is second in size among the Hawaiian Islands.

Until December 23 Hawaiian Art at The Schaefer International Gallery at Maui Arts and Cultural. mauiarts.org Every Friday Friday Town Parties. mauifridays.com

Maui has the largest dormant volcano in the world, Haleakala. There are no high rises on Lana‘i, and the tiny town of Lana‘i City has yet to see its first stoplight. Maui is the whale-watching capital of Hawaii: Humpbacks congregate in the warm offshore waters annually from December through May. Approximately 10,000 whales enter Hawaiian waters each year. Don’t miss Haleakala Crater, formed from the dormant Haleakala volcano and a popular tourist destination, for good reason. At 10,023 feet, the crater is a sight to see. The summit depression is 21 miles around and 3,000 feet deep. If you’d rather get high over water, parasail. See the ocean and the island from the air.

Information courtesy of Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau

Where to stay? Take your pick: luxury hotels with sunset views, intimate bed & breakfasts clinging to upland slopes, or spacious condominiums for the family with all the amenities of home. While luxury resorts line Maui’s south and west shores, moderately priced accommodations abound in neighboring resort areas, and in Upcountry and Central Maui. In East Maui’s Hāna, home to the largest heiau (pre-Western stone temple) in Hawaii, the beaches range from red to black to white. Wai‘ānapanapa’s black-pebbled shore and whitesanded Hāmoa Beach are a study in contrasts, each brilliant in its own way. East Maui’s character is casual and rural. The laptop and wristwatch come off and stay off, and you may spend more time on a horse than in a car. In Central Maui’s Wailuku, dine where the locals do, at mom-and-pop restaurants, noodle shops and cafes. Enlightened farmers, fertile soil, and brilliant, world-renowned chefs give Maui a cachet that has circled the globe. From Makawao and Kula to Central, South and West Maui, from “rubber-slippah” casual to elegantly chic, restaurants of all types draw an international and local clientele. West and South Maui have restaurants that range from informal seaside fish houses to swank, candle-lit dining rooms with swans gliding by in a lagoon. Oceanfront dining is a

*Alaska allows passengers to bring back one box of pineapples when they travel within the U.S. from any of the islands they serve (Honolulu, Kona, Maui and Kauai).

Maui signature. In Wailea, innovative cuisine showcasing freshly caught seafood is graciously served by attentive staff in an open-air dining room perfumed by sea air and flowering trees, while somewhere nearby, live violin music accompanies excellent Italian fare in a romantic al fresco oceanfront setting. In Pā‘ia, on a cove where an outrigger canoe at sunset evokes thoughts of Gauguin, excellent seafood from the hooks of local fishermen comes in exotic and savory preparations. Stop by for the high-calorie abandon of the legendary cream puffs made by Komoda’s Bakery in Makawao. Makawao is also home of the Makawao Third Friday Town Party event showcasing live entertainment, store specials and a local food court. Lāna‘i is Maui County’s newest resort star. Formerly called the “Pineapple Island” for its rolling plantation fields, it is now famous for its luxury hotel, the Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i , and the seaside golf course. From dining to accommodations, vacationers are drawn by Lāna‘i’s curious mix of sophistication and rural charm. It takes five minutes to walk across the center of town. The senior prom could be the biggest event of the year, and a rustic 11-room lodge is the oldest hotel on the island. Like Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i is a world of its own. Its rural lifestyle and predominantly native Hawaiian population have given this island the moniker “the most Hawaiian island.” A mere 20-minute flight from Oahu, Moloka‘i appeals to those seeking an unhurried pace and raw natural beauty. The leeward slopes are scored with gulches. Along the north coast, sea cliffs drop to the ocean from more than 3,000 feet, and on the east end, ancient Hawaiian loko i‘a (fishponds) — some of the most sophisticated aquaculture complexes in the Pacific — come to life, stone by stone, in restoration projects. On the west side of the island, the 3-mile Pāpōhaku Beach is one of the largest white-sand beaches in Hawaii.

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H AWA I I he Kona District, on the island of Hawaii’s west, leeward side, is full of historic sites, unique shops, terrific beaches, inspiring sunsets and a host of new, exciting experiences for visitors. Known as the annual host of the Ironman World Championship in triathlon, Kona is also famous for historic Kailua Village and national parks, octopus farms, Kona coffee and out-of-this-world (underwater) nightlife. Kona is just one of six regions on the island — others are the Hamakua Coast, Hilo, Puna, Kau and Kohala. Accommodations on the Big Island, as the island of Hawaii is known, include major resort destinations on the Kohala Coast and in the Kona area (Keauhou, Historic Kailua Village). There are also hotels and accommodations in Hilo

IF YOU GO

FUN FACTS

Airline: Alaska Airlines* llison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole

Since 1983, continuous activity at Kilauea volcano has sent between 250,000 and 650,000 cubic yards of lava daily to surface and ocean, adding about 500 acres of new land to the island of Hawaii.

Flight duration from Bellingham 6 hours, 45 minutes (one way) Bellingham flights offered Seasonal *Alaska allows passengers to bring back one box of pineapples when they travel within the U.S. from any of the islands they serve (Honolulu, Kona, Maui and Kauai).

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Island-born King Kamehameha the Great created the Kingdom of Hawaii by unifying the entire island chain under his rule in 1810. With 266 miles of coastline, the island of Hawaiʻi has the most marine conservation districts of all the Hawaiian Islands.

and Puna on the east side closer to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The upcountry Waimea area also offers charming getaways. Throughout the island you’ll also find bed and breakfasts, condominiums, vacation rental homes cottages and hostels. If you’re staying in Kona and you plan to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, consider staying in Hilo, Puna or the Volcano Village area for a night since a one-day round trip will not give you enough time to explore the park. Take a leisurely stroll down Alii Drive, the heart of historic Kailua Village. The small town is buzzing with shops, restaurants and history. Stop in for a quick history lesson at Hulihee Palace, a former vacation home built in 1838 for Hawaiian royalty. Tour the palace and view its Victorian artifacts from King Kalakaua’s era, like koa EVENTS furniture, quilts, portraits, November 3–12 intricate feather and kapa Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (tapa). Across the street, visit konacoffeefest.com Mokuaikaua Church, the November 10–12 first Christian church in the Hawaii Steel Guitar Festival Hawaiian Islands. hawaiisteelguitarfestival.com Discover KalokoHonokohau National December 2 “Christmas with the Chefs” Historical Park, just south of at Kamakahonu Bay Ellison Onizuka International konakohalachefs.org Airport at Keahole. About as ocean-based as it is

Information courtesy of GoHawaii.com

Da Poke Shack is, indeed, a shack, but with a national reputation for its locally seafood poke bowls — salads that combine Japaneseinflected spices and greens like seaweed or kimchi with chunks of fresh, raw Ahi tuna. TJ’s BBQ By the Beach is a local award-winner, and Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge at the Four Seasons features fresh seafood and has won awards for best outdoor dining.

land-based, this 1,100-acre sanctuary of native plant, animal and marine life, and early Hawaiian aquaculture development restores and preserves the coastal sections of four ahupuaa (ocean-tomountain land divisions) once populated by hundreds of Hawaiians. Today, its three-mile coastal trail winds past centuries-old ponds and loko kuapa (lava rock seawalls) built for fish trapping, protected wetlands for native birds, and honu. And nearly all of the trail is infinitely and scenically walkable. Visit the state’s Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority (NELHA) on a tour with Friends of NELHA. The nonprofit guides guests through the property, where companies are using cutting-edge technology, including pumping deepsea water from 3,000 feet. The facilities farm everything from lobster, crab, octopus and seaweeds, to abalone, black cod (butterfish) and world-renowned Near Hilo, you’ll find Kolekampachi for local kole Beach Park, a jungle garand international den by the ocean with a nearby stream consumption. lined with smooth lava rocks and a waterfall. A banyan tree leans over the river with a rope swing. Check out Kau’s Punaluu Black Sand Beach to experience a different-looking beach and a great place to see Hawaiian honu, green sea turtles, sunning themselves. An adjacent campground is popular with local families and fisherman. Or you can see the island by air through many local helicopter tours

Grown on the cloudy slopes

Hualalai Kona Coffee is a musttry. Farms across of

volcano,

the region offer tastings and tours, the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its history and culture every November, and year-round, visitors can learn hands-on history at Kona Historical Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm — the only living history coffee farm in the nation. The 5.5-acre farm is still a working coffee farm that grows, harvests, roasts, and sells its coffee, just as when the Japanese immigrant family lived there a hundred years ago. An important (and delicious) element of the island of Hawaii for generations, Kona coffee continues to play a role in island culture, economy and landscape. The island of Hawaii brings a whole new meaning to nightlife. From 40 feet below the ocean’s surface, nightlife takes on yet another nuance, as after-dark hours reveal luminous sea creatures, whose fanciful forms seem more alien than earthly. Certified SCUBA divers can embark on a “Pelagic Magic” tour with Jack’s Diving Locker, allowing them to float in the seldom-seen world of these zooplankton — tiny jellyfish, shrimp, and other crustaceans. Tethered to the boat, suspended at a depth of 40 feet, the patient pelagic observer may encounter mysterious “Venus Girdle” jellyfish, from thumb-size form up to four feet in length. Or, ctenaphores, called the “jewels of the sea” for their glowing colors. Others are heteropods (sea snails), copepods (small crustaceans), salps like Thalia democratica — whose chains of plankton that function as one unit, or the elusive Pelagic Hawaiian Seahorse.

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ortland is a breath of fresh air.

Known for its proximity to natural wonders like the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, the city’s metro area has 37,000 acres of green space, including 288 public parks and 166 miles of trails. Nearly 30 percent of the city is blanketed by tree canopy. A pioneer in progressive urban planning, environmentally conscious public policy, and sustainable land development practices, Portland will be covered in green for years to come. Named one of the “best places to eat” in North America by Food & Wine, and “America’s new food Eden” by Time, Portland is home to a creative, accessible culinary scene that goes to great lengths to serve fresh, innovative dishes using superb local ingredients. Plus, it’s light on the wallet, which means there’s always room for dessert. The birthplace of James Beard, Portland has long enjoyed a strong food reputation. The city is situated at the

northern end of the fertile Willamette Valley, which sports a favorable climate for raising a dizzying variety of crops. A close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, rivers and lakes yields magnificent fresh seafood. And Eastern Oregon’s rugged highdesert plains are well-suited to raising livestock and grains. Easy access to high quality ingredients helped propel Portland’s rise to culinary stardom. With lower shipping costs, Portland restaurants provide better value compared to other U.S. cities. Prices don’t prohibit diners from enjoying popular restaurants, and many establishments offer affordable bar menus, small plates, and even main dishes under $20. Overall, the city’s culinary landscape is bargain-oriented, with a bourgeoning home-grown, fast-casual scene, a flourishing food cart selection, and cut-rate happy hour specials. The result: a culinary culture brimming with quality and a population of educated diners with high expectations.

Forest Park, an 8-milelong “forest in the city,” is the nation’s largest wooded urban park, covering 5,172 acres with 70 miles of pathways popular with hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. Forest Park also provides refuge to more than 112 birds and 62 mammal species.

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Ox, featuring upand-coming chef-owners Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton, is the hottest steakhouse around. Tommy Habetz of Bunk Sandwiches is making lunch the most important meal of the day. Cathy Whims has been nominated for numerous James Beard awards for her regional Italian cooking at Nostrana and Oven & Shaker, which slings gourmet wood-fired pizzas. Try iconic ice cream shop Salt & Straw for crazy delicious flavors.

IF YOU GO

FUN FACTS

EVENTS

Airline: Alaska Airlines Portland International

Oregon is one of just two states in which residents — and visitors — have their gas pumped for them. It’s the law.

November 11 Portland’s Book Festival literary-arts.org

Flight duration from Bellingham 1 hour, 14 minutes (one way) Bellingham flights offered Year-round

Portland is the nation’s largest city with tax-free shopping. Oregon is one of five states with no sales tax. Nicknames for the city include “City of Roses,” “Stumptown,” “Bridgetown,” and “Beervana.”

December 1 (various dates) Christmas Ships Parade christmasships.org December 9 Santacon pub crawl pdxcacophony.org

Then, there’s Voodoo Doughnut. Located in Old Town’s popular nightlife district, Voodoo Doughnut is one of the city’s most unusual and delicious culinary destinations. The doughnuts, topped with creative ingredients such as bacon, Captain Crunch and Oreos, are almost as fun to look at as they are to eat. Locals and visitors line up 24 hours a day for what may be the most innovative doughnuts in the world. Be prepared for adorable mustached faces to look up at you from your food (mirroring the many bearded young men you’ll encounter biking around Portland).

Head to Pioneer Place for the big-brand stores and the Pearl District for national and international shops, as well as the famed Powell’s City of Books. The Northwest/Nob Hill area features specialty boutiques and national retailers. For the standard, colossal mall experience, go to Lloyd Center, Oregon’s biggest mall, with 150 stores and megaplex movie theatre. One of the nation’s leading science museums, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun. Five enormous halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. You can experience an earthquake, take part in live lab demonstrations, see a movie in the Empirical Theater, explore the universe in a world-class planetarium and even tour a real submarine. Located on the east bank of the Willamette River.

Information courtesy of Travel Portland

The city’s first piece of public art, the Parisian-inspired Skidmore Fountain installed in 1888, remains the focal point of Portland’s historic Old Town. It’s joined by pieces commissioned through the state’s “percent for art” ordinances that require two percent of major capital construction budgets be set aside for public creative works. Among the most prominent of these is Portlandia, a 36-foot, 6.5-ton sculpture set above the entrance to the Portland Building in 1985, which also shares its name with IFC’s hit television show filmed throughout the city.

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or the holidays, Las Vegas remains the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” with plans to deck the halls with an array of events, dazzling entertainment, and culinary wonders. Look for lights, festivities, activities and more.

Vegas has nearly 150,000 hotel rooms. Most people want to stay in the middle of it all — the Strip. For classic charm, it’s the Flamingo or the Tropicana. For something more chic, try Aria or Palazzo. The kids (and maybe even you) will love the water slides at The Golden Nugget — one slide even shoots through a shark tank — or the beach pool attractions at Mandalay Bay, which has a lazy river and a wave pool. If you’re traveling with a group, try the suites-only Palazzo, HRH Tower, Palms Place or Rio. Going upscale? Pick from the suites in at SkyLofts in the MGM Grand, Sky Suites (Aria) and Nobu (Caesars Palace). Vegas has just about everything when it comes to rooms — even bunk beds (The LINQ) for your group’s fifth- (or seventh- or ninth-) wheel. For perspective on just how popular Las Vegas is among travelers, consider this: McCarran International Airport had its busiest month ever in July 2017. The Las Vegas airport had more than 4.3 52 NorthSoundLife.com

million passengers pass through during the month. This was an increase of 3.8 percent from July 2016. The numbers for 2017 aren’t in yet, but if last year is any indication, the tourism industry here just keeps growing. The impact of travel and tourism in Southern Nevada was bigger than ever before in 2016, as Las Vegas welcomed a recordbreaking 42.9 million visitors, including a record 6.3 million meetings and convention delegates, which resulted in an estimated $60 billion in local economic impact. The travel and tourism industry supported more than 407,000 jobs in Southern Nevada and generated $16.9 billion in local wages and salaries. With famed chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis and Nobu Matsuhisa to name a few, the destination continues to provide new and culture-shifting dining experiences. This winter, Gordon Ramsay will open his fifth Las Vegas restaurant, the first-ever Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace. The upcoming culinary hotspot will be an experiential and immersive dining experience that transports guests straight to the studio set, as if they are participating in the widely popular show. As Hell’s Kitchen heats up and with beautiful weather in the 60s, visitors will be able to skate into action at The Ice Rink at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to roast s’mores by the fire while indulging in seasonal fare and warming beverages. The winter wonderland has an unprecedented view of the Strip, surrounded by glittering lights and snowfall. Fans can catch Backstreet Boys or Britney Spears, who will perform the last shows of her four-year residency, all at The Axis at Planet Hollywood. At The Colosseum at Caesars

Information courtesy of Las Vegas Convention And Visitors Authority and Vegas.com

Ed note: Memorials and flowers have piled up in Las Vegas since October 1, when a gunman killed 58 people and injured nearly 500 more during a country western concert outside the famed Mandalay Bay hotel. A week after the tragedy, the hotel’s website was operating, but not like business as usual. On the website’s opening page were the words: “We’ve been there for you during the good times. Thank you for being there for us now. #VegasStrong” So, this holiday season will be different. Certainly, memorials for the lives lost will be prominent for months. But hopefully, so will an increased appreciation for life and family and loved ones.

Ride The High Roller at The LINQ Promenade, which soars 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip, eclipsing both the London Eye and Singapore Flyer. Drive to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, about a half-hour outside the city, and hike through picturesque rocks and desert landscape. There’s a driving tour too. From up close, admire the engineering feat that is the Hoover Dam. It’s less than an hour from downtown Vegas.

IF YOU GO

Palace, Celine Dion and Elton John will dazzle fans, while country-music enthusiasts can see Reba, Brooks & Dunn. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” show will also take place in December at The Colosseum. George Strait, “The King of Country,” and Lady Gaga will perform their relative shows at T-Mobile Arena in December. Next door, at the newest concert venue, Park Theater at Monte Carlo Las Vegas, Cher and Bruno Mars will perform their individual limited residencies. While the holidays are a dreamlike time, Las Vegas is famous for its epic New Year’s Eve celebration. Las Vegas Blvd. will close to traffic for one of the largest parties in the U.S., the world-famous America’s Party fireworks display. Seven Las Vegas resorts will be launching a dazzling display of fireworks from the rooftops along the Strip for revelers. Maverick Helicopters offers an unparalleled view of the Strip’s firework show while flying high in the sky. Check out the ConWith myriad of offerings, Las Vegas is the ultiservatory, where talented mate destination to raise a glass and ring in the horticulturalists and designers New Year. transform a 14,000-square-foot floral playground into a showcase of the seasons. Don’t miss the popular Fountains at Bellagio, where more than a thousand fountains dance in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light. Take a trip to the Neon Museum, an outdoor exhibit which houses rescued signs from the Las Vegas Strip. Visitors will find a wealth of history there.

Airline: Allegiant McCarran International Airport Flight duration from Bellingham 2 hours, 30 minutes (one way) Bellingham flights offered Year-round

FUN FACTS More than 80,000 marriage licenses are issued annually in Las Vegas. Las Vegas offers the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs, world-class restaurants and Master Sommeliers (12) than anywhere in the world. The newest NHL team, the Vegas Golden Knights, debuts in Las Vegas this fall.

EVENTS November 24–December 31 Magical Forest-Opportunity Village opportunityvillage.org December 7–16 National Finals Rodeo nfrexperience.com December 31 New Year’s Eve America’s Party Fireworks vegas.com

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CALIFORNIA T

his trend-setting city is a tourist mecca

for many reasons. It has one of the most dynamic dining reputations in the country. It has more museums and theaters than any U.S. city, and a thriving music and gallery scene. Shopping and fashion have always been ahead of the curve in L.A.. Attractions and tours range from theme parks and stateof-the-art rides to historic walking neighborhoods. It has a rich legacy of sports and most recently became just the third city in history (with London and Paris) to be named a three-time host to the Olympic Games when it was awarded the 2028 Summer Olympics in September.

Hollywood Bowl and shows at other famous music venues. L.A.’s world-class museums include the stunning Getty Center in Brentwood and Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Museum Row. Monthly art walks take place throughout the city, including popular events in downtown L.A. and Venice Beach. And of course, when it comes to film and television, Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world. Downtown L.A.’s Fashion District is one of the world’s best shopping areas for cutting-edge fashion and bargains. Stroll La Brea Avenue and West Third Street for trendy gear and vintage clothing. Rodeo Drive is a couture mecca, while mere mortals can shop with the stars on Robertson Boulevard. Ventura Boulevard is a hotspot for vintage and high-end fashion alike. Future fashion superstars are being created today at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Los Angeles offers everything from street food to James Beard Foundation-award-winning restaurants. From California cuisine to organic ingredients to food trucks, L.A.’s culinary influence can be felt across the country. Food aficionados can experience the Get tickets to your restaurants of Wolfgang Puck, Thomas favorite talk show or Keller and Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as game show in L.A., like “Real a new generation of culinary stars like Time with Bill Maher.” Take a surf Kogi BBQ Truck founder Roy Choi and lesson from one of many companies such as Aloha Brothers Surf Lessons Top Chef champion Michael Voltaggio. in Venice Beach. Follow Six Taste-LA, Global kitchens can be found in culinary where fun and knowledgeable guides neighborhoods across Los Angeles. An L.A. Philharmonic performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall is a mustsee, as well as an outdoor concert at the 54 NorthSoundLife.com

lead historical and cultural walking tours of different neighborhoods, featuring generous samples of diverse dishes.

Experience world-class thrills at Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Disneyland, still the “happiest place on Earth.” Take flight with the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center and Air Force One at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Time travel via Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum and the ancient La Brea Tar Pits.

Hike the Aileen Getty Ridge Trail in Griffith Park. This three-mile hike provides great views of the Los Angeles basin. Continue on the ridgeline to Mount Lee, and the trail will deposit you above the famed Hollywood sign. Universal Studios Hollywood is the only place that can offer clients a complete working movie studio, a thrilling Hollywood movie-based Theme Park, and L.A.’s most dynamic entertainment district. Downtown LA Walking Tours takes you inside world-class monuments of architecture.

Information courtesy of Discover Los Angeles

Film and TV fans can’t miss Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures. Explore L.A. with Starline Tours and the infamous TMZ Tour, or go green with Bikes and Hikes and Pedal...or not. Some of L.A.’s best hotels have decades of history in addition to modern amenities. Movie and music legends have stayed at these properties, and the hotels themselves have appeared in countless movies and TV shows. Located on Pershing Square in downtown L.A., the Millennium Biltmore hotel was home to the Academy Awards for decades. The landmark Hollywood Roosevelt was the site of the first Academy Awards, and notable residents included Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Since 1912, the Beverly Hills Hotel (aka the “Pink Palace”) has catered to legendary guests like

the Beatles, Howard Hughes, and Greta Garbo.

IF YOU GO

The rich legacy of Los Angeles sports is filled with world championships, national titles, Hall of Famers and historic arenas. L.A. is truly the city of champions: the Lakers have won 16 NBA championships, the Dodgers have won five World Series titles, the Galaxy has won five MLS Cups, and the Kings went on an historic run and were crowned Stanley Cup champions for the first time in 2012, and won again in 2014. L.A. is the home of NCAA titles as well, including the USC Trojans football team’s 11 national championships and 113 NCAA team titles won by UCLA. L.A. sports events take place in landmark arenas like the L.A. Coliseum, Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, Pauley Pavilion and the Rose Bowl. Los Angeles is the best city for weekend warriors, whether you’re looking for a pickup basketball game in Venice or a hiking trail in the mountains.

Airline: Allegiant Los Angeles International Airport Flight duration from Bellingham 2 hours, 50 minutes (one way) Bellingham flights offered Year-round

FUN FACTS In 1996, Charlie Sheen bought 2,615 outfield seats at Angels Stadium in nearby Anaheim so he could catch a home run ball. Los Angeles is home to 113 accredited colleges and universities. Even the L.A. coroner’s office has a gift shop.

EVENTS November 11 World’s Tallest Tree Lighting & Center Court Grand Opening citadeloutlets.com January 1, 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade tournamentofroses.com November 25–January 8 Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens descansogardens.org

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The hot culinary scene, edgy art, and vibrant nightlife are creating an international buzz. In 2012, Oakland was named the No. 5 place to visit in the world by The New York Times. Recently, SmarterTravel.com recognized Oakland as one of “America’s Best Cities on the Rise.” Oakland is strikingly diverse, with 28 percent of its population African American, 34.5 percent white, 25.4 percent Hispanic or Latino and 17.4 percent Asian or Pacific Islander. The city claims 125 languages are spoken here. With that diversity comes remarkable variety in cuisine, the arts, culture, shopping and overall atmosphere. Oakland is also climbing the charts as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities, with the highest concentration of lesbian families nationwide. As a result, Oakland’s diversity is represented year-round, whether it’s at the Chinatown Street Festival, Dias de los Muertos celebrations, or just the everyday farmers market.

Oakland Museum of California has half-price Friday nights, featuring a family-friendly festive night market, gourmet food trucks, live music, a beer garden and dance lessons. Spend the night under the stars at Chabot Space and Science Center. Retrace Amelia Earhart’s flight route at the Oakland Aviation Museum.

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From full-service hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts, Oakland’s accommodations include more than 4,000 hotels rooms and options for every price range. Its proximity to San Francisco — just 15 minutes away — and lower rates for hotels make it a good jumping-off spot to visit the “other” city by the bay. Free parking and shuttle service are included at many properties. Looking for the best new Bay Area restaurant? Look no further — it’s right here in Oakland. From Michelinstarred restaurants to authentic food trucks, Oakland’s diverse offerings run the gamut. Top chefs from neighboring communities are flocking to Oakland, which has quickly become the hottest dining destination on the West Coast. Chefs from throughout California, especially from San Francisco, are choosing Oakland to test their creative culinary skills. With a diverse population and an extensive palette with

Information courtesy of VisitOakland.com

akland is a city in renaissance.

If you’re looking for soul food, some of the best in the city is at Brown Sugar Kitchen, Everett & Jones or Pican. For Italian food with atmosphere, check out Pizzaiolo in Temescal. Shan Dong in Chinatown has a great variety of Dim Sum. Or go simple with Oakland’s mac-n-cheese restaurant, Homeroom, or the famous chicken sandwich on top of an ironing board at Bakesale Betty.

IF YOU GO Airline: Allegiant Oakland International Airport Flight duration from Bellingham 2 hours, 10 minutes (one way) Bellingham flights offered Year-round

FUN FACTS Oakland is home to the fifth largest port and the oldest wildlife sanctuary (at Lake Merritt) in the nation. Oakland has more lesbian couples per capita than any other city, and the third most same-sex couples per capita behind San Francisco and Seattle. 100,000 acres of parks and trails are in the East Bay Regional Park system.

EVENTS November 3 Luna Mexicana visitoakland.com November 18 and December 16 Gallery District Walking Tours oaklandartmurmur.org November 24–26 Plaid Friday oaklandgrown.org

tastes for all types of cuisine, Oakland gives chefs the freedom to explore new recipes, creations, and flavors. Our local food scene is unmatched — from iconic Fenton’s Creamery (featured in Pixar’s “Up”) to fried chicken sandwiches eaten on an ironing board, to two Michelin-star Commis, Oakland is the ultimate foodie destination.

of locally made products. Looking for something a little more classic? Rockridge and Piedmont Avenue are home to some of the best vintage digs in the area. Along Temescal Alley, Bohemian boutiques ranging from horticulture havens to Southwestern jewelry designers are creating a national buzz. Oakland even has a few national retailers in the mix to round things out. Rockridge is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Oakland. College Ave. is booming with restaurants, boutique shopping and the best spa treatment in Oakland. It’s a neighborhood you won’t want to miss or leave. Channel vintage vibes while shopping at Pretty Penny on College Avenue in Rockridge.

If Brooklyn is the arts hub of the East Coast, Oakland is the arts mecca of the West. More than 10,000 people congregate at Oakland Art Murmur on the first Friday of the month to visit Oakland’s grassroots gallery district. Industrial artists in spacious warehouses are creating larger-thanlife pieces for international festivals (a la Burning Man). Whatever the medium may be, creators have chosen Oakland as their home, making the destination the cultural arts metropolis that it is today. Oakland inspires the artist in everyone. If you’re a muralist, photographer or puppeteer, Oakland welcomes you to the thriving arts scene. Art galleries stay open late to thousands of visitors during the first Friday of the month. In West Oakland, the Crucible engages artists in fire arts while Trapeze Arts and Kinetic Arts indulge your inner acrobat. Take in a turf dance battle or learn how to salsa under the stars in Jack London Square. There’s always something creative happening in Oakland. Take part and be inspired.

Oakland is home to NBA champions Golden State Warriors and longtime franchises the Oakland A’s and Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have former Seahawk superstar Marshawn Lynch, who came out of retirement to play for his hometown team. Oakland has a lake? In fact, there are two. Recreationalists will be pleasantly surprised at Oakland’s extensive outdoors (and indoors) offerings. Along the 19 miles of coastline, sailors, kayakers and even standup paddleboarders can take advantage of Oakland’s access to the San Francisco Bay. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders can explore the 100,000-plus acres of parks and trails throughout the hills. In the heart of the city, Lake Merritt is the hub for joggers and walkers, and even the occasional Segway tour.

In true Oakland fashion, shopping in The Town is always original. Ambitious entrepreneurs are creating pop-up shopping neighborhoods and artisan alleys full

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ride the world’s largest revolving tramway to alpine forests and dramatic valley views. Palm Springs Modern Tours is the original architecture tour with owner/guide Robert Imber, a founder of the Palm Springs Modern Committee. Go to Desert Adventures’ Indian Canyons Jeep & Hiking Tour to view one of North America’s largest natural palm oases. Check out Palm Springs Windmill Tours to see the enormous wind turbines and marvel at modern technology.

Airline: Allegiant Palm Springs International Airport Flight duration from Bellingham 2 hours, 43 minutes (one way) Bellingham flights offered Year-round

EVENTS November 24–December 24 WildLights at The Living Desert livingdesert.org December 2 Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade psfestivaloflights.com December 2–3 Indio International Tamale Festival tamalefestival.net

FUN FACTS As part of a Desert Adventures tour, you can snap a selfie on the San Andreas Fault, with one foot on the Pacific Plate and the other on the North American Plate. The Palm Springs Air Museum lets you actually fly in a vintage WWII aircraft. Greater Palm Springs’ Coachella Valley is the Date Capital of the World, growing more than 90 percent of all U.S. dates. On a world scale, only Iran produces more dates.

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t’s always summer in Greater Palm Springs. The sun is shining. The skies are blue. The weather is forever warm. And with direct flights from Bellingham, what better time than now to shed your winter gear and dive into the fun of this cool hot spot? Lazing by the pool is a given. This desert oasis has more pools per capita than anywhere else in the country. What else to do? The choices are endless, really. Whatever your favorite pastimes, you’re sure to find them within the nine cities that make up Greater Palm Springs: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Here’s a sampling — along with insider tips to make your getaway easier than ever.

From cozy mid-century modern and Mediterranean-style inns to trendy hotels with big splashy pool parties, and luxury resorts loaded with posh amenities, you’ll find the perfect stay, be it just the two of you, a girls’ or guys’ time out or familyfriendly vacation. Best of all, you’ll find great accommodations in all price ranges. What restaurant to try next is a hot topic of conversation with the locals, so be sure to ask. Locally owned, one-of-a-kind eateries are a valley hallmark — in all cuisine categories and prices. Don’t miss happy hour. It’s a way of life for value cocktails and light bites. Live entertainment is everywhere.

From old school piano bars to the American song book at spots like Frank’s Place in Indian Wells and cabaret-style shows at the Purple Room Supper Club in Palm Springs. Backed by the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains and with Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Mount San Jacinto State Park at its doorstep, Greater Palm Springs is an outdoor-lovers’ paradise. Enjoy hiking on your own along the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. Insider tip: many trails begin in residential neighborhoods. Or take guided hiking, jeep and even muledrawn covered wagon tours. Bicycle to your heart’s content. The area is mostly flat — so pedaling is easy, and many hotels offer bikes. Enjoy pampering from luxurious spas to, many say, restorative natural mineral waters. Desert Hot Springs is one of the world’s greatest thermal areas. Dozens of properties, including famous Two Bunch Palms, welcome you to the mineral water experience. Elsewhere, resort spas offer soothing and uplifting treatments. Look to La Quinta Resort & Club for the valley’s first Yoga and Mindfulness program, and the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort for spa parties in its 600-square-foot VIP spa suite, with butler service. Insider tip: You don’t have to be a resort guest to book the resort spas.

Information courtesy of Barbara Beckley and Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bereau

IF YOU GO

CALIFORNIA Everything you’ve heard about Palm Springs being ground-zero for midcentury modern architecture is true. Legendary architects Donald Wexler, Albert Frey, William F. Cody, E. Stewart Williams, John Lautner and Richard Neutra created some of their best work here. Take a guided midcentury modern tour or drive by the buildings yourself. The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center offers insight into the architects and their creativity. Insider tip: admission to the Architecture and Design Center is free.

Shopaholics rejoice. You’ll find haute couture to pennywise chic and amazing thrift and consignment shopping. El Paseo in Palm Desert is rightfully nicknamed the Rodeo Drive of the valley. Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District brims with original and vintage furnishings and clothing. Look to Cathedral City for consignment finds at YOLO, and thrift shop treasures at Revivals; and to Rancho Mirage for designer consignment at Re-Deux. Insider tip: Old Town La Quinta has a bevy of unique shops.

The sophisticated side of this oasis shines bright in myriad art galleries, museums and theaters. Enjoy art for sale by luminaries such as Andrew Wyeth and Salvador Dali at Heather James Fine Art in Palm Desert; and the midcentury modern whimsy of artist Josh Agle (aka Shag) at the Shag Gallery in Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Art Museum presents works from Andy Warhol to Ansel Adams and live performances in its Annenberg Theater.

With more than 100 top-rated golf courses including six PGA West layouts — and three courses consistently rated among the country’s best by Golf magazine — your only question is: Which courses to play? All levels of play keep things memorable, from the challenging PGA West Stadium Course in La Quinta, which hosts the PGA Tour’s CareerBuilder Challenge, to the forgiving Celebrity Course at the Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs: Great food and lively vibe. The Edge Steakhouse at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage has sweeping valley views. Café de Beaux Arts on El Paseo in Palm Desert is a French bistro on the perfect corner. Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge in Palm Springs is a legendary old-school piano bar. Check out Shields Date Gardens in Indio for delicious date shakes in the world’s dategrowing capital.

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A R I ZO N A Mesa, Arizona’s thirdlargest city. This Sonoran Desert playground is the perfect Arizona spot for Western and outdoor adventure, culinary discoveries and authentic Arizona beauty with mountains and canyon lands. In fact, Mesa was named the “Best Place for Outdoor Lovers” because of the thousands of acres of natural desert that surrounds the urban city core. Staying in Mesa is the best decision for visitors who want to take easy day trips to experience Native American communities, shopping, hiking, and even visiting the Grand Canyon. Mesa offers a premium selection of full-service hotels and the ideal “hub-and-spoke” destination for exploring all of Arizona’s unique experiences and landscapes. elcome to

Mesa is neighbor to the Tonto National Forest, and visitors to this desert oasis take advantage of being incredibly close to one of the nation’s largest playgrounds. Tonto is the fifth largest forest in the U.S and one of the most-visited forests in the country. There are three lakes and two rivers in Mesa that allow for desert boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and water skiing. These tuckedaway canyons, rivers and the interconnected lake systems are all surrounded by breathtaking Arizona mountain ranges. Mesa has miles of shoreline and miles of 60 NorthSoundLife.com

trails that set the stage for back-country wilderness trips with expert outfitters serving as guides. Visitors can choose their own adventure such as paragliding in our parks, climbing up the cliff faces of the Superstition Mountains, or hiking to the Wind Cave set high atop Usery Mountain. The breathtaking Superstition Mountains to the east serve as both an iconic backdrop for the city and a gateway to adventure. Ghostly and volcanic, the Superstition Mountains rise some 2,000 feet into the desert sky and offer hiking and horse trails fit for every level of enthusiast. Venture down the Historic Apache Trail to find Lost Dutchman State Park. Hidden in the depths of this forbidding range is the Lost Dutchman, one of the most storied “lost mines” of the West. Five hiking trails are offered here that range in distance and elevation. The U.S. Forest Service protects these beautiful mountains as one of the nation’s most popular designated wilderness areas. One of the most popular day trips for anyone visiting Mesa is up the historic Apache Trail through the mysterious Superstition Mountains and into the foothills of the Tonto. To this day, the area continues to pay homage to its Western roots, which took shape in the late 1800s.

IF YOU GO Airline: Allegiant Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Flight duration from Bellingham About 3 hours (one way) Bellingham flights offered Year-round

FUN FACTS Mesa is Spanish for “table.” The city was settled high above the lower Salt River on “the mesa.” In 2015, Money Magazine named Mesa the Best City for Outdoor Lovers. Mesa is bigger than you think — nearly 500,000 in city population, larger than Miami, St. Louis and Atlanta.

EVENTS November 9–11 Mesa Music Festival mesamusicfest.com December 1–31 Merry Main Street merrymainst.com December 9–10 Mesa Arts Festival visitmesa.com

Information courtesy of VisitMesa.com

On this scenic drive guests will encounter an authentic old west stagecoach stop, a ghost town, the famous Elvis Presley Chapel, and the majesty of a mountain lake, all nestled in the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape that captures the true essence of Arizona.

Joyride Taco House. Tacos take center stage and feature slow-roasted meats tucked into house-made tortillas. Arizona’s own La Sonorense Tortilla Factory prepares the flour tortillas, corn masa and cochitos fresh daily. Liberty Market. Rooted in the local community since 1935 with its historic building and name, today, you’ll find a rotating array of locally grown produce and fresh duck eggs from The Farm Stand at Agritopia. Offerings vary with the season.

Karl May wrote about the grandeur of Arizona and all its mystery and magnetism. Visitors will discover untouched Western heritage at Saguaro Lake Ranch, where time stands still and visitors can unwind and unplug. Located on the banks of the historic Salt River, the ranch is a collection of quaint cottages where guests gather for group dinners and entertainment. Experience authentic cowboy life with horseback riding, desert trails into the countryside and cattle drives at Fort McDowell Adventures. Located on the Yavapai Native American reservation, guests can participate in all sorts of adventures. This one-of-a-kind experience is set out on sacred land with magnificent cactus-studded terrain and the Verde River that carves through the reservation. Visit Mesa has launched the Fresh Foodie Trail, a selfguided route that connects many of the culinary-themed attractions in the city with those in our neighboring towns. This food-centric experience abandons the long-table dinners and invites visitors to learn why their food choices matter. Pasta making classes with ancient grains, watching the coldpressing of fresh olives, foraging for the freshest produce — it’s education-plus-experience that makes these stops on the ultimate foodie road trip memorable. Visit Mesa has packaged nearly a dozen locations into this foodie tourism product in a new Agritourism Guide not only to promote Mesa’s treasured heritage of family farming but also educate visitors on the in-demand experiences that can only be found in the destination. The guide maps out each of the attractions and highlights the region’s farmers markets, food truck events, and includes a dining section with restaurants that feature locallygrown items on their menus. Serving as a culinary gateway to Greater Phoenix, the neighboring farms in and around Mesa are providing a bounty of seasonal goods for visitors to enjoy year-round.

Mesa has a collection of kids museums including i.d.e.a. Museum and the Arizona Museum of Natural History — where dinosaurs roar and so much more. Visit Usery Mountain Park. The 3,600-acre park offers everything from desert hiking, biking and horseback riding. Or ride a narrow-gauge train at Goldfield Ghost Town. For more than 115 years, the town has welcomed travelers from all over the world to discover the charm and history of this authentic gold mining town.

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t’s a city that’s almost too good to be true. San Diego has the perfectly pleasant climate. It has coastline, impeccable beaches, and mountains. It has a conveniently located airport, an emerging arts and culture scene, a historic — yet hip — downtown scene, great shopping and restaurants, one of the world’s greatest parks and a wide variety of outdoor activities. That you can fly directly from here to there is a bonus. First, downtown. Downtown San Diego is a dynamic urban center with trendy new restaurants, nightclubs and retail shops opening throughout the year. It is composed of eight distinct neighborhoods, including the historic Gaslamp Quarter, colorful Little Italy and the up-and-coming East Village, each with a distinct personality and allure. In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the 16½-blocks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, grand Victorian-era buildings are home to more than 100 of the city’s finest restaurants, 40 nightclubs and bars and 100 retail shops. When the sun sets, the area’s nightlife sizzles, attracting thousands of diners, theatergoers and nightclub patrons. Once home to generations of Italian families who made their living in the local tuna fishing industry, charming Little Italy is a quaint and lively neighborhood filled with outdoor patio cafes, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, boutique shops and the beautiful Amici Park. The revitalization of East Village, a former warehouse district, was ignited in 2004 with the opening of Petro Park, the San Diego Padres’ baseball stadium.

Some of the country’s most sought-after produce can be found here, along with easy accessibility to fresh fish and crustaceans from the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, and an unquestionable gastronomic influence from its proximity to Mexico. It is no wonder why San Diego has developed a culinary identity all its own. Known as “Cali-Baja,” the region’s unique cuisine reflects the heart and soul of San Diego, an innovative culinary destination. Embracing the fruits of the land and Baja The 1,200-acre Balboa Park, the Mexico’s culinary essence, top chef talent and largest urban cultural park in the United States. Often referred to as the restaurateurs focus on local culture over trends. “Smithsonian of the West,” the park is home While the best-known Cali-Baja staple is the to 15 museums, numerous art galleries, five fish taco, the region’s 6,700+ eateries encomtheaters including The Old Globe, and 16 beaupass everything from sophisticated temples tiful gardens. For families, the world-famous San of haute cuisine to casual, surfside shacks, all Diego Zoo is nearby, along with Legoland California. For art lovers, the Museum of Contemsharing a commitment to fresh ingredients and porary Art San Diego and the San Diego cross-border flavors that offer a multifaceted Opera continually push boundaries and multicultural culinary experience. The with groundbreaking shows. popular San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival occurs each November. 62 NorthSoundLife.com

Information courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority

With more than 100 neighborhoods in San Diego, shopping enthusiasts can spend hours exploring the region’s unique retail districts. Guests seeking hip urban boutiques and the latest in hot new fashions can find plenty of options in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, East Village and Little Italy, as well as the adjacent Headquarters at Seaport Village. Those seeking unique finds with a local touch can wander into the trendy neighborhoods of Hillcrest, North Park and South Park.

IF YOU GO

Courtesy Brett Shoaf Artistic Visuals

Airline: Allegiant San Diego International Airport Flight duration from Bellingham 2 hours, 50 minutes (one way)

Top retail venues are the East Village and the Gaslamp Quarter. Visit beaches like Coronado Beach, rated the No. 1 beach in the U.S. in 2012, and the famous Swami’s Beach surf break. Or there’s the clothing-optional Black’s Beach, set against dramatic sandstone cliffs just north of La Jolla. Golf — San Diego offers 93 golf courses in every conceivable setting, from the ocean to the mountains to the desert.

San Diego’s great outdoors beckon sports enthusiasts to exercise and unwind year-round. The scope of activities is as varied as the topography, ranging from running along the beach, snorkeling La Jolla Underwater Park and kayaking along sea caves, to rock climbing in the rustic backcountry and camping in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. For adventure seekers, the region offers scuba diving in Wreck Alley, hang gliding/paragliding above the Pacific Ocean from the bluffs of Torrey Pines, zip lining across mountainous terrain, water jetpack flights, sky sailing, hotair ballooning, desert jeep tours, and more. With a scene that spans from internationally renowned museums and theater companies to experimental pop-up galleries

Bellingham flights offered Year-round

FUN FACTS San Diego’s Navy and Marine Corps bases form the largest military complex in the world.

in abandoned warehouses, San Diego’s artistic landscape is one of the nation’s most diverse. Home of the La Jolla Playhouse and The Old Globe theatre, San Diego is a leading theater producing town. Recent Broadway shows that originated in San Diego include Jesus Christ Superstar and Bonnie and Clyde along with past Tony-Award winners like Memphis and Jersey Boys. Local neighborhoods offer a kaleidoscope of theater, dance, music, street festivals and visual art events held throughout the year. Young artists are creating vibrant underground and emerging arts districts in once blighted neighborhoods, such as North Park and Barrio Logan, adding to San Diego’s growing reputation as an undiscovered arts destination.

Shelter Island, “San Diego’s Hawaiian Isle,” has prominent Polynesian and Tiki-inspired art and architecture. The region boasts more than 100 craft breweries with several located within a mile of San Diego’s 70-mile stretch of coastline.

EVENTS November 3–4 Breeders’ Cup World Championships breederscup.com November 3–12 San Diego Beer Week sdbeer.com December 1–2 Balboa Park December Nights sandiego.gov

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he San Juan archipelago in Washington State is nestled between three great cities — Seattle, Vancouver B.C., and Victoria B.C., surrounded by the Salish Sea. Of the 172 named islands in the San Juans, three of them — Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan — have accommodations, attractions, and amenities for visitors, with a temperate marine climate unique to the Pacific Northwest. San Juan County has more than 400 miles of shoreline punctuated by rocks, bluffs and beaches. Life in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountains means an average of 247 days with sunshine annually and about half the rainfall of the Seattle area.

San Juan County is considered an “Arts Hot Spot” by the Washington State Arts Commission, and became the first in the country to be designated a voluntary “Leave No Trace” area. Friday Harbor on San Juan Island was named a Destination of Distinction by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Magnificent orca (or killer) whales live in the San Juan Islands yearround, and this is the best place in the world to see them. Three pods, J, K & L — the southern residents — are typically in the area from late spring through early fall, while transients can be seen off-and-on year-round. Whether from a whale watch boat or shore (like Lime Kiln Point State Park on the west side of San Juan Island), you can 64 NorthSoundLife.com

also spot migrating humpback and minke whales. Local whale watch operators adhere closely to state and federal guidelines developed to ensure the whales’ behavior and life cycles are disturbed as little as possible. Experience Washington’s coastal wildlife and scenery from a spectacular sea-level perspective. World-class landscapes and a calm inland sea make the San Juans a prime kayaking spot for adventure-seekers. Paddle your own kayak or set out with one of the many knowledgeable kayaking outfitters on San Juan, Orcas, or Lopez Island for three-hour to three-day tours. Numerous kayaking outfitters also combine paddling with gourmet food and drink experiences, including beer and wine tasting trips. The view from the dining room can’t be beat.

Fresh, local food and farms have fueled life in the San Juans for generations. More farmers than ever are offering visitors the chance to open the barn door to see behind the scenes at some of the Islands’ most beautiful farms, creameries, wineries, and A must-see is the San Juan Island Sculpmore. All year-round visitors can find ture Park at Roche Harbor, a 20-acre garquality local products, educational den of more than 125 unusual installations. activities and culinary events, and It’s extensive, and like none you’ve ever seen. A few miles away, outside Friday Harbor, is Engexperience the sense of community lish Camp, where the aforementioned Pig War shared by island growers, standoff occurred. On Lopez Island, pack a picwinemakers, distillers, brewers, nic lunch and explore hidden coves, like the chefs and other agricultural artisans. stunning one at Watmaugh Bay. Some local farms even offer stays for guests who really want to get up-close and personal to the islands’ bounty.

Information courtesy of VisitSanJuans.com

WA S H I N GT O N

Hike or drive up to Mount Constitution’s stone observation tower on Orcas Island for stunning views of the islands and Canadian and U.S. cities. Shop Friday Harbor’s numerous boutiques and galleries. Spend a day riding the bicycle-friendly but hilly rural roads of Lopez Island, where farmland and the Lopez Island Community Church and cemetery provide picturesque backdrops.

The San Juan Islands have more working artists than anywhere else in Washington state, drawn by the beauty and identity of a place that can be found nowhere else. Materials and methods are as varied as the islands themselves. The San Juan Islands Museum of Art offers quarterly exhibitions of fine visual art from around the world. A beautiful front atrium shows fascinating art installations, and galleries in the main building display works from a diverse collection of artists such as William Morris, Ansel Adams and Ai Weiwei. Visitors can immerse themselves at island museums and galleries, but not all the art is indoors. Sculptures, murals, and woodcarvings are among the islands’ not-so-hidden gems. Like many Pacific Northwestern outposts, the San Juan Islands are a mixture of Native American heritage and frontier spirit. Both are honored in a myriad of ways, with contemporary Coast Salish house posts overlooking the Port of Friday Harbor near the Town of Friday Harbor. Another house post and story boards were dedicated in English Camp, part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park’s 50th Anniversary in 2016. The Park commemorates what is known as the “Pig War” crisis, and was created in 1966 based upon an idea: that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully without resorting to violence. In the late 1850s, when the San Juans were neither here nor there, neither American nor Canadian/English, an Englishman’s pig was snortling through an American settler’s garden, when the American (no surprise), shot it. A bloodless “standoff” ensued. For twelve years. Finally, in 1872, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany ended the Pig War by making the decision to draw the watery border in favor of America.

IF YOU GO Airline: San Juan Airlines Flight duration from Bellingham 15 minutes (one way) to San Juan Island, 30 minutes (one way) to Port Angeles, other destinations available Bellingham flights offered Year-round. Daily to San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor; Lopez Island; Orcas Island; Blakely Island. Charters available to Port Angeles, Port Townsend and other destinations, including B.C.

FUN FACTS San Juan County is the first county in the country to ban jet skis and the first in the

state to ban Styrofoam take-out containers. There are no traffic lights anywhere in the islands. People rarely even honk. San Juan County has more marine shoreline than any other county in the country (408 miles).

EVENTS November 3–5 Friday Harbor Film Festival fhff.org November 11 Hops on the Rock visitsanjuans.com November 24–25 San Juan Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace visitsanjuans.com

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