Vacations Blog

Aloha, hula!

Hawaii puts its rich cultural history on display for visitors in many ways, but once a year, they really pull out all the stops with the Aloha Festival.

On my recent visit to Oahu to explore the island and experience the festival, I was hosted by the very friendly and laid-back representatives of the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau, so I had a bit of an inside look into how Hawaii is faring these days.  It was hard to tell that tourism is down.  Everywhere I looked there were tourists, and most of those were happy and smiling.  With perfect weather, lush surroundings, and gracious staff at almost every place I visited, how could one not be happy?

(Don’t forget, you  can enter to win a trip to Hawaii until October 23rd.  Details here.)

For a busy mother of two, this trip held lots of promise of down time and relaxation.  But.  Once I got to Hawaii and there was an undiscovered delight lurking around every turn, I found I couldn’t stop my mind from spinning even when my body was exhausted.  I only had just over three days there.  “I’ll sleep on the plane,” I told myself. Read More »

Skagit Valley Tulips abound in April

It’s officially Spring in the Northwest. How do I know this? No, it’s not because we passed March 21st on the calendar. Neither is it because of the schizophrenic weather, having snowed in Seattle on April 1st, only to be a sunny 75 degrees less than a week later. No, I can tell it is officially Spring here in the Seattle area because of the beautiful Tulips that begin to pop-up everywhere.

April is Tulip time in the Northwest, and no place celebrates this Northwest rite of Spring like the Skagit Valley. With more than 1000 acres of dazzling colorful flowers spread across the valley like an endless floral quilt, the valley attracts throngs of tourists looking to celebrate the promise of sunnier, happier days in the region.

Tulip Rows in The Skagit Valley

The 26th Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs now through the end of April and offers multiple tours and events for the whole family to enjoy. These include Motor Coach tours, guided bike tours, Quilt walks, Wine tours, parades, kite demonstrations, salmon barbeque’s, a battle of the bands as well as numerous other fun-filled events.  Follow the link above to the Festival’s official website where you can check out a full listing of events, lodging and dining options, flower maps, as well as plan your itinerary.

The Skagit Valley is conveniently located about an hours drive North of Seattle and an hours drive south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Follow US Interstate 5 North, or South to exits 221-236 where you can pick up tulip brochures at local businesses in the towns of LaConnor, Anacortes, Sedro Wolly, Burlington, or Mount Veron.

Colorful Tapestry welcomes Spring in the Northwest

Planning an overnight stay? Check out the local lodging options. Dining options are numerous but I would be remiss not to recommend stopping by the Skagit River Brewery in Mount Vernon for a tasty wood fired pizza and a cold pint or two straight from the tap. Hey, all that touring will work up a hearty appetite and colorful thirst.

If you end up visiting, have fun and enjoy the beautiful flowers. But, also bring your raincoats. This is Spring in the Northwest after all.

Photos from bellinghamster.com

Snow for Sleeping Beauty

When most people think of Disneyland Resort (that being the area containing the original Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney hotels) they tend to think of a summer destination for their family vacation.  Here’s something to consider, Disney for the holidays.

The entire area is transformed.

The hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian) each have their own Christmas trees and holiday decorations, respectively, as well as daily winter-based activities for guests of all ages, including crafts, tours and workshops.

Downtown Disney takes on the festive feel of the season, complete with themed displays and a constant soundtrack of holiday tunes provided by live musicians, wandering carolers or piped through the speakers.

Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) sticks with its California motif and embraces Santa in a more relaxed mindset.  Here you will find sand instead of snow and the reindeer games consist of beach activities- even Santa opts for bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt rather than his traditional garb.

Winter in the 100 Acre Woods

Disneyland goes a more traditional route with its decorating.  The entire park is a holiday, evoking the likes of Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives.  There are special shows, parades, treats and merchandise (including a fantastic and large assortment of holiday decor and clothing).

The Disney characters are often dressed accordingly, especially Goofy that spends his days in Toon Town dressed as Santa and posing for pictures.

Mickey for the Holidays

Each night snow falls throughout Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A. to New Orleans Square.

The Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions have special holiday themes which are so well done that many, including my family, prefer the seasonal overlay to the original.

The winter weather in Anaheim is typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.  The nights cool down quite a bit and you should pack accordingly- especially since it can become chilly and wet without much warning.

If at all possible, try to arrange your vacation during the week to offset the crowds, but keep in mind that the closer you get to the holidays the more likely that local schools will be on break.

The Holiday festivities run from November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009.

Photos by Whit Honea