San Juan Islands
(San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw)
You won't get palm trees or a good tan on Washington's San Juan Islands, but the lack of a subtropical climate hardly detracts from the allure. Home to more eagles and orcas than any other region in mainland America, the San Juans are a mecca for naturalists and anyone in need of a little scenic tranquility.

There are four islands - San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw - that are easily accessible by state ferries, and, except for Shaw Island, by seaplanes. All four offer stunning views and a serene, rural ambience, yet each has its own distinct spirit.

Known as the Pig War Island, San Juan is the location of a military altercation between Britain and the United States that began over the shooting of a pig, and ended with America being rewarded the San Juans. The locations of the American and English camps are home to historic buildings, exhibits, and reenactments. In addition to being historic landmarks, the locations are also quite scenic. American Camp affords views of whales, seals, and porpoises, while English Camp has excellent hiking trails and an English Formal Garden, designed by the camp's second commanding officer.

Overnight visitors to the San Juans have plenty of lodging options from quaint bed and breakfasts to the hotels, cottages, and condos offered at Roche Harbor Resort & Marina.

However, to experience the finest luxury accommodations the islands have to offer, a trip to Orcas Island is necessary. As the home of Rosario, an historic resort built in 1904 as the retirement home of shipbuilder Robert Moran, Orcas has gained a reputation as the most highbrow of the islands.

The Moran Mansion, which acts as the central hub of the resort, was built by turn-of-the-century shipwrights, and is outfitted in Honduran Mahogany, Indian Teak, and Italian Marble. Guests enjoy stunning views and have access to the full-service spa. Rosario's Friday Seafood Buffet and Sunday Brunch are magnets for all visitors to the island.

As the largest of the four islands, Orcas has accommodations and activities for all types of travelers. Moran State Park features 30 miles of trails and more than 150 campsites. Also not to be missed is Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the islands, with a dramatic 360-degree view of San Juan Archipelago, Vancouver Island, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

While all of the islands have a relaxed pace, Lopez and Shaw are the most sedate of the four. The 29.5 square miles that make up Lopez Island are known for their friendly inhabitants and simple island living. Composed of pastoral scenery, quiet beaches, and abundant with bed and breakfasts, the island has everything necessary for quiet pampering. Aside from the shops and restaurants in the small Lopez Village, the island is refreshingly free from the usual barrage of tourist attractions, making it an ideal escape for harried, urban dwellers.

Shaw Island, in comparison, makes Lopez seem like Manhattan. Merely 7.7 square miles and home to only 150 people, the island has no tourist facilities other than a grocery store. However, as a place for quiet contemplation, Shaw can't be beat. In fact, the island is home to two monasteries that make up a large part of the island's population. Shaw makes for a good side trip from the other islands. Aside from the chance to witness the ultimate in small-town island living, Shaw Island's historic school, museum and nun-operated ferry are worth checking out.

Delta Whistler Resort
4050 Whistler Way [ Whistler, B.C. ] | ph: (800) 515-4050
Delta Whistler Resort hotel is ideally located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, just steps from championship golf, fabulous dining, boutiques, and an variety of all-season activities. The resort has 288 guestrooms, many with spectacular mountain views. Don't miss the Mountain Health Club, indulge with a luxurious massage, Jacuzzi, or a swim.

Cascade Loop Highway
This 400-mile self-guided driving tour was named "One of America's grandest, most spectacular drives" by National Geographic Traveler. Indeed, the scenic trip travels through some of Washington's prime territory and includes historic towns, opportunities for marine and wildlife sighting, gorgeous mountain views, and resort towns.

The drive begins in the Snohomish River Valley, continues through Stevens Pass and the Cascade foothills, before climbing northward toward the Columbia River, Lake Chelan, and the Methow Valley. It then heads into the North Cascades Highway and the Skagit Valley, and before completing, travels through Whidby and Fidalgo Islands.

Along the way are opportunities for nearly every type of outdoor activity. These include paragliding over Lake Chelan, golfing in the Methow Valley, river rafting in the Cascade foothills, eagle watching in Cascade Pass, and whale watching in Everett. Of course, there are also a wealth of places to ski, snowmobile, camp, hike, bicycle, and fish.

The route is peppered with interesting tours and historical exhibits, as well. The town of Snohomish, alone, boasts over 450 antique dealers, a self-guided walking tour of lavish Victorian homes, and the Boeing Assembly Plant Tour. A stop in Cashmere, a small, all-American town located in the geographic center of the state, yields a tour of the Aplets & Cotlets candy factory and the 13,000 square foot Pioneer Village and Museum - both excellent places for children.

As home to some of Washington's best attractions, the Cascade Loop makes for superb road-tripping, whether done as one long journey, or several small excursions.

Birch Bay, Washington
One hundred miles north of Seattle and 40-miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, Birch Bay is a popular vacation destination for Americans and Canadians alike. With the warmest waters north of California, Birch Bay is one of the few northwest beaches where getting into the water is as pleasurable as gazing at it from the shore - although only the very bravest venture in during January's annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Swim.

Overnight options include camping at the waterside State Park, and an array of bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages, and condos. For those in search of upscale accommodation, Resort Seimiahmoo provides decadent lodging on grounds that include a spa, marina, fitness center, and golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.

Birch Bay is perfect for a week or weekend of pure relaxation, and its ample opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and hiking also make it a prime spot for active travelers.