Seattle TravelGram

Virgin America Announces Sale from Seattle, $79 & up. Is it time to book some flights to get out of town? Now may be your chance to cash in on some great air travel deals.

Virgin America just launched a sale cutting fares to destinations on both coasts from Seattle. This includes nonstop fares, which are the lowest in the market, and are as much as $100 off regular prices. Travel Tuesday-Thursday from Aug. 25 – Nov. 17.

Fly from Seattle to the following cities (each way):
- San Francisco … $79 (nonstop)
- Los Angeles … $99 (nonstop)
- Fort Lauderdale … $149
- Washington, D.C. … $149
- New York City … $169

The sale ends July 12. Sept. 3 and 6 are blacked out. Taxes will be approximately $27-$43 more. Tickets must be booked 14 days before traveling.

Virgin America’s upscale in-flight experience has earned it the title of “Best Domestic Airline” from Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines.

The next STS sale starts July 5.  “For A Limited Time”   Use discount code SAVE20BUCKS  to save $20 on the Seattle TourSaver.   Regular price is $79.95.  Use the discount code to save 20 dollars for a limited time.

Summer is here and we have  2-for-1 coupons on the best tours, attractions, hotels and activities in Seattle, Victoria and the San Juan Islands.

Who wouldn’t want to save on the Magnolia Hotel in Victoria, or Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands from Island Adventures, or the Victoria Clipper, or Argosy Cruises or …. just in time for summer. Over 100 offers with over $8,000 in 2-for-1 coupons.

It’s a great time to buy the book on line and then get out and have fun enjoying all the Northwest has to offer.

Many times a year my husband and I take our sailboat “Sublime” out on a short two hour sail from Seattle over to Kingston for an overnight stay.  Because its so close and the town is so friendly,  this is one of our favorite destinations. We had a full day of sunshine and the next day was a full day of rain, typical Northwest weather.

Kingston is known as the “Little City by the Sea”, and is the northern gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula and Olympic National Park and Forest. This tiny town has waterfront ambiance, beaches to stroll, delicious cozy cafes and quaint shops to visit. 

The Port of Kingston is a favorite stopping off point for boaters travelling from the southern areas of Puget Sound heading to the Strait of San Juan De Fuca, the San Juan Islands, the Canadian Gulf Islands, and even Alaska.  Its proximity to the Olympic Peninsula offers opportunities for campers, hikers and bikers as well for those who come over by ferry. The Washington State Ferries operate the western terminal of the Edmonds-Kingston run at the Port of Kingston.

Need more of a reason to visit Kingston? Here are just two events that are perfect for you to plan ahead for; Kingston’s 4th of July Celebration with concerts and fireworks and the Farmer’s Market that is every Saturday through October.

The winds are constant off the Pacific Ocean which makes for ideal kite flying conditions year round at this ocean side destination. The simple act of kite flying will be pushed to the extreme with stunt competitions that will take place at Ocean Shores Saturday, June 5^th and Sunday, June 6^th, 2010. There will also be free kite flying lessons, fun flies, displays and more. Hundreds of fanciful and colorful kites will make the sky come to life.

Ocean Shores is a friendly beach community surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor. Visitors  to this part of the Olympic Peninsula can enjoy two fresh water lakes, twenty three miles of canals, great beaches and many natural areas. Although the main draw to Ocean Shores is six miles of sandy ocean beaches, visitors will find there are lots of activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, dining and many cozy accommodations to occupy your time.

Ocean Shores makes a great day trip from Seattle. In just under three hours (about 140 miles) you will drive south to Olympia, hang a right and go as far west as you can drive until you hit the ocean.  Find out this weekend why Ocean Shores considers themselves as one of Washington’s favorite getaways.

June 4 – Sept. 30  Hop on a nonstop flight to Hawaii during the peak summer season and save more than $200 on current nonstop fares. Alaska Airlines just released a sale with rates as low as $179 each way from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

These sales sell out quickly, especially for weekend trips. 

Here are some prices from SeaTac airport.

Is that ukulele music I’m hearing? Is there sandy beaches in my future? I’m thinking maybe yes.

My husband and I recently went to Zihuatanejo -Ixtapa Mexico and without a doubt this was our favorite vacation ever. We had a solid week of perfect weather. It was between 80-85 degrees 24 hours a day and the water temperature was 85 degrees. AHHH!

We went snorkeling and saw hundreds of multi-colored tropical fish, ate really great and very inexpensive food, read loads of books, walked up and down white sand beaches and thoroughly enjoyed every minute we were there.

 The town of Zihuatanejo is a fishing village where you’ll see the fishermen bringing in their catch of the day to sell right on the beach. We learned that early morning or later in the afternoon were the best times for us to take long walks through town (no cruise ship crowds).

Dennis and I have been to Mexico several times and each trip we’ve visited a new area. We have always had a wondeful time but we are definitely going back to Zihuatanejo as soon as we get more Alaska Airline miles saved up.

The Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. I am here to give you some ideas on the clichéd stay-cation, because really…there’s no other place to stay.

What’s that? You say you’re looking for a whale of a vacation? Then you want to scurry up the I-5 freeway from Seattle and and take a beautiful Seattle ferry ride over to the San Juan Islands, one of the Northwest’s premier destinations for whale watching. This little slice of heaven not only gives you the all-in-the-wild Sea Worlds experience, but takes your breath away with sublime serenity and reminds you to appreciate the simple things in life.

Consisting of 172 islands, the San Juans are nestled in the jigsaw puzzle of land and sea between Bellingham and Victoria, BC Canada. The four main destinations are Shaw, Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island. While each of them boast their own unique charm and splendor, it’s the combination of colorful history, outstanding hikes and outdoor activities, quaint lodging and incredible restaurants on the namesake San Juan Island that I will give you a peek into now.

The first thing you’ll want to do is set up your whale watching excursion, the most famous and popular activity on the island. About 90 endangered Orcas make their home in the San Juans, and while whales can be seen year-round, they are most commonly spotted between May and October.

Let the expert guides from San Juan Excursions take you under their wing… uh, flipper. Take your pick from a three-to four- hour boat tour or a kayaking adventures from San Juan Island Outfitters.  Whichever you decide, the guides make sure you get an education by interpreting the natural history, geography and wildlife during the leisurely trip.

Roche Harbor

To set your own pace, rent a moped from Susie’s Mopeds and tour the entire island’s many vistas and attractions. One of the best places in the world to view the whales from shore: the Lime Kiln Point State Park, aka “Whale Watch Park.” Bring a picnic lunch and sit on the shores during the whale watching months and you’re sure to see a pod or two.

If you decide to make a night of it in Friday Harbor, lay your head down at the Harrison House Suites or the Tucker House Inn Bed and Breakfast and Cottages. Both are two blocks from the ferry, have a water view, kitchenette and are pet-friendly. Be prepared for a deep sleep on the luxurious lines and a mouthwatering breakfast made each morning by the friendly inn owners.

As the sun sets on the harbor, take advantage of the idyllic setting for a romantic meal. Check out the Duck Soup Inn, where owner/chef Gretchen Allison will craft you a meal from scratch. The delicate flavors of this Northwest cuisine will leave you craving more.

With enough time, you’ll also be able to trek to the other end of the island and explore the sleepy village of Roche Harbor. The historic village celebrates its past by preserving founding architecture like the 120-year-old Hotel de Haro, where John Wayne spent many a night, and looks to the future with modern attractions like the Westcott Bay Reserve, a captivating 19-acre sculpture garden. Nestled between Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor is Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes. The resort sits on 82 acres with three spring water lakes.

Boarding the ferry back in Friday Harbor, you’ll probably find yourself longing to stay on the slowed down “island time.” Even though you have to return to the real world mainland, the sort of the graceful whales and friendliness of the communities will linger, smoothing out the bumps on the road of everyday life.

By Jacqulyn Diteman

Located 5 miles south of downtown Seattle, Georgetown is Seattle’s oldest residential neighborhood.  This area has a growing retail district and  a thriving creative community. Georgetown is considered by its residents to be the last bastion of a cohesive creative community in the city. Visitors have the opportunity to shop and dine in over 20+ galleries, studios, boutiques and cafes mostly along Airport Way.

Among some of the highlights we found on our visit to Georgetown were a great Café bar called Calamity Jane’s where we had a delicious late lunch and then we were off for more shopping. One of our favorite finds was Great Stuff which has a collection of the most unusual things from industrial artifacts to modern kitsch. We stopped into Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery where they had a whole room with just comics. Spend an afternoon visiting this unique, historic and artistic neighborhood

Looking for old world charm, take a trip to Victoria - British Columbia.  From Seattle’s waterfront you can take a high speed catamaran ferry ride on the Victoria Clipper, or for a even faster trip take a scenic float plane ride from Lake Union on Kenmore Air.

Victoria offers first nation culture, English history and photo opportunities at every corner. Spend a night at the wonderful Magnolia Hotel & Spa right in the heart of the old downtown core. Give yourself plenty of time to explore starting with the majestic Fairmont Empress Hotel and don’t miss out on High Tea while you are there. Stroll around visiting the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Craighdarroch Castle, Emily Carr House and many other National Historic sites all walking distance from downtown Victoria. Once your feet are good and tired I recommend Isao Bodyworks for a holistic pedicure. AHHH!

There are so many fantastic restaurants to choose from however I recommend a local favorite, the Blue Fox. It’s well worth waiting in line for their fantastic breakfast and brunches. For more information call (250) 380-1683‎.

Whale watching adventures are a must and Great Pacific Adventures three-hour excursions start right at Victoria’s inner harbour.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2010 Seattle TourSaver book for 2-for-1 savings on many of Victoria’s attractions, accommodations and adventures.

Around Seattle you need to get outside to enjoy sailing, skiing, hiking, camping, or just walking around all the unique and wonderful neighborhoods and cities. Here are some weather sites that will get up to the moment information and forecasts for the region.

Seattle Weather Underground

I-90 Travel Information

Washington Ferry Weather

National Weather Service