This first in my series of blog posts about extraordinary places and experiences in the Pacific Northwest aptly features common elements found on any Northwest beach—mud, stones and seaweed. But these elements are rarely put to such elegant use as by the pros at Chrysalis Inn and Spa with its exhaustive menu of treatments.



Mud. Check in and schedule a favorite among Chrysalis guests—the Rhassoul Mud Ritual—the ancient ultimate in pampering and head-to-toe…

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Travel & Words, the Pacific Northwest travel writer's event recommended by Writer's Digest, features a line-up of media and sustainable tourism specialists. The annual two-day event will be held…

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Travel & Words Spring '11 conference offers opportunities to connect learn and write about sustainable, green and responsible travel and tourism for an early registration fee of $99.…

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Travel and Words, the highly regarded Pacific Northwest conference that connects travel writers with destination specialists, announced today that early bird registration of $99 will continue through March 31. With the publicity resulting from an article in the March/April issue… Continue

 

Program highlights at: http://travelwritersconference.com/blog/…

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Do you deserve an award?

Self-nominate for IFWTWA Journalism Excellence Award. Open to non-members only. See details at http://ifwtwa.com/2010/11/ifwtwa-excellence-awards-program.html

Two levels of award:

- Professional Journalist

- Emerging…

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When the new owners of The Inn of the White Salmon acquired the vintage hotel located in the scenic hub of one of the Pacific Northwest's richest recreational and viticultural areas, they had a clear vision. The guest rooms were a dated hodgepodge of grandmother's attic furnishings and the amenities were minimal. Today, the inn has been transformed into one of Washington's great European-style boutique inns, offering deluxe suites and… Continue

I promise not to step up on a soapbox here, but, if you're a traveler or travel professional, I've been wondering how you handle traveling to places that have political or policy environments that go against your conscience. Brutal political regimes where human rights are a rare commodity are perhaps the most obvious examples, but what about states, provinces, etc. in your own country that have enacted laws or policies that go against your values.



For example, I suspect many of you… Continue

You've eaten seafood until you're beginning to feel like a crustacean, you've sipped Mochas at the original Starbucks, you've even crowded into the Space Needle elevator with hoards of perspiring tourists – so what else is there to do?



Pick up a copy of Seattle's newest hiking guide by yours truly, Best Easy Day Hikes–Seattle, published in July by Falcon Guides, and hit the trail. These hikes, all within an hour of downtown Seattle, range from urban treks to foothill… Continue