Every now and then, we just need to get away from it all! Get away from the routine and take ourselves off the grid for a little bit. Whether it’s spending time around a campfire, exploring the wilderness on an ATV or snowmobile, skiing the slopes, or just hanging by the fireplace reading a book, there’s nothing better than reconnecting with yourself, your loved ones, and the beauty of the outdoors! These times at our favorite Kabino are things we cherish.
And lucky for you, we have Kabinos in locations that are perfect for everyone – with multiple types of properties, experiences, and destinations. We’ll help you get out there and explore…and live that carefree lifestyle. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy:
Arizona
It’s easy to see why the Copper State ranks high on the bucket lists of millions of travelers. Just 45 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is a place that offers the most picturesque settings in all of Arizona: Gold Canyon. Gold Canyon offers thousands of square miles for hiking, bike riding, photography, camping and outdoor sports. Want to work on your golf swing? There are dozens of courses in the area, including five 18-hole championship length courses. With plenty of sunshine, many people travel here to escape the snow. Check out the Kabinos in Gold Canyon by CLICKING HERE.
Idaho
When it comes to natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure, Idaho has the goods to rival its more famous neighboring states, but with even smaller crowds. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, biker, bird lover, or just an outdoor enthusiast, Idaho has got you covered. There are three places in Idaho we suggest:
Driggs
Driggs provides easy access to famed ski resort Jackson Hole, and sits in close proximity to the Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It’s an outdoor-lover’s dream destination! Check out the Kabinos in Driggs by CLICKING HERE.
Island Park
Only 15 miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Island Park is a great getaway. Once you explore Yellowstone you can continue your outdoor adventure by kayaking the waterways or exploring the miles of ATV trails. Check out the Kabinos in Island Park by CLICKING HERE.
Swan Valley
Known as one of the best dry-fly fisheries in North America, Swan Valley makes you want to go fishing. Trophy trout fishing isn’t the only game in town, as this area provides year-round activities for sportsmen and adventures. Mountain bike through a vast network of trails, horseback past waterfalls, or hike every location possible. Check out the Kabinos in Swan Valley by CLICKING HERE.
Utah
Utah’s breath-taking beauty has gained the state the reputation of being a nature-lovers playground. Utah is blessed with some of the most dramatic landscapes that are sure to impress you. Its many national parks and a vast expanse of desert, canyons, rocky trails, and metropolitan cities that have a small-town feel will make you feel at home. Whether looking for a family vacation or solo trip, there are many reasons to visit Utah. Here are some of the most popular destinations:
Park City
Known more as a resort town, Park City is part of the Wasatch Range. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities. They can visit the Cabriolet, ponder through over 20 art galleries, learn about the culture at Kimball Art center or visit the Olympic Park. It’s also a world-class ski destination! Check out the Kabinos in Park City by CLICKING HERE.
Hurricane
Love water? Hurricane is located in the desert, but offers watersports even during the non-summer months. Visitors can also engage in various off-road activities on the sand dunes, go golfing, or visit nearby Zion National Park. Check out the Kabinos in Hurricane by CLICKING HERE.
La Verkin
Framed by stunning mountains and canyons, you’ll find La Verkin, Utah. This friendly, rural community is in the heart of Color Country. Outdoor activities are popular here. Explore the local Confluence Park, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, or the Overlook Trail to City Monument. You’ll be admiring nature every step of the way. Check out the Kabinos in La Verkin by CLICKING HERE.
Wyoming
Wyoming tends to fly low on the radar when it comes to vacations. However, there are several gems that make this state stand out. The following locations are all near the famous Grand Teton National Park, as well as many more outdoor wonderlands.
Alpine
Over the rivers and through the woods, you will find a town where three rivers flow into the Palisades Reservoir. With its small-town atmosphere and an abundance of activities for every season, Alpine provides a small but mighty package. Check out the Kabinos in Alpine by CLICKING HERE.
Teton Village
Head for the hills! Calling all skiers, both beginner and expert, to hit the slopes in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park. In the Park, visitors will find miles of lesser known trails and black diamond slopes. After the adventurous day, unwind in the many apres ski places the village has to offer. Check out the Kabinos in Teton Village by CLICKING HERE.
Jackson
Take a ride on the Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Park. This is one of the most popular activities for children. Engage in mountain biking, ropes courses and free fall at Grand Adventure Park! Prefer to explore the outdoors more? Hike through the many trails, go fishing, or take a horseback ride. Check out the Kabinos in Jackson by CLICKING HERE.
Washington
Wake up and smell the coffee. Seattle is known as the “Coffee Capital” of the U.S.. Not only is Seattle the largest city in Washington, it’s also the largest in the entire Pacific Northwest. This flourishing economy has a buzz (perhaps from the coffee) that fills your veins. Have the best of both worlds: explore the city and popular destinations like Pike Place, or escape to the beach or various outdoor adventures. Check out the Kabinos in Seattle by CLICKING HERE.
So pick out your favorites. And then #PackYourBags! Taking time away from the stresses of work and daily life can improve our health, motivation, relationships, job performance, and perspective. And there’s no better place to do that than at the Kabino!
Visit KABINO.COM to explore all of the amazing places just waiting for you to make new memories!
Getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors is something everyone loves. Who doesn’t love breathing clean, fresh air, or hearing the serene sounds of nature? And, who doesn’t need a break from technology right now?! There are so many ways to get outside and get active in the Yellowstone area, and we’ve come up with a list of some of our absolute favorite ways to get away from it all in this stunning part of the country. Plus – these are perfect if you’re looking for some time away from the hustle and bustle!
Seeing the Yellowstone Sights
Yellowstone is known for some truly spectacular natural scenery. From Old Faithful and the geysers to hot springs, canyons, and more, it’s one of the most unique places in the world. For a comprehensive list of things to do and sights to see, we like this link to the National Park Service. It’s full of information you need for a successful trip.
Reel It In – Fishing
Whether you’re an experienced fisherman, new to the sport, or enjoying a family outing, you’ll find fun fishing opportunities in and near the park. Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park, as well as the largest lake above 7,000 feet in North America. The lake is home to native Cutthroat Trout and non-native Lake Trout. With its prime fishing conditions and beautiful scenery, Yellowstone Lake makes a fishing playground for all ages. The Yellowstone River is also known internationally as one of the premier trout waters in the world!
Hiking for All Levels
Yellowstone National Park is one of America’s premier wilderness areas. The park encompasses more than 2.2 million acres, has more than 900 miles of hiking trails. And, day-hiking doesn’t require a permit! There are canyon hikes you can participate in, hikes near lakes and rivers, and some amazing hikes near Old Faithful as well. It’s a great way to get active and get away from it all!
Fun on the Water
Get ready to leave dry land and explore the incredible waterways around Yellowstone! You can go boating, kayaking, or canoeing. Non-motorized vehicles are allowed on most park lakes and the section of the Lewis River between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes, so there’s ample space for you to have some peace and tranquility on the water.
Camp Out
There are over 2,000 camping sites in Yellowstone National Park! Camping is a great way to get connected with nature (and with yourself) and to be able to really take a step back away from it all. The campgrounds are near some of the popular attractions of the region, too!
Spot Some Animals
Yellowstone’s incredible and abundant wildlife is as famous as its geysers. In the park, animals have over 3,000 square miles of habitat available to them, so finding them usually takes some luck (and, some skill!) You can see animals like bear, bison, elk, and more. Plus – there are some absolutely amazing birds in Yellowstone for you to spot!
When booking a vacation, one of the first questions you ask will inevitably be: where will we stay? You’re faced with several options, the most popular being hotels and individual vacation rental properties. Sometimes it can be hard to know what’s best for your trip.
But your choice of accommodation can make or break your vacation, especially now. Choosing a rental that is proactive in safety and cleanliness is more important than ever as travelers return to their favorite places in the wake of COVID-19. That’s why there’s been a big surge in demand for vacation rentals as a whole – they give you an experience that’s fun and safe for your group.
With safety at the forefront these days, vacation rentals offer several key benefits that make them a perfect choice for your trip. With high standards of cleanliness, private spaces, and personal service, they take much of the worry out of your travel. Read on to learn more!
Private Accommodations
One of the biggest benefits of a vacation rental is privacy. With a vacation rental property, guests enjoy spacious and private accommodations free of population-dense areas like lobbies and elevators, noises from nearby guests, or in-and-out housekeeping. This also makes them perfect for families traveling with kids, who aren’t always welcome in a busy hotel atmosphere.
That also means your family has significantly less exposure to recent or neighboring guests in the same space. As travelers are more conscious of crowds and cleanliness, vacation rentals allow your family to travel comfortably and safely to the destination of your choice.
Private Entrances
Speaking of privacy, many vacation rentals also offer private, direct entrances to your space. That means you won’t have to move through those high-traffic hotel areas like lobbies, elevators or hallways each time you need to access your rooms. This gives you more privacy to come and go and it protects your family from unnecessary exposure to other guests or staff.
Plus, many vacation rentals offer contactless check-in and check-out options via keypad, smartphone app, and/or dropboxes. That means no waiting in lobby lines, interacting with high-exposure staff, or using germ-covered pens!
Strict Cleaning Protocols
Hotels book by the night, often turning guests over in a single afternoon. That leaves a small window for cleaning and sanitation protocols to protect your family. Because vacation rentals are typically booked for longer stays, our staff is able to implement a higher standard for cleaning and disinfecting rental spaces between guests.
We have also expanded our already strict cleaning protocols to take extra precautions to guarantee your family’s safety during your stay. Rather than focusing on high turnovers, your safety and comfort is our top priority.
At-Home Amenities
Vacation rentals include home-like amenities such as private kitchens and laundry machines. These features make your stay more comfortable and add an extra layer of safety for guests. Having a private kitchen means you can cook and enjoy meals in the comfort of your rental without being exposed to high-traffic restaurants or delivery persons.
Having your own washer and dryer allows you to avoid having your clothing laundered by hotel staff or, worse, venturing to busy laundromats. You can also clean your clothing before you leave rather than carting home dirty clothes, if you prefer.
Direct, Personalized Service
We’ve all been there – you book a family trip through a large travel agency or chain hotel and have a reservation question, only to be put on hold for hours when you call their 1-800 number. How frustrating!
When you work with a vacation rental company like us, you can be sure you’ll receive direct and personalized service. Our team is made up of locals who do life here, and are ready to serve you at a moment’s notice. That means you can ditch those long waits and get any questions and concerns answered promptly, from a local staff that knows the area and is invested in your vacation.
As daily life changes in the wake of COVID-19, travel is changing, too. Families are more concerned than ever about staying safe as they travel, especially to popular destinations. By choosing a vacation rental, you can guarantee your family a vacation that’s comfortable, fun, and – most importantly – safe.
Contact us today to book your stay!
With many families sheltering at home due to the COVID-19 virus, this year’s Mother’s Day is sure to be a different kind of celebration. But even if you can’t take your mom to her favorite brunch spot, or if you can only celebrate virtually this year, there are still ways you can treat your mom to a celebrity-status Mother’s Day in 2020. Read on for seven of our favorite ways to celebrate Mother’s Day at home.
Make Her Favorite Meal
With so many families being confined indoors together, moms around the globe are serving up more home-cooked meals than usual. Give your mom a break from kitchen duty by serving her a delicious meal she didn’t have to prepare! Make her favorite family recipe or dessert and present it to her VIP-style (that means no clean-up when she’s done). Bonus points if you serve her breakfast in bed like the queen she is!
Isolated apart? No problem! Order her favorite meal and have it delivered to her door with a note promising to take her to that favorite restaurant as soon as you can. You’ll put a smile on her face and get to support a local business at the same time. Truly a win for everyone.
Turn Your Backyard into a Mother’s Retreat
Since you can’t send your mom to a secluded retreat this year, make one instead. Order a cozy hammock and set it in a shaded spot where mom can lounge. Mix up her favorite cocktail and scour the bestseller’s list for a juicy new read in her favorite genre. A few distraction-free hours in her new backyard paradise and mom will forget she’s not relaxing in a tropical oasis or mountainside paradise.
Order a Personalized Puzzle
Mothers fawn over personalized gifts, and puzzles are an easy and fun way to pass a long afternoon indoors. Order a puzzle made from a cherished family photo for a sweet keepsake gift that’s practical and priceless. With so many stores closed, Etsy is a great place for unique, personalized gifts. Include a picture frame so mom can hang it on the wall when she’s done.
Give Her an At-Home Spa Day
Nothing says I appreciate you like a day of pampered relaxation. Since you can’t book a day in the spa right now, gift your mom everything she needs to make her own spa day at home! Send a pre-made gift basket, bundle her favorite products in a homemade gift, or go DIY-style by making fun, at-home facial scrubs you can use together. Don’t forget to throw in a candle and add some soothing music to her playlist for at-home ambiance!
Send Her Flowers
It may seem obvious, but the quintessential Mother’s Day gift is tailor-made for a separated celebration. If mom is spending a lot of time at home right now, brightening up her space with a cheery bouquet is a great way to show you care. Many local florists have turned to no-contact deliveries to stay open, and online flower shops like 1-800-Flowers have tons of options to choose from that can be delivered to any physical address.
Enjoy a Virtual Experience
If your mom treasures new experiences over physical gifts, a virtual experience is a great way to speak her love language from afar. Since we can’t travel, companies in almost every industry have crafted fun virtual experiences you can do from home! From cooking classes to painting parties to 360° tours of iconic places like The Vatican, you can gift your mom a unique experience she can enjoy without ever leaving her couch. If you’re game, jump on a video call and enjoy it together for some memory-making magic!
Give Her an I-O-U
With no clear end-date insight, it can be easy to forget that the current situation is temporary. Give your mom something to look forward to with a homemade coupon she can redeem down the road. From a future shopping sesh to a fun weekend getaway to her favorite destination, the promise of some quality time outside of the home down the road will keep her smiling through the days to come.
Coronavirus, more specifically COVID-19, is the topic on everyone’s minds today. And, not just in health-talk circles, but in schools, the workplace, on social media, and yes, in the travel industry. And we wanted to pass along as much information as we could regarding this virus, knowing that facts and truths may ease your concerns. Offering world-class service and putting our guests first has always been something that is core to our business.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the Department of State have been conscientious in updating the public regarding this global virus outbreak, but nonetheless, fears mount as many folks must travel for business and others want to travel for leisure. As spring break and summer vacations approach, education seems to be the cornerstone for protecting yourself and your family.
Considerations for Travel
While much of the information widely available discusses the impact the virus has had on international travel and air travel, the industry is seeing an increase in families packing up the vehicle and heading out to destinations that they can drive to. With limited exposure to large, confined crowds, the ability to prepare your own meals, and access to your own vehicle for activities and sightseeing, many people are adjusting their travel plans to include those favorite destinations that are within driving distance of home base and offer some privacy and social distancing.
Key Points to Ponder
While there are varying opinions on what started this, most professionals agree that precautionary measures are a person’s best defense. Follow the CDC for daily updates on COVID-19 and take some common-sense approaches to wellness to help stay healthy. Many of these practices are things you should already be doing on a regular basis.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Discontinue the practice of shaking hands and perhaps opt to wave or elbow bump for a greeting.
- Keep tissues on hand to cover coughs and/or sneezes, discarding following use.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose.
- Routinely disinfect items touched regularly (countertops, bathroom surfaces, personal cell phone, etc.).
Also, remember these important facts that have been stressed by the CDC.
- With regard to COVID-19, reported illnesses vary greatly between mild and severe. Some people have had little to no reported symptoms while others have been severe. Currently, information gathered suggests that MOST COVID-19 illness is mild (only 16% of cases have serious illness).
- Older people and those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, to name a few, seem to be at a higher risk for serious illness.
- The United States has not seen widespread circulation of COVID-19 in most communities at this time.
Again, this is an evolving situation. And rely on CDC updates to stay well and safe.
Shoulder season in the Pacific Northwest runs from April-May and September-Oct typically. It’s those times of year just outside of peak seasons. When the crowds are in full force during ski season and also during those prime summer months, the “shoulders” of these seasons make a super time to visit.
Lower Rates
First, you’ll want to book accommodations. Lucky for you, shoulder season means lower rates on premium vacation rentals. If you’re looking to keep some cash in your pocket, consider a shoulder season getaway to take advantage of those deals.
Smaller Crowds
Crowds are smaller in the spring and fall in destinations like the Alpine-WY, the Yellowstone area, and others. The milder temperatures also make it a wonderful time to visit the mountains and enjoy the feeling of having some spots to yourself.
Enjoy a “Locals” Experience
Live like a local in Victoria and other areas during spring and fall. Take in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, when for six weeks local students take to the stage with dance, music and theater performances. Or attend a performance by the Victoria Symphony, with several events set in March and April. Take the kids to visit baby goats at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm. Either way, with the slower pace usually found in the shoulder seasons, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the local crowd wherever you go.
Save on Fun
Not only can you get low rates on accommodations, but the shoulder seasons are also a great time to save on attractions as well. For example, get a 30% off coupon for the Victoria Butterly Gardens, valid through March 31. Enjoy free admission at museums on April 4. More than a dozen Washington museums are participating in Free Museum Day, including Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, Asian Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum, the National Nordic Museum and the Museum of Flight. There are also three free days at Washington State Parks on March 19, April 11 and April 22.
Magnificent Views
Some activities only take place during the shoulder seasons. The northward migration of the gray whale is one of those. From late March to June, whales migrate back to Alaska. Each spring, about 18,000 whales pass close to the Oregon Coast, creating some perfect whale watching opportunities. Cannon Beach has three awesome vantage points for spotting these magnificent creatures. And the San Juan Islands are also a favorite!
Spring Blooms
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a driving tour held April 1-30 in La Conner, Wash. The festival takes spectators past fields where millions of blooming tulips scatter throughout the region.
Another driving tour is the Hood River County Fruit Loop, as April is blossom time in Oregon. Located at the foot of Mount Hood, it’s a wonderful way to see this beautiful region. Twenty-nine member stands offer a variety of fruit, vegetables, flowers, ciders, wind and food.
Then there’s Spring Sensations 2020, throughout the month of April when the small town of Leavenworth-WA, shows off its apples, peaches, pears, cherries and plums to visitors.
Fall Festivals and More
Fall also provides great opportunities to see the amazing aspens as they turn to a vibrant yellow and dominate the valleys and mountains of the Northwest. You can also hear elk bugling during those prime Sept and October months during their breeding season.
You can also catch many great fall festivals, such as the Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth, the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival in WA, and the Bend Fall Fest in Bend-OR.
Come visit this spring or fall, and discover a whole other side of your favorite destinations during the shoulder seasons!
With #BookDirect Education Day approaching on February 5, we’re gearing up to spread the word on how booking direct can save you time, money, and hassle on your next vacation. These days, the number of online travel sites (third-party agencies like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, etc) can be overwhelming! We’re here to shed some light on why you should always book directly – and why third-party travel sites are not the best option for a stellar vacation.
Here’s what you get when you #BookDirect:
Lower Fees
When you book through a third-party travel site, that low nightly rate doesn’t show the hefty booking fees that most charge owners and renters. Companies like Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, Booking.com and others tack on substantial fees for using their site – sometimes hundreds of dollars! But when you book direct, you bypass those hidden booking fees. At Kabino, we guarantee no additional Online Travel Agency booking fees for any of our destinations! That means less cost for your stay – and more in your pocket for spending. It’s our Best Rate Guarantee! You won’t find a cheaper price anywhere than booking direct!
Exclusive Specials
Speaking of saving money – when you book direct, you could get special pricing that third-party websites don’t offer. Most vacation rental management companies offer seasonal rates and discount pricing when you book direct, cutting your costs even more. They may even offer specials and discounts for local businesses and attractions, giving you more fun for less!
More Choices
Many rental owners choose not to place their units on third-party sites because they’re often charged high commission rates for bookings. In fact, the best rentals in an area book easily, so they aren’t usually listed on travel sites at all. When you book directly with Kabino, you’ll gain access to more (and better) homes and rentals to choose from.
Local Knowledge
When you book direct, you’re working with a local owner or vacation manager like us – not a staff member of a large travel site who may not even live in the same state. Booking direct means you’re working with people who live, work, and play in the area, giving them intimate knowledge of your destination. They can give suggestions on local attractions, places to eat and drink, the best routes to avoid traffic, and more. At Kabino, our vacation team is always made up of locals who are happy to share their expertise to give you the best local experiences.
Easy Communication
When you book direct, you get immediate contact with your rental management company. That means questions or concerns about your stay can be asked – and answered – quicker than with large, intermediary travel sites. Sites like VRBO and Airbnb only rent you the accommodations. They aren’t there to help you should an issue arise with your rental. Having a local property manager like Kabino means that if something does go wrong (don’t worry, it’s rare), they’ll be close at hand to make it right. When you book direct, we can also help with special needs or requests to make your trip easier.
A Better Experience
Booking direct means a better overall experience. Local vacation rental management companies are more invested in your vacation and satisfaction, so they’ll go the extra mile to make sure both are five-star. They can easily match your vacation style to properties and areas to give you the best possible experience for the best possible price.
Don’t take the long way around – book your trip directly with Kabino! We offer a variety of rentals and provide easy book-direct options for every one of them. It’s the easiest way to ensure a stress-free, affordable vacation to one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
When you’re looking for your next insta-worthy photo, we’ve got seven can’t-miss spots in the Northwest to add to your vacation itinerary.
A mountainous area in Washington’s Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge offers some of the most stunning photographs of the Olympic Mountains. Popular for hiking, skiing and snowboarding, Hurricane Ridge offers year-round access to this gorgeous area.
Lake Crescent is strikingly beautiful, and folks love to photograph its majesty within Olympic National Park. A deep lake (624 feet at maximum depth), Lake Crescent is known for brilliant blue waters and extraordinary clarity. The water is missing nitrogen which inhibits algae growth thereby creating the deep, clear water. Lake Crescent is located in a recreational area where visitors will also find trails in abundance as well as “Devils Punch Bowl,” a swimming and diving area.
Mt. Hood is a potentially active stratovolcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc, formed by a subduction zone on the Pacific Coast. About 50 minutes east/southeast of Portland and Oregon’s highest mountain, a snow-covered Mt. Hood is an amazing photo as it reflects into Mirror Lake.
The North Cascades are home to Liberty Bell Mountain, about a mile south of Washington Pass on the North Cascades Highway. The peak, made from a mixture of granite and difficult rock, is well-known within the state for high-quality alpine climbing. Don’t leave your phone behind, because you’ll definitely want to hashtag some insta-worthy shots of this natural phenomenon.
The highest point in the San Juan Islands and second-highest mountain on an ocean island (in the contiguous 48 states), Mount Constitution is an Orcas Island treasure. A stone observation tower resembling a medieval watch tower is found at the summit of this breathtaking climb. The tower offers excellent panoramic views and photographs of the neighboring islands as well as the Cascade Mountains.
Northwest Wyoming is home to Grand Teton National Park, with 310,000 acres and some major peaks. Ten miles south of Yellowstone National Park, the protected areas of Grand Teton make up part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Park itself is named for Grand Teton, the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. Folks from far and wide travel to see the natural beauty here and photographs, while nothing short of spectacular, rarely do it justice. But, it’s fun to try!
Haystack Rock, in Cannon Beach, is a 235-foot sea stack that can be reached by land. The spot is popular with tourists and the rock is adjacent to the beach, accessible by foot at low tide. The Haystack Rock tide pools provide a habitat for starfish, sea anemone, crabs, chitons, limpets and sea slugs. Additionally, the rock is a nice resting spot for sea birds, including terns and puffins. There are so many angles and reflections at Haystack Rock that it is really hard to take a bad picture.
Ready to head out to some of these and try your hand at photography excellence? Book your accommodations first (because it’s always good to know where you’ll lay your head), and plan your trip to get that perfect shot that lights up Instagram! We’ve got the perfect Kabino for you!
Late summer and fall offer fantastic opportunities for more than foliage viewing in the Northwest. If you are a fan of wineries, this just might be the perfect time of year to enjoy them.
Leavenworth Valley Wine Country is a hotbed of wineries and tasting rooms, as well as hard cider tasting rooms. Visitors enjoy wine festivals, but also taking guided wine tours. Either way, you’ll sip your way through this young wine region and be planning a trip back before you leave.
We have compiled a guide to some wineries and cideries that will be useful as you make your way around the area. Also, check out this interactive wine map for specific map pinpoints.
77 Stage Road
(509) 548-1000
Enjoy award-winning, ultra-premium wines in an incredible mountain setting overlooking the Wenatchee River Valley. Silvara Cellars produces small-batch wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot. These wines are sourced from high-quality vineyards in Washington State.
217 9th Street
(206) 618-2586
The Wine Cellar features 8,000 square feet of luxury space, including six lounges plus a craft cocktail bar offering more than enough room for large groups. Enjoy wine, cocktails, local beer and cider.
217 9th Street, Suite A
(509) 888-7054
Basel Cellars is an estate winery in Walla Walla with a tasting room and two more located in Leavenworth and Woodinville. Specializing in rich fruit-flavored wines, Basel Cellars offers full-bodied reds with smooth tannins. Experience these beautiful vinos and find a favorite.
920 Front Street #B-3
(509) 470-8676
Experience excellent wines from a family-owned, estate-grown winery. You’ll find Goose Ridge to have exceptional choices made from grapes grown in their 2,200-acre vineyard. Join their wine club and get on the invite list to special winery events.
217 9th Street, Suite B
(509) 888-5629
Visitors love the approachable Washington State wines, indicative of the new world style in winemaking. Since 2000, Owner & Winemaker John Patterson has been refining his offerings of robust red blends, single varietals, classic whites, roses, sparkling wines, and dessert wines. The venue for tasting in the Leavenworth location is an underground wine cellar making the experience even better! Make an appointment for a private tasting or experience at your leisure.
220 9th Street, Suite C
(509) 888-2207
Broken Barrel is Leavenworth’s first Cider Shop that also specializes in world wines, growler fills and kegs to go. Look for special events for even more fun!
920 Front Street, Suite B-2
(509) 470-8738
One of the most unique wineries in the Pacific Northwest, highly-touted Icicle Ridge Winery is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains close to Leavenworth. Hand-crafted, award-winning wines are the stars of the show at the 5,000-square-foot log home where the tasting takes place. Settle in at one of the massive hand-carved tables and enjoy amazing views of the vineyards while sipping on lovely vinos. This winery was featured on NBC’s Today Show and is a don’t-miss winery in the region.
900 Front Street, Suite C
(509) 818-3373
Offering a great selection of ciders, beers, and meads, this unique little hive offers a comfortable, dog-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a rotating line-up of 12 craft ciders and meads along with 12 beers. There’s something for everyone!
617 4-A Front Street
(509) 888-0299
Open daily, noon-to-6, D’Vinery offers a beautiful wine tasting at Leavenworth’s oldest winery. Enjoy events, wines, tours and join the wine club for extra fun.
The Bavarian community of Leavenworth offers these and plenty more fabulous opportunities to taste the area’s best wines, ciders and other crafts. You’ll need a temporary home when in the area, so before you plan a wine route, plan your accommodations. We hope to see you soon in Leavenworth Valley Wine Country!
Fly Fishing is a popular pastime, and finding a hot spot in the Northwest to tackle this sport isn’t hard. When you’re visiting, ask a local where their best bites are had or stop in at the local outfitters for the current river conditions and tips on what flies are working. We’ve also put together a quick list of some of our favorite blue-ribbon spots in the Northwest.
- The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the Lower 48, with one of the best trout streams as well. A fly fish angler will love throwing a line into the Yellowstone National Park headwaters in search of the highly-coveted cutthroat trout.
- The Deschutues River in central Oregon is well-known for annual salmonfly and golden stonefly hatches (aka big bugs). Fly fishers know that these large bugs always bring the large trout to the surface from spring to early summer making their sport a bit more exciting.
- With strong variances from deep canyon areas to flat meadow sections, Henry’s Fork is perfect for catching some big trout. A tributary of the Snake River, Henry’s Fork spans across the Continental Divide and offers many hiding spots for fish. Home bases in Island Park, ID are popular, so check those out first to assure your party has the perfect lodging.
- The South Fork of the Snake River is also a fly fishing hot spot close to Wyoming’s Teton Mountain range. The secret is to get downstream of Palisades Reservoir for the best water when fishing for cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. You’re bound to catch some dinner in these parts.
- Don’t overlook the vast Missouri River spilling across seven states. This big body of water is also home to some mighty big fish, not to be ignored. One of Montana’s best fly fishing sources, the Missouri River is a classic go-to for serious fly fishing anglers.
- Visitors may additionally find great fly fishing spots in Leavenworth, Washington thanks to an abundance of creeks and rivers that are habitats for steelhead, salmon, trout and whitefish. One of the Northwest’s top fly fishing destinations, Leavenworth adds in glorious views of the Cascade Mountains as a bonus. Check out hot spots like Icicle Creek, Icicle River, Wenatchee River, Fish Lake and High Lakes and don’t forget to arrange a place to lay your head before venturing out.
No matter the destination, do your homework to ensure the very best fly fishing trip for your vacation and enjoy all the best of the Northwest.