Three Ways to Explore WA (Virtually) For National Travel & Tourism Week
In the spirit of National Travel & Tourism week (May 3-9), here are share some of Washington state’s off the beaten path destinations providing armchair travel opportunities until they can welcome back visitors. Embrace the #spiritoftravel virtually and head out for a paddleboard ride on the Columbia River, shuck oysters with an expert or join winemakers from Washington state’s acclaimed Red Mountain AVA on Facebook Live to learn about what to pair with grill fare.
Here are three ways to connect with the characters, places and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest to learn something new and possibly inspire a future trip during National Travel & Tourism Week and beyond:
Located in the Southeastern corner of Washington, and known for sun, wine and water sports, the Tri-Cities region is celebrating National Travel & Tourism week with virtual experiences highlighting the people and places that create the traveler’s visit memorable/worthwhile. Every day at 1 p.m. (PT) visit the Tri-Cities' Facebook page to learn, explore and inspire a future getaway with the following themes:
Monday, May 4. Explore the best bites (currently offered as takeaway) with appearances from top eateries including Three Eyed Fish, Ice Harbor Brewery & Pub and Europa Italian Bistro.
Tuesday, May 5. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with local experts, including the team behind the Pasco Taco Crawl and other regional characters.
Wednesday, May 6. Explore adventure opportunities like hiking and wine tasting with Anelare, a water adventure with Northwest Paddleboarding, learn the art of Axe Throwing with Axe KPR and a ranger led talk from the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Thursday, May 7. This day is all about entertainment and inspiration with local artists and entertainers from local arts organization Drewboy Creative, Beer Choir (Atomic Chapter) and more.
Friday, May 8. Celebrate the end of the work week with a toast from the region’s craft beverage producers, including Solar Spirits, Frichette Winery and Sage Brewing Company.
Tune in daily at 1 p.m. PT or catch the archive to join in, support local producers and plan future travel.
2. Washington’s most acclaimed grape growing region, Red Mountain AVA, offers a virtual tasting series, bringing the sights and sips of Eastern Washington directly to the living room. Tune in via Facebook (@RedMtnAVA) at 4 p.m. every Thursday to join the region’s winemakers, growers and characters for tours, tips, tricks and tastings. The buying guide linked here posts wines from each tasting one week prior. Order early to purchase wines in advance to taste along!
Learn more about upcoming offerings like a Spring Vineyard Tour or “How to Pack a Winery Picnic for the Backyard” scheduled through June on the Red Mountain Facebook page.
3. Shuck oysters with an expert, explore an outdoor gallery, take a virtual whale watching tour or simply be still on a beach walk with a new experiential virtual vacation series from Whidbey and Camano Islands. With new topics added twice a week, the sights, sounds and flavors of Whidbey and Camano Islands are temporarily available through digital tours and recipes found at this link. A Pacific Northwest destination known for its rugged outdoor beauty, vibrant arts across mediums, and a creative culinary crowd, the islands will continue to please curious travelers remotely throughout the spring season. Learn more about the destination at www.whidbeycamanoislands.com.
Can’t wait to get back out for tasting, open trails and all the things we love about Washington. Until then, see you on the web!
Photo Credit: L-R Clockwise, Hedges Family Estate; Kiona Wine, courtesy Justin Oba; moon light paddle boarding with Northwest Paddleboarding; Camano Island State Park, courtesy Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism.