Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/118160
P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E The Many Delights of Northwest Washington Where the best of the Pacific Northwest is just hours away T ucked into the northwest corner of Washington is a cluster of communities and picturesque landscapes that tempts visitors with its alluring blend of the urbane and pastoral. Factor in the area's proximity to the Canada-U.S. border (just two hours' drive from the Peace Arch, four hours by Amtrak from Vancouver), and it's no wonder this slice of Washington is such an attractive option for Lower Mainlanders craving an idyllic easy-to-get-to getaway.Weekenders can wander driftwood -dotted beaches along the Sound, shop for unique holiday gifts or the latest fashions (and best bargains), stroll through history in one of the state's oldest hamlets, or browse country markets and boutique vineyards for specialty products and award-winning wines. There's so much to experience in this justover-the-border haven. The first stop for B.C. travellers exploring here is just a 10-minute scenic drive off the I5. Dubbed the "Most Romantic Getaway" Snohomish Tourism, (top right) Richard Duval p36-38_Washington.indd 37 and "Best Town to Capture the Northwest Spirit" by local travel media, La Conner is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of mainstream America – a tiny village of boutiques and restaurants nestled along the Swinomish Channel that has eschewed bigbox stores and chain restaurants for a charming old-world sensibility. Long known for its vibrant arts scene and historic heritage (the town and its Rainbow Bridge are recognized by state and national historic registries), the village in winter is particularly magical, with fairy lights, captivating window displays and shoppers bustling to and fro, their bags filled with gourmet foods, select wines and holiday treasures handcrafted by artisans from around the world. Tellingly, three of Washington's most intriguing art museums – the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA), the Skagit County Historical Museum and the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum (one of only 14 quilt museums in the U.S.) – are all just a five-minute-walk apart. Also, arts and crafts aficionados and holiday shoppers alike return year after year for the community's Art's Alive festival, a three-day celebration of the visual, literary, musical and culinary arts (November 4 to 6). Back on the Interstate, a 30-minute drive south of La Conner, the First Nation Tulalip Resort Casino is western Washington's only AAA Four-Diamond resort casino. Highstakes gaming, Vegas-style entertainment, luxurious guest rooms, an elegant day spa, superb cuisine – the resort is all about pampered play. And just a short drive away from the glitz is the newly opened Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve, a U.S.$19 million aboriginal complex featuring longhouse interactive programs, a Making It Easy to Stay NORTHWEST WASHINGTON is keen to embrace its Canadian friends, with great winter discounts to local hotels via the region's Stay, Shop and Save program. With every room, travellers receive a: Voucher for Seattle Premium Outlets' VIP coupon book (filled with specials and savings) ■ Free Amtrak companion-fare coupon for its Cascades route (Vancouver, B.C., to Eugene, Oregon), redeemable between October 2011 and May 2012 ■ Voucher for Everett Mall Discount directory (filled with specials and savings) ■ WASHINGTON TOURISM 2011 37 10/25/11 12:03:57 PM