Outdoor adventure, world-class golf, wine tasting and live entertainment. Why leave the Pacific Northwest this summer when exciting destinations and activities are right here? Here are 12 of our favorite local summer escapes. DANA NEUTS
Auburn
Home of the University of Washington’s men’s and women’s golf teams, Washington National Golf Club is a challenging, worldclass golf course with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier.
washingtonnationalgolf.com
Tacoma
Want a taste of history, art or modern culture? Tacoma has museums galore: Museum of Natural History, Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Lemay—America’s Car Museum and the Washington State History Museum.
traveltacoma.com
Puyallup
Puyallup celebrates its founder with Meeker Street Days June 21-23 with entertainment, an art fair, classic car show, kids’ activities, Lego Land and more.
puyallupmainstreet.com
Eatonville
Adventurers will love zip-lining through the trees at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Prefer staying on the ground? The park offers a tram tour, walking tour and nature trails where guests can view wild animals in their natural habitats.
nwtrek.org
Steilacoom
The Steilacoom Farmer’s Market brings produce, food, and arts and crafts vendors each Wednesday, along with evening concerts in a park overlooking the Puget Sound.
steilacoomfarmersmarket.org
Lakewood
Families will love visiting Fort Steilacoom Park on July 13-14 for SummerFEST2013 with entertainment, a car show, food and arts vendors and a 5K fun run.
cityoflakewood.us
Lacey
Thurston County Fair returns to Lacey July 31-August 4 for entertainment, rides, 4-H exhibits, fried fair food and more!
co.thurston.wa.us
Sumner
Summertime activities include Music Off Main concerts on Fridays in July at the Heritage Park Stage, Rhubarb Days (July 13-14), Sumner Fine Arts Festival (August 2-4) and the Classy Chassis Car Show (August 18).
sumnerdowntown.com
Seattle
Experience the Ring at Seattle Opera. Sweeping orchestral music, soaring voices, spectacular sets, sumptuous costumes, and breathtaking special effects combine to deliver unparalleled live entertainment.
seattlering.com
Federal Way
Master gardeners and nature lovers alike will enjoy learning more about the Washington state flower at the 22-acre Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
rhodygarden.org
Olympia
Take a trip to the Medicine Creek Winery on Old Pacific Highway to sample wine in the beautiful tasting room. Be sure to ask about the barn’s sordid history!
medicinecreekwinery.com