Valentines Day weekend is nearly upon us, and the Presidents Day holiday provides a rare opportunity for a romantic three-day getaway. Which of course means that romantic procrastinators everywhere are scrambling to plan a passion-filled, fun escape for themselves and their sweetheart. Not that I personally know anyone who procrastinates when it comes to Valentines Day. But just in case I do, I’m here to help.

First, check out my self-proclaimed sappiest post ever from last year, Recipe for a Romantic Getaway – Five Key Ingredients. Then, choose your romantic destination below from my nine Northwest favorites. And don’t forget to send me a thank you postcard! Oh, and can someone please forward this post to my husband? Thanks

Victoria (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: Honeymooners flock here for good reason–fabulous parks and museums, charming neighborhoods, high tea, cozy restaurants, and flower gardens that bloom all year long. All of this in a postcard-perfect city that hugs a charming harbor and faces the gorgeous snow-capped Olympic Mountains.

Where to stay: Romantic bed and breakfast are the lodging of choice in Victoria. Carberry Gardens is one of the best, and it’s affordable (for Victoria). The B&B is housed in a beautifully-restored 1907 heritage home near Craigdarroch Castle and Antique Row. $100 – $175 Canadian. Contact: www.carberrygardens.com or 1.877.595.8906.

Mount Adams (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Snow! Trout Lake makes a great base for cross-country ski trips from SnoParks on the Mount Adams Ranger District, and an easy getaway for folks in Portland and the Columbia Gorge.

Where to stay: Enjoy truly warm hospitality and wake up to a delicious breakfast of huckleberry pancakes at Kelly’s Trout Creek Bed and Breakfast, where the recent economic downturn has lowered rates to $50 – $70 a night. Your dip in the hot tub beside a roaring creek will relieve tired muscles from your excursion. Contact: (509) 395-2769 or www.kellysbnb.com.

Lasqueti Island (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: This is where eco-conscious romantics can really get away from it all. In fact, just getting to the Gulf Island of Lasqueti (foot passenger ferry only) is part of the fun. The island’s 400 self-sufficient residents live simply and sustainably, from growing their own food to chopping their own wood. Lasqueti lies about 50 miles northwest of Vancouver in the Strait of Georgia.

Where to stay: Snuggle up in the simple, new cabin at Squitty Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast where the ocean view is amazing, the wood-fired sauna is hot and your ecological footprint is low. $110 Canadian. Contact: 250.333.8566 or visit their website.

Willamette Valley Wine Country (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: This lush valley of green, rolling hills dotted with oak trees hosts patchwork vineyards that produce wonderful wines like pinot noir and pinot gris. You’ll also find lots of hazelnuts, fresh fruit, and charming farms. Take a romantic hike in the nearby Coast Range. Small towns like McMinville and Dundee are great for antique shopping and have surprisingly excellent restaurants, many featuring Northwest seasonal cuisine and serving local wines.

Where to stay: There’s no place like Gahr Farm, situated on a 350-acre conservation farm and forest, which is managed as a native plant and wildlife reserve. Accommodations are two private, charming guest cottages, one that is built to be “green” (and is, in fact, painted green) and uses low-energy. $80 – $115. Contact: www.gahrfarm.com or 503.472.6960.

Methow Valley (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Recreation lovers will swoon over the plethora of outdoor pursuits to enjoy together, from hiking trails to cross-country skiing to river rafting.

Where to stay: A bed and breakfast just one block from Twisp’s main street, the Methow Valley Inn has modest-size rooms that are well-kept and nicely detailed. $89 – $119. Contact: (509) 997-2253 or www.methowvalleyinn.com.

Olympic Coast (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Ponder the longevity of the rainforest’s ancient trees. Explore seastacks and count seastars as you stroll hand-in-hand on the scenic coast of Olympic National Park. It’s a wild coastline framed by mossy, wet rainforest– need I say more?

Where to stay: Indulge in warm hospitality and a fantastic breakfast delivered to your room at the Misty Valley Inn near Forks. $95 – $130. Contact www.mistyvalleyinn.com or 1.877.374.9389

Crater Lake (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: Sheer proximity to the deepest lake in the U.S. is sure to deepen your love. Snow is also deep and generous here for great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Where to stay: West of Crater Lake is the Union Creek Resort, where simple cabins set in the Rogue River National Forest provide a cozy, rustic backdrop to your romantic getaway. Some cabins have full kitchens, or eat at the cafe at the lodge. $54 – $130 Contact: www.unioncreekoregon.com or 1.866.560.3565.

Central Coast (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: The Central Coast boasts dramatic seaside bluffs of basalt looming over beaches and tidepools waiting to be explored. And when it comes to making out, there is no soundtrack more romantic than the pounding Oregon surf against these bluffs.

Where to stay: Ocean Haven in Yachats is perched on a particularly scenic stretch of coastline. Big corner windows give way to panoramic ocean views. Beach blankets and walking sticks are provided for your beach ramblings, and comfortable beds, a beautiful tiled shower, and a well-stocked library of nature books await you upon your return— all lovely touches that make Ocean Haven an extra special place to stay. $95 – $165. Contact: www.oceanhaven.com or 541.547.3583

Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: One of the most stunningly scenic coastlines in the Northwest draws lovers to the Sunshine Coast’s sheltered bays fringed with fir-scented forests. Plus, the 100-mile coastline enjoys more sunny days than anywhere else in western British Columbia.

Where to stay: For the best view from a hot tub anywhere, you must book the beautiful suite at the Starfish Studio Bed and Breakfast in Sechelt. $115 – $149 Canadian. Contact: www.starfishstudiobb.com or 604.885.7112.

Now, it’s your turn! What’s your favorite romantic destination in the Northwest, and where should we sleep when we go there?

It is officially my favorite month, in the kitchen and in the outdoors. Let’s see… the past few days I’ve made homemade chunky applesauce from the fruit of my parent’s Kitsap Peninsula orchard, pureed sugar pumpkin for upcoming fall recipes, and roasted the last of the garden cherry tomatoes. Now, I’m ready to get out and see some blazing fall color and run through a corn maze or two. Care to join me?

Oregon

This weekend (October 16 – 18) is Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, a classic fall festival that takes place right on the waterfront overlooking the Columbia River. Sample local apples, microbrews, wine, cider and artisan cheeses. Browse booths filled with local art and crafts. Enjoy live music and plenty of games and activities for the whole family.

Where to stay? Check out our Columbia Gorge cheap sleeps picks.

Like the spooky stuff? Get hands-on at “Fields of Fear“–A Halloween Experience Unlike Any Other! at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro. It’s a 30-minute live performance, complete with strobe effects, loud noises, and terrifying situations, and the audience participates (note you will be required to walk for the entire length of the performance.) Runs October 21 – 31. Tickets here or call 503-516-4840.

Want to know where to spot golden aspen and fiery vine maple? Keep up with the Oregon Fall Foliage Blog, or call the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 800.547.5445 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Washington

Don a dirndl and grab your beer stein! There’s still one weekend remaining of Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest, the next best thing to being in Munich (October 16 – 17). Live it up with live music, authentic German food, arts and crafts, Bavarian clothing, and activities for the whole family.

Staying overnight? In a town with few budget options, the affordable Mrs. Anderson’s Guest House stands out for its warm hospitality and Victorian charm. Located in the heart of downtown, its nine rooms (starting at $39) are decorated with turn-of-the-century antiques, quilts, and vintage clothing. Buffet breakfast included.

Get lost in a maze of maize near Olympia. The Rutledge Corn Maze is one of the most haunted corn mazes you’ll find, and there are acres of pumpkins to boot! Bring your sweetie and a thermos of hot cider for a romantic ride in a horse drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch, and pick out a pumpkin together. Kids will love having their faces painted, joining a carving contest, and guessing the weight of the magic pumpkin. Weekends through October 31 in Tumwater (click for directions).

Make a weekend of it with an overnight stay in Olympia at the Fertile Ground Guest House ($110) where beautifully-furnished rooms in a 1908 craftsman offer comfort and tranquility. Breakfast (included) from the organic garden is healthy and delicious.

British Columbia

It’s all about getting spooked in Vancouver this fall. If you were a fan of the Vancouver Museum‘s annual Haunted Trolley Tours, you will be disappointed to hear they canned it. This year, though, they’re going even darker. In the spirit of Ravishing Beasts, their soon-to-open feature exhibit, the museum is hosting a Halloween-inspired event on the evening of October 30 that includes music and a cash bar, guided tours of the exhibit, and a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Psycho, the film that left an indelible mark on the practice of taxidermy. Buy tickets in advance here.

All aboard! It’s  the Stanley Park Ghost Train, through November 1 from 6 to 10 pm nightly. Share your train ride with zombies and witches. Kid’s activities include face painting, a shadow puppet theatre, and the always-popular Children’s Haunted Farmyard and its spooky animals.

Make it a weekend trip with one of our suggested Vancouver cheap sleeps.

Photos: Shaded pumpkin by sarahbest. Apple picking by Bryan Danger Wheeler.

Sunset magazine’s Sunset Traveler blog (you can always get to it from the link in my blogroll) recently posted about crossing the U.S. Canadian border with alcoholic goods in hand after a visit to British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region. In the planning stages of a trip there myself (for wine tasting of course) I was quite happy to have the information.  Read it here: Behind the scenes at Sunset: A wine tasting two years in the making.

Here’s the deal. If you’re from the States and want yourself some Okanagan wines, you have to go to the Okanagan Valley and get it. I know, right? That’s the bright side – for you. But for the dozens of little wineries that dot B.C.’s Okanagan Valley who would love to have their wines showcased in restaurants and shops throughout their greater region, the Pacific Northwest, this is a bit of a pain in the arse. Most of the wineries cannot even send orders to U.S. customers through the mail. According to the Sunset piece, U.S. Customs has put up a such a barricade of hoops for these wineries to jump through that sending their wines to the U.S. is almost impossible.

However, U.S. Customs permits travelers to physically transport wine back into the U.S. across the border in a car or airplane for a small fee, something like a quarter per bottle.  Thus, the trip you must make to the Okanagan. Oh, the tragedy.

The Okanagan Valley stretches for 155 miles north of the Washington state border and is dotted with warm sunshine, sparkling lakes, orchards, vineyards, and charming towns. It is B.C.’s oldest  grape-growing region, but has really grown its numbers of vineyards and wineries just in the last twenty years or so. Interestingly, not all of the Valley is classified as a “cool-climate” grape-growing region; many distinct micro-climates occur throughout the OkanaganValley. In the south, sandy hot soils are great for Merlot and Cab, whereas in the cooler north part of the Valley, clay soils grow grapes for wines like Riesling and Pinot Noir.

As for my upcoming visit to the Okanagan valley, I’m hoping to start near the Washington state border crossing at Osoyoos, head north to Kelowna then loop south through the Kettle River Valley to return back to Osoyoos. So far, I’ve had lots of luck locating potential cheap sleeps throughout the Okanagan Valley in preparation for a family trip there. I’ve got three spots picked out, but I haven’t yet made reservations so if you have a recommendation where my family should stay, please leave a comment or drop me an email and tell me about it.

Haynes Point Lakeside Bed and Breakfast, Osoyoos. Perhaps it is the promised 100+ species of birds that have been sighted at Haynes Point, or maybe it’s the healthy, delicious breakfasts with cardamom coffee… but more likely it’s the terrific reputation June and John Wallace has earned over the years for their bed-and-breakfast on the south end of the Okanagan Valley. The spacious Roses Room is just $95 (all prices Canadian) off-season / $125 summer season, double occupancy and includes breakfast.

The city of Kelowna has nearly 100 bed and breakfasts. For real. But the Mission Creek Country Inn caught my eye for two reasons– they have their own flock of sheep, and their breakfast features home-grown eggs! Set on 36 acres of nature and farmland, the B&B is in a restored 1909 farmhouse, and it’s just 10 minutes from downtown Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, and dozens of wineries. Oh, and one more reason this place caught my eye is the price. A room here is about $80 double occupancy, and includes that home-cooked breakfast. 1 (877) 860-1909.

There is a particular hotel in the Kettle River Valley that has my captured my curiosity. The Hotel Beaverdell claims significance as the oldest operating hotel in British Columbia, and first opened its doors to business back in 1901. $70 a night double occupancy.

Planning a wine-tasting trip to the Okanagan yourself? Be sure to download Sunset’s Okanagan Winery Map and Guide, and bookmark this blog from Canadian wine columnist John Schreiner.

Photos top to bottom courtesy of Stoneboat Vineyards, Carlitos, and Megan Cole, via Flickr.

I can’t believe it’s September already.

I’ve saved some vacation days. I hope you have, too. Because really–this is when the fun begins. The crowds have dwindled, and the weather is still perfectly pleasant. Many great places to stay in the Pacific Northwest that are cost-prohibitive in the tourist-heavy  summer months drop their rates after Labor Day.  Looking ahead a little, winter isn’t so bad for long weekend getaways, either; these short excursions provide just enough beauty and distraction to keep us sane from all the rain.

Of course, the days of rain are still months away yet. It’s still warm and sunny in September! Four September weekends call for four great September destinations. I’ve dipped back into the Northwest Cheapsleeps archive for my top September picks.

The Methow Valley. Washington Trails Association’s suggested seasonal hike of the moment is Grasshopper Pass, in the Pasayten Wilderness outside of Mazama. This ridgeline hike starts high at 7100 feet and stays high, delivering constant views but not much shade, making the cooler days of September the perfect time to hike it. When you’ve finished your hike, head south to Twisp for a night’s stay at the Idle-A-While Motel, where clean motel rooms or funky yet charming cottages run $68 to $98. Some have kitchenettes. The bumping Methow River is just a short path away from your bright yellow door. There’s a hot tub and sauna for guests to relax weary muscles after a day of hiking, and bring your tennis racket – they have a tennis court. Reservations: online or call (509) 997-3222.

Salt Spring Island. Take a ferry to British Columbia and experience autumn on one of the most beautiful islands in the Northwest. Salt Spring Island is a shoulder season favorite (summer means longer ferry lines and higher priced lodging.) Check out the Valhalla Sleeping Units for a little sleeping cabin at about $50 a night. Get in on the fall harvest at Island Farmhouse B&B, a working farm situated on ten rural acres with both pasture and pond, where a room runs $70 – $90 a night.

The Willamette Valley. There are so many reasons to spend a long weekend in Oregon’s lush Willamette valley south of Portland. Pinot noir, pinot gris, and pinot blanc, just to name three. Hazelnuts, fresh fruit, charming farms, hiking in the nearby Coast Range, and great birdwatching are a few more reasons. And of course, a two-night stay at Gahr Farm, a B&B cottage situated on a 350-acre conservation farm and forest, which is managed as a native plant and wildlife reserve. $80 – $100 a night. Reservations: online or (503) 472-6970.

Central Oregon. Bend, a sophisticated little town tucked in the eastern Cascade foothills, offers nice fall foliage later in the month, served alongside some mountain biking and microbrew. Both the Country Inn the City B&B and the Mill Inn have fantastic rates and will leave enough money in your wallet for dinner at one of Bend’s awesome restaurants.

Here’s to September!

Granville Island’s Public Market in Vancouver is a fun place to get just a little bit lost.

I always make sure I have plenty of cash in my pocket to get a little of everything… a tin of fine tea, a couple of crab cakes for dinner, fixings for a salad, a bouquet of fresh flowers, some fresh bread and a cookie.

Located on Granville Island, on False Creek across from downtown Vancouver, the public market is a popular tourist destination, but a favorite, regular stomping ground for culinarily-inclined locals.

A few of my favorite travel blogs, like this one and this one, have weekly photo features, and I’ve discovered that I really enjoy these quite a bit. A good travel photo, with even just a short caption, can often tell a story better than words can.

So I’ve decided to introduce “Photo Friday” on Northwest Cheapsleeps.

Here is the first photo.

The Discovery Islands in British Columbia are a pretty wonderful place. Especially in the summer, and especially in a kayak. Relaxing on a dock after a long day in that kayak is nice, too. And if you can get your hands on some British Columbia microbrew, well then all the better.

It’s very important to have that favorite place.

What kind of favorite place is that, you ask? It’s that place you daydream of quitting your job and moving to someday. You may visit this place only once a year, but still you feel like you’ve truly come home each time you visit. And yet, a long, slow weekend visit there is just perfectly relaxing enough to send you back to your real home with a smile on your face and a fresh outlook on life.

I have a friend who spring breaks to Saltspring Island BC year, after year, after year. It is, indeed, her favorite place. She has real estate websites for Saltspring Island bookmarked on her computer. She loves watching the painters and potters of Saltspring in action, and buys a good deal of the local art for her home in Seattle. She can spend hours photographing the numerous cottage gardens on the island. And her favorite Saturday pastime is a visit to the farmer’s market for organic produce, local goat cheeses and homemade chutneys.

Saltspring Island (also called Salt Spring Island), the largest and most settled of the northern Gulf Islands, is a unique place to visit; there’s really no place else quite like it. As soon as you walk (or drive) off the ferry that arrives here from either Vancouver Island or the mainland, you will feel that you are in a special place. Some call it Island of Peace and truly believe Saltspring nourishes the soul and promotes a deeper quality of consciousness. A visit there is an immersion in local art in culture, and an experience of natural splendor. For some, especially those of the hippy, homestead and herbal persuasions, Saltspring Island is the very definition of idyllic. For all, it is a relaxing, fun getaway in a fabulously mild climate.

For more on the art, culture and people of Saltspring Island, I recommend this Seattle Times travel piece written by Carol Pucci.

Getting to Saltspring Island is easy, and you have a few options. Most visitors arrive by ferry to one of the island’s three terminals. You can depart from Vancouver/Tsawwassen and arrive at Long Harbour or Fulford. You can also depart from Victoria/Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island to Fulford or via Crofton to Vesuvius. For information and reservations call 1-888-BC FERRY or go to www.bcferries.bc.ca. Some lucky folks get to arrive by floatplane.

Which brings us to the topic at hand. Where to stay? There are a surprising number of cheap sleeps on Saltspring Island. The problem is choosing which fabulous place to book a room.

If you like funky, unique places to stay and are seeking an excellent value, check out the Valhalla Sleeping Units. Valhalla is an organic fruit tree orchard located in the center of Saltspring with three private cedar sleeping units — the playhouse, karma cottage, and luna lounger. The little cabins run $40 – $50 per night (all prices Canadian dollars). Please note that the washroom is a shared composting toilet a short walk down a path from your little cabin. And the showers are in town. But the units all have lights and power! No pets.

The Seabreeze Inne just outside of Ganges is a good value. It’s basically a well-kept hotel, but some rooms do have an ocean view, and breakfast is free. Shoulder-season rates (through April) are well under $100 a night.

Right in the middle of the island is The Forest Loft, a cozy, second story suite with private bathroom and a private entrance in a modern cedar-shingled home. It even has a small kitchenette. Rates are just $65 in winter / $75 in summer.

If you like nature and hiking, book a room at the Caprice Heights Bed and Breakfast, halfway between Ganges and Fulford Harbour. From your front door you can take a forest hike up Mount Maxwell to an outstanding viewpoint. After that, relax on the big sunny deck, read a book on the brick patio, or wind down in the hot tub. The proprietors, Chris and Sara, say that “hospitality” is the word that pops up most often in their guestbook. The Arbutus Room is $90-$100; the larger suite, The Beams, is $125.

Hit the farm! Island Farmhouse B&B is a working farm situated on ten rural acres with both pasture and pond. Their tasty, organic breakfasts are made with eggs you can collect yourself! Two budget rooms that share a bath are $70 – $90 a night.

Want your own place? A Cabin in Echo Valley has everything you need for a cozy, romatic weekend – from a woodburning stove, to a library of books , to your very own herb garden where you can flavor up dinner cooked in your very own fully-equipped kitchen. There are even bikes for your use. Just $95 a night.

Truly, there are so many cheap sleeps on Saltspring Island, it might just replace the Willamette Valley and become my favorite place, too.

Photo of Saltspring Island farmer’s market by UtahCanuck.

Photo of visitors to Salt Spring by Noah Sussman.

Remember “Say WA,” the Washington state tourism slogan unveiled a few years back? I know, I know… who could forget? Those two jazzy words strung together were going to drive vacationers by the tens of thousands to visit the state. Brilliant, wasn’t it?

Actually, it was a big FAIL.

So, what’s the latest marketing move on the Washington state tourism front?

Tourism is a $12.4 billion dollar industry in Washington state, and the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development knows it. So I wasn’t surprised to see that the state tourism website, experiencewa.com, got a major facelift recently. And while it still can’t hold a candle to Travel Oregon, with its playful design and usefulness, its not bad. And its probably worth your bookmark.

Several new features highlight the things that make Washington state such a special destination, from outdoor recreation to stunning wine regions. There’s also a section on finding accommodations for your destination, which immediately piqued my interest. Might this be a great way to find more cheap sleeps?

I decided to try it out for planning an upcoming trip to the quaint seaside town of La Conner, Washington. Under “Plan a Trip” I went to “Accommodations” and typed in La Conner. The results were displayed on a clickable map (cool!) for a very large area, giving me possible accommodations from the San Juans down to Whidbey Island. It took me a minute to find La Conner on the map (it wasn’t labeled) and at that point I realized that only two of the accommodations it was giving me were anywhere near La Conner – Katy’s Inn and the La Conner Channel Lodge. Neither are particularly affordable (though Katy’s has a room or two under $100) and I knew from past visits that there were other options in La Conner, like the Hotel Planter or the Queen of the Valley Inn (neither are cheap sleeps). The search also did not allow me to filter for price range, and the results gave no indication of rates (I had to go to the accommodation’s website and look around for that information.) So basically, I would be able to get far more accommodation results on my own simply by googling “La Conner” and “lodging.”

The Experience Wa website also has a not terribly useful Explore Cities feature (where I learned that one of the attractions of Puyallup is the Auburn Post Office) and a Scenic Byways feature, perhaps the most cool and useful part of the site. A searchable events calendar is also a useful tool. Still, the site has no multimedia and does not have a blog. In fact, it doesn’t provide any way for users to interact and become involved with the site, a big oversight in my opinion.