Washington State Tourism’s website, experiencewa.com, just launched the Experience MORE Giveaway!! This new promotion runs from now through mid-April and gives entrants the chance to win one of 18 vacations in Washington, from the (you guessed it!) Olympic Peninsula “New Moon” Twilight package or Olympic Peninsula Kayak Adventure in November. Win a Wine Country Weekend in February, a South Sound Adventure package in April, or one of several other awesome vacation packages. The giveaway was created in partnership with destinations around the state, and the promotion can be found at www.ExperienceWA.com/more. You can enter often – every day if you like.

I dig “The Gig.”

As in, Gig Harbor, Washington. It’s a quaint seaside village on the Kitsap Peninsula that hugs a tiny harbor on three sides, and faces Mount Rainier which looms as a beautiful backdrop to this picturesque town.

First off, I was married there, in my parents’ backyard. And because my parents live just outside Gig Harbor and have a guest room, I’ve never had the occasion to actually stay overnight in town.  However, I happen to know of a great place for you to stay. And this great place, the Snug Harbor Hideaway, happens to want to raffle off a free night’s stay to a lucky Northwest Cheapsleeps reader.

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. In the comment, tell us if you’ve ever been in a kayak before.

If you are looking for some maritime immersion this spring,  mixed up with some art galleries and harborside dining, put Gig Harbor at the very top of your destination list.  It’s got incredible scenery, gorgeous gardens, plenty of galleries, good restaurants and coffee shops, and hundreds of boats. You can hike in nearby state parks, walk and people-watch along the harborside bike path, or rent a kayak. Definitely plan for a hungry stop at the internationally-known Tides Tavern, where a good beer and fish & chips on the waterside deck is a must while watching a parade of boats enter and leave the harbor. And don’t be surprised if a boisterous bunch of Harley riders shares the table next to you – everyone stops at the Tides.

So now, about that April Giveaway! The Snug Harbor Hideaway is a charming, spacious suite just a few minute’s walk from downtown Gig Harbor. It’s decorated “country-style” and has a separate patio entrance in a beautiful view home. The suite is fully furnished, with linens for the queen-sized bed, a full living room, and a well-stocked kitchen with dishes, spices, pans, coffee maker, etc.  The bathroom has a claw foot bathtub with French shower ring. The Snug Harbor Hideaway is a comfy, charming base from which to explore Gig Harbor and its environs.

You don’t have to wait to win this raffle to stay at the Snug Harbor Hideaway. It’s a good value anytime and always a cheap sleep; winter rates are $65 a night / $350 a week and summer rates  (May though September) are $75 a night / $400 a week.  To reserve, call Suzanne at (253) 853-6379 or email her here.

Details: Good for one night. Expires 1 year from date of issue. Subject to availability, and advanced reservations required.

How to Enter: To enter this April Giveaway, please submit a comment below. The contest begins today and ends on Thursday, April 30, at 11:59 PM PST. We will choose one winner at random and notify you via email.

Rules: To enter, you must be age 18 or older. Submit only one comment per person on this post. If this is your first comment on Northwest Cheapsleeps, your comment will need to be approved before it is displayed. Duplicate comments will be deleted. Your email address is required when you post a comment but will not be displayed and will not be used for any reason other than to contact you if you win. Therefore, make sure the email address you give us is valid.

Good luck!

Gig Harbor and Mt. Rainier by Evan S. Photography.

Lucky, lucky you.

The owners of Queen of the Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast, a charming historic farmhouse B&B in La Conner, Washington, are generously giving away a night’s stay to a lucky Northwest Cheapsleeps reader.

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below. In the comment, tell us what you ate for breakfast this morning!

You may remember I wrote about Queen of the Valley Inn’s great “Financial Relief Package” a few weeks ago. Go soon – this special only lasts through the end of this month. My family spent a relaxing weekend at this B&B just after I wrote about it, and trust me – you won’t be disappointed. Shelly and Chris are fabulous hosts (and cooks!), their inn is family-friendly, and you will feel right at home. Well, except you won’t have to lift a finger!

Details: Good for one night, any single room. No black-out dates! Good 7 days/week. Expires 1 year from date of issue. Subject to availability, and advanced reservations required, of course. Value not to exceed $169.

How to Enter: To enter this March Giveaway, please submit a comment below. The contest begins today and ends on Tuesday, March 31, at 11:59 PM PST. We will choose one winner at random and notify you via email.

Rules: To enter, you must be age 18 or older. Submit only one comment per person on this post. If this is your first comment on Northwest Cheapsleeps, your comment will need to be approved before it is displayed. Duplicate comments will be deleted. Your email address is required when you post a comment but will not be displayed and will not be used for any reason other than to contact you if you win. Therefore, make sure the email address you give us is valid.

Good luck!