Washington Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:13:12-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR WASHINGTON VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a Washington Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide two options for every state in the USA consisting of the state capital and the Natural Wonder. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
MILITARY
Alabama Military: Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state that’s home to significant military landmarks and events from the Civil War, World War I and World War II, all the way through history to space travel.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum: This Museum is operated by the Alabama Center of Military History and is dedicated to promoting and disseminating the accomplishments of American military men and women. The emphasis is on participants of World War I and subsequent conflicts. The survivors and families can use the Museum facilities to reminisce on their own experiences and those of parents, grandparents, and other close relatives. There are displays – more than 30 historical military vehicles from World War I to the present, as well as tableaus, artifacts, and other memorabilia dating back to the Revolutionary War. Supporting organizations include the 19th Alabama Infantry which sponsors exhibits from 18th and 19th Century conflicts, and the 8th Air Force Historical Society, which sponsors a Bomb Group briefing room. Both organizations support ‘living history’ presentations on many Saturdays. At the Museum is a reference library, in addition to published material such as the Seventh Army After Action Report from World War II. The library offers written and oral reminiscences of Alabama veterans. In this vein, veterans and their families are invited to send written material or audio cassette tapes to the Museum for inclusion in the library. A narrative by the veteran, or an interview by a relative, will provide a legacy of the contribution. The Museum welcomes the participation of military and veterans’ groups and individuals in making this a valued educational piece of history in Huntsville.
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park: At this Battleship Memorial Park, you don’t have to look very far to find heroes. From the Battleship USS ALABAMA to the Submarine USS DRUM and over 25 aircraft, the spirit of military pride is alive and well. Aboard the battleship you will be able to explore 12 decks. Among those, you can climb inside gun turrets, get locked in the Brig, man a 12mm gun and much more. Also at the park, you will be able to go below and explore the oldest Submarine on display, the USS DRUM. In the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion as well as in the park, you will be able to view many rare and historic aircraft. A few in the collection include a A-12 Blackbird Spy Plane, OS2U Kingfisher, F-86L Sabre Jet, and B-52 Bomber, just to name a few. While in the pavilion, don’t forget to take a ride on the Flight Simulator and experience flight without ever leaving the ground. It’s an unforgettable experience for the entire family. All tours are self-guided. Allow approx. 2.5 hours to really see what it was like to be on this battleship when on active duty in Mobile.
United States Army Aviation Museum: The U.S. Army Aviation Museum maintains a collection of over 160 military aircraft, including one of the largest collections of military helicopters in the world. Approximately 50 beautifully restored, historic, and one-of-a-kind aircraft are proudly displayed both inside the Museum exhibit space and outside on the grounds. The collection includes many significant examples of early research efforts and developments in rotary wing technology and the evolution of the helicopter. Represented is the Army’s involvement in military aviation from the Wright brothers, the early combat aircraft of WW I, and today’s technological machines such as the AH-64 Apache and the UH-60 Blackhawk. You’ll find this in Ft Rucker.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC): This is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. On Display, they have one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia anywhere in the world. Guests journey through America’s Space Race and NASA’s plan to put man on the moon. Witness the development of the space shuttle program and the International Space Station, get a glimpse of the future in commercial space ventures, and the latest technological innovations. The Rocket Center regularly features traveling exhibits from around the world. Also, enjoy daily films on the 67-foot screen in Huntsville’s only full-dome IMAX® Theater or in the 52-foot, high-definition screen in the National Geographic Theater. Finally, plan a ride on the motorcoach tour of Redstone Arsenal, headquarters to the Army Material Command and home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Travel to Huntsville to enjoy.
Crooked Creek Civil War Museum: This is a must see if you are a Civil War buff. It’s small but it makes this time in our history come alive in Vinemont.
Travelkatz is waiting to hear from you so we can make the history of our country come alive. Call us at 352-277-7300.
STATE PARKS
Washington State Parks:
Washington State Parks – This farthest northwestern state has 6 State Recreation Areas, 2 State Forests, a State Natural Area, and a State Wildlife Area. There are over 140 parks throughout the state, including 19 marine parks and 11 Historical Parks. The Park system was established in 1913 by the creation of the Washington State Board of Park Commissioners.
Battle Ground Lake State Park: The Park includes 280 acres of beautiful, forested land in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The lake was formed by a dormant volcano. It’s a popular place for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. There’s also lots of sports related activities including badminton, baseball, horseshoes, softball, and volleyball. Also keep your eyes open for a phantom creature that haunts the lake. Even Rangers have said they have seen something large on the surface of the lake from time to time. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 35 feet). Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. You will find this Park near the town of Battleground.
Cama Beach State Park: The archaeological record shows that Native Americans were active along the shoreline now known as Cama Beach for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The area was updated 1930s as a fishing resort with cabins, swimming area, horseshoe pits and boat rentals. Cama Beach has beautiful views of the water and lots of beach to enjoy. The Center for Wooden Boats is in the park. Be prepared for a hike to/from the beach to parking areas. There can be 1/4 to 3/4 miles distance from parking to the beach when returning to your car. Bathrooms are clean, the Park is well maintained, and the Entrance staff is courteous and helpful. You’ll find this beautiful, historic park in Camano.
Cape Disappointment State Park: This Park consumes 1,882-acre at the mouth of the Columbia River with trails, beaches, and campsites. It has many different things to do with two different light houses, the beautiful Waikiki beach, hiking, fishing, boat launch and more! Five-minute drive into town for fresh salmon at the dock and a short drive into Long Beach or further up the peninsula for a day trip adventure. You really can’t go wrong here, except for the weather; it can rain, hard, here. That is where the name came from. You will get to pay tribute to the many different uses of this area, like military outposts during the Civil War and World War II as there are numerous bunkers and other areas that are still there to explore. The main features are two lighthouses and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Cape Disappointment State Park is one of numerous parks in Washington State, which is a part of Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks. Found near the town of Ilwaco.
Fort Columbia Historical State Park: Military and maritime history buffs, take note! Fort Columbia State Park is considered one of the most intact historic coastal defense sites in the U.S. Constructed between 1896 and 1903, renovated during World War II and de-commissioned in 1947, this day-use park on Chinook Point near the mouth of the Columbia River will take you back to the early 20th Century. Fort Columbia’s small size and the historic integrity of its buildings give visitors an intimate feel for what life must have been like during its active years. Stroll amidst officers’ homes, artillery batteries and two 6-inch, rapid-fire, World War II-era guns that are among six still in existence. The guns were transferred to the park in 1994 from a U.S. Navy facility in Newfoundland. Peruse the park’s interpretive center for artifacts, photos and stories about exploration, the fur trade, and the military community on the Columbia. In addition to its historical significance, the area offers bird watching, miles of forested hiking trails and secluded beaches. Fort Columbia Historical State Park is a 618-acre, day-use historical park located within Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park. The Park sits along 6,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Chinook Point, the setting of this historic fort, is within the territory of the Chinook Indian Nation and is designated as a National Historic Landmark for its historical significance over three centuries. Two of the restored buildings are available for rent; these vacation houses are perfect for family reunions and retreats. Visit this park which is found near Chinook.
Please give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 or “chat” at www.travelkatz.com for a great vacation to Washington State.
MUSEUMS
Washington Museums:
Washington Museums – Washington is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States with the capital in Olympia.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Located in the heart of Seattle, Chihuly Garden and Glass provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Through the exhibition’s eight interior galleries, lush outdoor garden and centerpiece Glasshouse visitors will experience a comprehensive look at Chihuly’s most significant series of work. Beautiful handmade art that is so breathtaking! Vivid colors and to top it off a live demonstration is provided! With both day and night experiences, and full-service dining in the adjoining Collections Café, this long-term exhibition offers a unique experience rain or shine in Seattle.
National Nordic Museum: With stunning architecture, exhibitions, and programs, the National Nordic Museum traces 12,000 years of Nordic history, showcases the contemporary culture, and shares how Nordic values and innovation has shaped the future. A must see for everyone who enjoys culture and history. The new modern museum has plenty of parking and is easy to find. There is a great gift shop and cafe in the spacious downstairs. Upstairs has some wonderful displays on Scandinavian culture. Visit while in Seattle.
Museum of Northwest Art: You can easily spend an hour in this museum and pause at every piece of art and their descriptions. The docents do a good job of telling the life story of Betty Black, born in Scotland, how she came to the United States, and why she started collecting paintings, mostly from local artists. She filled her house with artwork, and by the time she passed away, her collection was an impressive group of original art that now fills the museum’s walls and display space. There are a wide range of artistic styles and media on display, so there is sure to be something that will interest you. Just as interesting are the stories of Betty’s life that are woven throughout the gallery and accompany the paintings, telling you the background on where she met the artists she collected. Found in the town of La Conner.
Cascadia Art Museum: This is a small museum but is filled with fine art created by artist with ties to the Pacific Northwest. The period covered is from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, and visitors are treated to impressionist, and realist works and pieces. A very enjoyable experience that simply must be followed up by a lunch on nearby Main Street in Edmonds.
The IMA – San Juan Islands Museum of Art: A short walk from the ferry, IMA is the first art museum in the San Juan Islands. Along with a revolving repertoire of major exhibits of fine visual arts and workshops, IMA also offers a forum for local artists to display their work as part of its Artists Registry. IMA raises and distributes money to support art in the Friday Harbor elementary and middle schools and runs the popular free “Family Art Days” program every Saturday in July and August in the orchard beside the museum. IMA is a registered nonprofit organization and depends on donations, memberships, fundraising and experienced, and dedicated volunteers. Ferry over to San Juan Island.
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park: This is a real gem. This sculpture park takes the blue ribbon: 20 acres of beautifully laid out paths and trails, pieces in many media from many Northwest sculptors, voluntary contributions are accepted to help with the upkeep, and beautifully situated with ponds, meadows, and woods to tease the eye. A should not miss. Also found on San Juan Island.
Seattle Asian Art Museum – The newly renovated museum reopened with reimagined and reinstalled exhibits that offer a thematic view of Asian art. The museum features vibrant works from all over the world’s largest continent. A new Asian Paintings Conversation Center will eventually open on location — the first museum center of its kind in the western US featuring Asian Paintings and other art works. Visit in Seattle
Travelkatz. LLC will be happy to “chat“ on line or talk with you on the phone at 352-277-7300 about how we can make a special vacation for you in the state of Washington.
FESTIVALS
Festivals:
Washington Festivals: The festivals in the state of Washington can be celebrated throughout the year all over the state including the Eagle Festival, the state fairs, and a Cherry Blossom Festival that has a unique beginning. We will tell you about these festivals and others…
Timbrrr! Music Festival 2020: The music line-up is as follows: Bryan John Appleby, Dean Johnson, Purple Mane, Brett Benton, and more. These are some of the coolest new bands discovered in years! Every one of the songs from their CDs rock. It’s great fun from start to finish with nothing you have to skip over to find the next good tune. Leavenworth; Jan 24 – 25.
Free Eagle Festival: With winter comes the return of the eagle to the Stillaguamish River. The eagles return to feed on salmon that have come to spawn in the clean river gravel. The eagle also prey on the snow geese that are feeding in the agricultural fields in the floodplain. To celebrate these special winter residents, Arlington hosts an annual Eagle Festival, which includes guided tours, art and photography show, speakers, demonstrations, live music, wagon rides, and other fun activities. Free events include guided preserve tour, nature walk, rock & gem display, nature exhibits, crafts, and kids’ activities. There are food vendors, a bake sale, and a soup sale. Arlington; Feb 1 – 2, until 5 PM.
Moisture Festival: Presented as a variety show, each act or artist performs his or her routine within a 3-15 minute time slot while being accompanied by a live show band. It has many highly skilled performances mixed with many talents, often humorous, with no limit to the imagination. In Seattle; Apr 1 – 7
Washington State Spring Fair. This state fair is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington. The fair, which includes agricultural and pastoral displays and shows, amusement rides, and a concert series, continually ranks in the top ten largest fairs in the United State: with convenient access and abundant parking. Puyallup; Apr. 16 – 19 – Side note: There is a tulip festival in this community in the spring.
40th Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival: The Festival was founded in appreciation of 1,000 cherry trees gifted to Seattle by Prime Minister Takeo Miki on behalf of the Japanese government in commemoration of the nation’s bicentennial. It is the first ethnic festival to be held at Seattle Center and the oldest in the festival series. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Japan through visual arts, live performances, hands-on activities, food and games; including Taiko drumming and artisan demos. Seattle; Sun, Apr. 19 all day.
Bluegrass from the Forest Festival: This festival features national headliners, contests, a band scramble, mandolin tasting, youth programs, vendors, and jamming at Shelton High School; camping available. Seattle; May 17 – 19 all day.
We at Travelkatz will be happy to make Washington state a special vacation for your family. Give us a call at 352-277-7300 or read all about it while it scrolls on the home page at www.travelkatz.com.
Washington State Capital: OLYMPIA
Olympia, Washington was named after the nearby Olympic Mountains, themselves named for Mount Olympus of Greek legend. The mountains were named in 1788 by explorer John Meares, who exclaimed, “If that be not the home where dwell the Gods, it is beautiful enough to be, and I therefore call it Mount Olympus.”
Washington State Capitol: The Washington State Capitol is worth seeing. The grounds are beautiful, especially in the spring when rhododendrons and other spring flowers are at their peak. The marbled interior is also gorgeous. You can take tours of the governor’s mansion, visit the many memorials, get info from the nearby visitor center, admire views of Puget Sound and the Olympics, and walk down to and around Capitol Lake.
Hands On Children’s Museum: The Children’s Museum in Olympia is a must for children! Every attention to detail has been done to insure the children will enjoy a wonderful time. There is something to do hands on for every child. Both inside and outside activities are available. It is very large which allows children and their family to enjoy any activity. Safety has been an important part of the Museum and staff is both friendly and helpful.
Nisqually Reach Nature Center: The sounds, site, and distinct smells from this place make it unique. The Nisqually Reach Nature Center appeals to all ages with its intriguing display of natural science. Stepping into to this habitat has the power to make a visitor forget about the busy lifestyle and engages you in its centuries-old tranquility that is untouched by human-kind.
5th Avenue Bridge: Really peaceful, lots of different fish and of course, the salmon. Educational signs around, Quaint white bridge across the way. This is a great walking area near the Port of Olympia and old town Olympia. Beautiful water views, restaurants and little shops.
Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm: The Cider Mill is known by one and all. They have a variety of farm fresh and hot baked foods. Have taken tours of the place and they have a variety of animals and grow pumpkins and other things. Lot of fun to be had. Highly recommend for lots of reasons. Stop in and buy some hot apple fritters and home-made apple cider and enjoy the surroundings.
Flights from Tampa get you to Seattle Washington which is just a car ride to Olympia. Give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 and we will make this a vacation to remember for you and your family.
Additionally:
Three enjoyable fall hikes on the Olympic Peninsula
OLYMPIC PENINSULA — Every hiker has a to-do excursion list, and Olympic Hot Springs has to be on yours. As rivers and rainstorms kept washing out the road to the trailhead and bridges along the trail; access to Olympic Hot Springs is just now reopened, and you can look for autumn beauty at Hurricane Ridge and the Quinault Valley in spring.
After years of fits and starts, both the trail and the road reopened in mid-August, just in time for a fall hike. Which is perfect timing, because the Olympic Peninsula is one of the favorite destinations once summer ends.
Thinner national-park crowds and cooler weather combine with an abundance of well-maintained trails, many at low elevation. Fall offers other highlights; Spring has some, too: This is prime mushroom-gathering time (if you know what you’re doing), and it’s easy to spot wildlife as critters move out of the highlands to gorge themselves for winter.
If you go in the Fall
A National Parks Pass or proof of park entry payment is required at trailheads within the national park. The multiagency America the Beautiful pass is good at both national parks and national forests.
- Pets are not allowed on trails in the national park.
- Bring waterproof footwear, since water can run across trails, especially near hot springs and after rain. Watch forecasts and always go prepared for changing weather in autumn, including rain or early snow.
- Don’t approach wild animals. If you see mountain goats, rangers recommend waving, yelling and throwing rocks to encourage them to avoid humans.
More information
- The Washington Trails Association website includes trail descriptions and recent trail reports: wta.org
- Olympic National Park website: nps.gov/olym
Here are three hiking destinations for autumn:
Olympic Hot Springs
The hike to the springs, on a wide trail, is pleasant and generally easy. On a recent sunny September weekday, it wasn’t very crowded, either. Two or three people occupied each of a half dozen or so hiker-made pools on a tree-covered slope. To get there, cross a new log bridge over Boulder Creek that replaces a knocked-out suspension bridge whose off-kilter anchors still cling to the hillsides.
Bob Stohler, who’s seen plenty of human activity — both positive and negative — over many visits from his home on the Kitsap Peninsula says, “I’ve been coming up here for 30 years. It’s changed a lot, but the soak is still good, and the hike in is still good.”
Many of those changes are results of careless human trampling. Leave the place better than you found it: Pack out everything you bring in with you and avoid disturbing the area around the pools. National park officials warn that the water quality is not monitored and may contain bacteria (if you need a bathroom, there’s a privy at the nearby campground). Also, some visitors consider the springs clothing-optional.
Because the access road is paved all the way to the trailhead, albeit occasionally rough or very narrow, the trail is popular throughout the year. For a low-elevation alternative, stick to trails at the bottom of Olympic Hot Springs Road, such as the Smokey Bottom trail. It travels 3.8 miles (round trip) along the edge of former West Lake Mills, now an ongoing restoration experiment.
Visit the Glines Canyon Spillway Overlook, where exhibits describe the dam removal there. Part of the old spillway still hangs eerily over the canyon.
Hurricane Ridge
You don’t want to be there during a windstorm, but on quiet autumn days, Hurricane Ridge can be an island of peace. On a recent visit, a mother deer and her fawns were spotted traipsing across golden hillsides, rabbits diving into the bushes, and innumerable birds. Despite a few clouds, views from observation points stretch all the way to Vancouver Island, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on one side and to glaciers of the Olympic peaks on the other.
One bonus the ridge offers: Many trails leaving the main parking areas are paved, which means they’re still in good shape during or after rain.
Drive west from the main parking area to the Hurricane Hill trailhead and climb across the flank of the namesake hill on the 3.2-mile (round trip) paved trail, enjoy the expansive and ever-changing views of tree-decorated grassy slopes and valleys all the way, think how nice it was to walk all the way on such a good surface.
The on-site visitor center (open 9 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.) has information and toilets, though the snack bar there is open only through Oct. 15. Once the snow flies, usually at the end of October, the road closes until the winter season begins in December, when it’s open on weekends and holidays for snow sports.
Quinault Valley
Although this part of the park gets plenty of rain in the fall, it’s a verdant time of year, and well-maintained low-elevation trails make a hike possible any time. Mushrooms abound here in the fall. You might get lucky and see Roosevelt elk, or at least hear bugling as they gather in the river valleys to find mates and gorge themselves.
Many short hikes leave the Lake Quinault Lodge area on the lake’s south side, including one to the world’s largest Sitka spruce and another to the world’s largest western red cedar. The Pony Bridge trail, heads up into the hills along the Quinault River. Hike gradually uphill for 2.5 miles, crossing three charming log bridges en route. Admire the view at the final bridge and then turn around (or keep going as far as you feel). In the fall, you may see salmon struggling upriver to their spawning grounds. Children might find giant banana slugs just as fascinating. The trailhead (Graves Creek) is at the end of a gravel road that’s usually in decent condition.
After you hike, eat where President Franklin Roosevelt did in 1937, in the lodge dining room (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round).
WASHINGTON VACATION PACKAGE MADE EASY
Another option for our Washington Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
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