Lara Dunning, Author at Small Town Washington

First Timers Guide to Visiting Big Bend National Park

TexasBy Lara Dunning October 13, 2018 14 Comments

This year I marked off one of my bucket list travel destinations – Big Bend National Park in Texas. Yah! Having visited 35 US National Parks, I can say it is one of the most unique and rugged landscapes I’ve had the chance to experience. While the park appears desolate on the outside, it contains…

Win Two Tickets for the Brew on the Slough in La Conner, WA!

GiveawaysBy Lara Dunning October 6, 2018 2 Comments

How I love October. The leaves are changing, our lives are filled with pumpkin lattes and pumpkin bread, and the entire month is all about BEER! Last year, I attended Brew on the Slough in the small town of La Conner, Washington. For small town lovers, this is the perfect Octoberfest. The venue is in a…

Four Places to Walk the Dog In Lincoln City, Oregon That’s Not the Beach

Oregon, Pet-friendlyBy Lara Dunning October 3, 2018 30 Comments

The Oregon coast is one of the best states in the Pacific Northwest to travel with your dog, as almost all of the beaches are dog-friendly. Last Spring, Hazel (my Blue Heeler) and I were hosted by Explore Lincoln City and the very pet-friendly The Coho Oceanfront Lodge. After spending a few days there with both…

Bob’s Chowder & BBQ Salmon: Fun Family Dining in Anacortes, Washington

AnacortesBy Lara Dunning September 30, 2018 12 Comments

Bob’s Chowder & BBQ Salmon has been a fixture in the small town of Anacortes, Washington for nine years and one of the Skagit Valley’s iconic seafood restaurants. Whether you live in Anacortes, are in Anacortes for the weekend or visiting from Seattle for a day trip, Bob’s Chowder (as the locals call it) it is…

SeaFeast: A Pacific Northwest Festival Every Foodie Should Know About

BellinghamBy Lara Dunning September 13, 2018 Leave a comment

Many travelers visit the Pacific Northwest to sample local seafood like fresh-caught salmon, crab, and oysters. Having lived in Washington State for over a decade, I can attest to the richness of our coastal waters and the bounty it provides. One way to sample the delicacies the area has to offer is at the annual SeaFeast festival…

Five Things That Will Surprise You About Kent, Washington

In the CityBy Lara Dunning September 9, 2018 17 Comments

Kent, Washington, might not come to mind when planning your Pacific Northwest travels. I recently spent a few days in this small city, and my experience surprised me. What are some of the things I discovered? A fantastic international food scene, a wine bar that serves 80% Washington State wines, parks for every mood, lack…

Win Two Tickets for the Concrete Ghost Walk!

GiveawaysBy Lara Dunning September 8, 2018 Leave a comment

October will soon be upon us and that means spooky happenings are afloat with ghost tours, cemetery tours, and ghost walks. Last year, I attended and wrote about the Concrete Ghost walk. I thoroughly enjoyed this event, which is a mix of ghosts, ghost tales, and history. For this month’s giveaway, I’ve partnered with the Concrete Chamber…

New Article: 3 Deception Pass Hikes That Are Pure Magic

Whidbey IslandBy Lara Dunning August 25, 2018 Leave a comment

Deception Pass State Park is one of the most visited parks in Washington State. One of the most popular things to do is walk across Deception Pass Bridge, and I highly recommend this as part of your experience. If you want to see the bridge from a different vantage point or get off the beaten path,…

NEW ARTICLE: Get Your Wine on in the Pacific Northwest with These Fabulous Hotel Stays

British Columbia, Chelan, Clarkston, Idaho, Oregon, Prosser, Roslyn, Walla Walla Wine Country, Woodinville, Yakima Valley Wine CountryBy Lara Dunning August 22, 2018 22 Comments

This article originally appeared on trivago.com. Picture driving by rolling hills covered with green vineyards, sipping your way through tasting rooms, many with spectacular mountain vistas, and explore walkable downtowns where you can easily sample a variety of restaurant completely car-free. Add on accommodations close to the wine action, and you’ve got the makings for…

Win Two Tickets for Deception Pass Tours One-Hour Jet Boat Ride!

GiveawaysBy Lara Dunning August 15, 2018 16 Comments

Deception Pass Bridge is Washington State’s most photographed bridge, and the jet boat ride on Deception Pass Tours takes you under and through the bridge! I’ve been on the tour several times, and it is a unique and fun way to experience Deception Pass State Park. Along the way, you’ll learn about the bootleggers on Strawberry…

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