Sunset Lists Beaches Close, Very Accessible
When I see lists of “bests” in magazines, I always wonder exactly who picks these places? And the places named usually fall into two categories: well-known places that make every single list, or places no one has ever heard of - they sound like new-found secrets, but most are so remote none of us will ever get there.
Enter the Sunset Magazine’s list of the West’s Best Beaches. What a surprise. The entries really represent less-crowded but accessible finds for those who flock to beaches.
Want examples? Alki Beach in West Seattle was picked the best California-style beach in Washington. Fort Canby State Beach in southwest Washington was tabbed the best driftwood beach. Want to know where to get the best dinner on the beach? Head for Christina’s on Orcas Island.
The full list of the top 40 West Coast beaches is in the Sunset July issue.
A night on the bay
Travelers bound for Bigfork, Mont., (or those passing through on their way to Glacier National Park) can stay at the Bigfork Marina Cay Resort at a discount.
Through Sept. 7, the resort is offering 10-20 percent discounts on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights.
The lodge is within walking distance of downtown Bigfork. For information, call (800) 433-6516.
It’s no holiday inn
Look before you B&B. Opening a bed and breakfast in the country or a resort may sound very romantic, but Income Opportunities magazine warns that the dream is likely to be a lot of work (including chores like laundry and plumbing) and often not much profit. One innkeeper interviewed in the magazine’s June edition estimated that a seven-room B&B would have a 5 percent return on investment. Another B&B veteran estimated it takes most innkeepers between five and 10 years to break even. The experts recommend having another source of income when you’re starting out.
Lock it and don’t leave a key
Leaving on vacation? Nearly everyone knows precautions need to be taken to prevent break-ins. No harm in reviewing some commonsense tips, courtesy of the Inland Automobile Association:
Use deadlock bolts on all first-floor doors, and hide all spare keys.
The first places burglars look for hidden keys are in the mailbox or front porch planters, under the doormat and taped to car fenders.
Clear your answering machine while you are away; a full voice mailbox says no one’s home.
Have your mail and newspaper held.
Statistics show homes without security systems are about three times as likely to be burglarized as those with systems.
Consider hiring a housesitter.
Just the high points, please
The annual Seattle Seafair extravaganza began officially in mid-May, but it could become a year-round affair if Seafair officials just cast their net wide enough and claim every event in the Pacific Northwest is Seafair-related.
Most of us are really only interested in the Seafair hydroplane races and the Blue Angel flyover at Lake Washington, so we’ll focus on those real-Seafair events. For the record, the hydroplane races will be on Lake Washington Aug. 8-10. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets in Spokane, or by calling (206) 628-0888.
The Blue Angels will fly over the races at noon on Aug. 9 and 10 and you won’t need tickets to see the jets do their aerial thing over Lake Washington.
For those inclined to take in a parade, the Seafair Parade that marches from the Seattle Center to the Kingdome is on Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Bleacher seating’s available with a ticket; available through Ticketmaster.
Take your breath mints
The 14th annual Walla Walla Sweet Onion Harvest Fest is July 13 at Fort Walla Walla Park.
The event includes growing demonstrations, a barbecue cook-off, an onion recipe contest, onion games, crafts booths, food booths (featuring plenty of onions) and music by the Washington State Old Time Fiddlers. For information: (509) 525-0850.
, DataTimes