Need Groceries? Head For A Farmers Markets

Sun., June 18, 1995

Graham Vink Travel Editor

Idaho’s farmers markets, including seven in the northern half of the state, have kicked off their summer season, offering farm-fresh produce and specialty foods. These markets can be a fun destination in their own right, or a nice way to break up a long drive.

For a map showing dates, locations and phone numbers, call the Idaho Department of Agriculture at (208) 334-2227.

Short takes

Bits and pieces from around the Northwest:

The Colville Confederate Tribal Powwow, where visitors can enjoy watching dancing and traditional games and dress, is July 1-9. For information, call (509) 633-0556.

The Bavarian-style mountain community of Leavenworth has a new atrraction, a nutcracker museum, featuring more than 2,000 nutcrackers from around the world. For information, call (800) 892-3989 or (509) 548-4708.

The Banff Arts Festival in Alberta, featuring a wide variety of music, media and visual arts, opera, dance, aboriginal theater, cabarets, mountain films and other special events, runs through Sept. 7. For information, call (800) 413-8368.

Going north

CampAlaska Tours offers tent camping tours in Alaska throughout the summer, with prices beginning at $680 per person for a one-week tour.

Many tours also include trips on the Alaska ferry system, along with hiking, rafting and kayaking. Destinations include Denali National Park, the Kenai Peninsula and the Brooks Range. For information, call (800) 376-9438 or (907) 376-9438.

Puget power

Some alternatives to oftencrowded Washington state ferries this summer:

Victoria Express, a passengeronly ferry, offers express service between Port Angeles and Victoria, crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca in only an hour. From now through Sept. 4, there are three roundtrip sailings every day; roundtrip fares are $20 for adults and $10 for children 5 to 11. For information, call (800) 633-1589 or (206) 452-8088.

Rosario Resort, on Orcas Island, offers a variety of travel packages from Seattle that include either a six-hour Victoria Clipper scenic cruise or air travel (conventional or seaplane).

One-night packages range from $111 to $184 per person, based on double occupancy, depending on the mode of transportation. For information on the travel packages, call (206) 557-6402; for reservations, call (800) 562-8820 or (206) 376-2222.

Sail away

Mystic Sea Charters is offering daily luncheon and dinner cruises on Puget Sound through the middle of October.

The ship departs from La Conner and travels through the Swinomish Channel into Puget Sound, passing three islands and Deception Pass during the trip. Prices range from $29 to $43 per person, with discounts for large groups. For information, call (800) 308-9387.

Still for sale

Copies of The SpokesmanReview’s annual guide to summer travel are still available, featuring 36 pages of recreation ideas around the Inland Northwest.

The section includes information about balloon rides, dude ranching and cattle rides, Native American events, unique museums, houseboats, cycling, rodeos, hiking with children, music festivals, river rafting, touring the wine country, and much more.

You’ll also find dozens of phone numbers for more information, plus advertising from resorts, hotels and other travel providers.

For a copy, send $2 in cash, checks or Marilyn Monroe stamps to the address below.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.

Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.