• The state of Washington offers diverse geography, climate and attractions.washington map and flag image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
  
  Washington state offers a variety of climates, geographies and attractions to visitors. The state is split almost down the middle by the Cascade Mountain Range, which creates rainy, temperate conditions on the west side and dry, sunny conditions on the eastern slope. While in Washington, visit several different regions to experience the diverse scenery, culture and recreational opportunities that the state offers.
  
  

Seattle

• Start your Washington vacation in Seattle. Located on the Puget Sound, this city is home to more than 600,000 residents. Iconic tourist destinations include the Space Needle, a 605-foot-high tower built for the 1962 World's Fair; Pike Place Market, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from arts and crafts to local produce and seafood; and the Hiram Chittenden Locks, where boats are raised and lowered to travel from Lake Union to the Pacific Ocean. The Seattle Visitors and Convention Bureau also recommends exploring the waterfront Olympic Sculpture Park, the Pacific Science Center and the Experience Music Project at Seattle Center. Get a taste of Seattle's fresh seafood and Northwest cuisine at the Georgian, which Forbes Travel Guide describes as "the most acclaimed restaurant in the Pacific Northwest."
  
  

Leavenworth

• Drive east across the Cascade Mountains to the town of Leavenworth. Nestled in the foothills, Leavenworth offers a variety of shopping, dining, cultural and outdoor attractions such as hiking, biking, skiing and rafting. In the early 1900s, the town boomed as a result of a thriving logging and sawmill industries. When the bubble burst, the railroad pulled out and the town economy declined. In the 1960s, town leaders reinvented Leavenworth as a Bavarian village. Building remodels, festivals and a scenic natural backdrop turned Leavenworth into a popular tourist attraction. There are several festivals throughout the year, such as autumn's Oktoberfest, featuring Bavarian music, food and beer; December's Christmas Lighting Festival, where the town is lit with thousands of tiny, sparking lights; the Spring Bird Fest, a birdwatching event; and the June Bavarian Bike and Brew Fest, featuring bicycling and, again, lots of beer. Conde Nast Traveler recommends staying at Run of the River, a bed and breakfast set on the Wenatchee River with views of a wildlife reserve.
  
  Run of the River
  
  9308 E. Leavenworth Rd.
  
  Leavenworth, WA 98826
  
  800-288-6491
  
  runoftheriver.com
  
  

Winthrop

• Winthrop is in the Methow Valley in northeastern Washington state. This tiny town is an outdoor enthusiast's haven, with a variety of activities available year-round. In the summer, visitors can go hot air ballooning over the valley, mountain biking on miles of trails, camping in the many local campgrounds, hiking in the nearby mountains, or birdwatching. Winter activities include ice skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, tubing and snowshoeing. The "Examiner" on-line magazine suggests attending the annual March Winthrop Balloon Round-up, a hot air balloon fly-in. Sample local wines at the Lost River Winery, which features a variety of wines such as syrah, pinot gris, merlot and cedarosa.
  
  Lost River Winery
  
  26 Hwy 20
  
  Winthrop, WA 98862
  
  509-996-2888