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LEAVENWORTH WELCOMES AWARD WINNING ARMY BAND

The 133rd Army Band of the Washington Army National Guard is a reserve component unit located at Camp Murray, Tacoma, WA and is comprised of 25 part-time musician-soldiers. Typically, the band meets one weekend per month and performs a two-week concert tour around the state during the summer. We are very pleased to be part of their itinerary this year. In the last 15 years, the band has performed in Canada, California, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and the Republic of the Philippines.

Members of the band range in age from late teens to late fifties. Some are professional musicians or music educators, but most hold a variety of other professions or attend college pursuing their degrees. Some joined while still in high school, while others are former active duty members of the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force Bands. They are proud to claim Quincy Jones as one of their alumni.

In addition to marching in parades and performing military ceremonies, they have many other musical ensembles that perform for all types of events and audiences, both military and civilian. These ensembles include concert, jazz, R&B, rock, country, Dixieland, woodwind, brass quintet, trombone quartet and a men’s acappella quartet.

Visit Leavenworth on Saturday, June 30th for your chance to hear this wonderful Concert Band. The Concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will include Jazz, Rock, Dixieland, Big Band sound and of course patriotic favorites.

For more information visit www.leavenworth.org or phone 509-548-5807.

Washington State 2007 Festival Calendar

Maifest in Leavenworth – May 11-13, 2007

Leavenworth, WA, USA – Experience spring in Bavaria! Visit Leavenworth, Washington - Your Bavarian Getaway during the 36th Annual Maifest, May 11 - 13, 2007, for a special Leavenworth Centennial Year Celebration. Since it is Mothers Day weekend there will be special surprises for mom!

On Friday, the schedule includes a number of outstanding school and youth groups performing both choral and orchestral numbers from Classical to Jazz, and more traditional Bavarian music and dance. Some of Leavenworth’s own groups will be on hand, including the award-winning Cascade High School Select Choir, and the Edelweiss Dance Acadamie.

Activities start at 11:00 AM on Saturday with the Musikkapelle Leavenworth, the Bavarian Village’s town band. They will get you in the mood with waltzes and polkas typical of Bavaria. Don’t miss the Grand March at Noon. It’s going to be great fun because this year everyone is invited to be in the Grand March - the only catch is you have to be wearing lederhosen!

But you will want to, so you can be part of Leavenworth’s Special Maifest Contest – “Looking Good in Lederhosen!” There will be Prizes awarded in ten different categories: Best Looking Man in Lederhosen, Best Looking Woman in Lederhosen, Youngest Child in Lederhosen, Oldest Person in Lederhosen, Largest Group in Lederhosen, Largest Lederhosen, Smallest Lederhosen, Most Colorful Lederhosen, Best Looking Dog in Lederhosen and Doesn’t Fit In Any Category Lederhosen.

If you don’t have a pair of lederhosen in your closet, you can check out the shops in town, the Annual Maifest Used Trachten Sale organized by Projekt Bayern or get creative!

The “Looking Good in Lederhosen Contest” will begin after the Maifest Procession which includes Leavenworth’s Bierwagen, other beautifully decorated horse-drawn wagons, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Greater Seattle, vintage Volkswagens, and a host of participants all decked out for Maifest.

During the afternoon the exciting Tyrolean Dancers will perform a Maipole dance and other traditional dances. There will be many other outstanding song and dance groups performing into the evening, then stay for music and a chance to dance into the night! Front Street will be closed for a Street Dance with the Smilin' Scandinavians at 6:00 PM.

On Sunday Musikkapelle Leavenworth and traditional dancers will return with more great music and dance to bring the Festival to an exciting close!

Tulip Festival, Skagit Valley

Every spring the flower fields in Washington's Skagit Valley, located an hour North of Seattle, come alive with vivid color. The area's mild climate, evenly distributed rainfall and fertile farmlands provide an ideal environment for bulb growing, primarily daffodils, tulips and iris. In the mid-1980's local chambers of commerce saw that people were coming by the thousands to view the explosion of color each spring. Today the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival attracts more than one million visitors over its April-long run. Bulb farm tours, a street fair, and an arts and crafts show are all included in the celebration. For more information visit: www.tulipfestival.org or call 360-428-5959.

The Lavender Festival, Sequim

Just two hours west of Seattle is the city of Sequim, home to the nation's largest population of the fragrant purple herb, lavender. The Lavender Festival, held in July 20, 21, and 22, 2007 features lavender farm tours, arts and crafts and «how-to" demonstrations offered by local lavender growers. Lavender has many culinary, cosmetic, floral and decorative uses. Its aroma and flavor readily blend into oils and fats, especially dairy fats. This makes it a particularly good choice for ice cream and baked goods made with milk or butter. Popular food items available at the festival include lavender salad dressing, lavender lemonade and lavender chocolate chip cookies. For more information visit: www.lavenderfestival.com or call 1-877-681-3035.

Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival, Concrete – 20th Annual Event

The town of Concrete holds the annual Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival every first weekend in February 3rd and 4th, 2007 to coincide with the migration of these magnificent and iconic birds. Every year thousands of people visit the Upper Skagit River, located lOO miles north and east of Seattle, to watch one of the largest wintering bald eagle populations in the continental United States. Up to 400 bald eagles are counted annually. A l0-kilometer Volkswalk tour to historic downtown Concrete, salmon dinner and live music concert are also part of the fun. While in the area, visit the Northwest Artisan Gallery which features nature-themed shopping, food, music and photo displays. The Skagit River Bald Eagle interpretive Center (open mid- December to mid-February) has information on riverside eagle viewing along the Skagit river. The Marblemount Fish Hatchery is also open for tours. For more information, call 360-853-7283 or visit www.skagiteagle.org.

Slug Fest, Eatonville

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, an hour a half south of Seattle, will host. "Slug Festival" tentatively scheduled on June 23rd and 24th . Prepare for the ultimate sluggish experience-the human slug races! Attendees also create their own set of slug tentacles, enjoy slime-time story time, and snack on tasty slug slime for humans. This one-of-a-kind festival brings out the quirkiness in all who attend and celebrates the su1prising benefits of the yellow-greenish banana slug, an often-misunderstood mollusk. There are no limits on age; enjoy slippery, slimy fun for the whole family. Northwest Trek, accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, is a 615-acre zoological park devoted to the display, inte1pretation, research and conservation of North American native wildlife. For more information, contact Rachel Grover at 360-832-6117 or visit www.nwtrek.org.

Northwest Garlic Festival

No breath mints allowed! Every June the city of Ocean Park, located on Washington's Long Beach Peninsula, hosts the Northwest Garlic Festival! Over 80 specialty food and craft vendors offer up this supernatural powered herb, prepared and put to use in every imaginable way including some ways that go beyond. Don't miss the succulent garlic oysters or garlic smothered sausages paired with a garlic jam. For desert try decadent chocolate covered garlic or donuts laced with garlic herbs and cheese. Garlic decor abounds. See garlic bird houses and wind chimes, garlic pottery and art. Personal items such as hand made soaps of garlic and rosemary are particularly popular. Jewelry, hats and clothing laden with garlic are also available. For more information visit:

http://www.opwa.com/Ocean_Park_Festivals/Garlic_Festival/garlic_festival.html or call1-888-751-9354

Omak Stampede, Omak

From its beginnings as an opportunity for local cowboys to get together and practice their skills (and maybe show off just a little) the Omak Stampede has grown to four days during the second week of August of rodeo and community excitement. Located in North Central Washington, this August celebration begins the second week of the month with a “Ride In” - a horseback parade across the city of Omak ending with a lap around the festival arena. A complete rodeo performance followed by a running of the World Famous Suicide Race is featured each day. The Suicide Race competition is open to 20 trained riders and their horses. Competitors start the race with a 120-foot sprint towards a 200-foot hill, which is descended at a 62 degree angle. More than a football field of water awaits them at the bottom. After a sprint of roughly 500 feet more on Colville Indian land, horses and riders enter the Stampede arena. The Omak Stampede also has various community and cultural events and includes a Kids' parade, a Grand Parade, a Western and Native American Art Show and a Native American Encampment. For more information visit: www.omakstampede.org or call 1-800-933-6625.

Logger's Jubilee, Morton

For over 60 years the town of Morton, located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, has opened its doors and welcomed all to celebrate the love of logging. . This distinctively Northwest festival runs the second weekend in August 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2007 and features the "Granddaddy of all Logging Shows" as well as one of the largest, competitive lawnmower races of its kind. Bed races, a motorcycle parade, and a logger competition that includes ax throwing and a Jack and Jill contest, also promise a good time for anyone. Other events include a flea market, food concessions, a community fun run (10K), street dances, children's activities, and two grand parades on Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit: www.loggersjubilee.com or call 360-496-6362

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

Every May 11th, 12th, and 13th of 2007 the excitement of hot air ballooning returns as The Pacific Northwest's first, and most prestigious, hot air balloon rally of the season brings up to 45 of the finest ballooning pilots to Walla Walla. The weekend ballooning line-up features breath-taking morning flights and an awesome "Nite Glow Show" where colorful, illuminated balloons dot the evening sky. For more information, on show times and other Walla Walla Balloon Stampede events visit: www.wwchamber.com or call 509-525-0850.

Washington State is home to dozens more community celebrations. Visit the Washington Festivals Association at: www.wfea.org or call 360-452-7019 for more information.

LONG BEACH LODGE SHELLS OUT OYSTER BED PACKAGE

Month of November Celebrates Annual Oyster Festival in Tofino

-Whether it's the bliss experienced while gently coaxing a single raw oyster out of its shell, or a plate of cornmeal-crusted, deep-fried, gut-busting bivalves, every oyster fetish can be satisfied during Tofino's annual Oyster Month, taking place in November.

And Long Beach Lodge Resort, nestled in a sandy ocean cove the delicacies call home, is helping guests take part in this bivalve biathlon by offering their annual Oyster Bed Package which includes accommodation for two in a beachfront or ocean view room, continental breakfast, and a three-course dinner prepared by Chef Rob Wheaton featuring his signature oyster dishes. The Oyster Bed Package, available throughout November starts at CDN $279 (US $250*) per night, based on double occupancy and a two-night minimum. To make reservations, or for pearls of wisdom regarding the Festival, visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.com or call 1-877-844-7873. Flights from Vancouver can also be arranged through the resort.

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25 for $25- DINE AROUND SEATTLE

Seattle Area Gears-Up for Bi-Annual Dining Extravaganza and Welcomes New Secret Diner

(Seattle, WA.) There are a few things Washingtonians can always count on- plenty of gray days, lots of traffic on the 520 bridge, a Starbucks on every corner, and of course the ultimate celebration of Seattle's top restaurants- 25 for $25 in March and November. Now in its' fifth year, Seattle's successful, bi-annual dining promotion has become so woven into the culinary culture of our area that it's become as anticipated as the changing of the seasons. November 2006 holds even more mouth-watering temptations. Seattle-area residents and visitors to the region will be able to tantalize their taste buds at a fraction of regular fine dining prices during the collaborative promotion. The event will take place November 1-30, 2005, excluding Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2006. Select Seattle area restaurants will be offering prix-fixe lunches for $12.50 and prix-fixe dinners for $25.00, Sunday through Thursdays. The price does not include beverage, tax or gratuity. Each restaurant will decide whether they will offer lunch, dinner or both, but all meals will include 3 courses with 3 choices per course. All participating restaurants will also offer their regular menus. Beginning October 13, 2006 diners can find on-line information at http://www.nwsource.com/25for25

For the past 3 years, diners have had a chance to preview a critique of each restaurant's offerings via the The Secret Diner, a culinary reviewer who anonymously dines in each of the 25 restaurants and posts comments following their meal. This November, a new Secret Diner comes to the table, offering a new palate and point of view. Reviews will be available beginning November 6, 2006 at NW Source www.nwsource.com/25for25 Food lovers can get the scoop in advance, from best dishes to vegetarian options to strong (or shaky) service. The Secret Diner will be looking at the quality of the dishes and menus, as well as commenting on the overall restaurant experience.

The founding members of this promotion include Richard Malia of Ponti Seafood Grill, Christine Keff of Flying Fish, Karl Bruno of Earth & Ocean, Maureen Shaw of Ray's Boathouse, and Allan Aquila of Yarrow Bay Grill in Kirkland.

25 for $25 would not be possible without all of the financial and product support of businesses in the greater Seattle community. Those include: Charlie's Produce, DPI Northwest, Starbucks Coffee Company, Food Services of America (FSA), Medosweet Farms, Merlino's Fine Foods, Pacific Seafood and Service Linen.

Participating Restaurants:

Andaluca

Barking Frog

Brasa

Campagne

Cascadia

Earth & Ocean

Etta's

Eva

The Fish Club

Flying Fish

Market Street Urban Grill

Nell's

Nishino

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

Ponti Seafood Grill

Ray's Boathouse

Restaurant Zoë

Sazerac

Serafina

Six Seven

Szmania's

The Third Floor Fish Cafe

Tulio Ristorante

Wild Ginger

Yarrow Bay Grill

WALLA WALLA ADVENTURES~ WINE, DINE AND SPORT

From Fly Fishing to Cooking Classes, 26brix Restaurant Links Walla Walla Partners to Launch An Array of 2-Night, Fall and Winter Travel Packages

(Seattle, WA)- Walla Walla, located in the southeast corner of Washington, is home to the state's exploding wine industry, hosting an ever-expanding assortment of passionate and talented winemakers who are producing wines that rival those from any area in the country. Not only is Walla Walla a great destination for drinking wine, it is also home to several premier restaurants that provide a first-class dining experience. This laid-back, jewel-of-a-community presents a distinct selection of activities to engage a multitude of interests. This fall and winter, Chef Mike Davis of 26brix restaurant located in downtown Walla Walla, has linked a group of hospitality partners to offer packages that provide an array of activities, but always where guests end up with a beautiful glass of wine and delicious food at the end of the day. From fine dining and wine tasting, to seasonal activities including bird watching, fishing, skiing and hunting, Walla Walla is the ideal get-away location. Says Davis: "I love the fall and winter in Walla Walla. It's great to be outdoors during the day to take advantage of the easy access to sporting activities. At night we gather indoors, for lively conversation shared over terrific wines and delicious food. I'm pleased to be showcasing our partners and our area via these really exciting packages." From August 15, 2006 through January 15, 2007, seven-inclusive, 2-night packages will be presented, based on availability. Reservations and more information available at Blue Stocking Tours, located in Walla Walla, who will be coordinating the details. www.bluestockingtours.com or (509)522-4717. All packages include tax on hotel rooms, tax & gratuity at restaurants.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY-Available August 17th- November 30, 2006 Single or Double Occupancy

$710- Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (*Suite Upgrades Available)/ $453 Single Occupancy

From $805- Double Occupancy at the Maxwell House* (Suite Upgrades Available) Single/From $548 Single Occupancy

The Walla Walla Valley is home to over 341 different birds, including Loons, Grebes, Herons, Raptors, game and shore birds. This is the ultimate way to bird watch at the area's native estuaries, where both local and migrating fowl habitat. (Lists of migrating birds are available at www.bluemountainaudubon.org.) Begin your morning watching the birds, followed by a wonderful hearty lunch. The afternoon will be spent touring 4-5 of the areas top wineries. Guests have the option to stay 2 nights at either the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel * www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com or the Maxwell House bed and breakfast www.themaxwellhouse.com. The Marc, offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisinefrom Executive ChefBear Ullman will be the location of the first night's dinner. A complimentary buffet breakfast the next morning will get you started for a day of Walla Walla exploration. The second night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 4-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of Chef Mike Davis at 26brix www.twentysixbrix.com. Davis' new American cuisine with French inspiration has been recognized in such publications as Sunset Magazine and Travel + Leisure, as well making two guest chef appearances at the venerable James Beard House in New York City. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 night's dinners, bird watching, lunch, winery tour, breakfast)

CORK TO FORK- Available August 17 , 2006 to February 28, 2007 Single or double occupancy (Available Wednesday through Monday Only)

$599- Double Occupancy * Suite Upgrades Availableor $409/Single Occupancy *Suite Upgrades Available

It's the ultimate way to taste some of the best wine in the valley and dine at 2 great restaurants. Guests will stay 2 nights at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel* www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com, the only luxury hotel located in the center of downtown Walla Walla. The first night, you'll dine at the hotel's restaurant, The Marc, offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisinefrom executive ChefBear Ullman. A complimentary breakfast will fortify you as you prepare to spend the day at 6-8 local wineries, tasting through the diverse and award-winning wines of the Valley. You'll have plenty of time to meet the winemakers and taste their newest vintages, maybe even acquire a new favorite to take home. A gourmet box lunch will be offered along the way. The next night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 3-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of chef Mike Davis at 26brix www.twentysixbrix.com. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 night's dinners, lunch, winery tour, breakfast)

HIDE AND SEEK- Available October 21st, 2006- January 15, 2007 Single or Double Occupancy

$755- Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (*Suite Upgrades Available)/ $510 Single Occupancy

From $850- Double Occupancy at the Maxwell House- * (Suite Upgrades Available)/From $605 Single Occupancy

Whether you are interested in hunting fowl or merely scouting for the best antiques, Walla Walla is a terrific location for both. This package includes either a 2-night stay at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com, the only luxury hotel in Walla Walla, or 2-nights at the wonderful Maxwell House bed & breakfast www.themaxwellhouse.com, complete with morning breakfast. You'll need to decide if you want to pull out your wallet, or pull the trigger; either going on a guided bird hunt for pheasant, chucker, quail or grouse on the grounds of Three Rivers Winery estate vineyard Biscuit Ridge, Couvillion Winery's estate vineyard King Fisher or Seven Hills Vineyard owned in part by Pepper Bride Winery, or treasure hunting; spending the day antique shopping followed by lunch at a favorite delicatessen or tea shop. After lunch you can meet up with your fellow hunters, climb aboard a chauffeured vehicle for a relaxing opportunity to sample some of Washington State's best varietals on a 3-hour wine tour. You'll have plenty of time to meet the winemakers and taste their latest vintages, maybe even acquire a new favorite to take home. The first night's dinner will be at the Marcus Whitman's restaurant, The Marc, featuring Chef Bear or at the Creektown Café www.creektowncafe.com, a Walla Walla favorite that offers a casual tribute to the local products of the area's farm, ranch and wine community. The second night will take you to the doors of the historic Dacres building for 4-course dinner at 26brix with rising star chef Mike Davis. (Package includes 2 nights accommodations, 2 night's dinners, antique shopping or bird hunting, lunch, winery tour, breakfast. Does not include hunting license)

RIVER TO TABLE- Available September 30th, 2006- February 15, 2007 Package based on a minimum of 6 guests, maximum of 8

Weekday $ 456 per person for a party of 6/ $436 per person for a party of 8

Weekend -$511 per person for a party of 6/ $429 per person for a party of 8

Spend the morning with Chef Mike Davis of 26brix in a hands-on cooking class, crafting dishes that incorporate the season's freshest products and ingredients. Not only will you be able to sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you'll receive a 26brix apron and recipes that you can use at home. In the afternoon, the fishing gear will be loaded, and you'll experience the clean, beautiful waters of either the Touchet, Tucannon, Mill Creek and Walla Walla Rivers, as you hone your skills at catch and release fishing with an experienced guide from Stone Creek Fly Fishing. You'll spend 2 nights at the historic Painted Place (www.painted-place.com), built in 1905 and completely remodeled in 2005. The house has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms with a library or 3rd bedroom and lower level overflow for sleeping accommodations. The first's night dinner will be at the Creektown Café www.creektowncafe.com, where you will choose from a chef-created menu. The 2nd night, join chef Mike Davis for a feast at 26brix restaurant www.twentysixbrix.com,where he and his team will craft an amazing, 4-course dinner, expertly paired with Walla Walla wines. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, fishing, lunch, gift apron/recipes. Does not include fishing license.)

BASTE & TASTE- Girl's Get-Away- Available August 17, 2006 to February 28, 2007

Package based on a minimum of 6 guests, maximum of 8

Weekday $ 427 per person for a party of 6/ $385 per person for a party of 8

Weekend -$485 per person for a party of 6/ $415 per person for a party of 8

Call your best gal pals and meet in Walla Walla for an action-packed weekend of a hands-on, small group cooking class, wine tasting, delicious dining and complete FUN! Chef Mike Davis will whip up a cooking class for the group, where you can learn new techniques that incorporate some of Walla Walla's best seasonal products and taste the results of your efforts! After class you'll hop into a chauffeured vehicle and head off for a wine tasting afternoon. The first night dinner will be at the Creektown Café www.creektowncafe.com, where you will choose from a chef-created menu. The 2nd night, join Chef Mike Davis for a feast at 26brix restaurant, where he and his team will craft an amazing, 4-course dinner, expertly paired with Walla Walla wines.

Put on your 'jammies' at night, make a little popcorn and drink some of the wines purchased during the day. The group will stay at the historic Painted Place (www.painted-place.com), built in 1905 and completely remodeled in 2005. The house has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms with a library or 3rd bedroom and lower level overflow for sleeping accommodations. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, private cooking class, wine tasting, lunch, gift apron/recipes)

LET IT SNOW- Downhill Package- Available December 26, 2006 to March 30, 2007 Single or double occupancy (Wednesday to Sunday and holiday Monday's only) Based on snowfall

$605- Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (*Suite Upgrades Available)/ $413 Single Occupancy

$945 per couple with transportation to/from the mountain/$768 single with transportation to/from the mountain

Add a ski rental for $25 per person all day

The 2nd highest base elevation in Washington State is located at Bluewood (www.bluewood.com) and the skiing is fantastic! Located just 52 miles from Walla Walla, guests can drive to the mountain or be delivered to the slopes in a safe, 4-wheel drive luxury vehicle with an experienced driver who will serve you a hearty lunch. Guests will stay 2 nights at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com with a first night's dinner at The Marc, offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisineprepared by Executive ChefBear Ullman. A buffet breakfast will get you primed for hitting the slopes. The second night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 4-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of Chef Mike Davis at 26brix, www.twentysixbrix.com. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, buffet breakfast, ski ticket to Bluewood. Transportation and ski rental additional)

LET IT SNOW- Cross Country or Snowshoeing- Single or double occupancy. Based on snowfall

$539 Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (*Suite Upgrades Available)/ $394Single Occupancy

$890 per couple with transportation to/from the mountain/$740 single with transportation to/from the mountain

Add snowshoe or cross country ski rental for $10 per person all day

If a full-fledged, aerobic workout is more your thing, strap on snowshoes or a pair of cross country skis and traverse on 21 miles of groomed trails and 11 miles of un-groomed trails at the Spout Springs Ski Area (www.skispoutsprings.com). Located about 55 miles away from Walla Walla in Oregon, guests can drive to the mountain or be delivered to the slopes in a safe, 4-wheel drive luxury vehicle with an experienced driver who will serve you a hearty lunch. Guests will stay 2 nights at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com with a first night's dinner at The Marc, offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisineprepared by Executive ChefBear Ullman. A buffet breakfast will get you primed for hitting the slopes. The second night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 4-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of Chef Mike Davis at 26brix www.twentysixbrix.com . (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, buffet breakfast. Transportation, lunch and snow shoe/ski rental additional)

Located in the heart of wine country, 26brix Restaurant opened in June 2004 in downtown Walla Walla. Chef and owner, Mike Davis, the former executive chef for the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Washington, merges his vision for new American cuisine with French inspiration with Walla Walla's abundant local agriculture and the terrific wines from this flourishing region. For more information visit twentysixbrix.com or call (509) 526-4075

Tacoma Art Museum Announces 8th Northwest Biennial Participants

(Tacoma, WA) – Tacoma Art Museum has announced the artists selected to participate in the 8th Northwest Biennial, which will be on view from February 10 to May 6, 2007. Rock Hushka, Interim Head of the Curatorial Department and Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art for Tacoma Art Museum, and David Kiehl, Curator of Prints at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, selected forty-one artists from the nearly 900 entries.

Artists working in a broad spectrum of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, craft-based work, performance, and digital projects, were encouraged to submit work. Applications were open to current residents of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Only work created since January 2003 was considered. The artists whose work was chosen to be included in the exhibition are:

· Victoria Adams, Vashon Island, Washington

· Juan Alonso, Seattle, Washington

· Daniel Attoe, Vancouver, Washington

· Jay Backstrand, Portland, Oregon

· Just Colt Beckman, Ellensburg, Washington

· Nicholas Brown, Seattle, Washington

· Cris Bruch, Seattle, Washington

· Buddy Bunting, Seattle, Washington

· Sally Cleveland, Portland, Oregon

· Judy Cooke, Portland, Oregon

· Claire Cowie, Seattle, Washington

· Mark Danielson, Seattle, Washington

· Susan Dory, Seattle, Washington

· Joe Feddersen, Lacey, Washington

· Ellen Garvens, Edmonds, Washington

· John Grade, Seattle, Washington

· Victoria Haven, Seattle, Washington

· Patrick Holderfield, Seattle, Washington

· Denzil Hurley, Seattle, Washington

· Sarah Jane Lapp, Seattle, Washington

· Anya Kivarkis, Eugene, Oregon

· Mack McFarland, Portland, Oregon

· Mark Takamichi Miller, Seattle, Washington

· Steven Miller, Seattle, Washington

· Jeffry Mitchell, Seattle, Washington

· Brian Murphy, Seattle, Washington

· Natalie Niblack, Mount Vernon, Washington

· Nicholas Nyland, Lakewood, Washington

· Mary Ann Peters, Seattle, Washington

· Jim Riswold, Portland, Oregon

· Phil Roach, Tacoma, Washington

· Alex Schweder, Seattle, Washington

· Michael Spafford, Seattle, Washington

· Juniper Shuey, Seattle, Washington

· SuttonBeresCuller, Seattle, Washington

· Lisa Sweet, Olympia, Washington

· Keith Tilford, Seattle, Washington

· Marie Watt, Portland, Oregon

· Sherrie Wolf, Portland, Oregon

· Robert Yoder, Seattle, Washington

· Claude Zervas, Seattle, Washington

“The variety of participants offers an intriguing snapshot into the vitality of the artists currently working in the Northwest,” said Hushka. “For the last biennial, Tacoma Art Museum received about 425 entries. We received more than double that number this year. We were thrilled and honored by this extraordinary level of interest.”

The 8th Northwest Biennial provides critical analysis of the region’s contemporary art production. It is structured to prompt dialogue about the Northwest’s artistic strengths, trends, and the potential of Northwest art and artists. Though the exhibition will celebrate the artists’ work, the focus of the biennial is on the scope of artists’ contributions, rather than on specific pieces.

“The goal of the biennial project is to revisit accomplished bodies of work. We wanted to create the opportunity to think about the critical reception and visually powerful images shaped contemporary dialogues about the region’s art,” explained Hushka.

David Kiehl began his distinguished career earning a Masters Degree from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture at the University of Delaware. After a distinguished tenure in the curatorial department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Kiehl briefly consulted for The Wolfsonian Foundation in Miami Beach and began his association with the Whitney Museum of American Art. He was hired as Curator of Prints at the Whitney in 1996. While at the Whitney, Kiehl organized exhibitions of American printmaking between the two World Wars and monographic surveys of the prints of Edward Hopper, Pat Steir, and Ellen Gallagher. His recent projects include Approaching Objects, To Be Human, Memorials of War, and Prints Into Drawings: It’s All About the Drawing.

Rock Hushka is Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art at Tacoma Art Museum. In 1994, Hushka earned a Master of Arts degree in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and worked for the Henry Art Gallery and the Seattle Art Museum. At Tacoma Art Museum, he curated Bill Viola: Something Above, Beyond, Below, Beneath and The New York School: The Politics of Abstraction. He has increasingly focused on the art of the Northwest, including the four-part Building Tradition: Gifts in Honor of the Northwest Collection, A Decade of Excellence: Celebrating The Neddy Artist Fellowship, and The Romantic Vision of Michael Brophy.

Tacoma Art Museum connects people and builds community through art. The museum serves the diverse communities of the region through its collection, exhibitions, and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest. The museum’s five galleries display an array of top national shows, the best of Northwest art, creatively themed exhibitions, and historical retrospectives. In addition, there is an Education Wing for children, adults, and seniors with an art resource center, classroom, and studio for art making. Tacoma Art Museum is located in Tacoma’s Museum District, near the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum, and historic Union Station.

HOURS – Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Third Thursdays 10am – 8pm, Sunday 12 – 5pm. Open Mondays Memorial Day through Labor Day.

ADMISSION – Adult $7.50, Student/Military/Senior (65+) $6.50, Family $25 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18). Children 5 & under free. Third Thursdays free. Members always free.

CONTACT – 253.272.4258, www.TacomaArtMuseum.org, info@TacomaArtMuseum.org

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	Hot Tips & travel news for your real travel adventures Place Your Travel News Here We average 14,000 visitors a day. Advertise In Travel News FREE Promotional Features and Ads for those who host us On Home Page LEAVENWORTH WELCOMES AWARD WINNING ARMY BAND The 133rd Army Band of the Washington Army National Guard is a reserve component unit located at Camp Murray, Tacoma, WA and is comprised of 25 part-time musician-soldiers. Typically, the band meets one weekend per month and performs a two-week concert tour around the state during the summer. We are very pleased to be part of their itinerary this year. In the last 15 years, the band has performed in Canada, California, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and the Republic of the Philippines. Members of the band range in age from late teens to late fifties. Some are professional musicians or music educators, but most hold a variety of other professions or attend college pursuing their degrees. Some joined while still in high school, while others are former active duty members of the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force Bands. They are proud to claim Quincy Jones as one of their alumni. In addition to marching in parades and performing military ceremonies, they have many other musical ensembles that perform for all types of events and audiences, both military and civilian. These ensembles include concert, jazz, R&B, rock, country, Dixieland, woodwind, brass quintet, trombone quartet and a men’s acappella quartet. Visit Leavenworth on Saturday, June 30th for your chance to hear this wonderful Concert Band. The Concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will include Jazz, Rock, Dixieland, Big Band sound and of course patriotic favorites. For more information visit www.leavenworth.org or phone 509-548-5807. Washington State 2007 Festival Calendar Maifest in Leavenworth – May 11-13, 2007 Leavenworth, WA, USA – Experience spring in Bavaria! Visit Leavenworth, Washington - Your Bavarian Getaway during the 36th Annual Maifest, May 11 - 13, 2007, for a special Leavenworth Centennial Year Celebration. Since it is Mothers Day weekend there will be special surprises for mom! On Friday, the schedule includes a number of outstanding school and youth groups performing both choral and orchestral numbers from Classical to Jazz, and more traditional Bavarian music and dance. Some of Leavenworth’s own groups will be on hand, including the award-winning Cascade High School Select Choir, and the Edelweiss Dance Acadamie. Activities start at 11:00 AM on Saturday with the Musikkapelle Leavenworth, the Bavarian Village’s town band. They will get you in the mood with waltzes and polkas typical of Bavaria. Don’t miss the Grand March at Noon. It’s going to be great fun because this year everyone is invited to be in the Grand March - the only catch is you have to be wearing lederhosen! But you will want to, so you can be part of Leavenworth’s Special Maifest Contest – “Looking Good in Lederhosen!” There will be Prizes awarded in ten different categories: Best Looking Man in Lederhosen, Best Looking Woman in Lederhosen, Youngest Child in Lederhosen, Oldest Person in Lederhosen, Largest Group in Lederhosen, Largest Lederhosen, Smallest Lederhosen, Most Colorful Lederhosen, Best Looking Dog in Lederhosen and Doesn’t Fit In Any Category Lederhosen. If you don’t have a pair of lederhosen in your closet, you can check out the shops in town, the Annual Maifest Used Trachten Sale organized by Projekt Bayern or get creative! The “Looking Good in Lederhosen Contest” will begin after the Maifest Procession which includes Leavenworth’s Bierwagen, other beautifully decorated horse-drawn wagons, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Greater Seattle, vintage Volkswagens, and a host of participants all decked out for Maifest. During the afternoon the exciting Tyrolean Dancers will perform a Maipole dance and other traditional dances. There will be many other outstanding song and dance groups performing into the evening, then stay for music and a chance to dance into the night! Front Street will be closed for a Street Dance with the Smilin' Scandinavians at 6:00 PM. On Sunday Musikkapelle Leavenworth and traditional dancers will return with more great music and dance to bring the Festival to an exciting close! Tulip Festival, Skagit Valley Every spring the flower fields in Washington's Skagit Valley, located an hour North of Seattle, come alive with vivid color. The area's mild climate, evenly distributed rainfall and fertile farmlands provide an ideal environment for bulb growing, primarily daffodils, tulips and iris. In the mid-1980's local chambers of commerce saw that people were coming by the thousands to view the explosion of color each spring. Today the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival attracts more than one million visitors over its April-long run. Bulb farm tours, a street fair, and an arts and crafts show are all included in the celebration. For more information visit: www.tulipfestival.org or call 360-428-5959. The Lavender Festival, Sequim Just two hours west of Seattle is the city of Sequim, home to the nation's largest population of the fragrant purple herb, lavender. The Lavender Festival, held in July 20, 21, and 22, 2007 features lavender farm tours, arts and crafts and «how-to" demonstrations offered by local lavender growers. Lavender has many culinary, cosmetic, floral and decorative uses. Its aroma and flavor readily blend into oils and fats, especially dairy fats. This makes it a particularly good choice for ice cream and baked goods made with milk or butter. Popular food items available at the festival include lavender salad dressing, lavender lemonade and lavender chocolate chip cookies. For more information visit: www.lavenderfestival.com or call 1-877-681-3035. Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival, Concrete – 20th Annual Event The town of Concrete holds the annual Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival every first weekend in February 3rd and 4th, 2007 to coincide with the migration of these magnificent and iconic birds. Every year thousands of people visit the Upper Skagit River, located lOO miles north and east of Seattle, to watch one of the largest wintering bald eagle populations in the continental United States. Up to 400 bald eagles are counted annually. A l0-kilometer Volkswalk tour to historic downtown Concrete, salmon dinner and live music concert are also part of the fun. While in the area, visit the Northwest Artisan Gallery which features nature-themed shopping, food, music and photo displays. The Skagit River Bald Eagle interpretive Center (open mid- December to mid-February) has information on riverside eagle viewing along the Skagit river. The Marblemount Fish Hatchery is also open for tours. For more information, call 360-853-7283 or visit www.skagiteagle.org. Slug Fest, Eatonville Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, an hour a half south of Seattle, will host. "Slug Festival" tentatively scheduled on June 23rd and 24th . Prepare for the ultimate sluggish experience-the human slug races! Attendees also create their own set of slug tentacles, enjoy slime-time story time, and snack on tasty slug slime for humans. This one-of-a-kind festival brings out the quirkiness in all who attend and celebrates the su1prising benefits of the yellow-greenish banana slug, an often-misunderstood mollusk. There are no limits on age; enjoy slippery, slimy fun for the whole family. Northwest Trek, accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, is a 615-acre zoological park devoted to the display, inte1pretation, research and conservation of North American native wildlife. For more information, contact Rachel Grover at 360-832-6117 or visit www.nwtrek.org. Northwest Garlic Festival No breath mints allowed! Every June the city of Ocean Park, located on Washington's Long Beach Peninsula, hosts the Northwest Garlic Festival! Over 80 specialty food and craft vendors offer up this supernatural powered herb, prepared and put to use in every imaginable way including some ways that go beyond. Don't miss the succulent garlic oysters or garlic smothered sausages paired with a garlic jam. For desert try decadent chocolate covered garlic or donuts laced with garlic herbs and cheese. Garlic decor abounds. See garlic bird houses and wind chimes, garlic pottery and art. Personal items such as hand made soaps of garlic and rosemary are particularly popular. Jewelry, hats and clothing laden with garlic are also available. For more information visit: http://www.opwa.com/Ocean_Park_Festivals/Garlic_Festival/garlic_festival.html or call1-888-751-9354 Omak Stampede, Omak From its beginnings as an opportunity for local cowboys to get together and practice their skills (and maybe show off just a little) the Omak Stampede has grown to four days during the second week of August of rodeo and community excitement. Located in North Central Washington, this August celebration begins the second week of the month with a “Ride In” - a horseback parade across the city of Omak ending with a lap around the festival arena. A complete rodeo performance followed by a running of the World Famous Suicide Race is featured each day. The Suicide Race competition is open to 20 trained riders and their horses. Competitors start the race with a 120-foot sprint towards a 200-foot hill, which is descended at a 62 degree angle. More than a football field of water awaits them at the bottom. After a sprint of roughly 500 feet more on Colville Indian land, horses and riders enter the Stampede arena. The Omak Stampede also has various community and cultural events and includes a Kids' parade, a Grand Parade, a Western and Native American Art Show and a Native American Encampment. For more information visit: www.omakstampede.org or call 1-800-933-6625. Logger's Jubilee, Morton For over 60 years the town of Morton, located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, has opened its doors and welcomed all to celebrate the love of logging. . This distinctively Northwest festival runs the second weekend in August 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2007 and features the "Granddaddy of all Logging Shows" as well as one of the largest, competitive lawnmower races of its kind. Bed races, a motorcycle parade, and a logger competition that includes ax throwing and a Jack and Jill contest, also promise a good time for anyone. Other events include a flea market, food concessions, a community fun run (10K), street dances, children's activities, and two grand parades on Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit: www.loggersjubilee.com or call 360-496-6362 Walla Walla Balloon Stampede Every May 11th, 12th, and 13th of 2007 the excitement of hot air ballooning returns as The Pacific Northwest's first, and most prestigious, hot air balloon rally of the season brings up to 45 of the finest ballooning pilots to Walla Walla. The weekend ballooning line-up features breath-taking morning flights and an awesome "Nite Glow Show" where colorful, illuminated balloons dot the evening sky. For more information, on show times and other Walla Walla Balloon Stampede events visit: www.wwchamber.com or call 509-525-0850. Washington State is home to dozens more community celebrations. Visit the Washington Festivals Association at: www.wfea.org or call 360-452-7019 for more information. LONG BEACH LODGE SHELLS OUT OYSTER BED PACKAGE Month of November Celebrates Annual Oyster Festival in Tofino -Whether it's the bliss experienced while gently coaxing a single raw oyster out of its shell, or a plate of cornmeal-crusted, deep-fried, gut-busting bivalves, every oyster fetish can be satisfied during Tofino's annual Oyster Month, taking place in November. And Long Beach Lodge Resort, nestled in a sandy ocean cove the delicacies call home, is helping guests take part in this bivalve biathlon by offering their annual Oyster Bed Package which includes accommodation for two in a beachfront or ocean view room, continental breakfast, and a three-course dinner prepared by Chef Rob Wheaton featuring his signature oyster dishes. The Oyster Bed Package, available throughout November starts at CDN $279 (US $250) per night, based on double occupancy and a two-night minimum. To make reservations, or for pearls of wisdom regarding the Festival, visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.com or call 1-877-844-7873. Flights from Vancouver can also be arranged through the resort. _________________________________________* 25 for $25- DINE AROUND SEATTLE Seattle Area Gears-Up for Bi-Annual Dining Extravaganza and Welcomes New Secret Diner (Seattle, WA.) There are a few things Washingtonians can always count on- plenty of gray days, lots of traffic on the 520 bridge, a Starbucks on every corner, and of course the ultimate celebration of Seattle's top restaurants- 25 for $25 in March and November. Now in its' fifth year, Seattle's successful, bi-annual dining promotion has become so woven into the culinary culture of our area that it's become as anticipated as the changing of the seasons. November 2006 holds even more mouth-watering temptations. Seattle-area residents and visitors to the region will be able to tantalize their taste buds at a fraction of regular fine dining prices during the collaborative promotion. The event will take place November 1-30, 2005, excluding Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23, 2006. Select Seattle area restaurants will be offering prix-fixe lunches for $12.50 and prix-fixe dinners for $25.00, Sunday through Thursdays. The price does not include beverage, tax or gratuity. Each restaurant will decide whether they will offer lunch, dinner or both, but all meals will include 3 courses with 3 choices per course. All participating restaurants will also offer their regular menus. Beginning October 13, 2006 diners can find on-line information at http://www.nwsource.com/25for25 For the past 3 years, diners have had a chance to preview a critique of each restaurant's offerings via the The Secret Diner, a culinary reviewer who anonymously dines in each of the 25 restaurants and posts comments following their meal. This November, a new Secret Diner comes to the table, offering a new palate and point of view. Reviews will be available beginning November 6, 2006 at NW Source www.nwsource.com/25for25 Food lovers can get the scoop in advance, from best dishes to vegetarian options to strong (or shaky) service. The Secret Diner will be looking at the quality of the dishes and menus, as well as commenting on the overall restaurant experience. The founding members of this promotion include Richard Malia of Ponti Seafood Grill, Christine Keff of Flying Fish, Karl Bruno of Earth & Ocean, Maureen Shaw of Ray's Boathouse, and Allan Aquila of Yarrow Bay Grill in Kirkland. 25 for $25 would not be possible without all of the financial and product support of businesses in the greater Seattle community. Those include: Charlie's Produce, DPI Northwest, Starbucks Coffee Company, Food Services of America (FSA), Medosweet Farms, Merlino's Fine Foods, Pacific Seafood and Service Linen. Participating Restaurants: Andaluca Barking Frog Brasa Campagne Cascadia Earth & Ocean Etta's Eva The Fish Club Flying Fish Market Street Urban Grill Nell's Nishino The Oceanaire Seafood Room Ponti Seafood Grill Ray's Boathouse Restaurant Zoë Sazerac Serafina Six Seven Szmania's The Third Floor Fish Cafe Tulio Ristorante Wild Ginger Yarrow Bay Grill WALLA WALLA ADVENTURES~ WINE, DINE AND SPORT From Fly Fishing to Cooking Classes, 26brix Restaurant Links Walla Walla Partners to Launch An Array of 2-Night, Fall and Winter Travel Packages (Seattle, WA)- Walla Walla, located in the southeast corner of Washington, is home to the state's exploding wine industry, hosting an ever-expanding assortment of passionate and talented winemakers who are producing wines that rival those from any area in the country. Not only is Walla Walla a great destination for drinking wine, it is also home to several premier restaurants that provide a first-class dining experience. This laid-back, jewel-of-a-community presents a distinct selection of activities to engage a multitude of interests. This fall and winter, Chef Mike Davis of 26brix restaurant located in downtown Walla Walla, has linked a group of hospitality partners to offer packages that provide an array of activities, but always where guests end up with a beautiful glass of wine and delicious food at the end of the day. From fine dining and wine tasting, to seasonal activities including bird watching, fishing, skiing and hunting, Walla Walla is the ideal get-away location. Says Davis: "I love the fall and winter in Walla Walla. It's great to be outdoors during the day to take advantage of the easy access to sporting activities. At night we gather indoors, for lively conversation shared over terrific wines and delicious food. I'm pleased to be showcasing our partners and our area via these really exciting packages." From August 15, 2006 through January 15, 2007, seven-inclusive, 2-night packages will be presented, based on availability. Reservations and more information available at Blue Stocking Tours, located in Walla Walla, who will be coordinating the details. www.bluestockingtours.com or (509)522-4717. All packages include tax on hotel rooms, tax & gratuity at restaurants. FLIGHTS OF FANCY-Available August 17th- November 30, 2006 Single or Double Occupancy $710- Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (Suite Upgrades Available)/ $453 Single Occupancy From $805- Double Occupancy at the Maxwell House (Suite Upgrades Available) Single/From $548 Single Occupancy The Walla Walla Valley is home to over 341 different birds, including Loons, Grebes, Herons, Raptors, game and shore birds. This is the ultimate way to bird watch at the area's native estuaries, where both local and migrating fowl habitat. (Lists of migrating birds are available at www.bluemountainaudubon.org.) Begin your morning watching the birds, followed by a wonderful hearty lunch. The afternoon will be spent touring 4-5 of the areas top wineries. Guests have the option to stay 2 nights at either the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel * www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com or the Maxwell House bed and breakfast www.themaxwellhouse.com. The Marc, offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisinefrom Executive ChefBear Ullman will be the location of the first night's dinner. A complimentary buffet breakfast the next morning will get you started for a day of Walla Walla exploration. The second night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 4-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of Chef Mike Davis at 26brix www.twentysixbrix.com. Davis' new American cuisine with French inspiration has been recognized in such publications as Sunset Magazine and Travel + Leisure, as well making two guest chef appearances at the venerable James Beard House in New York City. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 night's dinners, bird watching, lunch, winery tour, breakfast) CORK TO FORK- Available August 17 , 2006 to February 28, 2007 Single or double occupancy (Available Wednesday through Monday Only) $599- Double Occupancy * Suite Upgrades Availableor $409/Single Occupancy Suite Upgrades Available It's the ultimate way to taste some of the best wine in the valley and dine at 2 great restaurants. Guests will stay 2 nights at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com, the only luxury hotel located in the center of downtown Walla Walla. The first night, you'll dine at the hotel's restaurant, The Marc, offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisinefrom executive ChefBear Ullman. A complimentary breakfast will fortify you as you prepare to spend the day at 6-8 local wineries, tasting through the diverse and award-winning wines of the Valley. You'll have plenty of time to meet the winemakers and taste their newest vintages, maybe even acquire a new favorite to take home. A gourmet box lunch will be offered along the way. The next night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 3-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of chef Mike Davis at 26brix www.twentysixbrix.com. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 night's dinners, lunch, winery tour, breakfast) HIDE AND SEEK- Available October 21st, 2006- January 15, 2007 Single or Double Occupancy $755- Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (Suite Upgrades Available)/ $510 Single Occupancy From $850- Double Occupancy at the Maxwell House- (Suite Upgrades Available)/From $605 Single Occupancy Whether you are interested in hunting fowl or merely scouting for the best antiques, Walla Walla is a terrific location for both. This package includes either a 2-night stay at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com, the only luxury hotel in Walla Walla, or 2-nights at the wonderful Maxwell House bed & breakfast www.themaxwellhouse.com, complete with morning breakfast. You'll need to decide if you want to pull out your wallet, or pull the trigger; either going on a guided bird hunt for pheasant, chucker, quail or grouse on the grounds of Three Rivers Winery estate vineyard Biscuit Ridge, Couvillion Winery's estate vineyard King Fisher or Seven Hills Vineyard owned in part by Pepper Bride Winery, or treasure hunting; spending the day antique shopping followed by lunch at a favorite delicatessen or tea shop. After lunch you can meet up with your fellow hunters, climb aboard a chauffeured vehicle for a relaxing opportunity to sample some of Washington State's best varietals on a 3-hour wine tour. You'll have plenty of time to meet the winemakers and taste their latest vintages, maybe even acquire a new favorite to take home. The first night's dinner will be at the Marcus Whitman's restaurant, The Marc, featuring Chef Bear or at the Creektown Café www.creektowncafe.com, a Walla Walla favorite that offers a casual tribute to the local products of the area's farm, ranch and wine community. The second night will take you to the doors of the historic Dacres building for 4-course dinner at 26brix with rising star chef Mike Davis. (Package includes 2 nights accommodations, 2 night's dinners, antique shopping or bird hunting, lunch, winery tour, breakfast. Does not include hunting license) RIVER TO TABLE- Available September 30th, 2006- February 15, 2007 Package based on a minimum of 6 guests, maximum of 8 Weekday $ 456 per person for a party of 6/ $436 per person for a party of 8 Weekend -$511 per person for a party of 6/ $429 per person for a party of 8 Spend the morning with Chef Mike Davis of 26brix in a hands-on cooking class, crafting dishes that incorporate the season's freshest products and ingredients. Not only will you be able to sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you'll receive a 26brix apron and recipes that you can use at home. In the afternoon, the fishing gear will be loaded, and you'll experience the clean, beautiful waters of either the Touchet, Tucannon, Mill Creek and Walla Walla Rivers, as you hone your skills at catch and release fishing with an experienced guide from Stone Creek Fly Fishing. You'll spend 2 nights at the historic Painted Place (www.painted-place.com), built in 1905 and completely remodeled in 2005. The house has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms with a library or 3rd bedroom and lower level overflow for sleeping accommodations. The first's night dinner will be at the Creektown Café www.creektowncafe.com, where you will choose from a chef-created menu. The 2nd night, join chef Mike Davis for a feast at 26brix restaurant www.twentysixbrix.com,where he and his team will craft an amazing, 4-course dinner, expertly paired with Walla Walla wines. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, fishing, lunch, gift apron/recipes. Does not include fishing license.) BASTE & TASTE- Girl's Get-Away- Available August 17, 2006 to February 28, 2007 Package based on a minimum of 6 guests, maximum of 8 Weekday $ 427 per person for a party of 6/ $385 per person for a party of 8 Weekend -$485 per person for a party of 6/ $415 per person for a party of 8 Call your best gal pals and meet in Walla Walla for an action-packed weekend of a hands-on, small group cooking class, wine tasting, delicious dining and complete FUN! Chef Mike Davis will whip up a cooking class for the group, where you can learn new techniques that incorporate some of Walla Walla's best seasonal products and taste the results of your efforts! After class you'll hop into a chauffeured vehicle and head off for a wine tasting afternoon. The first night dinner will be at the Creektown Café www.creektowncafe.com, where you will choose from a chef-created menu. The 2nd night, join Chef Mike Davis for a feast at 26brix restaurant, where he and his team will craft an amazing, 4-course dinner, expertly paired with Walla Walla wines. Put on your 'jammies' at night, make a little popcorn and drink some of the wines purchased during the day. The group will stay at the historic Painted Place (www.painted-place.com), built in 1905 and completely remodeled in 2005. The house has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms with a library or 3rd bedroom and lower level overflow for sleeping accommodations. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, private cooking class, wine tasting, lunch, gift apron/recipes) LET IT SNOW- Downhill Package- Available December 26, 2006 to March 30, 2007 Single or double occupancy (Wednesday to Sunday and holiday Monday's only) Based on snowfall $605- Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (Suite Upgrades Available)/ $413 Single Occupancy $945 per couple with transportation to/from the mountain/$768 single with transportation to/from the mountain Add a ski rental for $25 per person all day The 2nd highest base elevation in Washington State is located at Bluewood (www.bluewood.com) and the skiing is fantastic! Located just 52 miles from Walla Walla, guests can drive to the mountain or be delivered to the slopes in a safe, 4-wheel drive luxury vehicle with an experienced driver who will serve you a hearty lunch. Guests will stay 2 nights at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com with a first night's dinner at The Marc,* offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisineprepared by Executive ChefBear Ullman. A buffet breakfast will get you primed for hitting the slopes. The second night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 4-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of Chef Mike Davis at 26brix, www.twentysixbrix.com. (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, buffet breakfast, ski ticket to Bluewood. Transportation and ski rental additional) LET IT SNOW- Cross Country or Snowshoeing- Single or double occupancy. Based on snowfall $539 Double Occupancy at the Marcus Whitman (Suite Upgrades Available)/ $394Single Occupancy $890 per couple with transportation to/from the mountain/$740 single with transportation to/from the mountain Add snowshoe or cross country ski rental for $10 per person all day If a full-fledged, aerobic workout is more your thing, strap on snowshoes or a pair of cross country skis and traverse on 21 miles of groomed trails and 11 miles of un-groomed trails at the Spout Springs Ski Area (www.skispoutsprings.com). Located about 55 miles away from Walla Walla in Oregon, guests can drive to the mountain or be delivered to the slopes in a safe, 4-wheel drive luxury vehicle with an experienced driver who will serve you a hearty lunch. Guests will stay 2 nights at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com with a first night's dinner at The Marc,* offering regional and seasonal ingredients merged with the inspired Pacific Northwest cuisineprepared by Executive ChefBear Ullman. A buffet breakfast will get you primed for hitting the slopes. The second night, you'll be treated to a sumptuous, 4-course dinner, paired with wines from the much-lauded kitchen of Chef Mike Davis at 26brix www.twentysixbrix.com . (Package includes 2 night's accommodations, 2 dinners, buffet breakfast. Transportation, lunch and snow shoe/ski rental additional) Located in the heart of wine country, 26brix Restaurant opened in June 2004 in downtown Walla Walla. Chef and owner, Mike Davis, the former executive chef for the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Washington, merges his vision for new American cuisine with French inspiration with Walla Walla's abundant local agriculture and the terrific wines from this flourishing region. For more information visit twentysixbrix.com or call (509) 526-4075 Tacoma Art Museum Announces 8th Northwest Biennial Participants (Tacoma, WA) – Tacoma Art Museum has announced the artists selected to participate in the 8th Northwest Biennial, which will be on view from February 10 to May 6, 2007. Rock Hushka, Interim Head of the Curatorial Department and Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art for Tacoma Art Museum, and David Kiehl, Curator of Prints at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, selected forty-one artists from the nearly 900 entries. Artists working in a broad spectrum of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, craft-based work, performance, and digital projects, were encouraged to submit work. Applications were open to current residents of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Only work created since January 2003 was considered. The artists whose work was chosen to be included in the exhibition are: · Victoria Adams, Vashon Island, Washington · Juan Alonso, Seattle, Washington · Daniel Attoe, Vancouver, Washington · Jay Backstrand, Portland, Oregon · Just Colt Beckman, Ellensburg, Washington · Nicholas Brown, Seattle, Washington · Cris Bruch, Seattle, Washington · Buddy Bunting, Seattle, Washington · Sally Cleveland, Portland, Oregon · Judy Cooke, Portland, Oregon · Claire Cowie, Seattle, Washington · Mark Danielson, Seattle, Washington · Susan Dory, Seattle, Washington · Joe Feddersen, Lacey, Washington · Ellen Garvens, Edmonds, Washington · John Grade, Seattle, Washington · Victoria Haven, Seattle, Washington · Patrick Holderfield, Seattle, Washington · Denzil Hurley, Seattle, Washington · Sarah Jane Lapp, Seattle, Washington · Anya Kivarkis, Eugene, Oregon · Mack McFarland, Portland, Oregon · Mark Takamichi Miller, Seattle, Washington · Steven Miller, Seattle, Washington · Jeffry Mitchell, Seattle, Washington · Brian Murphy, Seattle, Washington · Natalie Niblack, Mount Vernon, Washington · Nicholas Nyland, Lakewood, Washington · Mary Ann Peters, Seattle, Washington · Jim Riswold, Portland, Oregon · Phil Roach, Tacoma, Washington · Alex Schweder, Seattle, Washington · Michael Spafford, Seattle, Washington · Juniper Shuey, Seattle, Washington · SuttonBeresCuller, Seattle, Washington · Lisa Sweet, Olympia, Washington · Keith Tilford, Seattle, Washington · Marie Watt, Portland, Oregon · Sherrie Wolf, Portland, Oregon · Robert Yoder, Seattle, Washington · Claude Zervas, Seattle, Washington “The variety of participants offers an intriguing snapshot into the vitality of the artists currently working in the Northwest,” said Hushka. “For the last biennial, Tacoma Art Museum received about 425 entries. We received more than double that number this year. We were thrilled and honored by this extraordinary level of interest.” The 8th Northwest Biennial provides critical analysis of the region’s contemporary art production. It is structured to prompt dialogue about the Northwest’s artistic strengths, trends, and the potential of Northwest art and artists. Though the exhibition will celebrate the artists’ work, the focus of the biennial is on the scope of artists’ contributions, rather than on specific pieces. “The goal of the biennial project is to revisit accomplished bodies of work. We wanted to create the opportunity to think about the critical reception and visually powerful images shaped contemporary dialogues about the region’s art,” explained Hushka. David Kiehl began his distinguished career earning a Masters Degree from the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture at the University of Delaware. After a distinguished tenure in the curatorial department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Kiehl briefly consulted for The Wolfsonian Foundation in Miami Beach and began his association with the Whitney Museum of American Art. He was hired as Curator of Prints at the Whitney in 1996. While at the Whitney, Kiehl organized exhibitions of American printmaking between the two World Wars and monographic surveys of the prints of Edward Hopper, Pat Steir, and Ellen Gallagher. His recent projects include Approaching Objects, To Be Human, Memorials of War, and Prints Into Drawings: It’s All About the Drawing. Rock Hushka is Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art at Tacoma Art Museum. In 1994, Hushka earned a Master of Arts degree in art history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and worked for the Henry Art Gallery and the Seattle Art Museum. At Tacoma Art Museum, he curated Bill Viola: Something Above, Beyond, Below, Beneath and The New York School: The Politics of Abstraction. He has increasingly focused on the art of the Northwest, including the four-part Building Tradition: Gifts in Honor of the Northwest Collection, A Decade of Excellence: Celebrating The Neddy Artist Fellowship, and The Romantic Vision of Michael Brophy. Tacoma Art Museum connects people and builds community through art. The museum serves the diverse communities of the region through its collection, exhibitions, and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest. The museum’s five galleries display an array of top national shows, the best of Northwest art, creatively themed exhibitions, and historical retrospectives. In addition, there is an Education Wing for children, adults, and seniors with an art resource center, classroom, and studio for art making. Tacoma Art Museum is located in Tacoma’s Museum District, near the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum, and historic Union Station. HOURS – Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Third Thursdays 10am – 8pm, Sunday 12 – 5pm. Open Mondays Memorial Day through Labor Day. ADMISSION – Adult $7.50, Student/Military/Senior (65+) $6.50, Family $25 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18). Children 5 & under free. Third Thursdays free. Members always free. CONTACT – 253.272.4258, www.TacomaArtMuseum.org, info@TacomaArtMuseum.org _________________ Real Travel Adventures International Magazine Thanks for visiting us! Subscribers:So that your free subscription is not mistaken for spam, Please copy & paste our E-mail address into your address book: mail@realtraveladventures.com It's that simple! 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