11 Things TO DO in the Pacific Northwest in April

April 1, 2010

Here is April’s list of 11 Things To Do in the Pacific Northwest. The weather looks like it will be unreliable to start but at least the days are getting longer so why not take advantage of some early evening hikes, bike rides or kayaking. Then check out these ideas to make the month even more interesting.

  1. On April 9th the  Okanagan Fest-of Ale takes place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Center.  Sample all kinds of ale and lager with over 20 brewers set to attend.
  2. Canada’s largest Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show happens on April 24 -25 in Vancouver. Check out some of the latest gear.
  3. It’s time to start thinking about wine as the grape vines come alive. On April 10-11 there is a North Williamette Wine Trail Weekend. Look for wine tastings, food, entertainment and activities at the 21 participating wineries, all found close to Portland, Oregon
  4. In Seattle on April 18-20 check out the free Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival.
  5. Head to Port Townsend, Washington with your bike and try out 30 miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail. Eventually a 100 mile bike trail will take you all the way from Port Townsend to the Pacific Coast.
  6. Hop on a ferry and explore one of the Gulf Islands you’ve never visited. The islands that have particularly good accommodation choices include Saltspring, Galiano, Mayne and Pender. Visit BC Ferries to plan your getaway. You could also download my free cycling guide on touring the Gulf Islands.
  7. The 5th Annual Hot Jazz Jubilee takes place from April 16-18th in Sidney-by the-Sea, about 30 minutes from downtown Victoria, BC. You’ll be minutes away from the world famous Butchart Gardens so why not include them as part of your visit.
  8. The Portland Farmer’s Market, located at the Portland State University is open every Saturday now from 8:30am until 2 pm. Get a taste of early spring.
  9. Lower elevation hikes in the North Cascade Mountains usually open in early April. A particularly good book to give you an honest assessment of what hikes to try is ‘Hiking From Here To WOW: North Cascades‘ by Kathy and Craig Copeland.
  10. Take a guided walking tour of Seattle’s culinary treasures. Choose from Pike Place Market or the Belltown Neighbourhood.
  11. The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival has an amazing lineup of tastings beginning on April 19th and heading through to the 25th. Reserve tickets now. Some events are sold out already.

Have fun and come back in a month for 10 Things To Do in May in the Pacific Northwest. If you have inside knowledge on a must do activity please let me know.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Biking in North America - tips and tours, Book suggestions - travel & otherwise, Garden related travel, Hiking, backpacking and walking tips and tours, Miscellaneous travel tips | Leave a Comment 

Horticultural Olympics in London in May

February 26, 2010

Patio design is also part of the show.

england gardens05 040 300x225 Horticultural Olympics in London in May

england gardens05 049 225x300 Horticultural Olympics in London in MayThe horticultural Olympics, aka the Chelsea Flower Show, occurs yearly in the last full week of May in London, England. The Chelsea Garden Show is the gardening equivalent of a couture fashion show. You’ll find innovative garden design, gorgeous flowers, superb people watching opportunities and enough inspiration to send you home ripping up your garden to emulate what you’ve just seen.

The show accepts 160,000 visitors over 5 days but the first 2 days are reserved for Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) members only. It’s worth joining so you can see the gardens at their peak. I was there in 2005 and an uncharacteristic heat wave caused the sort of headaches that the lack of snow has caused the winter Olympics organizers. Planning a display garden can take a solid year and forcing plants to bloom out of season is fraught with failure. You’ll see the designers patting their sweaty brows just like the Olympic athletes. They’re in a pressure cooker too - just a different sort but the rabid British press can be just as biting in May as it’s been in February.

Tickets are available for a whole day (8am-8pm) or part day (3:30pm-8pm). Public whole day tickets are 45 pounds ($Cdn72) and half day tickets are 25 pounds ($Cdn40). There are onsite cafes to rest weary legs where you’ll find traditional scones with clotted cream, tea and other British goodies. I recommend visiting for the full day, especially if this is a once in a lifetime trip. Get there early before the crowds so you can really get close to the popular show gardens. Save the indoor pavilion for last unless you have a  fondness for new flower varieties and best of blooms displays. The outdoor garden displays are far more inspiring.  

514231683 d29a310ef6 Horticultural Olympics in London in MayThe Chelsea Garden Show is visited by the Royals in headgear, obsessive, Latin speaking English gardeners but also by the public at large because it is truly a magnificent show. Tickets are for sale online now and they typically sell out by early April. If you have a London trip on the horizon then I highly recommend including the horticultural Olympics in part of your plans.

514260439 3bbb9429f6 Horticultural Olympics in London in May

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Garden related travel, Miscellaneous travel tips | Leave a Comment 

Another Free Adventure Guide – Banff to Jasper , Canada

Inside this guide you’ll find all the information you need to book and execute your own trip.

Top 10 Popular Posts

  1. How to Survive a Bear Attack
  2. Vancouver's Giant Stair Stepper - The Grouse GrindVancouver's Giant Stair Stepper - The Grouse Grind
  3. Bike or Drive BC's Gorgeous Sea to Sky HighwayBike or Drive BC's Gorgeous Sea to Sky Highway
  4. Africa Reads - 9 Books to See you Through World Cup SoccerAfrica Reads - 9 Books to See you Through World Cup Soccer
  5. Packing List for a Long Distance WalkPacking List for a Long Distance Walk

View more of this category

Latest Blog Posts