2021 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival a mix of virtual, in-person events

Tulips from Roozengaarde Flowers & Bulbs in Mount Vernon, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) Because of ongoing safety concerns and state restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in northwestern Washington State will be a combination of virtual and in-person events. The festival kicks off on Thursday, April 1, with a … Continue reading 2021 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival a mix of virtual, in-person events

Taste new Yakima Valley wine vintages straight from the barrel two weekends in April

Photo credit: Townshend Cellar, Colbert, Washington Experience wine tasting in a new way—straight from the barrel. You'll discover that the varieties you try taste different than you experience from the bottle. Wineries in the Yakima Valley host the Spring Barrel Tasting each year, which showcases their new vintages. Be among the first to try new … Continue reading Taste new Yakima Valley wine vintages straight from the barrel two weekends in April

Maine Maple Sunday returns March 27-28

Collecting sap from a maple tree in Maine (photo credit: Maine Maple Producers Association) After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maine Maple Sunday is returning Saturday-Sunday, March 27-28. This year, more than 100 maple sugar houses will participate. Maple sugar hours are adjusting their hours and purchase options this year, which include … Continue reading Maine Maple Sunday returns March 27-28

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon, returns March 19-May 2

Tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) After a year off due to the COVID pandemic, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival returns from Friday, March 19, until Sunday, May 2. This year, all tickets must be purchased online, and COVID safety protocols will be in place. Season tickets … Continue reading Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon, returns March 19-May 2

Armchair photo tours: Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon

Photos by Cheryl Landes Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon, is the largest dahlia grower in the country. From early August through late September, 40 acres of fields are in bloom at this farm 24 miles south of Portland. Each row contains a different color and variety of dahlia. From a distance, the fields resemble … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon

Armchair photo tours: The SAGE Center in Boardman, Oregon

The SAGE Center in Boardman, Oregon. SAGE stands for Sustainable AGriculture and Energy. Photos by Cheryl Landes The exit to Boardman, where the Sustainable AGriculture and Energy Center (SAGE Center) is located, is often ignored by drivers on Interstate 84. But if you want to learn about history and technology for sustainable agriculture and energy … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The SAGE Center in Boardman, Oregon

Celebrate dahlia season at Swan Island Dahlias

The voodoo dahlia variety at Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes It’s dahlia season. These beautiful flowers come in all shapes and sizes, from four-inch pom poms to starbursts exceeding 10 inches in diameter. Some look soft and spongy with layers of curled rounded petals, while others are spiky like a … Continue reading Celebrate dahlia season at Swan Island Dahlias