This is it, folks! We’ve made it to the end of our A-Z #WellTraveledFamily Challenge, and there’s been some great adventures! Whether we were giving you a behind-the-scenes look at Mickey’s Magical Map at the Disneyland Resort in our A is for Anaheim post or talking with Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown on everything Museum for “M”, it was a pleasure to have you along for the ride! Make sure to share your favorite #WellTraveledFamily Destination in our End of Summer Giveaway for your chance to win a Hood Canal getaway to the beautiful Alderbrook Resort and Spa.
And now, we present W-Z in our A-Z #WellTraveledFamily Challenge…
W IS FOR WASHINGTON WINE COUNTRY
From Woodinville to Walla Walla, there’s a lot of wine country in our state (nearly 700!). One of our favorites in Woodinville is Chateau Ste. Michelle, which has a beautiful property and is across the street from one of our favorite hotels, Willows Lodge. Headed to Walla Walla? Check out the Walla Walla Wheelin’ Weekend from September 6-7 in Downtown Walla Walla, a classic car and motorcycle show with free admission. Wine Country can also be kid friendly, and downtown Walla Walla is a great place to rent bikes, have a picnic, or just enjoy the town with the whole family!
X is for XOXO
There are tons of great places in the Seattle area for a romantic getaway, and one great choice is the Art of Romance Package at the Alexis Hotel. The package includes breakfast for 2, chilled champagne, chocolate, and a rose pedal turndown. Rates are from $410/night.
Y IS FOR YAKIMA VALLEY
On my bucket list is going to a hot air balloon race, and from September 27-29, you can catch the Great Prosser Balloon Rally which features 25 hot air balloons in the Yakima Valley Sky. Additionally, they’re having a harvest and street painting festival with free admission.
Z IS FOR ZIPLINING
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, looking for some extra fun on a family outing, or have some jungle gym-loving kids, ziplines are the latest in high flying fun. Some great places to get your ziplining fill is the Full Moon Zipline Tour in Victoria, which is actually a night ziplining tour for some amped-up fun. If you’ve got younger children and want to pair it with a day trip, the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma has a great ziplining course that’s a fun addition. There’s also a course in Friday Harbor.
DID YOU ENTER OUR #WELLTRAVELEDFAMILY END OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY? Tell us your favorite #WellTraveledFamily destination and you’ll be entered to win overnight cottage accomodations, a $100 dining credit, and a two hour activity rental at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa!
What is your family planning for W-Z? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook!
Images compliments of WallaWalla.org, Alexis Hotel, Prosser Balloon Rally, and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
Ready to start the A-Z #WellTraveledFamily Summer Challenge?
What is the A-Z #WellTraveledFamily Summer Challenge and how do you play? There are roughly 13 weeks to summer, so each week, we’ll be back sharing inspiration with you to get out and travel with your family, sharing great destinations, trying new things, and finding a bit of magic along the way–each corresponding to one of the letters of the week.
Here’s how to join in on the fun using social media and blogs for inspiration this summer:
1. Develop your own A-Z #WellTraveledFamily Summer Travel Plan: You don’t have to travel far this summer to play – the A-Z #WellTraveledFamily challenge is all about getting creative this summer and exploring and reconnecting as a family. Sit down with your family and plan out your own A-Z Summer Travel Challenge. Where do you want to go? Get the kids involved and make this fun. Consider food, activities and destinations by letter of the alphabet.
2. Share your A-Z ideas and trip photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: Have an idea for an A-Z travel experience or destination or need ideas? Share your own A-Z Summer Travel ideas and trips on Facebook and with @HipTravelMama on Twitter, Instagram your photos using the #welltraveledfamily hashtag. We’ll have some great prizes throughout the summer, so make sure you “like” us and “follow us” to play! Make sure you send them a link to this blog post so your friends know how to play too!
Most of all – HAVE FUN WITH THIS and get out and explore with your family this summer.