5 Special Holiday Experiences in the Western U.S.

The western United States, depending on the altitude and the day, can experience either mild or frigid weather. And so holiday events can range from cozy indoor dining to outdoor walks. We love the diversity of this area and have some wonderful ideas for your holiday in the West:

1. Warm Up with a Russian Tea Experience in Portland, Oregon

Russian Tea. Photo courtesy Headwaters

High Tea usually brings up images of cucumber sandwiches and ladyfingers. But in Portland, there is something new to experience on the tea scene. Noted Portland Chef Vitaly Paley and his staff add a Russian flare to tea that draws from Paley’s own Russian family heritage. The new Russian Tea Experience at Headwaters at the Heathman brings you specially formulated Smith Teamaker teas and dishes from Paley’s mother’s and grandmother’s recipe boxes.

Full Article on the Russian Tea at Headwaters.

2. Enjoy the Art and Bonfires on Canyon Road in Santa Fe, NM

 

Gallery windows on Canyon Road. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Santa Fe in Spanish means “holy faith,” and so it is fitting that Santa Fe, New Mexico is a true Christmas destination. Like other more well known Christmas destinations Santa Fe has all the magic, the lights and the joy of the season. However, the Christmas celebrations in Santa Fe are also deeply rooted in faith, history and culture. What you will experience in Santa Fe at Christmas is beautiful, authentic and spiritual. Here are some tips on how to enjoy a southwest Christmas in Santa Fe.

Full Article on Christmas Eve on Canyon Road.

3. Experience 5 Portland, Oregon Holiday Experiences

Tubas in Pioneer Square. Photo courtesy Travel Portland

Rainstorms or not, Portland, Oregon is filled with holiday spirit. Since the Pacific Northwest is known for having some damp, grey weather this time of year, the sparkle of lights and decorations is more than welcome. Here are some great places to enjoy holiday events and decorations and 5 of my favorite wow spots to experience Christmas in Portland.

Full Article on Portland Holiday Experiences.

 

4. A Favorite Holiday Event in Anacortes, WA - Winter Wonderland Walk

The Grinch. Photo by
Lara Dunning

Looking for a unique Pacific Northwest holiday celebration? At Winter Wonderland Walk in Anacortes, guests follow a lighted path to decorated campsites at Washington Park where festivities include caroling, s'mores, roasted chestnuts, campfires and the Grinch and Santa. 

Full article on Winter Wonderland Walk. 

5. 3 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in the Skagit Valley of Washington

Holiday display in the Skagit Valley. Photo by Lara Dunning

The Skagit Valley has more than eagles and snow geese in winter, it also has charming small town holiday celebrations in Anacortes, La Conner and Mount Vernon. Festivities include a town crier, a prawn pot tree, sugar cookies, pixie dust, and a parade that includes lighted floats and marching bands. 

Full article on the holidays in the Skagit Valley.

Arctic Raven Gallery in Friday Harbor: Northwest Coast Native Art

Taking a ferry to San Juan Island from Anacortes is a short, but scenic way to begin your visit to the San Juan Islands. We sailed into Friday Harbor for the day. There’s so much to see during a day trip, you might just miss this gem.

Not far from the harbor you’ll encounter a gallery filled with some of the most intriguing quality Native art outside of museums. The collection of Arctic Raven Gallery includes Northwest Coast Indian masks, jewelry, wood carvings and prints.

The art represents local peoples including the Coast Salish, Kwaguilth, and Makah nations as well as the more northern Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian.

While the day trip from Anacortes, we stopped in to Arctic Raven and realized we were in a special place with amazing collections. In one corner was the stunning “Multiple Ravens” by Jason Hunt, a mask-headpiece with intricate carving that brought the layered ravens to life.

At the price of $12,000, we thought the mask should be left for the serious collector.

I was drawn to Greg Henderson’s (Weiwaikum) colorful “Box of Treasures,” a yellow cedar box with a serious eagle perched on top. ($1,800).

If you have traveled in Alaska, British Columbia or the Pacific Northwest, you may have had the opportunity to visit Native cultural centers or museums to see the native art of the local people. If you ever have the chance to see a ceremony such as a pole raising or a social dance in full regalia, you will begin to understand and recognize the symbolism depicted in pieces such as found in this gallery. The symbols are part of the culture and heritage of the Northwest. You’ll find the staff at the gallery knowledgeable and well-connected to the Native artists.

I suggest that visitors stop in to see the collections at the Arctic Raven Gallery. They have sterling jewelry, more inexpensive items suitable for souvenirs and two stories of amazing Northwest coast and Arctic Native art. You might just be enticed to start your own collection.

More Information

Website

130 1st St S
Friday Harbor, Washington
(360) 378-3433

Visiting Anacortes
Visiting the San Juan Islands