Tag Archives: Washington

Top 5 Last Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaways

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It’s never too late to start planning a summer vacation… until it is. Stop scrambling to find a summer-day-saving destination this Labor Day weekend, and let us do it for you! From hiking Mount Rainier, an active volcano 14 thousand feet above sea level, to lounging in a perfectly heated hot tub on a luxury house boat in the middle of Lake Roosevelt, the key to savoring the rest of your summer lies below.

The Lodge at Stehekin

1 Stehekin Valley Rd, Stehekin, WA 98852

The minute you step out of your cozy Swissmont lodging it’s like you’ve landed on another planet. With views of the pristine Lake Chelan greeting you every morning, it’s hard not to appreciate the majesty the North Cascades National Park has to offer. Explore the lake by kayaking or take in the sights while you fish. Discover the park with the Rainbow Falls Red Bus Tour, through several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, backpacking or even horseback riding.  LEARN MORE

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Bear Mountain Inn

3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986

Escape the city this Labor Day to the splendors of Bear Mountain State Park. Enjoy an abundance of wildlife like bald eagles, osprey, and white-tailed deer while scaling the many Bear Mountain hikes. The top of the mountain rewards you with vibrant summer views of Bear Mountain and the Hudson River. The Hessian Lake offers kayaking and fishing or you can take a dip in the Bear Mountain Pool. You can even get your shopping done down the road with the Labor Day sales of the Woodbury Commons Outlets. After a fulfilling summer day, cool down with an ice cold beverage and delicious meal at the 1915 Restaurant before retreating to your cozy Bear Mountain accommodations. LEARN MORE

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The Lodge at Breckenridge

112 Overlook Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Spend your Labor Day in awe of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The Lodge at Breckenridge will immediately have you stunned with the spectacular sights seen from the deck and from the comfort of your room. You can also enjoy the summer mountains through hiking group guided tours, on horseback, or through venturing out on your own with a variety of different trails. Aside from the delightful Traverse Restaurant & Bar located at the Lodge, a quick trip into the quaint Breckenridge town will offer a slew of dining options. LEARN MORE

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Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park

47009 Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304

It’s no question Mount Rainier is one of the most overwhelming spectacles in the nation. At 14,410 feet above sea level, this active volcano and its surrounding park have almost 40 different beautiful trails waiting to be explored. Celebrate Labor Day scaling as many hikes as you can, seeing the gorgeous wildflowers while they’re still in bloom, discovering an abundance of wildlife, and learning about Mount Rainier National Park first hand. You won’t be the only one celebrating either! This year marks Paradise Inn’s centennial anniversary. For the past 100 years Paradise Inn has been greeting guests with amazing hospitality and caring service. They don’t plan on stopping now! LEARN MORE

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Lake Roosevelt Adventures

1250 Marina Dr, Davenport, WA 99122

End your summer with a week of bunking in a luxurious houseboat on the stunning and secluded Lake Roosevelt. Whether your boat comes with an onboard waterslide, a top-deck hot tub, a gas BBQ, or all three and more, the only true way to experience Lake Roosevelt is on a houseboat. When you’re not on your water home you can be exploring the outer area with fishing, bird & wildlife watching, hiking, and hunting. With only a limited amount of houseboats available, we suggest you reach out to Lake Roosevelt Adventures before all of their houseboats are booked! LEARN MORE

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Bonus Summer Recreation Destinations

 

Fairfield Inn & Suites

11625 Lakeridge Pkwy, Ashland, VA 23005

What better way to keep the thrills of summer alive than a theme park? Fairfield Inn is just a 19-minute drive from an exciting Kings Dominion adventure. The Ashland area is also full of microbreweries and wineries, has a luxurious spa, a cultural arts center, two golf courses, and a Botanical Garden all within a 20-minute drive. After you’ve finished your Labor Day weekend itinerary you can retreat to the warm welcome of the Fairfield Inn & Suites for a relaxing stay in their acclaimed accommodations. LEARN MORE

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Boating in DC and Boating in Boston

Washington, D.C. Locations | Boston Locations

Perhaps one of the most common last minute summer activities in both the Washington D.C. and Boston metropolitan area, these boathouses will give you and your crew a great day on the waters of your favorite cities. With 7 boathouses in DC and 5 in Boston, one of these locations is bound to have the boating experience you’re looking for. (Weather permitting)

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It’s Time to Get Your Family Outdoors!

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Technology is great, but we could all really work on getting our kids outdoors more. This summer, the National Park Service invites all 4th graders and families of 4th graders to join us to learn more about America’s National Parks. From now until August 31, 4th graders or 10-year-olds have the chance to serve as ambassadors for the National Park Service. It’s a great way to spark your kids’ interest in nature as well as promote a love of learning! America is lucky to have such a beautiful National Park System that we can use to learn about wildlife, nature, and the past. Protecting these National Parks is the key to our planet’s survival.

How This Program Works

10-year-olds and 4th graders can visit Every Kid in a Park and play a fun online game to earn a voucher for a free 4th Grade Annual Pass. When you and your 4th grader visit a National Park, you can use this voucher to earn free admission; however, your 4th grader must be present for this voucher to take effect.

Each voucher comes with a unique serial number that will be recorded by the park staff. You can exchange this voucher for the 4th Grade Annual Pass, which we recommend you take and place on your dashboard when parked on federal lands. Although this pass is not necessary at all National Parks, some do require it.

Time to Get Planning!

Now that you know what you need to do to get your 4th grader their free 4th Grade Annual Pass, it’s time to start planning your trip to a National Park. To find a park near you, you can visit Find Your Park to learn more about parks in your area.

Come Prepared

As always, safety is the most important thing to remember wherever you go. Be sure to pack the essentials when you visit a National Park. And remember, cell service is not always available at certain National Parks, so check your phone calls, texts, and emails before visiting a park. Here are just some of the most important essentials that we recommend you bring when visiting a National Park:

  • Water
  • Healthy snacks
  • A first-aid kit
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • A hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Gloves (if it’s cold)
  • Bug spray
  • A map
  • Emergency numbers

Discounts at Participating Locations

When you and your 4th grader visit a participating National Park Service location, you are eligible for a discount when your 4th grader uses their Every Kid in a Park pass. Below are the current discounts these locations offer.

East Potomac Tennis Center and Rock Creek Tennis Center
For 4th graders looking to use their Every Kid in a Park pass on tennis lessons, East Potomac Tennis Center and Rock Creek Park Tennis Center are providing 10% discounts on tennis programs or starter kits if your student is enrolled in summer camp.

 Great Falls Park
4th graders can trade in their Every Kid in a Park pass for a free 4th Grade Annual Pass at Great Falls Park in Virginia.

North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin
The Lodge at Stehekin is offering free tour rides for kids 12 and under when you visit Rainbow Falls.

Mount Rainier National Park
Kids who bring their Every Kid in a Park pass at Mount Rainier National Park will receive one complimentary meal when accompanied by a parent.

Thompson Boat Center and The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove
Thompson Boat Center and The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove are offering a 10% discount on bike, canoe, and kayak rentals for 4th graders and their families when 4th graders show their Every Kid in a Park passes.

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
When 4th graders show their Every Kid in a Park passes at Tidal Basin Paddle Boats, they will receive a 10% discount on paddle boat rentals for them and their families.

Washington Sailing Marina
Washington Sailing Marina is offering a 10% discount on bike rentals for 4th graders and their families when they show their Every Kid in a Park passes.

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