Visitors to Washington State will experience culinary delights and scenic wonders when exploring the stunning Puget Sound. Throughout the year there are a multitude of food festivals celebrating the delicious food grown and made in the state allowing visitors to discover flavourful food paired with epic natural scenery.
Savor the San Juans, 21 September – 12 November
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of more than 170 named islands and rocks, known for their laid-back charm. These islands are full of interesting history and culture waiting to be discovered, and delicious locally grown food waiting to be tasted. Now in its 16th year, Savor the San Juans is an autumn festival that runs from September to November celebrating food and films. Visitors can enjoy farm tours and farmers markets, brew fests, harvest dinners, wine and spirits tastings as well as two film festivals with the Friday Harbor Film Festival taking place from 26 – 27 October. Whilst celebrating, visitors should look out for ‘Island Grown’ restaurants, a certification given to restaurants that buy at least 10% of their ingredients from farms within the county. To commemorate a trip to the festival head to Lime Kiln Point State Park to catch a glimpse of whales off the coast of the island.
Dine the Couve, September 30th – 31 October
To the South of the state is Vancouver, Washington, a city which celebrates its official dining month during the month of October allowing visitors to try out some of the city’s best restaurants at a discounted price. Across Vancouver there is a variety of dining experiences for visitors to enjoy. The waterfront provides stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, from coastal inspired menus at Beaches Restaurant to milkshakes and desserts at The Yard Milkshake Bar. Beer lovers are also spoilt for choice in this city with ales, lagers and more unique blends alongside charcuterie boards at Burnt Bridge Cellars, or classic pizzas at Rally Pizza. After tasting the city’s delight, head to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for an outdoor adventure where 5,200 acres of marshes, lakes and grassland sit, making it the perfect for wildlife watching, kayaking, and some of the best bird watching in Washington.
Issaquah Wine and Art Festival, 28 October
Just west of Seattle on the other side of Lake Sammamish sits Issaquah where the city’s historic downtown celebrates its creative community during the autumn season. This year the Issaquah Wine and Art Festival is taking place on 28 October with live music, arts and crafts, an artisan market and wine tastings. The downtown area is home to 12 winery locations where visitors can meet the winemakers themselves and get a taste of some of the state’s finest wines; attendees will also get a discount on bottles if they purchase any. The city is less than a 10-minute drive away from Lake Sammamish State Park where refreshing walks and on-water activities await.
White Salmon Wine Walk, 18 November
On the banks of Columbia River, White Salmon celebrates the festive season with the annual White Salmon Wine Walk. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the quaint town whilst sampling locally made wines from one of the many wineries in the area, alongside live music and special pop-ups. All proceeds from the event go towards benefitting the local area. This area is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, visitors can head out white-water rafting in White Salmon’s River rapids, or enjoy windsurfing and parasailing as well as explore an array of stunning trails.
