Redevelopment Projects
Space Needle’s “spacelift” reveal continues
The Space Needle, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, is undergoing a 360-degree “spacelift” and the majority of renovations are now open to the public. Privately funded, the 56-year-old tower’s $100 million renovation, Century Project, has elevated the visitor experience by dramatically enhancing the view with more than 176 tons of glass. The Space Needle’s safety caging has been removed and replaced with eleven-foot-tall, open-air glass panels and titled glass benches called Skyrisers. With nothing but seamless glass between visitors’ panoramic views of the Pacific Northwest, guests can now sit back on the Skyrisers, and experience the intense feeling of floating above the Seattle skyline. The Space Needle’s renovation also includes the world's first and only revolving glass floor, known as The Loupe, showcasing a never-before-seen downward view of Seattle's iconic tower from 500 feet in the air. The Loupe opened to the public August 3, 2018 with overall renovations scheduled to be completed by spring 2019. For more information and updates, visit www.seewhatsup.space.
Media Contact: Dave Mandapat, 206.905.2164, davidm@spaceneedle.com
Vancouver USA’s waterfront is on the rise, attracting renowned tenants
The $1.5 billion waterfront project spanning 32 acres of prime real estate on the Columbia River is one of the largest mixed-use developments on the West Coast and includes residential units, office space, a seven-acre waterfront park and commercial retail space. Phase one included new restaurants, the waterfront park and Grant Street Pier. Designed by nationally recognized public artist Larry Kirkland, the 90-foot-long pier juts out across the Columbia River like the billowing sail of a passing ship. Restaurants on the pier include regional heavyweights WildFin American Grill and Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar. Columbia River Gorge maven Maryhill Winery and newcomer Barlow’s Public House will be the next to join, with Pizzeria Sul Lago and Stack 571 close behind. A six-floor, 138-room Hotel Indigo has also been announced for early 2020. Just east of the pier, The Headwaters Wall features a bronze topographical map of the watershed and a wading pool fed by water cascading down the wall. The nearby path will connect with the existing five-mile Columbia River Waterfront Renaissance Trail on the other side of the Interstate Bridge, with a link over the Vancouver Land Bridge leading into Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Media Contact: Erica Thompson, 360.750.1553 ext. 518, ethompson@VisitVancouverUSA.com
Bellingham reclaimed downtown waterfront wins national award
In the first phase of a 237-acre waterfront project on Bellingham Bay in downtown Bellingham, WA, a 33-acre park and public beach reclaimed from a former industrial area is one of four in the nation to receive a Best Restored Beach Award by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The new beach is the first public access to the downtown shoreline in 100 years and will improve habitat in an adjacent salmon-bearing stream. When complete, the full Bellingham waterfront project will include a new Heritage Trail, more than 30,000 square feet of new retail space, 94 residential units, 150,000 square feet of office space, 300 parking spaces, a 208-room hotel and an 800-person convention center, all overlooking Bellingham Bay on the Salish Sea. Media Contact: Annette Bagley, 360.671-3990 ext. 208, annette@bellingham.org
Spokane Riverfront Park renovation
With a $64-million Riverfront Park renovation, the park now has a new skate ribbon, Looff Carrousel building, Howard Street Bridge Promenade and updated SkyRide. Work has progressed to the Pavilion. The old IMAX theater was torn down and the Pavilion is currently being transformed into an open-air event center. When the Pavilion is finished, work will move to the north bank of the Spokane River. The entire renovation project should be finished in 2021. Media Contact: Kate Hudson, 509.742.9377, khudson@visitspokane.com
New hotel opens in Tacoma
The long-awaited McMenamins Elks Temple in Tacoma opened for business April 24, 2019, making it the only McMenamins hotel property north of Centralia and south of Bothell. And, as is standard with McMenamins, there’s a heavy focus on entertainment, good times and secret bars. True, it’s a 45-guestroom hotel, but the Elks Lodge experience will center around its epic live music venue (the 700-person-capacity Spanish Ballroom), the bars (all five, including the tiki bar with “interactive waterfall fountain” and the hidden bar), the beers (seven-barrel brewery with 16-tap tasting room) and the ambiance (the best collection of lighting fixtures on the West Coast). Media Contact: Matt Wakefield, 253.284.3253, matt@traveltacoma.com
Captain Whidbey Resort reopens spring 2019
Situated on the verdant shores of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, the Captain Whidbey has been a place of natural beauty, community gathering and quiet delight since 1907. Recently under new ownership, the boutique resort is undergoing a much-anticipated renovation with an eye toward preserving the historic charm and legacy of the property, while updating with modern and comfortable interiors. Re-opening this coming spring, Captain Whidbey will feature a new restaurant and bar focused on local and seasonal cuisine, a new deck overlooking the water, 31 newly designed rooms, curated amenities, and an overall revival that will re-establish the hotel as one of the most iconic lodging experiences on its namesake island. Media Contact:Erin Osborne, ON Public Relations, 206.948.6059, erin@onpublicrelations.com
New boutique hotel and restaurant to open overlooking the Port of Ilwaco marina
At the Helm Hotel & Waterline Pub will have nine distinctive guest rooms and an in-house restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. It will be a much-needed upscale addition to the Long Beach Peninsula’s lodging offerings. The opening is slated for June. Media Contact: Carol Zahorsky, Zahorsky and Associates, 360.481.1752, carol@zahorskypr.com
Outdoor Recreation Highlights
Galbraith Mountain is most popular mountain bike trail area in Washington
For the sixth year in a row, Singletracks.com has named Galbraith Mountain in Bellingham the most popular mountain biking location in Washington state on its 2019 ranking for the United States and Canada. Five of the top six Most Popular Washington State Mountain Biking Trails on Trailforks.com are also on Galbraith Mountain trails including: Atomic Dog, Unemployment Line, Evolution, Cedar Dust and Ridge Trail. Permanent recreational use on Galbraith Mountain was secured in August 2018 with easements purchased by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom Land Trust. The total area of the easement is 2,182 acres, with 1,023 of those acres inside the Lake Whatcom watershed. The city is now partnering with local trail users through the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition to invest in expanded visitor amenities. Media Contact: Annette Bagley, 360-671-3990, annette@bellingham.org
Biking Beyond – new self-guided bike tour in Olympia
The newly launched self-guided bike tour, Biking Beyond, takes visitors along the Yelm-Tenino Trail near Olympia, WA. Available in both digital and print format, the guide was created to assist guests in wayfinding. Points of interests range from recreation and family fun to top spots for sipping, exploring and dining. The scenic Yelm-Tenino trail stretches 14 miles through the rural communities of Yelm, Rainier and Tenino along the former Burlington Northern railroad line. An elevation gain of just 320 feet makes for an easy and accessible ride for beginners, while the views of farmland, wetlands, wildlife and Mount Rainier make the ride enjoyable for all abilities. Cyclists can bring a bike or borrow one for free courtesy of the Tenino Yellow Bicycle Project, then choose an adventure or select from predetermined routes. Biking Beyond can be accessed at BikingBeyond.com. Media Contact: Moira Davin, 360.704.7544, moira@experienceolympia.com
Dog-friendly Mt. Rainier
According to the American Pet Product Association between 37 and 47 percent of Americans own a dog. Pet travel is big business but while this represents a growing segment of visitors, pet travel can be complicated. Visit Rainier is trying to make it easier for visitors to vacation with their dogs. When it comes to planning your summer adventures at the mountain, fur babies like Atlas the Silken Windhound love a good vacation. If your dog likes to travel too, get a free copy of our new travel guide for a list of dog-friendly places to stay, play, and hike in the Mt. Rainier region. https://lnkd.gWFaiDTMedia Contact: Meilee Anderson, 206.422.1270, marketing@visitrainier.com
New Historic walking tour in Stevenson, WA coming soon
Look forward to a new, self-guided, historic walking tour being developed throughout the downtown and waterfront areas of Stevenson, WA. This ongoing project will feature temporary murals that recreate historic ads or graphics specific to our community's unique history. Each mural and other points of interest around Stevenson, will be accompanied by an online bank of oral histories recorded by local residents. The first mural “Keep Skamania Green,” is based on a 1950s wildfire prevention campaign and the stories include memories or experiences of events surrounding fighting, surviving, or recovering from wildfire. The second mural is a nod to an old sternwheeler boat, the Ava Jane, that used to ferry folks back and forth across the Columbia River from Stevenson to Cascade Locks. Stay up-to-date with the progress of this exciting walking tour around Stevenson at www.stevensonmainstreet.org. Media Contact Angie Waiss
509-427-8911, angie@skamania.org
Kitsap Peninsula boasts nearly 7,000 more acres of public park lands
The Kitsap Peninsula region recently added nearly 7,000 more acres of public park lands to “the Natural Side of Puget Sound,” complementing the hundreds of acres of existing open space and miles of land and water trails open year-round. Known as the Port Gamble Heritage Park, the park includes miles of existing trails used for mountain biking, trail running, horseback riding, birding, and wildlife viewing. Upgrades include a major new ride park that promises to attract more adventure sport enthusiasts to the region. Thanks to the designation in 2015 by the US Department of Interior, the 371-mile Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail (KPNWT) continues to garner national and international attention attracting visitors from around the USA. The KPNWT is the only nationally designated water trail in Washington state, and the only salt-water national water trail in the USA. On June 8, the KPNWT Alliance will celebrate the designation during the 4th Annual Ride the Tide Rendezvous. Media Contact: Patty Graf-Hoke, 360.908.0088, grafhoke@VisitKitsap.com
Olympic Peninsula opens two new trails
The newChetzemoka Interpretive Trail in Port Townsend tells the story of Chief Chetzemoka and the S’Klallam people in Port Townsend in both a visual and physical way. It’s a partnership with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County Historical Society and the Port of Port Townsend, connecting many points of tribal, geographic and historic interest spanning 3-mile and 6-mile loops on a 12-mile route around the city and through Fort Worden. The grand opening will be the afternoon of June 29, 2019, approximately 131 years since the last hereditary chief passed away. Many of his descendants will be in attendance. Media Contact: Christina Pivarnik, 360.531.0127, christina@enjoypt.com
Follow the Port Angeles Art Mural Trail in Port Angeles, on foot or by bike. Discover a collection of vivid hand-painted outdoor art murals that tell a small town’s rich story. Twelve outdoor art murals dot downtown Port Angeles and tell a tale of the town’s rich maritime history and Native American culture. This self-guided art mural tour will take you to both hidden and not-so-hidden works of art. And there’s a good chance you might discover more … Port Angeles is known for works of spectacular art and sculptures hiding out-of-sight (underground, under bushes, lonely back alleys, etc.). Book a guided Port Angeles Underground Tour to see some of the subterranean murals. Media Contact: Mary Brelsford, 360.452.8552, communications@olympicpeninsula.org
Winter ice village in Port Angeles
The Olympic Peninsula’s only outdoor ice-skating rink, and the Port Angeles Winter Ice Village,
will open Thanksgiving through the first part of January 2020. Skate rentals, animal-themed skating aids, helmets, photos with Santa, and warm beverages add to the festive holiday experience. Winter activities are front and center on the Olympic Peninsula. Along with the traditional winter outdoor activities – downhill-skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing – there’s surfing, kayaking and hiking. Camping at low levels for the hearty can be a special, quiet retreat. Media Contact: Mary Brelsford, 360.452.8552, communications@olympicpeninsula.org
Anniversaries
Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island celebrates centennial
Lime Kiln Lighthouse turns 100 years old on June 30, 2019. It's one of the last lighthouses built on the West Coast and one of the most photogenic. An epicenter for research, education, and inspiration, Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, welcomes 350,000 visitors from roughly 40 different countries every year and is one of the best places in the world to watch whales from shore. The Friends of Lime Kiln Society will host a celebration that includes lighthouse tours, live music and performances, keynote speeches from the Coast Guard and Washington State Parks and lighthouse experts, and even a special lighthouse anniversary wine label. Media Contact: Barbara Marrett, 360.378.6822 ext. 6, barbara@visitsanjuans.com
Festivals
Sumner Rhubarb Days
This year, Sumner’s Rhubarb Days becomes a regional festival, inviting visitors who have never been to Sumner before to sample the flavor of small-town charm on a traditional Main Street. With pie eating contests, vintage market and even a giant outdoor Beer, Brats & Bingo, there’s unique fun for all ages. Rhubarb Days is the kind of small-town festival you see in the movies and wonder where it actually happens. If you’ve never sent a rhubarb rocket into the sky or raced a stalk of rhubarb (aka Rhubarb Racers), then you have to try it for yourself. This slice of Americana will be held July 27 and 28. Media Contact: Carmen Palmer, 253.299.5503, carmenp@sumnerwa.gov
Wine and Craft Beverages
New winery and six potential new AVAs in Washington
Washington state is one of the most exciting, fastest-growing wine regions in the country with 970+ wineries and more than 58,000 acres of wine grapes. Six new AVAs are currently under petition with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. On average, one winery opens every single week and growers are always experimenting with new varietals. Although more than 70 wine varieties grow throughout the diverse growing regions, Cabernet Sauvignon is now taking Washington by storm, making up nearly 30 percent of the industry. New this year, is the opening of Valdemar Estates near Walla Walla, as a family from Rjoja is building a state-of-the-art winery. Between critical acclaim, energized winemakers and world-class wine growing conditions, Washington is quickly taking its place on the world’s stage. Media Contact: Heather Bradshaw, 206.326.5752, hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org
Yakima’s farm-to-pint experiences
As the craft beverage scene continues to grow, so do events around the Yakima Valley. From hop field and brewery tours to live music events and brewing collaborations for a cause – Yakima’s craft beverage culture now provides a more robust farm-to-pint experience for visitors to enjoy and celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage. Media Contact: Jessica Camacho, 509.575.3010, jessicac@visityakima.com
Cruise News
Port of Seattle wins Best Port at the UK Wave Awards 2019
The Port of Seattle was given the top award for Best Port at this year’s international Wave Awards—the “Oscars” of the UK industry—with the announcement made at the annual Wave Awards event in London on March 7. Over 400 distinguished and influential cruise industry executives, including managing directors and executive directors of cruise lines, leading tour operators and travel agencies, media and other major industry influencers were present. The judging panel is comprised of industry leaders, travel experts and representatives from the media with the awards run by Real Response Media. www.thewaveawards.com Media Contact: Patti Denny, 206.787.3394, denny.p@portseattle.org
Whether you’re looking for adventures or indulgences, it all comes naturally in Washington state. We look forward to assisting you with story ideas!
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Accompanying photos to these stories can be found at: http://barberstock.com/collection/experiencewa/whats-new-in-washington-2019
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