October | 2011 | whitneywu.com

destination: oregon coast – cannon beach & seaside, via ocean shores, wa

a wonderful retreat from the city to the coast. from seattle – drive 2.5-hours to the washington coast at ocean shores in gray’s harbor. take another 2.5-hour scenic drive south through the northwestern point of oregon and see yourself through small historic towns, like astoria and visit around the coastal town seaside, or – and just another 15-minute drive will bring you to cannon beach, or.

via ocean shores, wa

off of state route 109 from gray’s harbor city to ocean shores, you’ll find lytle seafood & oysters - if you’re an oyster lover, stop in for some oyster shooters!

to seaside, or

to cannon beach, or

walk along cannon beach you’ll find haystack rock, a sea stack and nesting grounds to local sea birds – during the low tide you can walk right up to it

festival destination: oktoberfest in leavenworth, washington

a small town located in central washington (about 2 hours drive east from seattle), devoted and themed to bavarian tradition. its bavarian village architecture with its mountain backdrops is a perfect scene for seasonal festivities. In autumn, take in all the colors of fall during oktoberfest, in the winter, view the magical christmas lights and go snow-shoeing or dog sledding.

leavenworth oktoberfest

typically the first 3 weekends of october, making a great weekend trip with a group of buddies – hotels, b&bs, cabins all available and all-out bavarian themed. live music, food, beer, dancing in a handful of large tents, indoor and outdoor, all day and into the night. friendly, outgoing and all around great time!

lodging: obertal inn

book early, quite a few lodging choices but places fill up quick! also, for bigger groups, cabins around the area can be fun, with shuttles running to and from the festival.