With the weather slowly improving as spring springs up around us, it’s high time for a road trip. While there’s plenty around Seattle to satisfy your cravings, the Northwest is rich with alternative cultural ventures. Here are a few options for regional getaways to indulge in this month.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Apr 1–30
Flower gazers arrive by the busload every spring to walk among the 300 acres of tulips—a multihued carpet of blooms at the peak of growing season. If allergies overwhelm, the festival offers escape via wine tastings and helicopter tours.
Free. 311 W Kincaid St, Mount Vernon, 360-428-5959; tulipfestival.org

Soul’d Out Festival
Apr 12–25
Portland has an extra swagger to its step this month as some of the top soul, jazz, and funk acts visit the city for the third annual music fest. Esperanza Spalding, Allen Stone, Justice, and Wanda Jackson lead the revival.
Visit website for details, souldoutfestival.com

Travel and Words: Pacific Northwest Travel Writers Conference
Apr 29 & 30
Aspiring Pico Iyers mingle with veteran freelancers, magazine staffers, and tourism industry pros during two days of panels and workshops. Expect the “Earn a Living as a Freelance Writer” session to be crowded,
$125–$180. Sun 1–6; Mon 8–4. Fort Worden Conference Center, 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend; travelwritersconference.com