Northwest Travel News, Summer 2015

1. Whistler
Use the RFID technology originally designed for skiers to time hikes on the mountain’s trails, then compare against friends and trail records. Hiking trash talk optional.
2. Vancouver
On July 5, the city hosts the final match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the largest women’s sporting event in the world and yet another bid to reclaim the word football from Americans.
3. Orcas Island
If your idea of camping doesn’t involve dirt or the crinkle of sleeping bags, crash on the queen-size beds inside Moran State Park’s new Wanderlust canvas tents.
4. Shelton
Salish Cliffs’ U.S. Open package includes priority seats on a shuttle to the tournament at Chambers Bay, June 18–21, plus a round on its own course for the imaginary Open in your head.
5. Astoria
If Goonies never say die, what the heck happened to One-Eyed Willie? Movie fans gather for screenings and scavenger hunts June 4–7 to celebrate the flick’s 30th anniversary.
6. Portland
The city’s historic Chinatown gets a boutique inn of its own with the Society Hotel, complete with some hopefully charming shared baths and a definitely charming rooftop deck.

Ludger Szmania's new home
Image: Courtesy Warm Springs Inn
7. Wenatchee
Seeking civilization after 25 years in the wilds of Magnolia, restaurateur Ludger Szmania
(of Szmania’s) takes over the Warm Springs Inn—including, crucially, its kitchen.
8. Boise
When you think Basque, you should think Idaho. The lively international Jaialdi festival celebrating the Iberian culture makes its twice-a-decade invasion of potato country July 28–August 2.