Joanna Nesbit, Freelance Writer

Joanna Nesbit

Travel & Pacific Northwest

  • Olympic Lodge overviewMarch 2014

    What to know about Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles, gateway to Olympic National Park. A favorite with our family.

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  • Get out of Town: Three Totally Doable Weekend Road Trips

    Three great PNW weekended destinations with kids with tips on what to do, and where to eat and stay. I wrote this in 2013 but it was updated in 2019.

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  • Your Northwest Winter Bucket ListOctober 2014

    A round-up of Pacific Northwest winter fun for families, from A to Z.

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  • Royal Scot hotel overviewDecember 2016

    What to know about Victoria's family-family Royal Scot hotel, one of our family's favorite spots.

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  • National Park Inn at Mt. Rainier overviewSeptember 2016

    Overview of what this Mt. Rainier inn offers to families while they're visiting the national park.

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  • Powder Power: A Deep-Snow Getaway to Mt. Baker with KidsDecember 2015

    Mt. Baker has a ton of snow this year. Here's why it makes a great getaway for families.

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  • Waterfront WonderSeptember 2014

    As a Northwest family, we've been visiting Seattle for years for kid-sized fun. It's a stunning city. Here's what we think families will enjoy. (The PDF file includes the full spread with photographs -- I recommend that over the online link.)

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  • Vancouver with Kids: 10 AdventuresMay 2014

    Vancouver is a culturally rich city with adventures galore for families. Here's our top 10 paired with mini recommendations for extra fun.

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  • Let's Ski B.C.! Family Winter Fun Beyond the BorderJanuary 2014

    British Columbia offers fantastic family ski resorts, large and small, for fun winter getaways. Here are a few ideas for your family.

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  • Culture Rich and Car Free: 48 Hours in VancouverMay 2013

    Vancouver, B.C. is a culturally rich city that offers fun for the whole family, including exploring by bicycle, perusing market stalls, and noshing on Asian food. Read on for what to do with your kids in this spectacular city.

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  • Take a Break in Historic BellinghamMay 2013

    Bellingham is a popular Costco stop for Canadian families, but you'll find the town has a lot to offer if you stay for the weekend. Here's what our family recommends.

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  • Indie DarlingSpring 2013

    A visitor's guide to Bellingham's indie entertainment, from unique museums and farmers market to smart films and live productions.

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  • Northwest Author Spotlight: Christine SmithApril 2013

    Christine and Jeffrey Smith set out on what they thought would be a two-year journey to rebuild their boat, the David B. It would turn into an eight-year epic documented in Christine's 2012 book, More Faster Backwards. Read on to learn more about the book, the boat, and this intrepid couple.

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  • Road Trip: Horsing around in Yellowstone and Other Family HighlightsJune 2012

    Yellowstone is crowded in the summer, but if this season is the only time your family can visit, it's possible to beat the crowds. Read on for strategies.

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  • National Parks for Families: Lava BedsJanuary 2012

    California's Lava Beds National Monument (not quite a national park) offers families cool adventures in underground lava tubes, as well as hiking, birding, and Native American history. One of California's best kept secrets.

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  • High SpiritsSummer 2011

    A visitor's guide to microdistilleries around Washington state, a recent new trend.

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  • Bell RingerSummer 2011

    A short article on Bellingham for Washington state visitors, broken down into a day visit.

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  • Coupeville and Fort Casey, Whidbey IslandNovember 2010

    Popular with the artsy, retired set, Coupeville and nearby Fort Casey offer Northwest families a weekend of fun all year round. Find out why.

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  • Catch the Christmas Spirit in LeavenworthDecember 2010

    Leavenworth, WA, is a Bavarian-themed town that comes alive in December with Christmas festivities and a Lighting Ceremony. Read on for kids' activities and tips on booking accommodation at this festive time of year.

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  • NW Editor's Picks: Going DutchJuly 2010

    Dutch cargo bikes are taking off in the Northwest. Read up on where you can get in on the action.

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  • Worth a Stop: The LightcatcherJune 2010

    A new building at Bellingham's Whatcom Museum,the Lightcatcher, combines luminous architecture with an art-and-play experience for all ages.

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  • National Parks for Families: Olympic National Park March 2010

    The Olympic National Park is a must-see for nature-loving families. Read on to learn about the Hoh rain forest and Washington's beaches.

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  • Leavenworth: A Town for All SeasonsNovember 2009

    Leavenworth is famous for its Bavarian sausages and chocolate, but this mountain hamlet also offers outdoor adventures for all seasons.

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  • The Belle of the Northwest CornerSeptember 2009

    Bellingham, Washington offers a host of outdoor pursuits and a vibrant arts scene. A destination for a day, a weekend, or a week.

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  • One Family's Northwest Adventure March 2008

    Our family took a 4-day trip to Seattle and beyond to explore our home state. We visited Snoqualmie Falls, stayed in a caboose in Cle Elum, and tried on goofy hats in Leavenworth. Read the article to learn more. Note: The PDF file contains all the photos (3.5 MB), while the online version is primarily text.

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