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Washington State Travel Guide: Shopping Edition

Where to eat, stay and play in Washington State (in case you really do shop-'til-you-drop).

Where to eat, stay and play in Washington State (in case you really do shop-’til-you-drop).

Tulalip

SEE a live act at Canoes Cabaret, the on-site entertainment venue that plays a rotation of 70’s funk, 80’s new wave, classic rock, today’s hits and PPVS MMA/boxing. Or visit the Orca Ballroom, with a fast-growing reputation as a comedy hot spot featuring 1,200 seats and an intimate vibe.EAT fresh Pacific Northwest seafood make a reservation at Blackfish Wild Seafood & Bar, where meals are prepared with traditional tribal techniques. For an exotic twist, visit Journey East, where Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese inspirations are combined into flavorful dishes and a unique vibe will impress even the most seasoned traveller. Stop by the Draft Bar & Grill for a drink and to watch the game.Tulalip Resort CasinoTulalip Resort CasinoDO try your luck at Tulalip’s stunning 192,000 square foot casino, where guests can enjoy more than 2,200 slots and the most cash back in the entire Pacific Northwest. To wind down, book a spa treatment at T Spa, which features 14 rooms and a variety of services including full skin and body therapies. Then check out the Hibulb Cultural Centre and Natural History Preserve, which features 23,000 feet of fascinating Coast Salish history. Or, indulge in some retail therapy at the nearby Seattle Premium Outlets that include such high-end brands as Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren and Burberry at exceptional reductions.STAY in Tulalip’s renovated rooms where brand new heating and cooling systems, convenient USB power outlets and gorgeous new furniture, make this the ultimate place to rest your head after a long day.

Lynnwood

Alderwood MallAlderwood MallSTAY in Lynnwood to save up to 40 percent off of downtown Seattle prices, leaving you with more of your vacation budget to enjoy the area’s diverse offerings.EAT at Lynnwood’s myriad of dining options including local favourites like Big E Ales, Moonshine BBQ and Anthony’s Seafood Grill.DO start your holiday shopping at Alderwood Mall. Stop by a seasonal show at the nearby Edmonds Centre for the Arts and the Everett Performing Arts Center to help you get in the spirit of things.

Bellingham

Spark MuseumSpark MuseumSEE Thomas Edison’s first successful light bulb and other historical wonders dating back as far as the dawn of the Electrical Age over fourhundred years ago at the Spark Museum.DO explore the museum’s various interactive exhibits, including the infamous Cage of Doom, where on weekends, visitors over the age of 21 can subject themselves to ten-foot lightning bolts from the MegaZapper, a 4.5 million volt Tesla coil. Of course numerous kid-friendly displays offer up an education opportunity for the whole family, including the Theremin, the first electronic musical instrument, and the MegaZapper electrical show, featured every weekend at 2:30 pm.

Burlington

DO get your shop on at The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington, which has a unique—and the largest—collection of outlet stores for the outdoor enthusiast. It’s just 45 minutes from the Canadian border at Exit 229 on Interstate 5, and you’ll find unbeatable deals from such favourites as Lululemon, Coleman Outdoor, Filson, Pendleton, Eddie Bauer, Helly Hansen, G.H. Bass Outlet, Gap Outlet, Nike, and more.EAT the good ole home cooking at The Curious Chef. If you’re looking for something on the go or a gift to bring home, try Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Kids love to watch treats, such as candy apples and homemade fudge, being made.The Outlet Shoppes at BurlingtonThe Outlet Shoppes at BurlingtonSEE after you’ve shopped and filled your belly, you’re set for adventure. The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington is at the gateway to Deception Pass, Washington’s most-visited state park. It’s also a quick drive to the beauty of Anacortes, from which you can take a scenic ferry ride to Lopez Island.STAY it’s typically far less expensive to stay in Burlington than to continue south to Seattle. The Hampton Inn has a special shop and stay package, and this location offers easy access to the islands, since it’s on the I5.

Seattle

DO shop till you drop at Westfield Southcenter Mall, the largest shopping centre in the Pacific Northwest. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, check out Moctezuma’s Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, just one of over 50 dining options. If boutique shopping is more your scene, dip into downtown Burien, where you can peruse consignment store Lollipops and other hidden gems.washington_seattleSykart Indoor Racing CentreSykart Indoor Racing CentreSEE the Des Moines Creek Park Trail for a day of natural beauty, stop by the Sykart Indoor Racing Centre for an adrenaline rush, or go soaring at iFly Indoor Skydiving for a day you won’t forget, followed by a great meal at Scotch and Vine, with over 250 whiskies to choose from.STAY in Seattle Southside—comprised of Tukwila, Des Moines and SeaTac—where more than 8,000 hotel rooms are available at up to 30 percent less than their Seattle counterparts. Give yourself an indulgent break at Cedarbrook Lodge’s luxurious spa, or checkin at Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma International Airport after a long flight.