Birthplace of riot grrl music and home to an energetic independent art and music scene, Olympia is a hub of innovative cultural movements. The nontraditional Evergreen State College draws young pioneers and artists while the surrounding landscape of Puget Sound beckons the environmentally aware to its embrace. With 40 city parks incorporating 963 acres as well as a vast, municipally-funded public art collection, the city is a study in inventive and ecological civil design.

Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverside paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.

Legend has it that notorious pirate Sir Francis Drake hid his treasures somewhere in Drake Bay, hence the name. Doubloons or not, there are plenty of natural treasures to marvel over, like lush rainforests and colorful sea life. Invest in a guided hiking, diving, fishing, tubing or treetop canopy tour to get the full Drake Bay experience. “Tracie the Bug Lady” even offers a night tour to acquaint you with all of the local creepy crawlies.