Great Escape: Escape With Your Houseguests

Consider this scenario: you're busy with a full workload, your kids have various commitments that require your involvement, your "to do" list looks more like a "to do" book - and you have houseguests arriving this week. Rather than pulling your hair out in despair, you and your houseguests can optimize your experience together with a little bit of advance planning. Here are five ways for your houseguests - or you and your houseguests - to spend the day:

1.  In approximately an hour, your group can be riding the Ferris wheel-and other carnival rides-listening to live music and indulging in barbecue, roasted corn and sno cones. Animal lovers will enjoy the Wildlife Center where a Golden Eagle, Great-Horned Owl, Peregrine Falcon and Red-Tailed Hawk will be on display. There's something for almost everyone at the Skagit County Fair and Rodeo, Aug. 10 - 13.

2.  For an unusual and fun day trip, check out the La Connor Classic Yacht and Auto Show on Saturday, Aug. 13. If you arrive between 7:30 - 10 am, you can start your day with a pancake breakfast, then view the yachts and autos and listen to live music.

3.  Relax on the Keystone Ferry en route to the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend. Artisans will display jewelry, garden art, clothing, ceramics and much, much more. While strolling through the festival, you'll be entertained by a variety of live musicians; all are required to compose and perform their own original music. Tall Ships sailings, storytelling, food booths and a wine and beer garden will add to your enjoyment.

4.  For a whale of a good time, Mystic Sea Charters in Anacortes has an outstanding track record for providing their clients with an exceptional view of the Orca Whales and other wildlife. Spend a delightful afternoon on the water cruising through the San Juans while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you!

5.  Diablo Lake Adventures Cruise will provide you and your guests with hours of awe-inspiring scenery, a guided ranger walk and a boat tour of Diablo Lake in the North Cascades. The package includes lunch at The Environmental Learning Center where you'll learn about sustainability and the environment. If you or your guests love nature and getting away from the urban jungle, this unique experience just might be one of the highlights of your summer.