After living in Washington for my entire life, I relocated to Houston a few years ago in an effort to further my career. While the promotion has certainly improved the quality of life for my family and me, I pine for the lush landscape and inimitable atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest. Luckily, the promotion that I recently landed comes with an extra week of paid vacation, so there are ample opportunities for a reprieve from the harsh Houston climate.

Every year, we rent out a couple of Washington villas and make a pilgrimage back to my home state. This serves as an occasion for reconnecting with old friends and satiating my appetite for the Northwest lifestyle. I am particularly excited about going back this year, as we will be in town for Memorial Day and the annual at the Gorge.

Twice a year, the Sun Banks Rhythm and Blues Festival brings musicians and music lovers to the idyllic shores of Banks Lake. The 2010 spring edition is fast approaching, and the time to make your reservations is now. Beginning this Thursday, the Festival will run through Sunday, with each day chockfull of top tier blues entertainment.

The Festival attracts musicians from around the state and country, and this year’s spring festival features notable names such as The Moss Brothers, Hamilton Loomis and the Neil Rush Band. Not only will you get to take in some of the most renowned blues musicians, but you will also have the vast Eastern Washington landscape at your disposal. Go on a hike, take a leisurely kayak trip or just lounge around the shore of Banks Lake.