The holidays are here and that means it’s time to get our shopping done. If you’re like me then you have a long list of friends, family and loved ones to shop for. Sitting in traffic, navigating huge crowds and standing in line all come with the territory and they can make holiday shopping a real chore. Luckily, though, there are a lot of great ideas out there that don’t involve dealing with the standard holiday shopping fare.

Give the gift of a quality vacation and you’ll be giving the gift of fun and relaxation. When the warmer months arrive we’ll all be aching to get back outside and enjoy the warm weather, the bright sun and the fun of our normal outdoor activities. Banks Lake in Washington continues to be a favorite vacation spot for hikers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Banks Lake boating is an exciting and rewarding experience for all those who take the time to enjoy it. Take the time to give a gift they’ll remember for the rest of their lives and you’ll be glad you did.

While Eastern Washington may not boast a buzzing metropolis like the coastal side of the state, it makes up for what it lacks in urban entertainment with its exciting outdoor activities. There are several pristine skiing and snowboarding locations that are just a short drive from virtually anywhere on the eastern side of the state. Not to mention the ample opportunities for watersports.

One of my favorite Eastern Washington outdoor activities, however, is simply taking a hike through a secluded area. There is such an abundance of beautiful and exotic flora that you can easily spend a day—or two—exploring a single trail. While you really can’t go wrong no matter where venture, I prefer the scenic trails that surround Banks Lake.