One of Seattle's many holiday traditions is the month-long Winterfest at Seattle Center. Highlights of Winterfest include the ice skating rink at Fisher Pavilion, the Classic Carousel, and the Winter Village and Train inside the Center House. Ice sculpting, comedy, fireside singing, and a cultural festival are other Winterfest events. Live music can be enjoyed throughout; the musicians and performers come from around the region and include the Northwest Boychoir, the Microsoft Orchestra, and the Seattle Flute Society. If you stay into the evening, you and your loved ones can take in the festive holidays lights sprinkled throughout the Seattle Center grounds and buildings.

I had a great time on an Alaska Inside Passage cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl. One of our ports of call was Skagway, a charming town that played a key role in both the Klondike Gold Rush and World War II. I enjoyed walking all around Skagway and checking out the small town's many attractions. I hope you enjoy these photos of the sights and scenery you'll find in Skagway.

The Route of the Hiawatha Trail runs from the Montana-Idaho state line into Idaho along a route a few miles south of I-90. The recreation trail, which runs through magnificent forest and mountain scenery, follows a section of the old Milwaukee Road rail line. Along with the way you pass through several tunnels, including one dark and chilly tunnel that is 1.7 miles long. You'll also pass over several rail trestles. I biked the Route of the Hiawatha this summer and I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my year. I'll even go so far as to say riding the Route of the Hiawatha should be on the bucket list of every adventurous Northwesterner.

This Christmas season the world-famous Radio City Rockettes will be performing at The Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular features traditional and popular holiday music that will appeal to the whole family. High-kicking dance and music numbers include toy soldiers, a living Nativity, and teddy bears. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular will be in Seattle December 12, 2009 through January 3, 2010. Tickets are on sale now.