The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X rolls on burly mud-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch black wheels. (GMC)

Life

2022 Sierra 1500 AT4X is GMC’s new off-road ruler

Taking up where the AT4 left off, this model fortifies with better capability and a pampering interior.

A view of Castle Von Frandsen from Lake Pend Oreille. (Photo by CAROLINE LOBSINGER)

Bonner County Daily Bee

Life

Idaho castle magic — for 7 million bucks

Those who have the dough can live like a medieval monarch on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille…

Life

Amtrak offers voucher after “service disruption.” Can it do that?

A couple had tickets on Amtrak’s Auto Train. Then the rail carrier canceled and offered them a ticket…

Baden-Baden’s casino has the elegance of a royal palace, but anyone who pays the fee and meets the dress code can come to gamble or people-watch.

Life

Rick Steves’ Europe: Time to relax in Germany’s Black Forest

Baden-Baden offers the ultimate spa experience. There’s one catch for body-conscious Americans — you have to disrobe.

Life

A personal journal can become your own time machine

Recording your daily thoughts and experiences can help you later see how you’ve developed and changed.

Caption: Spokane Falls was one of many delights on a surprise-filled trip to Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Life

Family takes a mystery trip that’s full of adventure

Her family was minutes away from leaving on a road trip, but there was a catch — they…

Broken mirrors don’t have to be bad luck. This one was made into a piece of folk art that still had its use.

Life

‘Make-do’ mirror from a frugal era is prized today

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” These were words to live by…

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Ayesha’

Life

Great Plant Pick: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Ayesha’

This shrub’s flowers are unforgettable, especially with a background of dark green conifers. Bit it’s thirsty in summer,…

Begonia grandis. (North Carolina State University Extension Service)

Life

A tropical treasure that is hardy for the Northwest

Begonia grandis need not be treated as an annual in the Northwest maritime garden. It will brighten any…

Tom Nechville and Linda Leavitt jam together in the shade on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Darrington Bluegrass Music Park in Darrington, Washington. Nechville and Leavitt, both now living in Oregon, are visiting the festival for the first time this year. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Local News

They’re strumming, picking, and jamming again in Darrington

After a two-year hiatus, the Darrington Bluegrass Festival returns. The music tradition is turning 45.

7057: Lisa Estridge* as Donna Sheridan with the cast in Village Theatre’s Mamma Mia! Photo by Gabriel Corey.

Life

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

The Village Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” opens in Everett, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers The Zombies perform…

Compressed Cube Tensegrity Sculpture is one of the first sculptures seen from the east parking lot Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Earth Sanctuary in Clinton, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Local News

For $7, take a walk on the spiritual side of Whidbey Island

The 72-acre nature preserve has sculptures and sacred spaces. “It is contemplative, peaceful and magical.”

The 2022 Buick Enclave has seating for up to seven passengers. With the second and third rows of seats folded, cargo capacity is an impressive 57.7 cubic feet. (Buick)

Life

Design revisions, new standard safety features for 2022 Buick Enclave

The seven-passenger, three-row SUV is considered midsize, but interior volume is decidedly large.

A quilt titled “Wheel of Fortune” hangs on the fence at one of the Mukilteo garden-quilt tour homes on Thursday, July 7, 2022. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Local News

Garden tours are blooming in Mukilteo, Edmonds and Mill Creek

The July tours feature quilts, artists and musicians in addition to pretty plants galore.

Nik Clovsky performs a song off his new album at his home Saturday, April 9, 2022, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Life

Musical journey takes Marysville man from grunge to the blues

Nik Clovsky, who works in the state juvenile justice system, finds solace in music. He released an 11-song…

Life

Allegiant Air left his home airport. What does he do with this credit?

When Allegiant Air pulls out of Bruce Sidaway’s home airport, what happens to the $117 voucher he has?…

A view of sea, sky and Vernazza.

Life

Taking in beautiful Vernazza from Lorenzo’s view

The hilltop cemetery in the Italian Cinque Terre village offers and unbeatable vista of a timeless setting.

Life

How many choices are too many for children?

Today’s parents have given their kids more power and control than previous generations. But there needs to be…

Jennifer Bardsley's new book "The History of Us" comes out on July 12th from Montlake. You can find it on Amazon or borrow it from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Life

Jennifer Bardsley’s new novel is full of memories

She overcame transient global amnesia to complete the book set in a fictional waterfront Washington town.

Life

Sustainability inspiration – just in time for summer

WM education and outreach team members share their favorite tips for waste reduction.