The excitement began on Tuesday, March 13 with Seabrook’s appearance on King 5’s New Day Northwest.  It was such an honor to share the Seabrook story with New Day’s loyal watchers and to announce our Win A Beach House for a Year Sweepstakes!

Since Tuesday, we have been absolutely astounded by the response to the contest.  In fact, our contest website was literally overwhelmed by people who wanted a chance to win a beach home at Seabrook!  Fortunately, everything is back up and running smoothly, but we would like to extend an emphatic thank you to everyone who gave us their feedback on the contest web site and helped us get it back up to full speed!

Due to the inconveniences resulting from our website’s challenges this week, we’ve decided to postpone this week’s 2-night stay giveaway.  Instead, we will be giving away TWO 2-night stays next Friday, right here on the Seabrook blog!

We are so excited to be able to share our town as well as Grays Harbor County with so many new people, but even more so, we are excited to share why this contest is much more than a fun giveaway!

Did you know?

• Tourism is the fourth largest economic sector in Washington State
• 144,000 people in Washington have tourism-based jobs
• In 2010, $15.2 Billion was spent by visitors at Washington businesses

Your participation in the contest and learning about the incredible experiences found on Visitgraysharbor.com and SeabrookWA.com will have a tremendously positive impact on the Grays Harbor economy!  If you decided to take a trip as a result of what you learn, you’ll have an even greater impact!  In fact, in 2010 alone, Tourism in Grays Harbor County had the following impact:

• Visitors spent $39.2 Million on lodging alone
• $1.2 Million in County Lodging taxes were collected for reinvestment into promotion of Grays Harbor Tourism
• Greater than 10% of all jobs in Grays Harbor County are tourism based

Tourism has an enormous affect on the quality of life in Washington!  With that said, Seabrook and Grays Harbor are committed to making Grays Harbor County a place where visitors and residents alike can experience a sustainable quality of life, through job creation and community development.  Our mission with the Beach House for a Year Sweepstakes is to make more people aware of the unforgettable memories one can create while visiting Grays Harbor and Seabrook.

If you’re interested in learning more about this important piece of our economy, Seabrook and Grays Harbor Tourism are both committed supporters of the Washington Tourism Alliance and the Tourism Matters campaign (created by the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau).  Both organizations are great resources!  You can also find a wealth of information on the statewide impact of tourism in Washington State found on  the Why Tourism Matters web site!

Let us know your thoughts on this aspect of our contest and we sincerely thank you for participating!  See you all at the beach very soon!

The paths and trails of Grays Harbor County are prime year-round destinations for visitors that want a gentle outdoor experience or something more adventurous.

In the “Guide to Walks and Trails of Grays Harbor County,” an informative and easy-to-read directory captures the unique landscapes of the area. With a host of suggested picturesque routes located across the county, from Lake Quinault to the Capitol State Forest, there is a path for every adventurer.  The guide is a useful tool for visitors searching for a relaxing walk, scenic exercise, family-friendly trecks or those seeking a challenge on steeper terrain. This guide offers outings through forested lands, the famed temperate rain forests, coastal estuaries, urban walks and relaxing riverside strolls.  The free, four-color guide is available through the Grays Harbor Tourism office in Elma.

Grays Harbor is also the destination for unforgettable hunting and fishing adventures. As waterfowl hunting moves into its close, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials say this season may have offered the best opportunity in more than 50 years.  Next season may promise the same.  Waterfowl biologists have reported the best fall flights of migrating ducks since 1955,” said Greg Schirato, deputy director of WDFW’s Wildlife Program. “The opportunities haven’t been this good in most hunters’ lifetimes.”  Schirato said the bounty this season was due to good rainfall in northern waterfowl breeding grounds last summer, as well as favorable conditions here for duck and goose production. The abundance of birds made this a good season for waterfowl hunters to introduce newcomers to the sport, he said.  Hopefully this trend continues and the 2012-13 waterfall season will offer the same opportunities.

WDFW has launched a new waterfowl hunting feature on its website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/waterfowl/ to offer information for new or returning waterfowl hunters, ranging from the basics of duck and goose identification to details on hunting locations, equipment, licensing requirements and handling harvested waterfowl.

The department has also been working to provide additional places to hunt on state-managed lands and is working with landowners to open private lands to hunting within the county. Waterfowl hunting success traditionally increases as the season progresses with influxes of migrant birds and added hunting days.

If you’re an angler and enjoy testing your luck on the water, early season reports have Grays Harbor rivers producing strong numbers of stealhead this winter, as well.  The Satsop, Wynooche, upper Chehalis, Humptulips and Quinault River systems have reported stretches of good fishing. The best numbers are being reported as rivers begin to fall from high water levels.  A state record catch is only one cast away!

Seabrook, Wash., a new-urban resort town located on the Washington coast, announced today the launch of their ‘Beach House For A Year’ sweepstakes. The town is partnering with Grays Harbor County to kick off this contest as part of the County’s 2012 tourism efforts.

Despite the tough economic climate, tourism is a growing economic sector in Grays Harbor County. “We’re thrilled with the opportunity to partner with Seabrook to expose people to the beauties of Grays Harbor and the Washington coast,” said Mike Bruner, Director of Fairgrounds and Tourism for Grays Harbor County. “We offer tourist attractions across the four major sectors, food and cuisine, natural beauty, art culture and heritage, and outdoor adventure. There’s truly something for everyone and we can’t wait to introduce ourselves,” Bruner said.

The sweepstakes, open to everyone nationwide, is an online-based trivia game. For seven weeks, participants log on to Seabrook’s web site and every Tuesday they’ll have the opportunity to answer six trivia questions about Seabrook and Grays Harbor. Each right answer is an entry in the sweepstakes.

One winner will be chosen at random to receive the grand prize, 12 months of unlimited use of a Seabrook beach house. In addition to the grand prize, Seabrook is also handing out a prize every week of the contest. Each weekly winner will receive a two-night stay at Seabrook.

Casey Roloff, Seabrook’s President and CEO, says this sweepstakes is one-of-a-kind. “Having unlimited use of one of our beautiful, craftsman beach houses for a year is truly a once in a lifetime event.” Roloff explained that he’s constantly working to add to the lifestyle that Seabrook offers residents and visitors. “We’ve just opened our indoor swimming pool and we’re currently working on our town hall. The Seabrook team works hard to create an unforgettable experience for our guests. I know the winners of the Beach House For A Year Sweepstakes will fall in love with our beach town,” said Roloff.

With its relaxed and casual lifestyle, Seabrook includes beach cottages of all sizes and styles. It is home to a growing retail district that currently includes a gourmet grocery market, pub-style, family-friendly restaurant, pottery painting studio, logo wear shop, dog boutique, Spa, and book store.

“Seabrook’s uniqueness starts with our walk-able footprint that welcomes pedestrians and bicyclists to a mix of primary residences, second homes, and popular beach rental cottages that are built upon green building principles,” explained Roloff. “Since our groundbreaking in 2004 we’ve put a strong emphasis on complementing the natural landscape by implementing a continuous system of preserved greenways, parks, and natural areas for residents and visitors alike to enjoy,” he continued.

To enter the Beach House For A Year Sweepstakes visit www.seabrookwa.com. Terms and conditions apply.

About Seabrook
Established in 2004 on the Washington coast, Seabrook is a growing pedestrian-friendly town, which currently has 200 homes with plans to expand to 303 single-family homes. Seabrook is home to 50 permanent residents and more than 35,000 vacationers each year through the cottage rental program. For more information visit www.seabrookwa.com or call (360) 276-0099 or to book a rental cottage visit www.seabrookcottagerentals.com.

This coastal region of Washington is where history was written before there were words and where the lore and legends of the Quinault Indian Nation describe the topography and natural features better than any map. There is an open invitation to listen to the birds along the estuary, the crashing waves and the deep quiet of the Temperate Rainforest. Here you’ll learn the true language of the Pacific Northwest.

Near Hoquiam, the Grays Harbor National Refuge extends its muddy tide flats as feeding grounds for thousands of shorebirds that migrate the Pacific Flyway during the spring and summer months. The Grays Harbor Estuary allows visitors to hike along Sandpiper Trail to a boardwalk that leads through the forest to the seashore.

Tremendous views of the beach and the sight of thousands of shorebirds will thrill any visitor. Up to 16 different species of shorebird are commonly found here. In late April or early May, a shorebird festival brings experienced birders and newcomers together for a delighted education. A useful trail and birding map of the region is available from Audubon Washington.

Where the Copalis River greets the sea is a hot-spot for razor clam digging, fishing and a drivable beach. At Griffiths-Friday Sate Park, a 364 acre marine park, there is a marine shoreline where salt and fresh water mix. The Copalis Ghost Forest, a grove of red cedar and spruce trees killed by a massive earthquake in 1700, is located on the banks of the river and is reachable by canoe or kayak.

A fine sand spit located at the end of Pacific Beach offers unbroken views of the ocean. This beach area is perfect for strolling, flying kites, building sand castles and viewing marine wildlife. The “Kelpers Day Celebration” over Labor Day Weekend brings kelp enthusiasts to this area for three days of event fun, each year.

Once the thriving end-of-the-line of the Northern Pacific Railway, Moclips is yet another popular beach destination. On the bluffs overlooking the ocean, the Museum of the North Beach offers an opportunity travel back through the area’s fascinating history. Somewhat of a culinary Mecca, Moclips, Seabrook and the Ocean Beach area are home to several outstanding restaurants that feature local produce, seafood and even game. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to experience coastal cuisine at its finest.

The coastal rivers of Grays Harbor County, such as the Chehalis, Satsop, Wynooche, Humptulips and Quinault, all offer world-class salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities. Lucky anglers will be in for the battle of a lifetime when hooking into one of these beautiful and spirited fish. A state record catch is only a cast away.

The Lake Quinault area offers unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities. This amazing and large lake is located in the rainforest, nestled into a pristine valley at the base of the Olympics. It is the welcome mat to the Olympic National Park. Casual early morning and late evening drives around the lake often produce sightings of herds of the prestigious Roosevelt Elk, Blacktail Deer, Bald Eagles, the occasional Black Bear, and even the rare Cougar sighting. Visitors will never find a better opportunity to view a variety of wildlife in their natural setting, from the comfort of their vehicle. The lake Quinault area, with its abundant wildlife, waterfalls, and trail system through the wondrous Rainforest is a Wildlife Photographer’s dream.

Located just a few hours from Seattle and Tacoma, the paths and trails of Grays Harbor County are prime year-round destinations for visitors that want a gentle outdoor experience or something more adventurous.

In the “Guide to Walks and Trails of Grays Harbor County,” an informative and easy-to-read directory captures the unique landscapes of the area. With a host of suggested picturesque routes located across the county, from Lake Quinault to the Capitol State Forest, there is a path for every adventurer.

The guide is a useful tool for visitors searching for a relaxing walk, scenic exercise, family-friendly treks or those seeking a challenge on steeper terrain. This guide offers outings through forested lands, the famed temperate rain forests, coastal estuaries, urban walks and relaxing riverside strolls.

The free, four-color guide is available through the Grays Harbor Tourism office in Elma as well as at the Grays Harbor Visitor Information Center in Aberdeen, chambers of commerce offices throughout the county.

A strong waterfowl-hunting season is coming to an end just as a promising steelhead season gets under way:
Grays Harbor is also the destination for unforgettable hunting and fishing adventures. As waterfowl hunting moves into its close, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials say this season may have offered the best opportunity in more than 50 years. Next season may promise the same.

Waterfowl biologists have reported the best fall flights of migrating ducks since 1955,” said Greg Schirato, deputy director of WDFW’s Wildlife Program. “The opportunities haven’t been this good in most hunters’ lifetimes.”

Schirato said the bounty this season was due to good rainfall in northern waterfowl breeding grounds last summer, as well as favorable conditions here for duck and goose production. The abundance of birds made this a good season for waterfowl hunters to introduce newcomers to the sport, he said. Hopefully this trend continues and the 2012-13 waterfall season will offer the same opportunities.

WDFW has launched a new waterfowl hunting feature on its website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/waterfowl/ to offer information for new or returning waterfowl hunters, ranging from the basics of duck and goose identification to details on hunting locations, equipment, licensing requirements and handling harvested waterfowl.

The department has also been working to provide additional places to hunt on state-managed lands and is working with landowners to open private lands to hunting within the county. Waterfowl hunting success traditionally increases as the season progresses with influxes of migrant birds and added hunting days.

If you’re an angler and enjoy testing your luck on the water, early season reports have Grays Harbor rivers producing strong numbers of steelhead this winter, as well. The Satsop, Wynooche, upper Chehalis, Humptulips and Quinault River systems have reported stretches of good fishing. The best numbers are being reported as rivers begin to fall from high water levels. A state record catch is only one cast away!

“Official Best Of” provides a national audience with the very best places to visit in a growing number of states across America. “Official Best Of” solicits nominations for selections on their web site and from regional travel authorities but does not accept advertising. Official Best of researchers then scour print and online travel resources, consult with local convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce and other experts in the field to determine which nominees or attractions will be named as a “Best Of”.

Washington state’s top attractions will appear in the Official Best of Washington television special on September 17 at 2 p.m. and September 24 at 4 p.m. on KONG-TV. The special programming will also appear nationally in early October on the Discovery Channel plus the OfficialBestOf.com travel Web site.