The first time I set foot on Washington state soil, I was
awestruck by the beauty of the surroundings, and especially the refreshing scent
of evergreen trees. No, it wasn’t
Christmas time. These trees grow wild
here, sending off a pleasant scent that virtually masks every other smell. Needless to say, it is a welcome break from
the ever-present smell of exhaust fumes, garbage, and the like. We rented a car at the airport, drove to our
hotel, the Best Western in Federal Way, a suburb of Seattle. This was the perfect place to stay, as it is
less expensive than downtown hotels, yet a great location for driving into the
city or taking side trips away from the city.
Plus, this hotel provided a nice complimentary hot breakfast prepared by
the staff from their on-site restaurant.
It really depends on your budget and what you plan to do during your
stay in the Seattle area.
A visit to Seattle would not be complete without a visit
to Pike Place Market. Home of the
world-famous flying fish, this market boasts multiple levels of vendors,
selling everything from fresh fish and produce to crafts, jewelry, and antiques. One of my favorite things to purchase is the
bouquets of fresh flowers sold here in the summer months. Very inexpensive, yet beautifully arranged bouquets,
filled with traditional flowers such as carnations, daises, and roses, as well
as more exotic ones. The only problem is
deciding which one to choose, as there are literally hundreds to choose
from! The smoked salmon is tasty enough
to snack on by itself standing right in the middle of the aisle. Take a jaunt across the street to pick up
some fresh baked cookies at Three Girls Bakery. Or visit Beecher’s Handmade Cheese for their
famous Macaroni and Cheese. For coffee
lovers, it is a short jaunt to the first-ever Starbucks Coffee Shop. One word of advice, don’t eat before you come
to Pike Place. Once you finish grazing
through the many delectable offerings, you’ll have had your fill!
While in the downtown area, you’ll definitely want to
visit the site of the 1962 World’s Fair, complete with a few midway rides, a
children’s science museum, and the iconic Space Needle. While there is an admission fee and a long
line to match, the Space Needle is a must-do on your first visit. Let’s face it. When you go home, the first question you will
hear is, did you see the Space Needle?
It is the icon of Seattle, memorialized in photographs of the city
skyline, standing 605 feet tall as the tallest observation tower in Washington
State. After all of that standing and
waiting, rest your feet and take a ride on the monorail, another historic piece
that remains from the World’s Fair.
Getting hungry?
Head to The Old Spaghetti Factory for a delicious meal that is sure to
alleviate your hunger pains. Their
Italian cuisine is just like “Mama used to make.” The well-seasoned dishes and al dente pasta
will make you think you have been transported to an Italian grandmother’s home,
enjoying a comforting meal that could only be had in the heart of Italy. You’ll delight as each meal ends with a sweet
note, a scoop of their homemade spumoni, a special Italian ice cream that is
sure to make your sweet tooth happy.
Looking to escape the concrete jungle for a day and enjoy
the beauty and sounds of nature? Head to
Mount Rainier National Park. Established
in 1899, this National Park encompasses more than 235,000 acres of natural
beauty. Situated in the midst of the
Cascade Range, the tallest peak is the gargantuan volcanic mountain known as Mount
Rainier, rising 14,410 feet above sea level.
Drive up to Sunrise for a breathtaking view, the highest point
accessible by car. Be sure to have your
camera in hand for the many mountain vistas and glaciers you will see along the
way. Go cross-country skiing in the
colder months or take a walk on one of the many trails, enjoying the
wildflowers in the spring. Whatever you
do, you’ll be surrounded by the serene beauty of the wilderness, a welcome
retreat from city life.
Finally, head over to Paradise. This location not only bears the name
Paradise, but it truly feels like a mountain paradise. Enjoy a visit to the visitor center with
informative displays and a movie about the history of the Park. Then, venture over to Paradise Inn, a
historic landmark built in 1916. Enjoy a
delicious meal at their dining hall. All
of their menu items are delicious, but my personal favorite is their venison
stew paired with garlic mashed potatoes.
The venison is cooked to perfection, smothered in caramelized gravy that
is bursting with flavor. In the
evenings, a gentleman plays familiar tunes on the antique piano in the
lobby. Before you leave, grab a brochure
listing their room rates. You’ll need
that to book a stay here for your return trip!
It is an experience that you will always remember!
If you’re still looking for adventures in nature, plan an
excursion on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, perfect for rail enthusiasts
and those seeking adventure. Marvel at
their vast array of steam and diesel-electric locomotives and enjoy the ride
through the beautiful countryside. Or
you can take a day and go volcano watching in Mount Helens National Park, a
National Monument. Of course, you may
have the desire to get away from it all for more than a day. Embark a cruise ship bound for the inside
passage of Alaska, where you can fly over a glacier in a floatplane, partake in
a bountiful buffet of freshly caught salmon, or travel into the Yukon territory
aboard the White Pass & Yukon Railroad.
If that’s not enough to spark your interest, why not go whale watching,
explore a genuine gold mine, or venture into Anchorage for a visit to the
Anchorage Museum.
Whatever you choose to do during your stay in this
Pacific Northwest paradise, it is certain that you will quickly make plans to
return. From the rugged outdoors to the intriguing
cityscape, Seattle is the perfect vacation destination for those who want it
all. And don’t worry, after all of the
adventures you’ll have in this amazing locale, you will not find yourself
sleepless in Seattle!
May you
always have joyful journeys!
Jennifer
Campbell
