Reset search
Seattle & Washington State
  • Sarah Ryan

Seattle & Washington State

A 8-day adventure by Sarah Read more
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    April 15, 2024
    Sarah RyanSeattle & Washington StateTraveler

    Palihotel Seattle

    Apr 15–18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Day 1 American Affair Fam Trip
    Finally arriving into Seattle after being cancelled from the Virgin flight and moved to a later Delta departure. We checked into the Palihotel a stones throw away from the famous Pike Market and Seattle waterfront.

    Palihotel Seattle is a contempory boutique hotel in an ideal location for exploring Seattles many pounts of interest.

    With 96 guest rooms, restaurant, bar, coffee outpost and a cozy lobby lounge, Palihotel Seattle is located in the original site of the 1900’s-era Colonnade Hotel, now a national registered historic building, as part of Palisociety’s commitment to preserving the property’s stature in the city. 

    Palihotel Seattle is also home to The Hart and The Hunter, the second outpost of the brand’s popular, southern-inspired Los Angeles eatery. Established in Los Angeles in 2011, the award-winning, neighborhood restaurant offers the perfect pairing of Southern influence with local Pacific Northwest ingredients and flavors. 

    We were met by Sam from Visit Seattle. As we arrived late our itinerary changed. Time for a quick bite to eat at Alibi Room, hidden in the cobblestone streets of post Alley past the famous gum wall. This place reminded me of a microbrewy back in the UK. A small venue, perfect for casual dining with some classic menu options. The sausage and Basil pizza is a must here and mid week some good deals on cocktails, happy hour!!

    We were then ready to head back to the Palihotel to re charge for our first full day in Seattle.    Read more

  • Sarah RyanSeattle & Washington StateTraveler

    Pike Place Market etc...

    April 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Woke up ready to explore the Emerald City!
    Started the day with breakfast at The Hart And The Hunter which is the hotel restaurant at the Palihotel. Really love the feel of this American laid back diner. The waffle was great! Perfect for a quick bite to eat or something more substantial.

    We then made our way, with Sam from Visit Seattle, to meet our guide Jonathan, for our Eat Seattle food tour of Pike Place Market. A great introductory to some food I would have never tried. Clam Chowder was nice and different. The sourdough chowder bowls looked great!
    I wasn't sure what to expect when friends told me that I'd likely see fish being tossed at Pike Place Market. I thought, why not join in whilst I'm here! I managed to catch a Salmon.

    We then made our way via Monorail to Westlake Centre to see the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden Glass museum and MoPop (museum of Pop) All amazing attractions and a must see if in Seattle.

    Following this, we made our way via taxi to Fremont Brewing Compang to sample a local bear then a short walk to Gas Works Park situated on the waters edge.

    To finish the day we ate at Mexican restaurant, Pablo y Pablo. Fantastic service, great food and cocktails. This place was definitely inviting and provided a great atmosphere.    Read more

  • Sarah RyanSeattle & Washington StateTraveler

    Starbucks Reserve...

    April 17, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Another fun packed itinerary after a light breakfast at the hotel.

    We headed to Starbucks Reserve for a tasting session. Seattle is home to the first Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Only nine blocks from the original Starbucks Pike Place store.

    A great tasting session and insight on coffee trends that started right here. We tried *Whiskey Barrel-Aged "Cold Fashioned" *Oleato Deconstructed *Nitro Cold Brew Affogato (my favourite) The only Starbucks to Roast and package on site before being shipped all over the world.

    We then took a short taxi ride to the waterfront, where we boarded a narrated Harbor Tour courtesy of Argosy Cruise. We had perfect sunshine which made for beautiful views of the Emerald City skyline. Loved the Smiths Tower and seeing clear mountain views to my right and city/stadiums to the left.

    Lunch was at Ivars Fish Bar. Great for a quick bite to eat. Watch out for the Seagulls.

    A little time after lunch to explore the waterfront which included Seattle Aquarium, The Great Wheel and Wings over Washington (theatre style ride which feels like you are flying through the Seattle/Washington state) Also a little time for souvenirs.

    A short walknback towards the hotel and a few more blocks took us to SAM (Seattle Art Museum) We didn't get much time here but managed to see enough of the exhibitions and feature art from around the world.

    A further stroll to Bill Speidels Underground Tour at Pioneer Square. This tour was a bit irry but I was intrigued to find out more about what use to be situated underground. Subterranean storefronts and sidewalks which were built on top of after the great fire of 1889.

    Finally we were ready for dinner and this place did not disappoint. My favourite dinner spot on this trip. Bangrak Market offers fabulous Thai street food. The venue was colourful and packed. A very popular choice, a lively atmosphere but still casual.

    A late drink to finish the evening at rooftop bar, The Nest. A popular meeting point that gets busy during weekends. We were lucky to find a spot as it was a Wednesday evening. Stunning views down to the waterfront and Pike Place Market.    Read more

  • Sarah RyanSeattle & Washington StateTraveler

    Nordic History, Woodinville Winery...

    April 18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Early start for breakfast at The Hart And The Hunter before meeting Lisa from State of Washington Tourism and Marty from Evergreen Escapes (Marty was our driver and tour guide) Marty has extensive experience connecting travellers with the Pacific Northwest especially National Parks.

    A quick stop at Fremont to find the original concrete troll. A cement sculpture created by 4 artists under a bridge and Ballard Locks where the waterway system connects the saltwater of the Puget sound to the fresh water of Lake Union. Lovely botanical gardens surrounding which draws locals to the area and tourists.

    Then on to the National Nordic Museum. I found this museum fascinating. Sharing Nordic culture and values. We had a guided tour during our visit.

    On to Woodinville Winery Districts. A small town vibe with growing community of celebrated wineries, craft Brewries and distilleries. Can purchase a Hollywood pass which allows access to 4 wine tastings.
    woodinvillewinecountry.com
    We had lunch at Maryhill tasting room and Bistro and got to sample some wine. A beautiful building with original features from days as a schoolhouse. Previously used as a wedding venue.

    Woodinville is great for any wine enthusiasts and only 30 minutes drive from Seattle.

    After lunch we walked across the road to Darby Winery where we met wine maker Darby. Loved this place and would definitely return. More modern decor, a little on the dark side. Had, what looked like, a secret room. Door in the bookcase which took you through to a small room that could be used for private hire, where you can play vinals and relax with a glass of wine infront of the fire.

    A quick stop at Willows Lodge accommodation. 5 minute walk from Darby Winery.
    A stunning property with large fully equipped bedrooms and a rustic feel. Perfect place if you are planning a stop over in the beautiful wine district. Also has an award winning spa.

    A short drive towards Issaquah to meet our host for the evening at Fairfield Inn. This will be our hotel for the night. After checking in we made our way towards the town in search of another troll. The wooden troll was sculpted by artist Thomas Dambo.

    Then on to Boehm's Candies where we met Bernard who guided us through the small chocolate factory to see how things are run and told us how the business was left in his hands to run with his family after the passing of founder, Julius Boehm, an Austrian who moved to Seattle in early 1940s. He opened his first candy store in Seattle 1942 and second store in Issaquah which looks like an alpine chalet. They offer chocolate making classes. We even got to try some chocolate. Also appeared on popular childrens programme Blippi.

    Finally, to finish off a great day exploring. We headed to Gilman Village. Where we were able to visit local independent shops and sample the delicious menu at the Well & Table for dinner. This restaurant has seasonal menus, providing plenty of variety. Great atmosphere with outside seating area. A popular choice with local residence. A lovely end to a busy day.    Read more

  • Sarah RyanSeattle & Washington StateTraveler

    Mount Rainier

    April 19, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C

    Breakfast at The Fairfield Inn Issaquah. Help yourself buffet style.

    Then ready for our National Park Adventure with Evergreen Escapes. Marty our guide collected us soon after breakfast where we checked out and loaded the van with our luggage.

    We were told to layer up for our Mount Rainier experience and that's just what we did. We stopped a few times on route to visit waterfalls, forests with towering trees and the beautiful scenery.
    Really hard to believe we'd been in Seattle the day before and now stood infront of volcanoes about to snowshoe with our guide Marty. The trail was picturesque and some what calming with nobody in sight but our group.

    We then found a secluded spot for lunch provided by Evergreen Ecapes. Such peaceful and beautiful surroundings.

    2.5hour drive to our next hotel to meet director of Sales, Genevieve, Aloft hotel. Then the hotel shuttle to take us to local restaurant in SeaTac, Sharp's Roast House. Voted one of the best restaurant in SeaTac. American Cruisine and impressive cocktails with great presentation. The Applewood Pork Mac n Cheese was amazing!!

    Back to the hotel bar for a nightcap. Hotel bar was very relaxed. Live music on Thursday and Friday evenings.    Read more

  • Sarah RyanSeattle & Washington StateTraveler

    Bainbridge Island

    April 20, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Breakfast to go from the Aloft then transfer to the ferry terminal. Departing on Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge Island.
    The ferry was a seemless 35 minute journey. Very smooth and great views to the right of mountains then to the left the Emerald City skyline.

    Christina From Visit Bainbridge met the group at the port and guided us to the local shops, museum of art. A small quaint museum with contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region. After purchasing a few local souvenirs we made our way on foot to Cafe Hitchcock. Great lunch spot, perhaps because it was the weekend, it was very busy but we were quickly seated and provided with menus. I opted for a chicken salad which was delicious and very filling.

    After lunch we would stretch our legs at Bloedel Reserve. A truly wonderful garden of nature. A short walking tour but enough time to get a glimpse of what people can expect here.

    Then, on to our first tasting at Fletcher Bay Winery where we each had a flight sampling a mix of wines also local Gin, Vodka and whiskey. A nice touch was the bakery treat we got to sample from the local bakery nearby.

    Our transfer then took us to the Inn at Pleasant Beach. We were shown around the hotel grounds which were stunning. And got to see one of the rooms which were all unique.
    A lovely relaxed feel here, away from hustle and bustle of city life. Locals often stay here. The site has a dog grooming palour where they will also dog sit if you want to venue out on the island. A restaurant within the complex, a pub and a few shops. Also has an outdoor pool, gym and spa facilities.

    We dined at the Marketplace restaurant, pleasant Beach Village. Where you can grab a coffee from the coffee house or purchase from the delicatessen. Serves a variety of food options with families often visiting in the morning for freshly baked pastries. Chilled vibe and a friendly atmosphere.

    Finally to finish our evening we got to listen to Seattle singer songwriter Nick Drummond at the hotel bar before catch a late ferry back to Seattle.    Read more

  • Sarah RyanSeattle & Washington StateTraveler

    Museum of Flight

    April 21, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Breakfast to go from the Aloft.

    A suggestion from Chantelle, Port of Seattle, was to stop by a local bakery to grab a coffee and pastries which we did on route to our final museum of the trip.
    The Museum of Flight was better than I expected. We were shown around by Greg who gave us an introduction to the largest private air space museum in the US. Also home to The original Boeing Aircraft factory. Lots of fun to be had here. Flight simulators, interactive exhibits as well as being able to climb onboard many aircrafts including concorde, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Air Force One to name a few. Great day out for the family, would definitely recommend.

    It was then time to depart and make our way to the airport for our flight back to London.    Read more

    Trip end
    April 22, 2024
  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice