Seattle

One of my favorite cities. Home to my favorite football team. Also known as the emerald city. I love Seattle. The sights, the sounds, and the smells of an ocean port town, which boasts a Public Market right next to the water, and a ferry system that carries people and cars to any of the islands that make up the Puget Sound - or all the way to Canada, if the want or need is there. Could there be a better place to hop a plane, or train, or take road trip?

Yes? Then read on...

One of my favorite things to do in Seattle is take a ferry ride. The easiest one to take is the Bainbridge island ferry, because the terminal is so accessible. A better ferry excursion takes a little more work and planning, but it's well worth the effort. It leaves from Anacortes, and travels around the San Juan Islands. I've visited almost all of the islands in that area, but by far, my favorite is the stop at Friday Harbor on the San Juan Island. There are a lot of fun things to do right there at the ferry terminal, which is why I think it's the best ferry trip ever.

Reference a ferry schedule, by going to www.wsdot.wa.gov, and make a plan before embarking on a Friday Harbor adventure.  If you want to eat too, there are many great restaurants right near the ferry terminal. I like Cask and Schooner for something a little fancy, and Friday's Crab House for drinks and grilled/fried food. Both have an excellent view of the water, and the food is good at both as well. If you have more time, there are lots of restaurants, pubs, cute boutiques, and so on all set near or on the Main Street. There's an interesting self guided walking tour around the waterfront that should not be missed, and I highly recommend a visit to The Whale Musuem. There are resident Orca pods that travel through the Haro Straight and they are the best source for knowing where to view the whales in their habitat. There is nothing that can compare to viewing Orca whales in the wild.

Ferry trip taken? A few other fun activities await. First, make sure to visit the Ballard Locks (actually named Hiram M. Chittenden Locks). On a nice day, I could spend the afternoon here. There's a visitor center, there are big boats, there are little boats, there are even tug boats, and it's fun to watch them pass through the locks. Take a tour, or don't, but definitely stand there and witness this passage way.  If you have time, go down to the salmon run viewing area that's near the salmon tubes that shoot out the smolt (young salmon). If you're lucky there will be a  ranger inside the salmon ladder viewing area who will answer your questions about the salmon and their migration. 

The South Lake Union Trolley (aka: SLUT) is a fun way to get to Lake Union, which is another not to be missed location in Seattle, assuming a trip to the Space Needle has been visited at least once. Why? Because both should be seen in person at least once, and the SLUT will take you there for free! It's fun to look at the yachts for sale once you're at the harbor. I also like to drink a margarita at one of the many restaurants around Lake Union. Just wander around and you WILL find something fun there. Check out www.ridetheslut.com for more information. They also have a great map. 

Last but not least, take a day trip to the Fisherman's Terminal and wander around. Either purchase some sort of seafood there, or stop into Chinook's for a meal. Last time I was there, I ordered Cioppino with a Cesar salad and some Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. The Strawberry lemonade is delicious. Maybe because the strawberries are farm to table. I'm not sure, but next time I want to try the baked Blueberry dessert. The people next to me ordered it, and it looked really yummy! 

There are so many wonderful places to eat in Seattle, it would be impossible to mention them all. But to be thorough, and so I don't forget, here are a couple: Dot's in Fremont makes the best meat sandwiches I've ever consumed.  The menu changes often, but I've sampled their pastrami, roast beef, and Reuben sandwiches that were all amazing (warm meat baby), so try Dot's out, if you can. I also want to mention Bizarros just because it's a cool place, and oh so colorful. It's close to Green Lake, which is fun to walk, ride a bike, rent a paddle boat, or stroll, if you are looking for a place to exercise outdoors. 

Yes, it will likely rain at least one time when visiting Seattle - even in the summer. It's part of its charm.  Bring along an umbrella, or better yet, wear a light jacket with a hood. Most of the time, a jacket is all that's needed, and a jacket will likely keep you warm at night. If it's really warm, especially in the evening, be prepared for crowds. It seems like EVERYONE goes outside when it's nice out, because there is no place prettier. If the weather doesn't cooperate? Don't despair. The weather will camge a lot in one day.  When making plans for a day trip, any local will tell you, the weather should never be a reason to stay inside.