The Best of Whidbey Island: A Day Trip from Seattle

Did you know that just a short drive north sits the 4th largest and longest island in the continental U.S.? Beyond its size, Whidbey Island is also a place full of beautiful, sprawling beaches, amazing hikes with breathtaking views, and local communities that have more charm then you could imagine. If you hop in the car by 9:00 AM you can have a full day exploring the island's many trails, beaches, and towns. Let us take you through a sample day away from Seattle exploring the wonderful island that is Whidbey! 

First stop, 

La Conner, WA

This quaint town isn't actually on Whidbey Island, but it's on the way and we promise you'll enjoy the stop over. Get here in the morning and have brunch at Anelia's Kitchen and Stage. They have amazing Polish pancakes and their Bloody Mary Bar is a nice icing on the brunch cake! We love a place that let's you customize! 

The masterpiece we made at Anelia's Kitchen and Stage

Walk off that big breakfast with a stroll down First Street. There are so many wonderful antique stores, art galleries, and local gift and craft shops to visit you could spend an entire afternoon here. If you are limited on time we recommend checking out a few of these extra special places.

Handmade La Conner is a wonderful store with a variety of goodies including our absolute favorite lotions and soaps! If you need a gift for someone, odds are you'll find something for them here, and most likely a thing or two for yourself as well! 

We are always a sucker for local bookstores and La Conner has a great little gem: Seaport Books. Go in for a variety of PNW authors and books along with some of the popular fiction and children's offerings. 

La Conner also has a great brewery! Stop in and try their wheat beer (our favorite) for a refreshing drink after your shopping or have a beer at one of the many riverfront restaurants and watch the boats drive by! 

Alright, now onto Whidbey!

Deception Pass State Park 

Hop back in the car and head north, through Anacortes and onto Whidbey Island. Your first stop is going to be Deception Pass State Park where the famous Deception Pass Bridge awaits you! 

There are several spots to explore in the park. Rosario Beach is a great place for easy hikes along the water or playing on the beach. There are some spots for BBQing, which also feature nice, clean restrooms. If you have a kayak or paddle board it's easy to launch from here for a nice paddle. 

Goose Rock is a nice 4 mile (round trip) hike, including some waterfront trails and rewarding views at the end. Everyone should also hop out and hike around Deception Pass Bridge. You'll want to get some photos or at least take in the sprawling structure! The many trails around it make it easy to see from every angle.

Ebey Landing 

Ebey Landing will make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, which is precisely why we love to go. Once you park in the small parking lot off Ebey Landing Road you have two choices, stroll the beach or head over to the trail along the bluff.

The Bluff Trail is a steady climb and is good for most skill levels. As you walk farther and farther away from what little civilization is behind you, you get expansive views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. 

After you've had your fair share of exploring the beautiful state parks on Whidbey, head to Coupeville for some grub.

Coupeville, WA

Situated on Penn Cove, Coupeville is known for their wonderful Penn Cove Mussells. We love Front St. Grill for their amazing menu and stunning view of Penn Cove. Get their signature coconut green curry mussels over linguine for an authentic Coupeville dish! Toby's Tavern and Mosquito Fleet Chili are also casual (and great) spots for delicious local fare. 

Wineries of Whidbey

If you prefer sipping wine more than hiking, Spoiled Dog Winery and Comforts of Whidbey are both amazing spots to check out near Langley, WA. They both close at 5:00 PM though, so you might want to also plan on dinner in Langley if you opt for this version of the day. Don't worry, there are a lot of delicious places to get mussels there too! 

Clinton - Mukilteo Ferry 

Now that the sun is starting to dip lower in the sky it's time to head south to catch the Clinton to Mukilteo ferry back to the mainland. If you still have some daylight left when you arrive in Mukilteo, the beautiful Mukilteo Light Station and Lighthouse Park is to the right of the ferry terminal as you dock and is a nice place to watch the sunset. 

It's a lot to cram in, but we promise it will be a day to remember, rain or shine. Happy exploring! 

Salish Lodge and Spa: A Relaxing and Rejuvenating Weekend Getaway

We all love to get out of the city every once in a while. Luckily in our area it's fairly easy to do. We are surrounded by remote, beautiful landscapes full of small, quaint towns. Snoqualmie is no secret; it's a great place to visit and slow down for a weekend, but what I think a lot of people don't know is it shouldn't be treated as a day trip. Oh, no. Because nestled above Snoqualmie Falls is Salish Lodge and Spa and it's an attraction in itself. Book a night and experience the history and beauty of the area. We promise you won't regret the decision. 

Here's why. 

Every room comes with the guarantee of relaxation. 

If you look up relaxation in the dictionary, it will basically say, "Why are you reading this dictionary, go to Salish and you'll know what relaxation means." It won't... but seriously, just wait you are going to be so relaxed. 

Almost every room at the lodge comes with a view of the Snoqualmie River. Every room has a jetted bathtub and goose down feather bedding. Every room has a fireplace that burns real wood. This gives off an amazingggg smell of firewood. Oh, and the rooms also come with either a balcony or a window seat, which means fresh air and waterfall sounds. See? Told ya. 

The staff are wonderful and they truly love the place they work. 

No one wants to get to their relaxing hotel getaway and have a "too cool for school" hipster staring back at them. Leave that in Seattle and arrive at a place that is happy. Salish is full of people who are proud to work in a place of esteem and history. Smiles and good humor are in abundance, which makes visiting that much more enjoyable. 

The restaurants on the premise are full of delicious food and beverages.

Salish has two amazing restaurants. The main restaurant, The Dining Room, serves up PNW fare in a stylish dining room. The best seats in the house overlook the falls, giving you the opportunity to eat your country breakfast or pan seared pacific cod while enjoying a great view. The bar in Salish, dubbed The Attic for its top of the line views from the peaks of the lodge, is great for more low-key dining. Grab a flatbread and the famous honey hopped ale for a casual night... wait for it... enjoying the view. 

The spa seems to be a place you could go to and then die happy.

Getting the "spa level" package when you stay at Salish will take your experience to a whole new level. Their therapeutic soaking pools and full suite of spa services will leave you zen AF. 

The soaking pools at Salish are calling your nameeee. Photo cred: Salish Lodge and Spa

They are committed to the environment. 

In 2011, Salish decided to commit part of their property to start an apiary for honeybees. They've now tripled their hives and these bees pollinate 80% of their flowering crops and provide the lodge with their (now famous) honey. They also have an 800 sq. ft garden that provides the on site restaurants with organic, locally-raised produce. #HealthyLiving

Even the breakfast comes with a bit of history.

Salish has been around since 1916, which means it has a teeny bit of history attached to it. Back then it was just a small eight cabin lodge offering a place to stay and a big breakfast for travelers about to head through the mountains. Now it's a beautiful, award winning hotel that is a popular destination for travelers near and far. Be sure to appreciate the native art that decorates your room and the wood-burning fireplaces.

Salish Lodge back in the day! 

Salish's best tradition happens in The Dining Room -- The Country Breakfast. Prepare your stomach and you'll walk away a happy camper. It's a four course breakfast that will take you at least an hour and half to finish, but it comes with a history of nourishing hungry travelers and the last course gets you a healthy serving of the local honey. Definitely well-worth the price tag. 

Who doesn't love a good waterfall? 

When you stay at Salish you literally sit right on top of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Washington State. At 268 feet, Snoqualmie Falls is truly a sight to see. The park that is built around it offers great views and a nice history lesson. Don't forget to watch out for the Peregrine Falcons that nest nearby. And also the selfie sticks, those things come out of nowhere. 

The gift shop is on POINT.

We do our christmas shopping here because it is full of all the best goodies. This isn't a place you go to buy a tacky t-shirt and an orca stuffed animal. It's the real deal. Think luxurious bath bombs, beautiful ornaments, and the best honey products made with love from the Salish honeybees. You'll want to budget to leave behind some of your weekend spending money here. 

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Check out our post "5 Things to Check Out in Snoqualmie, WA" for ideas if you have time to kill.

Have you stayed at Salish Lodge? We would love to hear your favorite memories and tips in the comments! 

A First Timer's Guide to Portland

Seattle is incredibly lucky to be sandwiched between so much. Whoever looked at our spot on the map way back when and decided, "Ya, this looks like a nice spot", had no idea what they had tapped into. We have water to the west, mountains to the east. Vancouver to the north and Portland to the south. 

Today we focus on our city to the south. The City of Roses. Hipster Paradise. Portlandia. Portland. PDX. Here are all the things you should hit up on your first trip to Portland, Oregon. 

Where to Stay

The Ace Hotel

When you visit Portland this is really the only place you should stay. The Ace Hotel embodies Portland perfectly. It's trendy, but low-key. It's chill and artistic. It's comfortable and approachable. The Ace is located in the wonderful Pearl District, only one block away from Powell's Books and a few more from Blue Star Donuts. Yes and yes. Book as far out as you can to ensure a spot in this amazing hotel!

Well thank you, Maurice! Your cookie was delicious.

McMenamins  

If they are booked up a great second option is McMenamins Crystal Hotel. McMenamins is also located in the Pearl District, well situated for sightseeing. Bonus adds: It has a subterranean saltwater soaking pool and a cool underground bar where you can grab a drink and see live music or comedians. 

Food/Drink

This category is where Portland shines. You can visit year round because there is nothing seasonal about the wonderful breweries and restaurants. They are amazing any time of the year, but when the patios open in the spring and summer the beer does taste just a litttttle bit better. We could never cover all the great places, but here are some to round out your trip nicely.

Blue Star Donuts

breakfast, $, Website

One of everything por favor. 

Blue Star Donuts are hands down the best donuts on the west coast. You can try to argue, but it won't get you anywhere. We love donuts. We have tried more donuts than is socially acceptable (even in America) and these win, every time. Do not go to Portland without getting Blue Star. 

Passionfruit and Cacao Nibs donut. Yum.

Try the Passionfruit & Cacao Nibs and the Original Glaze to get a taste of both the funky and classic! 

Stumptown Coffee

coffee/snack, $, Website

Stumptown is one of the PNW's most well known coffee shops and rightfully so. Their coffee is complex and smooth and they know how to make their drinks right. We love their cold brew best, but on cold days a steaming hot americano will warm up your soul. If you have any questions about home brewing they are experts and can help with that too!  

Tasty n Sons

brunch, $$, Website

This place is a hot spot for brunch. They have small and big plates, so you can share or devour something all on your own. Don't miss the Tasty Mary and the Potatoes Brava. Basically everything else on the menu tastes like heaven too, so go all out. 

Screen Door 

dinner, $$$, Website

This place will make you wait for it, but it's worth it. This southern inspired restaurant has been featured in countless magazines for their amazing menu, and we are totally on the bandwagon. Start with the hushpuppies and fried okra, then move onto their famous buttermilk fried chicken and get one of their many crazy scrumptious side dishes. And then (yes there is more, you can do it) finish the whole experience with the warm apple bread pudding. Then go for a walk...you're going to be more full than you've ever been before. 

Piazza Italia 

dinner, $$$, Website

Piazza Italia takes us right back to Italy. This quaint, friendly, and authentic spot has some of the best Italian we've had in all of the Pacific Northwest. Started by an Italian immigrant, this spot has everything you could need in an Italian restaurant: the menu, the wine, and the ambience (soccer jerseys and all). They take reservations, which we absolutely recommend making if you want to get a table (especially on a weekend). 

¿por que no? 

lunch/dinner, $, Website

Are you a taco fanatic? We are and this place is no joke. They have an awesome vibe, crazy delicious street-style tacos, and all the hot sauce you could ever need. Their guacamole is the perfect starter and make sure to try multiple tacos (chorizo, carnitas, carne asada, and the pescado are a few to get you started). Also, make sure to check out the specials board for their daily creations. 

Salt and Straw 

dessert, $, Website

Seasonal passionfruit scoop on top of a scoop of salted caramel. So. Good. 

Portland's famous ice cream shop gets 5 stars in our book. The only bad part of visiting this place is trying to decide which flavor to go with. We recommend leaving some time between your meal and your trip here to make sure you have room in your stomach for at least two scoops in a waffle cone. Our favorites? Snickerdoodle and honey lavender. 

Now for the beer. There are a million and one breweries in Portland. You really have to decide what kind of vibe you want when picking which to check out. Do you want small and low-key with a few beers on the menu or big and established with things like food and extras like cider or kombucha offered on the menu? If you don't care, well just start walking, chances are you'll just run right into a great spot. 

10 Barrel Brewing

beer/lunch, $$, Website

Beer AND delicious food. Best of everything.

10 Barrel is an established brewery that started in Bend, OR back in 2006. Three guys started brewing beer and now, over 10 years later we are all better for it. It's good beer and better yet, they have delicious food. Like shockingly good compared to most brew-pubs. Come on an empty stomach, bring friends, and have a chill couple hours. 

Other great brewery options: Hopworks, The Commons, and Bridgeport.

Activities

Portland is built on the beautiful Willamette River and is a community full of activities to do inside and out. From strolling along the river to playing video games in a dark arcade. You can find something for everyone! 

Powell's Books

When we dream of Portland, we dream of Powell's. Powell's has been in business in Portland since 1971. Over the last 40+ years they have built up a book lovers paradise. They stock both new and used books and have basically every category under the sun. Clear off a shelf on your bookcase before you visit, and grab a basket on the way in for all your finds! Website

Tom McCall Waterfront Park 

This park along the river is a great little place to take a stroll on a nice day and check out the riverfront. It is close to many other sights and easy to get to on foot. You might even run into a festival or concert in the warmer months. 

Insider tip: If you want to check out a super epic Portland bridge, wander north of the city to St. John's Bridge. 

Ground Kontrol

Ground Kontrol is a classic arcade with all the games you remember from your childhood (this statement spans multiple generations) including Centipede, PacMan, Area 51, Cruisin World, and even a few new ones to keep you guessing! Located in Chinatown, it's a great place to check out on a rainy day and after 5PM they even have a bar so you can enjoy a beer with your Terminator pinball. Website. 

Mill Ends Park - World's Smallest Park

Mill End's Park in Portland. Photo credit: @lovedayy

This teeny park located in Downtown Portland near the river was granted celebrity status in the 70s from Guinness Book of World Records as the "Smallest Park in the World." It is only 2 feet across and not much to take in, but it's a quirky part of Portland you shouldn't miss if you have time! 

Pittock Mansion

This mansion sits high on a hill looking down on the city of Portland and beyond. It is free to walk the grounds and completely worth the drive up if you have a car. The views are killer and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Hood. The house is pretty easy on the eyes too. The home was built in 1914 for the owner of The Oregonian, Henry Pittock, and his wife. The City of Portland maintains it now and you can tour the inside for $10. Website.

See a Show

Portland is a great city for live music. If you are interested in catching a show, check out this list of live venues and see if anything peeks your interest! 

Take a Brewery Tour

Full disclosure, we haven't booked a brewery tour in Portland, but if you are interested in having an expert show you around we hear Brewvana is a great option! Definitely consider this if A. you don't have a car and want to check out multiple breweries or B. you are new to drinking craft beer and want to learn all the facts and figures behind that glass of IPA you love. 

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Alright, those are our "first-timer" recommendations for visiting Portland. We honestly barely skimmed the surface though, there are so many wonderful places in this growing city. Check back for more coverage of all things to eat, drink, and do in PDX.

 Let us know what you favorite spots are in the comments and we will make sure to check them out!

Napa in Bluejeans? Walla Walla Is So Much More

Walla Walla Incubator buildings near the airport where several small wineries get their start.

Remember when hippies in coveralls with a passion for unfiltered chardonnay ran the CA Napa Valley? Me neither. Those glorious heydays expired long before I could buy my own meal in a restaurant, let alone a vintage wine worth drinking. So it makes my hackles rise when the New York Times refers to Walla Walla as “Napa in Bluejeans,” as if one of Washington’s richest viticultural areas is like your rustic cousin who’s not sure which spoon to use with his vichyssoise.

Walla Walla is its very own AVA here in Washington state, sequestered in the south-eastern corner right next to Oregon, and produces some of the finest, well-structured wines on our local shelves. Mostly small producers and several estate wineries dot the map in a relatively compact area that lends itself to a weekend wine trip over the pass. I recently spent a glorious sunny weekend over in Walla Walla in the midst of the harvest/crush so now is absolutely the time to gas up the car and scoot over I-90.

Walla Walla is broken into roughly four geographic areas, so here are a few tips as you dip your toe into this terroir-rich region:

West

As you roll into town along HWY 12, you’ll encounter several wineries including L’Ecole No 41 in an old schoolhouse, and the sprawling lovely, expanse of Waterbrook Winery. All have parking and tasting rooms, so go ahead and stop in even before you get to your hotel. Better yet, save room in your trunk to load up on a few bottles on your way back out of town as wine dies in hot cars.

Insider Tip: Old HWY 12 is also home to some great wineries, including Cougar Crest and Reininger Winery. Some require you to call for specific estate addresses so plan ahead.

North (Downtown)

Not producing wines on your estate, but want to pour for the thirsty Walla Walla crowds? Many wineries have tasting rooms within short walking distance to each other in the quaint downtown district. You can hit up several like Mark Ryan, Rotie Cellars, and Trust Cellars without even breaking a sweat. Personally, I think Maison Bleue has the most beautiful, tranquil tasting room downtown. Tasting fees are often rolled right into the cost of a bottle if you decide to buy.

Insider Tip: Several tasting rooms are by appointment only, or you must accompany a wine club member to gain access. This is true of Corliss Estates and Doubleback. Plan ahead if there’s a specific wine or winery you’d like to try and make friends with club members by following event lists or signing up for updates.

Corliss Estates keeps its back library down in its own wine cave cellar below the facility.

The remarkable tasting and event facilities at Corliss Estates.

Done at Doubleback Winery

East (Airport)

Like Woodinville with its Warehouse District, Walla Walla has transformed several industrial buildings near the airport into wine incubators for fledgling producers and full-blown production facilities for others. Nearly two dozen winemakers are happy to showcase their vintages to you there, including K Vintners, Corvus Cellars, and Palencia Wine Company (with their incredibly well-priced $20 Cab Sav). Plenty of parking and lots to try.

Insider Tip: Walla Walla isn’t just wine; there are some great craft beer makers and distillers too. Give Shot in The Dark Craft Distillery a try if you’re looking for moonshine or a delicious Apple Pie liquor that would be perfect for Thanksgiving.

Large stainless steel fermentation tanks in action during crush and production.

The pump-over method keeps the “cap” moist and healthy during primary fermentation.

South

Heading back out of town and / or into Oregon you’ll find several more estate wineries. Think long rows of vines, huge chateau style buildings, and some of the most famous dirt in all of Walla Walla: The Rocks District. The Rocks District is a sub-appellation of the Walla Walla Valley AVA, which itself is a sub-appellation of the Columbia Valley AVA. This is one of the only AVAs where the boundaries are defined by the type of soil found there: cobblestones. The rocks impart a minerality to the grapes grown there found nowhere else in the world. If you’re lucky enough to try a wine from Cayuse Vineyards or Pepper Bridge Winery, you’ll see why the stones make the difference.

Insider Tip: Plenty of delicious wine still on the Washington side of the border. This author’s favorites can be found at Va Piano Vineyards and if you visit in the fall, you might still see fruit on the vines or production happening right in front of you at the facility.

Acres of fruit-laden vines at Figgins Family Wine Estates, just outside Walla Walla.

Many tasting rooms line the streets of downtown Walla Walla and make for a great afternoon stroll.

If you feel like putting in a few hours on the road, or want to catch one of the few daily Alaska Airlines flights out of SeaTac, Walla Walla is a perfect getaway for PNW wine lovers. And here’s my last insider tip: There aren’t a ton of hotels in Walla Walla and motels might not be your thing, but in recent years dozens of new VRBO and Airbnb houses have opened their doors. If you get a few friends together you can enjoy Walla Walla on a budget, some with a full pool, hot tub, kitchen, and often times in historic adorable homes in this charming wine village.

Salud!

Amy L. Dickson is a communications professional, freelance writer, and contributor to Rain or Shine Guides. She’s currently training at the NW Wine Academy for her Level 1 sommelier certification. Follow her at @amyldickson75.