In today's fast-paced world, a holiday often feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. With work demands, family responsibilities, and the constant pressure to be productive, it can be easy to convince yourself that a break is unnecessary. However, taking a holiday is not just about relaxing on a beach or exploring a new city; it's about recharging your mind, body, and soul, spending quality time with family, creating new memories and taking copious amounts of photographs. Taking a holiday is crucial for your well-being.
Yet again, the family and I have been on our travels, so if you get the chance, look at some of my photo updates on my site 'Urban', Travel & Landscapes', 'Wildlife', and 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles'. https://www.philhargreavesphotos.com/portfolio
It may be worth reading if you consider visiting the Pacific Northwest!
Seattle, often called the Emerald City, is a vibrant metropolis nestled between the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Known for its iconic skyline, rich cultural heritage, and the perfect blend of urban life with nature, Seattle offers something for everyone. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit this captivating city, and I want to share the highlights of my trip.
We are very lucky to have family that lives a short drive north of Seattle, and local knowledge is invaluable, so I'm sharing in the hope that somebody else can benefit from and experience what we have over the last few weeks.
The City of Seattle
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is a bustling market that is a must-visit for anyone coming to Seattle. It has a lively atmosphere, with vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to handmade crafts. Don't miss it. You can also 'quickly' stop at the first-ever Starbucks across the street, but be prepared to queue if you want a coffee!
Visiting Seattle would only be complete with a visit to the Space Needle. At 605 feet, this iconic structure offers 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. The observation deck did not disappoint - Seattle's skyline, with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the sparkling waters of Elliott Bay, was simply incredible.
You can also take a short Monorail ride alongside a visit to the Space Needle. Seattle's Monorail opened to the public on March 24, 1962, almost a month before the start of the Century 21 Exposition, also known as the 1962 World's Fair. The Monorail was built to transport visitors between the fair and downtown Seattle, and it was and still is a major tourist attraction.
A short walk from here are many attractions, such as the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and the Pacific Science Museum.
I'd also recommend a walk on the Waterfront, a collection of lively piers stacked with restaurants and gift shops.
On those rainy days, which Seattle has its fair share throughout the year, there is still so much to do. We revisited the Museum of Flight this time, a place I'll always enjoy. It has an abundance of history on where we have come in terms of flight. You can also board the BA Concorde, the original Boeing 747 prototype, a previous Air Force One, and many more. It's great!
For the ladies, the Seattle Premium Outlet is a short drive north on the I-5 to Tulalip. The wife loves it!
If you like your planes, time your visit with the Seattle Seafair as we did. The airshow over Lake Washington was amazing, and it was celebrating its 75th year! Plan your visit, buy tickets a few weeks in advance and book parking ahead of the event; otherwise, you may struggle or pay overinflated prices. https://www.seafair.org/sfw
A part of the Seattle metro area is Woodinville, where we stayed. Plenty of local amenities exist, but I wanted to call out a few for the adults. We spent an afternoon at Chateau Ste. Michelle is A Scenic wine-producing estate offering tours, tastings, summer concerts & wine-&-food pairings. You should check it out if you are in the area: upmarket and reasonably priced wine. https://www.ste-michelle.com/ There are, of course, others. The staff at Laterus were great, and the wine was superb! https://www.lateruswinery.com/
There are also many breweries; Triplehorn must be one of our favourites. https://triplehornbrewing.com/
There is also a great Mexican restaurant in Woodinville, Plaza Santa Fe - you should try it; we went twice.
Please research; there are so many places to eat and drink!
Seattle is more than just a city; it's an experience. Seattle offers something for everyone, from its iconic landmarks and diverse neighbourhoods to its thriving culinary scene and natural beauty.
Day Trip
In and around Seattle, there is no shortage of day trips, from planned whale-watching tours to self-made road trips. I can guarantee that whichever direction you drive, there will be plenty of places to stop off for food, coffee, or just to take in the scenery. This year, we went to Snoqualmie Falls.
Snoqualmie is about 40 minutes drive east of Seattle. It's a 268-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River and probably one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions. I believe it appeared in the television series Twin Peaks.
I'd recommend the walk down to the foot of the waterfall; you can take some great pictures, but be aware that the walk back to the top is steep!
The San Juan Islands
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located just off the coast of Washington state, this stunning archipelago comprises over 170 islands, with only a handful inhabited. The San Juan Islands are known for their breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and charming small towns.
We previously visited Friday Harbour in San Juan, which was amazing but wanted to try somewhere different.
We caught the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island; we were fortunate again this year and saw Orca Whales, so keep your eyes peeled!
We stayed at the Landmark Inn in the lovely village of Eastsound. Eastsound has a laid-back, artsy atmosphere, with plenty of galleries, boutiques, and cafes to explore.
If you like the outdoors, then Orcas is great. We spent a couple of days driving around the island, as there are many bays to swing by with beautiful views. Doe Bay, Deer Harbour, and Olga were our favourites. You can get from one end of the island to the other in no more than 40 minutes, so it's easy to cover in a few days. And guess what? They have a winery and brewery!
Orcas Island is also home to Moran State Park and Mount Constitution. Before you leave, it's worth the drive to the summit; you won't regret it!
If you're planning a visit to the Pacific Northwest, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the San Juan Islands, just as we did for a second time.
Leavenworth
Approximately 2 to 3 hours east of Woodinville is Leavenworth, a great drive through the Cascade Mountains with plenty of places to stop off for coffee or photos. I was in my element, although it took us slightly longer to arrive because I was taking advantage of the photo opportunities.
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains, central Washington State. Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food line Front Street. It is a slice of Germany transported to the Pacific Northwest.
It would have been rude of us to miss out on visits to the Rhein Haus, Icicle Brewery and the München Haus. There is much more to do in Leavenworth than drink German beer!
We also visited a winery! Of course, we did. Eagle Creek: https://www.eaglecreekwinery.com/ Don't miss this one!
We stayed at a wonderful Airbnb about 15 minutes down the road in Peshastin. It was an incredible A-framed cabin in the woods. My 9-year-old son loved it and didn't want to leave.
I would only recommend Moonwood in this area. It's excellent, so check it out! I'm sure it's just what you need all year round.
Leavenworth's location in the Cascade Mountains makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With hiking trails, rivers, and alpine lakes all within easy reach, there's no shortage of ways to explore the stunning natural surroundings.
My Son and I did the Swauk Forest Discovery Trail in Wenatchee National Forest. It takes about 1.5 hours and is situated just off Blewitt Pass. It's a great hike for the whole family.
Leavenworth, Washington, is more than just a tourist attraction - it's a destination that transports you to a different time and place. With its authentic Bavarian architecture, lively cultural scene, and access to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, Leavenworth offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether hiking the trails, enjoying a German feast, or simply strolling through the town's charming streets, Leavenworth will surely leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Mount Rainier National Park
The highlight of our trip.
Mt. Rainier towers majestically over the Pacific Northwest. At 14,411 feet high, it is the tallest peak in Washington state and one of the most prominent in the United States.
Because of the national park's popularity, through the summer, A timed entry reservation is required from 7:00 am to 15:00 for two areas of the park: (1) Paradise Corridor entering through the Nisqually and Stevens Canyon Entrances, and (2) Sunrise Corridor entering through the White River Entrance. You can find info here: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/fees.htm
This wasn't an issue for us. We saw the sunrise at Sunrise Point Lookout, accessible only three months of the year! Sunrise was at 05:35, and it did not disappoint. I encourage anyone to see for themselves. It's worth the early wake-up call! "I promise." There are panoramic views, stunning scenery, and beautiful wildflower meadows. I can guarantee that the sunset would be just as beautiful.
DO IT!
As we headed home, we all felt content and had a greater appreciation for the world around us. Travel teaches us to embrace the unknown, so the next time you pack your bags and head somewhere new, don't waste a moment!
We only scratched the surface. Until next time!
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