Author: dkaltenb

South Lake Union and Maria Sabina Restaurant

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The hustle and bustle of South Lake Union is back. On a sunny and warm Friday evening, we walked the streets of this Seattle neighborhood. It has everything you could need…gyms, restaurants, shopping, recreation, parks, and services. So many to choose from. It’s a diverse area of ages, cultures, lifestyles. As many employees are returning to the office, the local economy is again thriving. The number of those out and about and the traffic can confirm that.

At the southern tip of Lake Union, you’ll experience people jumping from the bridge into the water (or swimming nearby), art displays, parks, boats, and the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), the Center for Wooden Boats, and you’ll see the South Lake Union Streetcar or Trolley (nicknamed the SLUT) transporting those from stop to stop consisting of 1.3 miles. We happened to catch a car from CA parked on the track, therefore the trolley could not continue to its next stop. A visit to The Spheres is in the future. https://www.seattlespheres.com/

Eat at Maria Sabina Mexican Restaurant, located on Westlake Avenue North. The flavors and quality of the meal is top notch. Service is ok. And on a nice day, the doors open up for that treasured indoor/outdoor experience. The sauces and salsas are tasty, including the side of guacamole. The menu has a nice variety to choose from; which makes one want to return. Recommended (and shown here) are the nachos, house salad, and also the mushroom taco, and chicken Tinga taco. https://www.marinasabinarestaurant.com/

Check out visitseattle.org/neighborhoods/south-lake-union/ for more info.

Multnomah Falls

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The Columbia River Gorge hosts a plethora of waterfalls and recreation. Multnomah Falls is within four hours reach of Seattle…typically, 3 hours give or take depending on traffic.

A new feature for visiting Multnomah Falls is a timed entry permit. From May 26 through September 4, reservations are available on an hourly basis from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a shuttle making the rounds between the different waterfalls along the historic highway too.

Visit the lodge (built in 1925), grab a bite, photograph it and the beautiful nature that surrounds the four season waterfall. It’s 620 feet, making it Oregon’s tallest waterfall. Hike to the top and take in the views. There are 11 switchbacks to get to the overlook.

For more information, check https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089144/ticket/10089145

Northwest Trek

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So, after many years of wanting to experience Northwest Trek in Eatonville, WA, it happened. We missed seeing the moose calves by a week 😦 but enjoyed seeing bison during the Wild Drive. Much of the time spent was viewing and learning more about black and grizzly bears during Bear Camp. The rangers and those that educate and take care of this beautiful park are amazing – Thank you! Grab a bite, bring in a picnic, get some swag, take a walk amongst the park’s trails, and enjoy the nature around you.

For more info and tickets, see https://www.nwtrek.org/

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Seattle Sunset Sailing

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What an adventure! Beautiful Seattle weather just before a lightening storm. Head West my friends! Pier 56. Sailing Seattle Tours. Two hours. Enjoy the sunset. Check out the FAQ and more info here – https://sailingseattle.com/

This May we joined the 7 pm sunset sail and saw parts of the beautiful Northwest, great water views and staff, and had an overall fun experience. It’s for someone who is visiting the area for the first time, for someone who hasn’t been aboard a sailboat before, or for those who need to experience it again… and it rocked! We experienced wind, breaking waves, the sail, and calm waters. Bring layers as you may need it. And a couple friends and a bag with dessert and bubbly just may enhance the experience.

COA Mexican Eatery

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All I can say is… BEST MEAL EVER! Locations in La Conner and Mount Vernon, WA. I was able to enjoy it in La Conner. https://www.coalaconner.com/

Although I am a taco or enchilada gal typically, I chose the Burrito Chiquito… a flour tortilla stuffed with choice of meat, rice, beans, pico de gallo, fresh greens & cheese. Drizzled with pimento sauce, poblano crema and mole sauce. Topped with pickled onions and queso fresco. Side garnished with mango pico. So good…Amazing! The salsa and chips hit the spot. The ambiance and decor resonated with me…the music, the natural stones in the bathroom sink too. I took part of my meal to go and was thankful.

Hood Canal Experience

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Last minute road trip in the #pnw Puget Sound area. Great weather. The Olympic Mountains showcased their beauty.

Seattle to Union to Bainbridge Island.

Stopped at Bent Bine Brewery in Belfair, WA. Enjoyed Skogkat Red and took one to go.

Sleep, Dine, Self Care and the natural beauty of Alderbrook Lodge & Spa area. https://www.alderbrookresort.com/

Love my https://eqpdgear.com/ bags for travel and more.

Ridgetop Red…my favorite from Silver City Brewery in Silverdale, WA. The beer is good on tap or in a bottle. https://silvercitybrewery.com/

My intention was to stop at Bloedel Reserve but cell service isn’t the best in this area and they require entry tickets purchased online in advance. https://bloedelreserve.org/

Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, Bainbridge Island. Volunteer Carolyn is priceless. https://bijaema.org/

Bruciato – enjoy your Napolitano style pizza, cutting it with scissors. Bainbridge Island on Winslow Way E. https://www.pizzeriabruciato.com/

Bainbridge Island Art Museum. https://www.biartmuseum.org/ Especially loved the Indigenous artwork of Peg Deam (Suquamish). Go! Experience this lovely exhibits and all it has to offer. I really liked that it is all current work.

Ferry ride makes for a true #pnw experience. https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries

Living the best life when I can.

Art Walk Edmonds… and a Pub

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Art Walk Edmonds occurs the third Thursday of the month from 5 pm – 8 pm. This is a good chance to see the galleries, businesses that showcase local artists. Make it fun by choosing your favorites in each location, making it an outing with friends. You might just find something that will be showcased in your home or business. As part of the Walk, you may even find a demo like at the impressive Aria Studio Gallery by Joan Archer. https://www.artwalkedmonds.com/

Prior to stepping out on the streets of Edmonds, have a meal at the Churchkey Pub. Craft beer, specialty cocktails and the most satisfying pub fare out there. The Rachel sandwich is fabulous – fresh sliced turkey breast piled high with sauerkraut, swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing on marble rye (although I chose sourdough bread). The side salad was fresh and a great mix of nuts and veggies, nicely presented. And the blue cheese dressing is… maybe the best ever! Check out the menu at https://churchkeypub.com/

Local Appreciation Day

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Pike Place Market is celebrating all things local. January 28th started it off with a shopping bag (love it!) giveaway for the first 500 shoppers who spend $50 or more at the shops and restaurants in the Market area. Entertainment was showcased too.

There will be weekly prizes throughout the month of February. 

So, go and experience the Pacific Northwest vibe and shop local. See the charms, the gum wall too. Participate. We did.

pikeplacemarket.org