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
One of the most beautiful places on earth…Deception Pass State Park. And… 2022 is the 100th Anniversary of this fine park.
Camping. Picnicking.
Beaches. North Beach. West Beach.
Hiking. Goose Rock Summit.
History. Kokwalalwoot, the Maiden of Deception Pass at Rosario Beach.
Recreation. Bowman Bay.
Entertainment. Live music, education and more at the Amphitheater.
Beauty.
Support. https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/
Are you wanting to explore Vancouver Island a bit more? Taking the Black Ball/Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria BC is a good way to travel depending on your location. Making Victoria your home base, it makes for a good 2-3 night adventure. Traveling further north would mean a 1-2 week trip. So much to see, experience.
In Port Angeles, while waiting to board the ferry, make a stop at both the Next Door Gastro Pub and then the Country Aire Natural Foods Market for some snacks, lunch or other to take aboard. At Next Door, the fish tacos (non-blackened and grilled), were ordered, the cabbage and pickled adds really made it tasty. The local Lazy Soul hot sauce is recommended and can be purchased at the market mentioned here. https://www.camarket.org/ https://nextdoorgastropub.com/
Victoria’s Inner Harbour – Walk through the Empress. View the indigenous totem poles. Enjoy the hanging flowering baskets around town. Shop for your tourism swag. https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/blog/where-to-see-totem-poles-in-british-columbia
Eat. NUBO Kitchen + Bar (they have a busy take-out option too). https://nubokitchen.com/
Stay. Strathcona. http://strathcona.victoria-hotelcanada.com/en/
Malahat Sky Walk – See the natural beauty of the trees and animals made of branches, twigs along the walkway. The 360-degree views from the Spiral Tower are amazing. You’ll see views of the Salish Sea, Saanich Peninsula, and more. Walk the tower and take the slide down if you’re up for it. All abilities are welcome. Those that work there are so friendly. The gift shop has many options that you’ll want to take home with you (I did!). https://malahatskywalk.com/
Cowichan Bay – Shop in the village. Sailboats, fishing, houseboats, and history of Cowichan Bay is showcased here. The Halibut Burger and Pan-fried Oysters hit the spot at The Bay Pub. And we got our first taste of the Victoria local Fat Tug Beer. Yes!
Visit a winery or two while in this area. Many of the grapes, varietals are unique to Vancouver Island and you’ll try something new I’m sure. I was able to get my hands on a beautiful book named ‘Cedar + Salt’ – Vancouver Island recipes from forest, farm, field, and sea. The natural aspects of it really sings to me.
Kinsol Trestle – The Kinsol Trestle is also part of the Cowichan area. You’ll definitely get your steps in by visiting this 144-foot high attraction. This wooden trestle was originally built to transport timber (and other) by rail through the canyons, ravines. It was completed in 1920 and then after 1979, no trains made their way across it and not preserved. In 2007 plans were made to restore it and it is now part of the Trans Canada Trail network and it remains one of the loftiest wood railway trestles in the world. There are two points of access. Enjoy the views, have a picnic. So cool! https://www.tourismcowichan.com/explore/destinations-attractions/kinsol-trestle/ and https://www.cvrd.ca/1379/Kinsol-Trestle
Dinner at The Snug Pub at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Great views of the Pacific Ocean and we can attest that the beef burger, fish & chips, seafood chowder are hits. Oak Bay is a great neighborhood with fabulous beaches, like Willows Beach. There are unique trees in this area called Garry Oak and contributes to it being a photographers paradise. https://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com/ https://www.mustbevictoria.com/willows-beach
Butchart Gardens – in Spring, you’ll see tulips, hanging baskets, roses, and a lot more in bloom. It is open year-round and you’ll see different plantings based on seasons. https://www.butchartgardens.com/
Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood – Take a harbour or whale watching tour, shop, dine. Check out the commercial vessels, floating homes, boats and more. Eat at The Fish Store at Fisherman’s Wharf. Sooooo good! Enjoyed Fat Tug IPA, Halibut & Chips, and Fraser River Sturgeon while sharing a table in the sun with other visitors to the area. https://driftwoodbeer.ca/beers/fat-tug-ipa/ https://floatingfishstore.com/the-fish-store-menu/ https://gvha.ca/marinas-facilities/fishermans-wharf/
From Fisherman’s Wharf, we walked the neighborhood to The Breakwater District at Ogden Point, did the walkway and viewed the large cruise ships in port. This was a great add to the day before leaving Victoria. https://www.victoriaharbourhistory.com/locations/outer-harbour/the-breakwater-district/
A sampling of cheer. Go often.
So, Deception Pass State Park. The most beautiful multi-beach park beauty. I want my ashes spread at Rosario Beach, Deception Pass State Park…one day. Whether it be the views of the waterways, the rocky beaches and the walking trails, views of the most beautiful area of the world. #pnw It is peace and it contains Rosario Beach, Bowman Bay, North/West Beach of this beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest. I may edit this but on this last day of April 2022, I need to celebrate and share my pics of 04.09.22. It was a very windy day. A few of these pics are of La Conner, WA too. A great starting point of a beautiful #pnw day.
https://stateparks.com/deception_pass_state_park_in_washington.html
Lake Padden and Whatcom Falls. A fabulous day can be had by exploring the Bellingham area… nature, #getoutside, improving/maintaining friendship, or just getting away. And what better way to do so than exploring the beautiful #pnw in Spring. Trails to explore, waterways to reflect on.
On a beautiful day in April, Spring outings are a must. I was fortunate to take the day off and drive north to see the tulip fields and then on to Bellingham via Chuckanut Drive. The #pnw did not disappoint. As I meandered and stopped at a number of viewpoints, and due to timing missed a stop at Taylor Shellfish, I kept to my schedule and was able to visit Larrabee State Park. The experience showcased a trail in the woods, colorful artwork, walking through a tunnel as a train was traveling above, and experiencing the beauty of the coast, a rocky beach that exhibits sea creatures under the rocks and beautiful views of the Samish Bay. I purchased a Discover Pass this year and recommend it. It supports both the parks and in exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Larrabee State Park sits on Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham and is known for its postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. It is also Washington’s first state park. So interesting, eh? This park has a small number of camping sites available for booking. https://www.parks.wa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Larrabee-State-Park-124 or https://stateparks.com/larrabee_state_park_in_washington.html
So much beauty to share…
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is in full swing and the colors are vibrant. I visited in early April as the tulips were just showing themselves. In driving around the area, you might see daffodil fields abloom too. As my visit was part of a full day of travels in the Pacific Northwest, only a few stops were made… a new field along Best Road, with parking lot ($15) and also RoozenGaarde. Arrive early, especially on weekends. Although the festival is coming to a close this week, check out the variety of events, the map and more at https://tulipfestival.org/
As the name suggests, I have to love this restaurant as I love the natural elements. I’ve been The Lodge at St. Edward Start Park twice in the last week. Thanks to a friend for introducing me. I’ve always liked to try new restaurants and explore the Pacific Northwest. I used to say I wanted to go to try a different restaurant or experience each month. That has not been the case but it’s never to late to renew this goal. It’s the beginning of 2022 so maybe I’ll make it a habit. Speaking of habits, ‘Habit’ is my word of 2022. I need to change some of mine and create new ones.
So, Cedar and Elm. The ambiance is European to me. There is a piano on Friday and Saturday evenings which really adds to it. If you check out their website, you’ll see the menu exudes holistic and sustainable, seasonal, local offerings for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch and more. The St. Edward High Tea on Thursdays speaks to me for a special afternoon out with a special family member or friend.
Cedar + Elm is located in The Lodge at St. Edward State Park. Check out the history of at https://www.thelodgeatstedward.com/. The Lodge at St Edward State Park is part of Columbia Hospitality which showcases their fine portfolio including the Salish Lodge and Spa, another of my favorites. https://www.columbiahospitality.com/portfolio.php Be prepared to use the valet parking service after 5 pm as the parking lots around the site are Discover Pass related and close for the evening. https://www.thelodgeatstedward.com/dining At some point I would like to explore the trails at the park.
The menu is seasonal. As this is Winter, the first time around was the Hearth Roasted Mero Sea Bass with glazed shitake mushrooms and a bite of the apple tatin and pecan torte for dessert. I’m not a big dessert person but it was a nice ending to a good experience. I would skip the chips and dip as it’s just an unnecessary calorie filler. My friend had the Roasted Parsnip & Cauliflower soup (a big hit!) and the Crispy Shaved Celery Salad. There were plenty of people, larger groups, romantic couples that took space amongst the tables.
The second visit was for happy hour in The Tonsorium Bar located downstairs. The bar used to be a barbershop back in the day when the building was a seminary. Prior to the visit we were able to walk the grounds on the sunny winter day. Trees are my thing so I was in a happy place. As it was my husband’s birthday, we did it up well. We ordered the following and all was tasty: Pork Sandwich with fries, Local Oysters on the Half Shell, Artisan American Cheeses, Pate de Campagne, and Crisp Arancini Di Pulpi along with a sparkling wine and more. The description noted of the pecan torte was ‘off the hook’ – pure pecan bliss without the sugary mess. Katie is fabulous!!! Also, enjoyed the chat and neo-flamenco guitar performance of Andre Feriante. https://www.andreferiante.com/
Another visit might include a stay here. The Lodge has 84 rooms and also hosts space for meetings, special events like a wedding, and has spa services. The local art shown among lodge/park is impressive. My personal favorite was the ‘Rivan Stump’ piece by Robert Williamson; made of salvaged wood with brass nails. One day. You can see these beauties behind the front desk too.
The following pics are a sampling of the lodge, park grounds, and items enjoyed.
On a mid-January day, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park was a great landing spot for views of Lake Washington, the Olympic Mountains, fog on the water and the beginning of a sunset worthy of viewing. The Puget Sound area was entertained by colorful skies and fog that continues to show itself.
In nature, everything has a job. The job of the fog is to beautify further the existing beauties!
– Mehmet Murat ildan
If you’re looking for a free day to explore Washington State Parks (no Discover Pass required). Where would you like to go?
Saturday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
Monday, Jan. 17 – Martin Luther King Day
Wednesday, March 9 – Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday
Saturday, March 19 – Washington State Parks’ birthday
Friday, April 22 – Earth Day
Saturday, June 11 – National Get Outdoors Day
Sunday, June 12 – Free Fishing Weekend
Sunday, June 19 – Juneteenth
Saturday, Sept. 24 – National Public Lands Day
Monday, Oct. 10 – World Mental Health Day
Friday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
Friday, Nov. 25 – Native American Heritage Day
List provided by Deception Pass Park Foundation. https://deceptionpassfoundation.org/
Another free option is to check out your local library and borrow a Discover Pass. https://www.sno-isle.org/news/want-to-see-nature-borrow-a-discover-pass-from-us/
Or purchase a Discover Pass and help support the beauty that us Washingtonians are so fortunate to enjoy. https://store.discoverpass.wa.gov/
Within 4 hours reach... 