CITY LISTS
Seattle, Washington
Seattle
where to stay:
W hotel Downtown, Westin, Fairmont, and Four Seasons standard and predictable, you can’t go wrong.
Your favorite hotel chain likely has a location. Please note some of the Marriott (waterfront) locations on the water and by the freeway are LOUD from the train and traffic (check reviews prior to booking).
The Edgewater, Hyatt at Olive 8, Motif (great rooftop bar), The Thompson (also rooftop bar), The Alexis, The State Hotel, Kimpton Monaco are all popular choices for travelers.
Please watch for your safety for hotels along some parts of 3rd street and in Pioneer Square, unfortunately they aren’t always safe. If you are unsure, drop us a note!
what to do:
Be a tourist and check out some of the fun spots!
Pike Market: this is a fun experience, locals shop here, it is not a tourist trap, shops and food line the multiple levels of the market. Try to support a local Crafters, flowers, food makers, fish and more for something special to take back! Take your time exploring. Or consider taking a market food tour or a cooking class!
Some of our favorites are: Ellenos Yogurt, Storyville Coffee, City Fish, Uli’s Meats, Chuckanut Cherries, Beechers (get the Mac and cheese AND the grilled cheese), Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Poke, Filipino Food, Robot & Sloth(not food) and check out the beautiful crafters inside the promenade.
Underground tour: Beneath The Streets, also known as Spooked in Seattle. This grungy 90’s style starts out in a underground collection, curated by the owner. Gives it the spooked feeling. Don’t be turned away by this. This tour showcases Seattle in its hayday; where skid row got its name, and all the scandal behind it. The other tour (Bill Speidels), covers up the scandal in a more “family friendly’ way that is not as enjoyable or authentically historic. There are often coupon deals.
For a view: Check out Columbia Tower Sky View Observatory (look for a coupon or Groupon) or Smith Tower for a historic view experience.
Hike! Seattle itself has some urban trails, and beautiful parks to walk. Not far outside of Seattle provides great trails, with some lighthouses too. Please be responsible with water, weather, and your daily needs for the trail.
Seattle Aquarium: Seattle Aquarium is the sister of the Monterey Aquarium. Focused on on the regional Pacific Northwest, in it’s small footprint has much to explore and learn.
You’re must see because you are in Seattle quick view of the city, because it’s in just about every movie: Fremont Troll, The Rocket, Interurban Statue, Ballard Locks (watch the boats go through and see if the Salmon is going up the ladder), Space Needle, Kerry Park (the iconic view where the Space Needle looks tall compared to the city), The Edgewater (where the Beetles fished out of their room, and other famous people stayed, including our favorite Anthony Bourdain).
Rent an Electric Boat, Hot Tub Boat (or another option), or odd shaped donut boat to check out the city from the water and peep at the great floating homes (including Sleepless in Seattle), boats, and Gasworks Park.
Catch a sports game: Sounders, Kraken, Dragons, Storm, Reign, Mariners, & Seahawks
where to eat:
Ethan Stowell; Tavolata, How to Cook a Wolf, Red Cow, Gold Finch Tavern, and more
Renee Erickson: Sea Creature, Westward, Walrus and Carpenter, Bateau (get an early reservation for the most selection), Boat Bar, General Porpoise'
The Pink Door A little bit of funky and a whole lot of yum. This Italian restaurant can handle groups.
Six Seven Located in the Edgwater, great spot for spotting celebrity in town.
Conversation Kitchen & Bar Great for breakfast, can handle a group
Biscuit Bitch: Don’t go if you can’t say bitch - it’s in all the menu items!
Canlis: An amazing view at night, even a bar seat is great
Elliott’s Oyster House: Fish and Chips are the best in Seattle.
Taylor’s Shellfish: Great Crab, Fresh Oysters, Geoduck, and more. The PIoneer Square Location is great, and if you can get out Samish Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market - you will not be disapointed. Try to participate in one of their special events.
Molly Moon: Local ice cream with local flavors.
Sushi: I Heart Sushi, delicious and more affordable. Umi Saki House, great for those who don’t enjoy sushi in your group (plenty of meat/veggie options) For a splurge and an experience Sushi Kashiba, Chef Shiro Kashiba trained under Jiro, as in Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Chef Shiro also has the original location Shiro’s Sushi.
where to get coffee:
Skip Starbucks, the “original” is not the original and it’s the same stuff found at your local mall and airport. In the land of coffee, here is our list:
Monorail Espresso (an Alton Brown favorite)
when to go:
Seattle is beautiful year round.
July 4th through Labor Day provide great, long sunshine filled days.
The rest of the year has some rain, and late winter and early spring can have very cloudy, rainy, or snow days.
Do you have any favorites we missed? Anything we should check out in Seattle? Let us know, we love a good recommendation! We do avoid large chain restaurants where we can, but sometimes we’re known to stop in!
City Lists: Long Beach, Washington
One of our favorite quick get aways is the Washington Coast. Early in the Covid pandemic, we made a few trips here to get away, and explore while supporting a small city that relies on tourism.
where to stay:
Our favorite place to stay out here is one of the Adrift Hospitality locations. We discovered them years ago through an early property in Seaside, Oregon.
For these specific trips, we stayed at Long Beach Cottages. We chose this based on the cleaning procedure, social distance encouraged, and mostly the precautions they were taking for guests and their staff to ensure everyone’s comfort level. The cottages are also dog friendly, and gave us opportunity for our large dog to not disturb other guests.
what to do:
Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, many businesses and activities were close. However we did:
Family Fun Center: Mini Golf and Go Carts
Drive on the Beach: Please be careful and read the tips prior to going on.
Cranberry Museum: Check out the bogs, the gift shop, and try some delicious cranberry ice cream
where to eat:
Please keep in mind, the last time we ate at some of these places, it was take out only. Some may have closed - please check ahead!
Lost Roo : We had fish tacos and tots in the car in the parking lot
Pickled Fish: We got a little burned out here - the first pandemic trip, this was the only thing open besides the coffee shop. This place is yummy, and a bit pricy.
Diamond Espresso: Drive up or Walk up; yummy, friendly and quick
when to go:
anytime! Summers are most popular; but winter is absolutely stunning.
pup friendly places:
Most of Long Beach is pup friendly. Indoor dining is not, but call ahead for patio. The beach is also pup friendly!
Do you have any favorites we missed? Anything we should check out next time we are in CITY HERE? Let us know, we love a good recommendation! We do avoid large chain restaurants where we can, but sometimes we’re known to stop in!
City Lists: Portland, Oregon
Portland from Portland Aerial Tram
Lists. The first thing you should do before you arrive. Or even now. Or after. You should check out Portlandia’s The Dream of the 90s is Alive In Portland. Just trust us, we aren’t Rick Rolling you.
Portland is quirky. It’s a big little city. Great eclectic neighborhoods, a variety of food, nice people. Very fun!
when to go:
Anytime. Portland does have seasons, so it does get cold. If there is snow or ice that sticks the city does shut down until it’s thawed or treated.
where to stay:
We’ve visited Portland often for work, so our usuals (clean, predictable) are below. Please check recent reviews before booking through Trip Advisor, Google, Yelp, or your preferred site before booking. Management and ownership changes often shift services and offerings.
Residence Inn Pearl District: No fuss, clean, and quiet with restaurants and coffee shops in walking distance.
The Nines: This was our favorite place to stay for a long weekend, but we had a bad last few stays after Marriott took over Starwood Preferred Guest, it might still be worth a try. Great location, good food on site, and great valet services.
Portland Marriott City Center: Great downtown location. Close to restaurants, coffee, shopping!
Aloft Cascade Station: Location near airport with chain food and shopping selection.
what to do:
Oregon Zoo: Very nice and well laid out - even if you don’t have kids. Take your time exploring the amazing elephant land. If you’re in the area for the holidays, take time for Zoolights!
Japanese Garden: It is beautiful, but it is pricey - if you aren’t into gardens - I would skip it.
Multnomah Falls: Great mini hike
Outdoor Market or Saturday Markets: If there is one when you’re visiting - swing by! Local crafters make great products, and great souvenirs. Some will help ship it home for you too!
Powells Books: Even if you aren’t a reader, check this place out. It’s got a wide selection of books and unique items!
Witch Castle: Not as big as it sounds, but it’s a great hike that’s not too complicated.
where to eat:
Voodoo Doughnut: Go ahead get your sugar fix and order that big doughnut you are eying. And take those pictures. Fun tip, the second location (Davis) isn’t as crowded and doesn’t usually have a line! Now these are available outside of Portland now, but trust us - there is something special about having it where it all started.
Piazza Italia: Great family Italian restaurant, like sitting in their kitchen or deli shop. Don’t be surprised as the walk around you grabbing wine bottles!
Can Font: Spanish cuisine outside of Spain? Yum! Gaze at the mural of Casa Milà, La Pedrera while you drink your cava or Spanish beer. Select the paella that speaks to you, you wont be disappointed.
Jackrabbit: Great yummy place. Pick a signature cocktail or select a bottle of something special. Take a journey through ham with their Around the World in 8 hams. Make sure you enjoy our favorite - jamon iberico de belotta.
Lovejoy Bakers: If you’re staying in the Pearl District, this is a good place for a coffee, snack, or quick and healthy lunch.
Bunk Sandwiches: A great option for a quick sandwich with plenty of options from light to I just want to eat 10lbs of meat.
And Of Course Coffee Options! You can always select Stumptown as it all started here - but chances are you have that back home! Spella is an excellent choice, Good is great, and Heart is always a good option! There is likely a coffee shop a stone’s throw where you are staying so don’t be afraid to google, or ask the hotel where the closest non-Starbucks is!
Do you have any favorites we missed? Anything we should check out next time we are in Portland? Let us know, we love a good recommendation! We do avoid large chain restaurants where we can, but sometimes we’re known to stop in!
The Automobile
It might be the inspiration for our site, but vehicles with four wheels are just one thing that give us our sense of connection to the world. Whether it’s cars, trains, boats or airplanes, the journey is sometimes as exciting as the destination.
We hope that sharing our experiences inspires you to explore new places, people, and culture. Feel free to leave us a comment, contact us, or follow us on Instagram!
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