i'm planning a trip to seattle & vancouver...

[blrn1]

I've checked online travel forums, bought a couple of books, and am generally just asking around before making any reservations or a firm itinerary, so I thought I'd ask here, too, for any input.

I've already got plane tickets -- August 25 to September 2, so that much is set. I'm thinking of just splitting the time evenly between the two locations; that way, only two hotels. I'm pretty much set on the Inn at the Market in Seattle, but not sure about Vancouver. The Opus and Wedgewood look nice -- any opinions? or other suggestions entirely?

We've read good things about Teatro Zinzanni (sp?), so we'd like to get tickets for that one night, and we're very much interested in some great restaurant recommendations.

We'll have a car the whole time, so please suggest any places outside the cities that we should not miss. I'm interested in going to Victoria, as well. Any opinions on how much time to budget for that? And preferred way to get there?

Thanks in advance for any replies! :)

[zwieback]

I don't really have any advice as to what to see, but just wanted to tell you to not forget a passport! You'll need it to get into Canada. I'm sure someone else can chime in about the new law, but I know that you need passports for going to Mexico and Canada now (not sure if it's just by plane right now or if it is for both plane and driving across the borders).

[sandee]

The Opus has a bit of construction nearby it for the new subway line, but it shouldn't be too bad. The Wedgewood is a great hotel, right off Robson so it's very central.

The Anthropology Museum is nice if you like First Nations art, the Aquarium is interesting too. Vancouver Art Gallery has a large exhibit of Emily Carr paintings, our most famous local artist. Walking around Stanley Park is always a favourite, but I'm not sure how much you can do since the wind storms have knocked down a lot of trees so parts of it are closed to the public. I definitely recommend a walk on the Seawall which winds around edges of False Creek. Granville Island is a fun area with lots of artisans and a fresh food market. Yaletown has lots of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife if want to go out at night.

You can do Victoria in a day. You have to take a ferry and the terminal isn't right in the city so it's best to take the car too. You can make ferry reservations online. Maybe Kima will have some suggestions on Victoria...

[DmOrtega]

Here's a link for NW Source: Seattle Visitors Guide (http://www.nwsource.com/visitorsguide/activities/).

They are offering a Seattle CityPass (http://www.citypass.com/city/seattle.html?id=Kc6TksYm) which gets you into six of Seattle's most popular attractions at almost half off combined regular admission price.

Pass includes:
· Space Needle
· Pacific Science Center
· Seattle Aquarium
· Museum of Flight
· Argosy harbor cruise
· Woodland Park Zoo

Passes can be purchased at any of the Seattle attractions or online and are good for nine days. It's a great deal for Seattle visitors.

[misskitty100]

You can also go to Victoria from Seattle as a day trip too. You could leave the rental car in Seattle and take the Victoria Clipper. www.clippervacations.com
Another idea is to leave the rental in Victoria and take the Clipper to Seattle. For the few days you would be here, you could see most everything and avoid the very boring drive between Vancouver and Seattle.

The time period you are coming also would coincide with Bumbershoot which starts on Sept 2nd (if you are into music and crowds). www.bumbershoot.com

Are you interested in seeing the San Juan Islands?

My current favorite "tourist" thing to do is go to the Museum of Flight which is south of Seattle (between downtown and Seatac airport). You can tour an Air Force One, BA Concord and a few other planes in addition to all of the many planes they have inside the museum. www.museumofflight.org

What kinds of restaurants do you like? If you like fancy stuff you could try for reservations at the Herb Farm www.theherbfarm.com and tour the Woodinville Wineries (Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest and others). A can't miss restaurant in downtown Seattle is Wild Ginger for awesome SE Asian food. www.wildginger.net

There are also a lot of outdoor concerts at that time of year at Ste. Michelle Winery, Marymoor Park and the Woodland Park zoo so you can check those websites in a few months and see who is coming.

Blake Island is interesting if you are interested in learning about Native American culture and would offer a boat ride from downtown Seattle and a Salmon dinner.

[blrn1]

Thanks for all the responses!

A couple of new questions:

1) The Herb Farm looks really interesting. But are you able to just make a dinner reservation and order off a menu, or do they only do the (very expensive, 4-to-5 hour) 9-course dinner? That would definitely be an experience!

2) I haven't looked too much into the San Juan Islands, but I notice the name keeps popping up, so it must be worthwhile. What is there to do, and how long would we need to plan? I'll look it up in my Frommer's book as well.

Thanks!

[funnybone]

Another thing to consider is that the car rental company allows you to cross the border with the car. Make sure you tell them ahead of time, because you never know what the fineprint might read. Also, the passport law has not yet passed for travelling between the US/Canada by ground, but if you have one, you might as well take it. Otherwise, you need a birth certificate, assuming you were born in the US. Have a great time.

[blrn1]

Thanks, I thought of the same thing (about taking the car over the border), so I called three rental agencies and they all said that it's not a problem, but we have to let them know at the rental counter because there's an additional insurance paper we have to have. Or something. And one of them -- can't remember which -- specifically added "...at no cost to you." Now I just have to see which one will give us the best deal! :)

And we'll definitely take our passports, just in case.

[JanetJ]

I've been to the Herbfarm, twice, and it is soooo worth it! There is not a menu you can order from though, it is only the 9-course meal, which is the best thing because it changes daily with what is fresh and in season. Absolutely wonderful!

[misskitty100]

Thanks for all the responses!

A couple of new questions:

1) The Herb Farm looks really interesting. But are you able to just make a dinner reservation and order off a menu, or do they only do the (very expensive, 4-to-5 hour) 9-course dinner? That would definitely be an experience!

2) I haven't looked too much into the San Juan Islands, but I notice the name keeps popping up, so it must be worthwhile. What is there to do, and how long would we need to plan? I'll look it up in my Frommer's book as well.

Thanks!

I think your 1st question was answered. I have never been but yes, it does sound like an experience!

As for what there is to do in the San Juans - I think a lot of the appeal is that the islands are beautiful, pristine, relaxing and slow paced. I would recomend putting together a good solid list of things you would like to see around Seattle and if you have a day or two open THEN plan a trip to the San Juans. To get to the islands (unless you take the ferry from Cananda) you need to drive to Anacortes which is about 1.5 from Seattle. Then in August there may be a wait for the ferry which could take several hours. The ferry fees if you plan to bring your car would be $50 + during the summer. You can read up about the islands in your book but Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is a charming town with about a half dozen restaurants and maybe a dozen or more shops. It would be a LONG day if you tried to do it as a day trip but definitely could be done.

Some other places that might be of interest would be Olympic National Park (http://www.nps.gov/olym/). The drive and views from the top of the mountains are breath taking. There are deer all over the place and other wild life too. You could do that in a day if you got somewhat of an early start.

A lot of people like Bainbridge island and there is a great restaurant called Madoka (http://www.madokaonbainbridge.com/). Easy one day or half day trip via the ferry in downtown Seattle. A lot of people commute from Bainbridge to Seattle for work everyday.


I just saw your question about Victoria - I think a few hours is plenty. You can walk around most of it. The Empress hotel offers High Tea. You might also be interested in visiting Buchart Gardens - I am sure both places are mentioned in your travel book.

[JanetJ]

I meant to add that I work in the corporate office of a rental car company located all over and can confirm that it is absolutely no big deal to take a rental car into Canada. We only need to note it on our rental contract so that if you have to show it at the border they will see that you have been authorized to leave the state. There is never a charge for this.

After reading misskitty's post I will also second visiting the Olympic National Park if you have the time. I grew up in the middle of it - Lake Quinault - and while I didn't appreciate the beauty of it as a kid, I sure do now. :) It's a drive depending on where exactly you want to go (Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, Klaloch, etc...) but beautiful scenery and very peaceful. The weather would be perfect that time of year as well. If you are interested I can give more specific info on restaurants, places to stay if you wanted to extend your time there, or points of interest.

[misskitty100]

After reading misskitty's post I will also second visiting the Olympic National Park if you have the time. I grew up in the middle of it - Lake Quinault - and while I didn't appreciate the beauty of it as a kid, I sure do now. :) It's a drive depending on where exactly you want to go (Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, Klaloch, etc...) but beautiful scenery and very peaceful. The weather would be perfect that time of year as well. If you are interested I can give more specific info on restaurants, places to stay if you wanted to extend your time there, or points of interest.


Yes, Hurricane Ridge is EXACTLY what I had in mind.

Janet how lucky for you to grow up by Lake Quinault. We love it over there. The trees, weather, lodge and the smell of the outdoors is amazing!!

[blrn1]

It looks like I've got a lot of reading to do this weekend...thanks for all the good leads, everyone. I'll have more questions, I'm sure, as I start to really hammer out an itinerary! :)

[CompassRose]

I was recently in Vancouver (last fall). Robson Street is a must-see (if not a must-shop, depending on your purse) -- it's been described as Rodeo Drive North, and it is. Posh, baby! full of blindingly fashionable tiny girls.

We ate at the Parkside Restaurant, on Haro Street, and it was extremely good (they're highly recommended by the EGullet forums, too) -- lovely seasonal and wild foods. (If you're looking for restaurant recos, you should check out the EGullet regional forums. Excellent, informative discussion by people in the know.)

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a pretty famous Vancouver attraction; we planned to go (but ended up not) -- but discovered anyway (for future reference) that the Lynn Canyon bridge in nearby Lynn Canyon Provincial Park is a better choice anyway -- a bit shorter, but FREE admission, and less tourist-clogged.

Granville Island is fun -- very touristy though. Stanley Park is really nice -- huge, and a great boardwalk along the ocean. (You can also take a ferry from the one side of Stanley Park over to Granville -- think that was three bucks or so -- tiny little ferry over the channel.)

[magdon]

we stayed at the Edgewood a couple years ago and it was quite nice. The Herb farm is a great experience (so is the hotel there!). For Seattle dinners our favorite is always matt's in the market. I think they even take reservations. If you are doing Teatro Zinzanni (which is pretty cool) you might want to do something smaller like Matt's instead of the Herbfarm. Enjoy!

[Canice]

Boohoo, a nice grey day and all this reading about Vancouver and Seattle makes me wish I were there! I'm so sorry I didn't push for a visit to the Herb Farm last time I was in Seattle. And I would definitely visit the San Juan Islands if I could, but don't know how that would work into a short visit to Seattle.
I can't speak from personal experience, but DBF always stays at the Fairmont in Vancouver, says it's a super location.

I'm so envious, hope you have a BLAST!

[DmOrtega]

How about taking a tour on a DUCK! (http://www.seattleducktours.net/) It's a surf and turf tour down around the area of the Pike Place Market and Space Needle. We see the ducks when we are downtown but haven't had the opportunity to take a tour ourselves. Maybe we will this summer. :D

[blrn1]

I think those duck tours look like so much fun! We saw them in Boston last year but didn't have time to do one.

[misskitty100]

I have a couple more restaurant rec's:

For Breakfast: Macrina Bakery www. macrinabakery.com in Belltown (would be walking distance from the Market). And my favorite is Le Panier www.lepanier.com which is located in Pike Place Market. They have excellent French pastries and wonderful coffee. The original Starbucks is also located in Pike Place market.

For lunch: Salumi http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/
This place is owned and operated by Mario Batali's parents. I didn't check the hours but I don't know if they are open on weekends.

[CompassRose]

Oh yah, I can't believe no one mentioned Pike Place Market! We took a special drive down to Seattle just to go there. It's huge, and sells all kinds of things -- stalls for antiques and books and such upstairs, produce and food downstairs. And you can watch the famous fish vendors chuck their fishies around.... go round the corner to the Left Bank Bookstore if your tendencies lean that way... go across the street to the Pirate Store for tacky Pirate Toiletpaper ("Swab the Poop Deck" :D )... get saltwater taffy...

We liked the Pike Place Market.

[blrn1]

So many great suggestions! :)

I haven't reserved a room yet in Vancouver and was starting to look into places that are maybe a little more laidback than my original idea of the Wedgewood or Opus. Does anyone have an opinion on the Barclay House in the West End? It seems to get pretty good reviews at TripAdvisor, but I thought I'd ask.

I'm also going to plan time while we're out there to visit Olympic National Park and hopefully the San Juan Islands. (My husband enjoys "nature" way more than "city" anyway, so it should all work out just fine!) :)

[MiMo]

So many great suggestions! :)

I haven't reserved a room yet in Vancouver and was starting to look into places that are maybe a little more laidback than my original idea of the Wedgewood or Opus. Does anyone have an opinion on the Barclay House in the West End? It seems to get pretty good reviews at TripAdvisor, but I thought I'd ask.

I've been to afternoon tea at the Wedgewood (loved it and recommend it if you have time), and I've walked by the Opus a few times, but I wouldn't stay at either if you're looking for laid-back (and/or non-pretentious customers). I have stayed twice at the Pacific Palisades and have been happy with the location (actually, I love the location...walking distance to restaurants and shopping on Robson Street and Denman Street and about a brisk 10 minute walk to Stanley Park). It's not the super-trendiest hotel, but the rooms I have had both times were very nice. The only thing that may be a turn-off is that they allow dogs (and cats?) to stay there with their owners. I have never had a room where this was noticeable, though. The decor of the PP is South Beach trendy (all kinds of weird pastel and bright colors), so if that bothers you, you won't want to stay there, either. The front desk, porters, and concierge (Carol) are all nice. Carol can get you a reservation at any Vancouver restaurant, too.

I know this didn't help you since you were asking about the Barclay House, but it's another West End suggestion. I hope somebody can jump in and tell you about the Barclay House.

Have a fun trip!!! :D

[TheresaM]

If you are standing at the 'pig' at the Pike Place Market, turn around and look back at the street. It is the building on your left. Look for the first door that leads upstairs. There will be a sign for Matt's. It's on the second floor. I highly recommend Reservations, even for lunch, as the place only holds
about 24 people. Otherwise, we were there at 11:30 and got A seat at the counter. They are open 11:30-2:30, then 5:30-9 or 9:30.

#1 http://www.mattsinthemarket.com

Also, if you like wine, I could go b4 dinner or after dinner for a glass of wine at:

#2 Tasting Room-Wines Of Washington state
Address: 1924 Post Alley
Phone: (206) 770-9463

Post Alley runs parallel to Pike Place market. It's Only open from noon-8pm.

#3 I thought the Underground tour was fun, at Pioneer square.

#4 If you like seafood, try the Halibut cheeks (very Similar to scallops) at:

Cutters Bayhouse
Address: 2001 Western Ave # 100
Phone: (206) 448-4884

It's no more Than a block after Pike Place market on the left.

Hoping to go back, someday, maybe b4 an Alaskian cruise. ~ Theresa

[misskitty100]

I have been meaning to get back to this thread and post a bit more. If your DH likes outdoors stuff you might want to plan some time to go to Snoqualmie Falls - about 45 minutes from Downtown Seattle. You can do a short hike to the bottom of the falls or just watch from the top. The Salish Lodge is located right there too and they have a wonderful formal restaurant that would be nice for breakfast/brunch or dinner and there is a more casual place at the lodge too.

If you are interested in the Olympic Forest you might also want to check out staying at Lake Crescent Lodge. If it interests you, I would recomend doing a loop (from Seattle) and going to the mountains, then the WA beaches (Klaloch) and then to the Hoh Rain Forest (Lake Quinault). The Rain Forest is AMAZING if you like trees ;) . And I don't believe it is really all that rainy especially during the end of August.

www.lakecrescentlodge.com
www.visitlakequinault.com (this site should like you to Klaloch too)
www.salishlodge.com