Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park is one of Seattle's unique landmarks. The site was cleared in the early 1900's for a manufacturing plant to convert coal to gas, but later closed in the 1950's. The City acquired the land for a park and opened to the public in 1975. Every year, the park hosts one of the city's Fourth of July celebrations with amazing views of Lake Union and the Space Needle in the distance. The park was a filming location for 10 Things I Hate About You and the finish line in Season 3 of The Amazing Race.

It's definitely worth a visit for any Seattlelite: bike the Burke-Gilman Trail, rent some kayaks on the lake, enjoy some fish and chips at Ivars, or warm up with coffee and pastries at the Essential Baking Company.

   

Kerry Park, Queen Anne Neighborhood

The most photographed view of the city is taken from Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill just north of Downtown Seattle. You've seen it on many postcards, books or may even have it framed in your home. I was intimidated to do this post, because of the incredible competition out there. This is where the professionals go to get "the shot".  Here are a few of ours...

Dusk

  

 A place to think

 A place to talk

 or just... to be 

    

Heading West from Kerry Park on W Highland Drive. Amazing Homes.

 

 W Highland becomes 8th Ave West as it journeys North. 

This is a scenic walk with views of Elliott Bay and the Olympics.

Cutts Island - Gig Harbor

A few years ago, Jeremy's boating parents were feeling very generous at Christmas and bought us a tandem kayak. We were so excited for all the adventures in store for us!

Our coolest and most frustrating of them all was our voyage to Cutts Island near Kopachuck State Park in Gig Harbor. We went on a sunny January day. Our first obstacle was finding a launch pad. Kopachuck would have been the logical option, but the long trail from the parking lot to the water was unappealing. We ended up parking on a side street and launched from an inlet. With life jackets, oars and snacks we were off! The view of the Olympic mountains to our West was awesome and within a short time we had landed.

Cutts Island, also called Dead Man's Island, was once an Native American Burial ground. The natives would bury their loved ones in canoes up in the trees. We spent an hour or so exploring  the 2 acre park with steep cliffs and an impressive 360 degree view of the Sound.

 

 We did not take the tides into account on our journey back, 

once we were in 4 inches of water, we knew we had to re-route. 

It was pretty cool to see the ocean beds, 

completely covered in sand dollars.

The detour around Raft Island added an extra hour of paddling, but on such a beautiful day we really didn't mind. Then we got back to the inlet--which was no longer an inlet-- only thick, sticky, stinky mud. Poor Jeremy lost a shoe and nearly lost his balance while carrying the kayak back to the car. By the time we had everything strapped down and seats buckled, neither of us were in a very good mood. But like all things, time has way of bringing out the humor of things, and if we had to do it all over again--we would. 

Lake Washington Blvd - Seattle

Probably every Seattlelite has driven, walked or biked Lake Washington Blvd. Seattle: this post is not for you. However, for the Out-of-Towners, if you want a scenic drive close to the city, I would recommend this 8 mile stretch, beginning near the I-90 corridor at the Arboretum and ending at the beloved Seward Park. This is for one of those low-key rainy or sunny Saturdays.  Be sure to stop at the Garage Sales, treasures await! If you need some coffee or lunch, the Madison and Leschi neighborhoods have got your back. Seward Park is a recreational gym for kayakers, hikers, bikers, bird watchers...and anyone seeking fresh air.

The Blvd is packed mid-July during Seafair, Seattle's biggest festival: Hydroplane Races, the Blue Angels, Pirates, a Marathon, Triathlon, Parade and Beauty Pageant are all packed into one crazy weekend. Be prepared for some serious traffic. The rest of the year, is pretty laid back and peaceful, with a number of little parks to stop and share a picnic lunch, sip a latte or meditate on a pier.

Hope you will get a chance to visit!

The Junction - West Seattle

We recently had a visit from my Aunt from Tampa.  My Mom, sisters and I had only a couple days to show her Seattle, so we had to be selective. We had to think, what would Aunt L'Von enjoy? She is a great cook, she and her family lived in England for 10 years...she was interested in seeing gourmet grocery stores and sampling bakeries. We finally decided the shops on California Ave, lunch at Metropolitan Market and a walk on Alki would do it.

 Husky, a family owned business since 1932, offers a colorful display

of European gourmet foods and treats. Their specialty: house-made
ice cream with unique flavors like Nutella and Coconut--yum!
You can buy it by the cone or quart. We happened to be there during
the lunch hour which is apparently a hot spot with the locals for
made to order deli sandwiches with an assortment of salamis and cheeses. 

 All things British: Twinings, PG Tips, McVities Tea Biscuits

 San Marzano Tomatoes (a favorite of Rachael Ray),

 for a Neopolitan Pizza.

 NW Art and Frame, greeting cards for every occasion, wrappings for any gift,
framing and paint supplies for all your art projects.

 Best discovery of the day, Bakery Nouveau, some of the most
beautiful pastries I've seen. The lunch line was out the door. 

Perfectly glazed cakes, tarts and danishes; rustic pizzas and artisan breads. 

Check out their website to see their award resume...impressive!

Parisian Macaroons. Jeremy tried one at Choclatine in LA 

a few years ago and loved them, I was so excited 

to find them locally in so many flavors.

There are many more stores and specialty food restaurants along California: Easy Street Records; Cupcake Royale; Shoofly Pie Company; Great Harvest Bread; The Tuscan Tea Room; The Matador. For a complete business directory, directions and upcoming events click here.

For some fresh air, be sure to stop at the iconic Alki Beach for the best view of the Seattle waterfront; or the quieter Lincoln Park with a network of hiking trails.

Vashon Island

The Puget Sound gems are it's islands with their picturesque harbors and town centers.  Vashon and Maury make up the largest island in the south sound.  You can get there by ferry from Fauntleroy in West Seattle, Point Defiance in Tacoma or Southworth in Port Orchard. It is most convenient to take your car. We have gone on foot with our bikes, it is a pedestrian friendly place with a metro system, just be prepared for steep hills and a long ride. There are more than a dozen parks, including the Point Robinson Lighthouse with a beautiful view of Mount Rainier.  The town of Vashon is charming with small shops: Books, Local Art, Quilting, Gifts, Home Decor, Coffee and Tea, and several independent Restaurants and Burger joints. Thriftway is great grocery store for packing a picnic, they have a fun selection of bottled sodas. There are a number of small businesses along Vashon Hwy SW, take the time to stop, they are delightful. 

  Picnic at Dockton Park. We were able to pick up a map 

in town which had more information than Google Earth.

Disc Golf at Burton Adventure Recreation Center

http://www.vashonparkdistrict.org

Jeremy and Locals agree this is the best coffee on the Island.

http://www.tvicr.com/

 The largest selection and best designer fabric I've seen.

Our traditional cup of coffee at Cafe Luna.

Probably my favorite spot on the island,
the drive between Tahlequah and Burton along the water.

Oh, and be sure to notice the Deer signs!

For Ferry Schedules and Fares: www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule

For Events, Shopping and Dining on Vashon: www.vashonchamber.com/

Kanaskat Palmer State Park

I didn't  realize the Green River was so beautiful until we came here and saw the rushing waters, jagged boulders and lush maples. If you're unfamiliar with the location of the park, think of it as where East Kent would meet North Enumclaw.  Our first trip here was spent mountain biking, there is a wide dirt trail that winds along the river, good for beginner bikers, or if you're on foot, a very scenic walking trail.  Our next trip here was the day the rivers opened up for fishing, we headed out after work, got some Safeway Deli Sandwiches and the only thing we came home with were some great photos.

For directions or camping information visit:
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Kanaskat-Palmer

If you're able to, the drive from Kanaskat to Enumclaw on Cumberland Kanaskat Rd SE is beautiful with rich farmland at the foothills of the Cascade mountains.