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!

Port Gamble

This logging town established in 1853 is a National Historic site and until 1995, was the oldest continuously operating sawmill in North America. The homes and buildings have preserved their 19th century charm with rolling green fields that speak of a simpler time. I think it may be impossible to not feel happy in this beautiful, peaceful corner of the peninsula. This is a growing community with new businesses coming every year, including a Tea Room, General Store, Quilt Shop, Antiques and Kayak rentals. Port Gamble hosts a number of Events, attracting hundreds of guests every year for the Medieval Faire, Civil War Re-Enactments and spooky Ghost Walks. A Sunday Farmers and Antique Market runs May-October.  For the history buffs, you might be interested in finding the grave of the first US Navy man killed in battle in the NW. For those of you planning your dream wedding click here.  I hope you will come here at least once or whenever you need a Picket-Fence-Fix.

 Streets lined with old Maples, Elms and Picket Fences

The Welcoming Water Towers

 For those Girls Days

To satisfy any craving: ice cream on summer days, coffee on winter days, 

the new cafe for any day and a gift shop to browse in between.   

Old Glory

Directions
For North Sounders: take the Kingston ferry.
Mid Sounders: the Bainbridge or Bremerton ferry.
South Sounders: go for a drive.
Those of you without GPS, click here.