Seattle here we come

Like a lot of people we know, Sweetie and I decided to do a staycation this summer.  We thought a nice destination, not too far, but far enough, would be Seattle, Washington.  I've never been, and Sweetie visited once many years ago... Known for Music and Art, the Space needle, great restaurants... and then there are the Outlet Malls... need I say more?

After great debate (seriously?) we decided we would drive to Sidney, BC (lovely little city) and take the Washington State ferry to Anacortes.  Perfect!  Reservations are made!

I really didn't want to arrive in Seattle, bedraggled and exhausted after travelling 7 hours... so I upped the ante and added a night in Sidney to the plan.  Did you know Sidney BC has 10 bookstores? Yes, 10!

We stayed at the lovely Sidney Pier and Spa Hotel www.sidneypier.com.  I can’t say enough about this place.  Warm welcoming staff, lovely accommodations, incredible view and then there is Dave.  If you really want to know, check out the link. 

We caught the ferry the next morning bright and early.  Good thing we made a reservation because this boat was full!  From Sidney we traveled east with Orcas Island to our north and Lopez Island to the south, many more little islands dotted along the way, onward we sailed to Anacortes.

 First stop in Anacortes was something to eat!  We are starving!  Driving directly through town, sticking to our route to Seattle we came across Bob’s Chowder Bar. Best chowder around they claim.  Neither of us had the famed chowder but the halibut wraps were amazing. 

We followed directions from our Garmin and low and behold, eventually ended up right at our hotel.  It wasn't actually that easy as we hit rush hour but really who wants to remember that!  We are staying at the Maxwell Hotel (not to be confused with the Max??, really, are there not enough names to go around?)  It’s a funky arty hotel, close to the Space needle and the Pacific Science Center.  Great room, fantastic coffee (this is Seattle after all) and treats in the lobby.  Good pick!

A quick walk up and around the block and we spy the needle.  Walking towards it we come across this totally cool (pun intended) giant fountain.  Music fills the air, the spray perfectly in tune with it.. there are lots kids screaming and having a ball.  Surrounded by a beautiful lawn of green rolling hills and lots of benches, we sat and finally unwound enough to realize we are here!

 A short distance away we walk around the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum.  Wow!
towards the Space Needle we go.  We walk right in and before you know it are in the super fast elevator to the top.

 Some fantastic views from up here.

 Seattle has a very pretty skyline.

 And some oddities too.... how about ride the ducks ...

 And finally back at the hotel, we are exhausted and hungry.  I think Italian is in order.

 An amazing Art installation of metal beside the Music Project.

To be continued!