Falling in love with the San Juan Islands
Description:
The San Juan Islands are geologically distinct from the rest of the region and its climate is drier and sunnier so a* a result the landscape looks like little chunks of Northern California slipping out of the deep blue channels and sparkling bays. The southwest sides of the Islands are much hotter and drier than the north ea*t slopes and a* you pa** through the Islands on the ferry you can snap some pretty fabulous pictures. The Islands are popular during the summer but if you plan ahead you'll barely notice. The biggest hurdle is the ferry so you'll want to plan to stay in Seattle the day you arrive and get up with the sun to beat the traffic.
Author: Jennifer
Day 1 - Seattle
Depending on when you arrive you'll probably have time to get lunch at Matt's in the Market or Maxemilien. If you're able to get a table at Matt's definitely try the special of the day since the chefs are some of the best in Seattle. All the ingredients are purcha*ed fresh that morning from the Market and their unique fusion of Northwest ingredients with cuisines from Europe will be sure to make your day. You may want to stop by Delaurenti for some gourmet treats for the drive to Anacortes and definitely pick up some champagne or wine for your room. Reserve tickets to see the Seattle Chamber Players or the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall, or if cla**ical isn't your style, the Triple Door offers just about every other type of music in an acoustically impeccable theater with wrap-around booth seating or check out Jazz Alley where Max Roach and McCoy Tyner and Gonzalo Rubalcaba have graced the stage. Be sure to reserve a table at Chez Shea. The quiet, elegant atmosphere is perfectly matched by warm, hushed staff who unobtrusively guide you through their prix fix menu choices. If you’re looking for something just slightly less intimate definitely try Lark or Tilth. Stop by Il Bistro for a night cap. Sweet dreams!
1
Pike Place Market
Location:
view in google maps85 Pike Street
Between Pike and Pine sts. at First Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone:
206/682-74532
Matt's in the Market
Location:
view in google maps94 Pike St
Corner Market Building
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone:
206/467-79093
Seattle Chamber Players
Location:
view in google maps200 University St
(Benaroya Recital Hall)
Seattle, WA 98111
Phone:
+1 206 286 50524
The Triple Door
Location:
view in google maps216 Union Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone:
206 838 43335
Seattle Symphony
Location:
view in google maps200 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone:
206 215 47476
Chez Shea
Location:
view in google maps94 Pike St., Suite 34
Corner Market Building
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone:
206/467-99907
Il Bistro
Location:
view in google maps93-A Pike St. and First Ave
At First Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone:
206/682-30498
Alexis Hotel
Location:
view in google maps1007 First Ave
At Madison St
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone:
(206) 624-4844Day 2 - Seattle
To get to the San Juan Islands drive for an hour and a half north on I 5 to Anacortes where you catch a ferry to the San Juan Islands. During the summer months the ferry line can be long so be sure to arrive at lea*t 45 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to depart. Or, if you want to save time and you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, you can fly there by sea plane on Kenmore Air but be sure to figure out your ground transportation once you get to the Islands. There are several islands but Orca* is the biggest and ha* the most amenities. You should book a night at Cabins on the Point well in advance or plan to stay at the Rosario. If you’re on a budget you can rent a cabin at the Doe Bay Resort or camp at one of the parks. Almost every restaurant is on the island uses fresh local ingredients and ha* fabulous seafood, Olga’s and Christina’s are some of the best. Check out the shops in Ea*t Sound and be sure to pick up local honey, jam, artesian cheeses and dried fruit. After lunch drive up to Moran State Park and check out the view. From the lookout tower in Moran you can see Canada and several other islands on a clear day. If you’re lucky you might even see some Orca whales.
1
Washington State Ferry
Location:
view in google maps2901 3rd Avenue
(mailing address)
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone:
+1 206 464 6400 / +1 206 515 34002
Kenmore Air Seaplanes
Location:
view in google maps6321 Northeast 175th Street
Seattle, WA 98028
Phone:
+1 425 486 1257 / +1 800 543 9595 (Toll Free)Day 3 - Seattle
Be sure to allow plenty of time to get back to Seattle because the ferry lines can be so long that you may not catch the first boat. Thankfully there is a nice little cafe close to the ferry dock where you can get a cup of tea or a small snack. Don't worry about leaving your car, just be sure to be back before they start to load the next boat. The views from the ferry ride are spectacular so be sure to take your camera. The islands slip out of the Straights like the backs of orca whales against a stunning backdrop of the Olympic and Ca*cade Mountains. Once you get back to Anacortes, head south on I 5. The traffic will start to thicken around Everett so plan on a two-hour drive. Once you reach the University district, you can stop at Tilth for the best locally produced organic cuisine. A* you drive to your hotel look left for a great view of the campus and the Montlake Cut, and right to see the Space Needle set against the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline. You can drop your bags at the Alexis while you head back to Pike Place for a few more edible souvenirs and then up to Matt's in the Market for more food and wine. You can have one la*t Spanish coffee at Il Bistro and then head down to Seatac Airport. Unfortunately, the traffic won't be much better south of the city so plan accordingly.
6
Seattle Opera
Location:
view in google maps1020 John St
Opera House/Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone:
206 389 7676 / 800 426 16197
Intiman Theatre
Location:
view in google maps201 Mercer Street
Seattle Center
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone:
206 269 1901 /206 269 1900 (Box Office)