Hellobee Boards

i started this thread a while back when i was going to Seattle to get food recommendations. I didn't ask for any "activities" because my trip was really short, but you gotta eat!

http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seattle-food-recomendations

@NCSUchick27: if you like beer, wine, and food, you'll seriously love Woodinville. And if you can afford to do one really pricey dinner, try to get reservations at The Herb Farm. They also have a spinoff called the Barking Frog which is a bit more moderately priced, but it's not quite as good.

The Washington Trails Association has a comprehensive database of hikes (www.wta.org). There are a lot around Ranier, but I'm more familiar with ones near Snoqualmie -- I'd recommend Snow Lake and Teneriffe Falls (formerly Kamikaze Falls) as good day hikes. You need hiking boots and a backpack for food/water but no other special gear for those.

Bainbridge Island is nice, you can walk from the ferry dock to Winslow, the main little town. I prefer Whidbey Island, though, and you can either take a ferry or drive to get there. If you're interested, I can give more detailed info.

Keep in mind that Kirkland is going to be kind of suburban and you'll need a car to get into Seattle proper. Parking in Kirkland and Woodinville will not be a problem but you'll have to pay for parking in Seattle.

Pike Place is a must! I love getting chowder there. They also have the 1st Starbucks there and lots of arts & crafts/artisan food vendors.

The Museum of Flight is neat for aviation geeks. I also like the Pacific Science Center. The EMP & Space Needle are ok. I find them pricey for the experience.

@bluestriped bee: Kerry Park was frigging spectacular, amazing view!

@PurplePeony: Oh, never heard of Ella Bailey. Is that a park? Thanks for the tip. My photography obsessed husband will thank you for the alternative picture spot!

ETA: Oh, it's in Magnolia! Definitely check it out the next time I'm near there. Thanks!

Canoe or kayak in Lake Washington, visit Green Lake (stop at Dicks drive in if you do!), shopping at Pacific Place, shopping at University Village, Magnuson Park to lay out, have a picnic, enjoy the water (maybe bring a few floaties).

@NCSUchick27: Here is a rad guide to Seattle. Its broken down by neighborhood. There is a lot of info here, so if you want me to point out my favorites from the list, just let me know: http://www.elephantineblog.com/a-guide-to-seattle.html

If you're foodies definitely go to a Matt Dillon restaurant while you are here. Sitka & Spruce is my favorite. http://www.sitkaandspruce.com

Riding a ferry or taking an Argosy cruise around Elliot Bay is a must!

If you are looking to get out of the city some, my friends took me to a town called Roslyn that had a great microbrewery and little shops, plus it was a Saturday so their was a farmers market. It was a pretty drive and we stopped at a lake and hung out for a while with a cooler.

@HLK208: omg, Dicks! Best fries ever!! My dad used to take my brother and I there when we were little as a special treat; that place holds a special place in my heart.

@NCSUchick27: thanks for this thread! We are doing a weekend in two weeks. If you want a longer trip you can do Mt. St. Helens. It's hours away but I still remember it vividly and did it probably 20 years ago.

I grew up in Kirkland for awhile. Heading to stay in Seattle this summer-can't wait. . I haven't done the whale watching but there are some beautiful towns to explore in the San Juan Islands. Just a ferry ride away. Maybe you will see a whale along the way. We will be doing the Duck Tour with LO and we just did the Great Wheel with her in the spring. Mount Ranier is pretty. I remember getting stuck in a little blizzard one year in April. A mountain man had to haul us out.

@NCSUchick27: we were just in Seattle less than 2 weeks ago. I got advice from some Bees, and even met a few! About traffic, it is really awful. Basically, if you are outside of the city, I wouldn't try try driving in until after 10am. If you are leaving the city, especially going south, leave before 2:00pm.

Personally, I wouldn't try to do Olympic National Park for 1 day. It is a 3 hour drive from Kirkland to Hurricane Ridge (to the beaches it will be 3.5-4 hours), but I suppose if you don't mind the driving, its possible. Whidbey Island/Deception Pass is definitely do able. It's only 1.5 hours I think.

If you don't need your car in Seattle, you could try parking at the park & ride by the 520 bridge. I believe parking is free at the P&R and you'll just pay bus fare. Crossing the bridge will cost you ~$3-6 one way depending on time/how you pay. If you are driving a rental car, you may want to check with them on whether or not they charge you the exact toll or if they have a surcharge. Also, parking in Seattle almost always costs money ($5-15) and can be hard to find.

Make sure you check the bridge calendar for all-day closures during the weekend (it doesn't typically close during the week for more than 30 min to let boats cross).

@NCSUchick27: Sounds like a great itinerary! If you want to do lunch while at Seattle Center/Space needle, I would skip the space needle restaurant and walk a few blocks to Boat Street Kitchen instead. The Olympic Sculpture Park is pretty small so it won't take up much of your time. It does have really pretty views, so you should def go. Also right near the space needle.

For a day trip I think Whidbey is a good choice for a day trip. I think Olympic National Park is just too far unless you stay overnight. Another option would be do visit Chuckanut Drive and stop in Edison to check out some cute independent shops and for lunch at Tweets!

http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/a-detour-worth-taking-your-mile-by-mile-guide-to-scenic-chuckanut-drive/

Also, where ar eyou planning to eat?! Seattle has so many great restaurants!