Falling in love with the San Juan Islands 3 days

Description:

Pike Place Market, originally a farmers market, was founded in 1907 when housewives complained that middlemen were raising the price of produce. The market allowed shoppers to buy directly from producers and thus save on grocery bills. For several decades, the market thrived. However, World War II deprived the market of nearly half its farmers when Japanese Americans were moved to internment camps. With the postwar flight to the suburbs, the market was never able to recover from the war years, and by the 1960s, the market was no longer the popular spot it had been. When it was announced that the site was being eyed for a major redevelopment project, a grass-roots movement arose to save the 9-acre market and eventually, the market was declared a National Historic District.

Today the market is once again bustling, but the 100 or so farmers and fishmongers who set up shop on the premises are only a small part of the attraction. More than 150 local craftspeople and artists can be found here, selling their creations as street performers serenade milling crowds. Hundreds of small specialty shops are scattered throughout the market, plus dozens of restaurants, including some of the city's...

Description:

This casual gourmet restaurant has the best location of any restaurant in Pike Place Market. Located on the third floor of the Corner Market Building, Matt's faces the big neon clock that is the quintessential symbol of the market. Until 2007, Matt's was a tiny cubbyhole of a place, but an expansion has given it enough tables that you can actually get in to eat here on short notice. The menu changes regularly, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients from the market stalls that are only steps away. There's also a good selection of reasonably priced wines. The food reveals whatever influences and styles happen to appeal to the chef at that moment -- perhaps Moroccan, perhaps Southern. However, if the menu happens to list anything with smoked catfish, try it.

Description:

This little ensemble, excellent in spite of or because of frequently rotating list of players and guests, performs programs full of life and imagination. Selections range from 18th century through contemporary pieces. This season's performances include the music of Ukranian composer Valentin Silvestrov and a symposium on contemporary Jewish music. If you think classical music should rattle you as much as it soothes you, then this may be the group for you. Performaces are often accompanied by educational discussions and lectures. See their website for further details.

Description:

Popular music for adults? What a concept! This swanky nightclub is a total novelty in the Seattle club world. It isn't geared toward the 20-something crowd. The music is diverse -- from jazz to world beat, to flamenco, to Maria Muldaur, the Tubes, and Ottmar Liebert. You'll find the club in the basement below the ever-popular Wild Ginger restaurant, across the street from Benaroya Hall.

Description:

This orchestra has a loyal following. Concerts include music by classical masters such as Beethoven, Mozart and Sibelius as well as by contemporary composers. Many performances include an optional one-hour pre-show lecture. The symphony's season runs September through July. Performances take place at Benaroya Hall, which occupies an entire city block and seats 2,500 people. In addition, the 540-seat Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall provides performance space for smaller ensembles and solo artists. Call or check the website for schedule and ticket information.

Description:

Quiet, dark, and intimate, Chez Shea has long been one of Seattle's top restaurants, and with only a dozen candlelit tables and views across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains, it's an ideal setting for romance. The menu changes with the season, with ingredients coming primarily from the market below. The eight-course tasting menu is the best way to go. On a recent spring evening, dinner started with oysters on the half shell, followed by a Serrano ham, gruyere, and leek tart. Next came a Washington asparagus bisque with sorrel and roasted-tomato oil, followed by seared foie gras with rhubarb compote and balsamic-pomegranate reduction. Next came halibut with red-pepper puree and Kobe-style beef tournedos with morel mushrooms. Dinner then finished up with a cheese course and espresso pot de crème. Other restaurants may be as fine, but none has an atmosphere quite so romantic.

Description:

What with the fishmongers and crowds of tourists, Pike Place Market might not seem like the place for a romantic candlelit dinner, but romantic dinners are what Il Bistro is all about. This basement trattoria takes Italian cooking very seriously, and in so doing also puts the Northwest's bountiful ingredients to good use. The menu includes such mouthwatering starters as calamari sautéed with fresh basil, garlic, vinegar, and tomatoes. Hundreds of loyal fans insist that Il Bistro's rack of lamb with wine sauce is the best in Seattle, and I'd have to agree. The pasta here can also be a true delight. You'll find Il Bistro tucked away down the cobblestone alley beside the market information kiosk.

Description:

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this century-old building is a sparkling gem in an enviable location: halfway between Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square and only 3 blocks from the waterfront, the Seattle Art Museum, and Benaroya Hall. The Alexis is dedicated to the visual, performance, and literary arts, and throughout the hotel, both in guest rooms and in public spaces, are numerous original works of art. The cheerful, personalized service and the pleasant mix of contemporary and antique furnishings give the Alexis a very special atmosphere. In the guest rooms, classic styling with a European flavor prevails. Almost half of the rooms are suites, including very comfortable fireplace suites with whirlpool baths. The Author's Suite has signed copies of books by well-known authors. However, the spa suites are the real winners, offering whirlpool tubs in exceedingly luxurious bathrooms. In 2007, a major renovation upgraded the rooms and added new suites with ties to the local arts community. The hotel also has complimentary evening wine tastings.

Description:

In an area surrounded by water, travel by boat makes sense. This is the largest ferry system in the United States, serving nearly 18 million commuters and visitors a year. Eight routes service 20 terminals, including the downtown Seattle ferry docks at Piers 50 and 52, Fauntleroy Dock in West Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, Bremerton and others. Operating 365 days a year, the ferries allow passengers to experience the magnificent Puget Sound scenery. The schedule changes seasonally and varies by day of the week, with adjusted schedules on holidays. Call or visit the Web site for schedules, terminals and fares.

Description:

Seaplanes are a fun alternative to the area's excellent ferry system. This establishment is one of the largest seaplane travel companies in the area. Fly to any of three locations in the San Juan Islands in about an hour. Trips are scheduled three times daily. The company also flies to Victoria, BC. Day trips and overnight packages are available. Call or check the Web site for up-to-date prices and schedule.

Our Local Expert Says:

There are only a few cabins on this beautiful property situated right on the water on Orcas Island, each has a fireplace, full kitchen and living room and some have beds perched in bay windows. Wake up to surrounded by water and watch the sun set over the bay. This is the most romantic weekend get away destination in the Northwest if you're looking for seclusion and natural beauty.

Description:

There are only a few cabins on this beautiful property situated right on the water on Orcas Island, each has a fireplace, full kitchen and living room and some have beds perched in bay windows. Wake up to surrounded by water and watch the sun set over the bay. This is the most romantic weekend get away destination in the Northwest if you're looking for seclusion and natural beauty.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you visit Orcas Island, this is the resort of choice, they offer beautiful rooms from luxurious traditional to casual contemporary, you can enjoy the spa, local sailing, scuba diving and hiking or just sit on the wrap around deck and enjoy the dazzling views of the islands and Puget Sound.

Description:

This beautiful property on Orcas Island was built in 1904 as a retirement home for Robert Moran, shipping magnate and two-term mayor of Seattle. In 1960, the mansion was converted into the resort it is today. Enjoy natural surroundings, fishing, golf, whale-watching and hiking in the rugged terrain. Or just relax at the spa. Rooms have old-time charm updated with more modern decor. Room rates vary by view and season. Package deals are available. The resort has three restaurants and a lounge, ranging in decor from casual to elegant.

Description:

Seaplanes are a fun alternative to the area's excellent ferry system. This establishment is one of the largest seaplane travel companies in the area. Fly to any of three locations in the San Juan Islands in about an hour. Trips are scheduled three times daily. The company also flies to Victoria, BC. Day trips and overnight packages are available. Call or check the Web site for up-to-date prices and schedule.

Description:

In an area surrounded by water, travel by boat makes sense. This is the largest ferry system in the United States, serving nearly 18 million commuters and visitors a year. Eight routes service 20 terminals, including the downtown Seattle ferry docks at Piers 50 and 52, Fauntleroy Dock in West Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, Bremerton and others. Operating 365 days a year, the ferries allow passengers to experience the magnificent Puget Sound scenery. The schedule changes seasonally and varies by day of the week, with adjusted schedules on holidays. Call or visit the Web site for schedules, terminals and fares.

Description:

This casual gourmet restaurant has the best location of any restaurant in Pike Place Market. Located on the third floor of the Corner Market Building, Matt's faces the big neon clock that is the quintessential symbol of the market. Until 2007, Matt's was a tiny cubbyhole of a place, but an expansion has given it enough tables that you can actually get in to eat here on short notice. The menu changes regularly, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients from the market stalls that are only steps away. There's also a good selection of reasonably priced wines. The food reveals whatever influences and styles happen to appeal to the chef at that moment -- perhaps Moroccan, perhaps Southern. However, if the menu happens to list anything with smoked catfish, try it.

Description:

What with the fishmongers and crowds of tourists, Pike Place Market might not seem like the place for a romantic candlelit dinner, but romantic dinners are what Il Bistro is all about. This basement trattoria takes Italian cooking very seriously, and in so doing also puts the Northwest's bountiful ingredients to good use. The menu includes such mouthwatering starters as calamari sautéed with fresh basil, garlic, vinegar, and tomatoes. Hundreds of loyal fans insist that Il Bistro's rack of lamb with wine sauce is the best in Seattle, and I'd have to agree. The pasta here can also be a true delight. You'll find Il Bistro tucked away down the cobblestone alley beside the market information kiosk.

Description:

Pike Place Market, originally a farmers market, was founded in 1907 when housewives complained that middlemen were raising the price of produce. The market allowed shoppers to buy directly from producers and thus save on grocery bills. For several decades, the market thrived. However, World War II deprived the market of nearly half its farmers when Japanese Americans were moved to internment camps. With the postwar flight to the suburbs, the market was never able to recover from the war years, and by the 1960s, the market was no longer the popular spot it had been. When it was announced that the site was being eyed for a major redevelopment project, a grass-roots movement arose to save the 9-acre market and eventually, the market was declared a National Historic District.

Today the market is once again bustling, but the 100 or so farmers and fishmongers who set up shop on the premises are only a small part of the attraction. More than 150 local craftspeople and artists can be found here, selling their creations as street performers serenade milling crowds. Hundreds of small specialty shops are scattered throughout the market, plus dozens of restaurants, including some of the city's...

Description:

The Opera House at Seattle Center houses an innovative opera company. The season of four or five full-scale productions includes a grand-scale summer production. Director Speight Jenkins has created a first-class company of talented performers. Expect Wagner's Ring Cycle, the company's claim to fame, now and then. Opened in 1927, the Opera House has good acoustics and seats more than 3,000. It is also home to the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Description:

Founded in Kirkland in 1972, this company outgrew two venues before finding its home in 1987 at Seattle Center. Notable shows include Into the Whirlwind, nationally recognized in 1990; the Kentucky Cycle, a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1992; and Three Tall Women, a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1995. The small, highly raked theater has good views of the stage from all seats. All seats cost the same, but ticket prices vary by show and time. The season runs March to December.

Description:

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this century-old building is a sparkling gem in an enviable location: halfway between Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square and only 3 blocks from the waterfront, the Seattle Art Museum, and Benaroya Hall. The Alexis is dedicated to the visual, performance, and literary arts, and throughout the hotel, both in guest rooms and in public spaces, are numerous original works of art. The cheerful, personalized service and the pleasant mix of contemporary and antique furnishings give the Alexis a very special atmosphere. In the guest rooms, classic styling with a European flavor prevails. Almost half of the rooms are suites, including very comfortable fireplace suites with whirlpool baths. The Author's Suite has signed copies of books by well-known authors. However, the spa suites are the real winners, offering whirlpool tubs in exceedingly luxurious bathrooms. In 2007, a major renovation upgraded the rooms and added new suites with ties to the local arts community. The hotel also has complimentary evening wine tastings.