After a long direct flight from Washington, DC, I touched down in Seattle, WA late evening around 9pm. The best thing about the 6 hour flight from the East Coast to the West Coast is that you make up for time. If planned correctly (an evening flight in and red-eye flight out), you can truly maximize full days and get the most out of a long weekend trip. Well, that is, if you can handle the 3 hour time change which may bring a little bit of jet lag. My advice is to just power through it, rally, and drink lots of coffee!
My motivation for this trip was a quick visit home. My parents live just north of Seattle in Edmonds, WA. Edmonds sits on the beautiful shores of the Puget Sound. Though, traditionally, a homestead and lodging community, it is now a modern residential and commercial Seattle suburban city boosting a quaint downtown, several beaches and picturesque waterfront views. Some of the best things about the Pacific Northwest, Seattle and Edmonds are the mild winters and the beautiful nature that surrounds it. My first morning started off with a short run to a nearby lake, Lake Ballinger. Lake Ballinger is surrounded by homes, a golf course, a park, and biking and running trials. It’s a definitely great little lake to visit, swim and fish at the during the summer.
After my morning run, we headed into downtown Edmonds to what is supposed to be its best brunch spot, Rusty Pelican Café. The coffee there was served with heavy whipping cream which is thick, sweet and all things yummy. I had the best mimosa I have had in a long time. It was raspberry infused, very refreshing and it reminded me of the beach! Between the four of us we ate the crepes, french toast, pancakes and eggs benedict. All were very good! However, if you are a French toast lover, it is not to be missed here. After brunch we strolled down to Edmonds Ferry Terminal to spend some time walking around Brackett’s Landing Park, one of its bordering beaches with a great view.
Our afternoon involved a much anticipated visit to Chateau Ste Michelle Winery. The Winery is located in the popular Woodinville Wine Country about 30 mins from downtown Seattle. I have been on several wine tours in both Napa and Northern VA and I must say that this was a fun and informative tour. First of all, the tour is free! And secondly, it involves a complimentary 3 sampling wine tasting! It doesn’t get much that! The tour and tasting lasted about 35 minutes total. After, we enjoyed some of their “Themed Tastings” ($10) in their Tasting Room Bar, as well the Col Solare Bottega tasting. Col Solare is a winemaker partnership between the Chateau Ste. Michelle and Marchesi Antinori of Italy. It has its own tasting room within the winery and it is a very cool experience. And, I did end up walking away with a delicious bottle to take home!
Overall, we had a great day! I definitely recommend visiting both downtown Edmonds and Woodinville Wine Country for a not-so-typically Seattle day trip experience.
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