A Quick Seattle Trip

Me catching the fish at Pike's Place Fish Market in Seattle, Washington.

Thinking of planning a weekend trip to Seattle? I have compiled a short list of must sees and dos based on our late October 3-day family adventure to help you with yours. Of course, seeing a place in just a weekend will not allow you to hit every site. However, you can cram a lot into a few days, even with the entire family (we had 11 adults and a baby)! In our short trip, we were able to see a lot of the beautiful area. The weather was fantastic - no rain - and the leaves were changing for fall. Here is a list of highlights from our October Seattle adventure...

1. Taking a ferry ride to any of Seattle's surrounding islands or suburbs is definitely worth the few bucks it costs and your time. We rode out to Bremerton mid-day and then back just before dinner. Doing so allowed us to see Seattle (and the surrounding islands) in daylight and the city lights at night by water. We also had an amazing lunch/afternoon snack at the Boat Shed in Bremerton. Mmmm...there's nothing like fresh seafood in the Pacific Northwest!
2. Although it may sound super-touristy, I would also recommend a quick visit to Seattle's Space Needle. We opted for a Saturday morning visit (to avoid other tourists, I recommend going as early as possible). From its top, you can see the city and its gorgeous surroundings - think mountains, ocean, islands and skyscrapers! Plus, the Space Needle's history is rather interesting and you can learn all about it with a nice exhibit on the top's interior.
3. After our early morning visit to the Space Needle, we hopped in our cars (all 12 of us) and headed over to Pike's Place Market. Pike's Place Market is a MUST when visiting Seattle! However, I might not recommend 'fresh catch challenge' at Pike's Place Fish Market unless you are ready to take the heat if you drop it! I was tricked by my lovely in-laws into stepping up to the challenge and you bet I was not about to drop the 9 lb. salmon after hearing the employee's heckling at previous attempts. With a little help of my face and jacket (see above), I was successful in 'catching' our dinner that night. We had an amazing feast of salmon, oysters, crab legs and salad full of fresh goodies all purchased from PPM. I also snuck in a quick snack of delicious and award winning clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder and a sample or two from local cheese and veggie vendors.

USA Today Ranks Iceland as Top Destination 2010

Iceland has been ranked as a top destination for 2010 by USA Today. Southern Treks already knew this and has planned a trip to see (and hike) around the country's best highlights. Southern Treks' Iceland tour was named one of the top three walking tours in Iceland by Frommer's Iceland Guidebook. For more information on our exciting adventure, please visit our Web site.

Combat 3-1-1 Woes with GoToobs!

GoToobs have been flying off the shelves at Changes In Latitude Travel Store since their release earlier this year. These colorful bottles are top notch in every way for travel. The wide mouth makes them easy to fill and clean. Plus, the soft (but sturdy) silicone tube is super easy to squeeze.  The bottles feature a "no-drip" valve on the cap and the rubber seal helps to ensure your liquids won't leak.  The best part is that they are TSA carry-on compliant - so feel free to stock up on as many that will fill your 3-1-1 clear, plastic, 1-qt. bag. GoToobs are available in two sizes, 2 oz. and 1.25 oz., and four colors: pink, green, blue and clear. 

 

QUICK TIP: Combat Jet Lag

Flying across time zones and don't want to lose a day of your vaca to drowsiness? Try No Jet Lag. It's a homeopathic blend made in New Zealand that works to decrease the symptoms of jet lag. Just take one pill (some say it is best to let it dissolve under your tongue since it is homeopathic) on each take off, each landing and every two hours you are in the air unless you fall asleep.  In that case, just take one pill when you wake up - don't wake up to take it. For me (and for abour 90 percent of our Changes In Latitude customers) it really works!  I've used it going both ways (England/New Zealand for example) and I swear by it! 

Iceland: A Southern Treks Adventure 2010

Southern Treks is heading to Iceland next summer! Southern Treks' Iceland tour was named as one of  the top three hiking tours by Frommer's guidebook and we are excited to be offering this trip once again. We'll soak in hot pools, hop around geysers and trek through lush valleys. We'll explore this country's extraordinary landscape from end to end during our 2-week stay beginning and ending in the exciting capital of Reykjavik. For details on the latest ST adventures, please visit our Web site. Or contact us by email at sotreks@aol.com. 

Southern Treks Named Best Hiking Tour in Frommer's Iceland Guide

Marie Edwards, owner & operator of Southern Treks, in England 2008.

Rome-based adventure travel company (and the company I am affiliated with), Southern Treks, is featured in the First Edition of the Frommer’s Iceland Guide Book.  Southern Treks’ 11-day tour, led by a wilderness guide native to Iceland, was suggested for visitors by the highly revered guidebook along with two larger travel companies.

The Southern Treks itinerary for “Walking Adventures in Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice” includes easy to moderate walks all over the country.  Highlights of the tour include hiking through Iceland’s lush valleys, walking up extinct volcanoes and exploring a variety of volcanic and geothermal landscapes.  Beyond stays in the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, tour participants experience opportunities for bird watching, whale watching under the midnight sun, riding among calving glaciers on an amphibious landing vehicle and viewing the most powerful waterfall in Europe – Godafoss.

“I am truly thrilled to be named as having one of the best walking tours in Iceland, especially since I am just one of three featured,” said Marie Edwards, owner and operator of Southern Treks.   “I am so pleased that Iceland is getting the recognition it deserves. Since the Krona (Iceland’s currency) has decreased in value, it has really become an affordable destination and is experiencing an influx in tourists. Plus, getting to Iceland is easy – it is only 5 hours from Boston.”

Edwards has previously led four tours to Iceland and has visited four additional times to conduct research for her tours.  She will offer the “Walking Adventures in Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice” trip again June 15-26, 2010.

Southern Treks is an international adventure travel company specializing in high end walking tours in Europe and the South Pacific.  Marie Edwards, a native to Northwest Georgia, started the company after hiking the 189-mile Coast-to-Coast trail in England over 20 years ago.  Since, she has led over 100 tours in 14 countries, including New Zealand, England, Spain and Scotland. She and her company have received previous international recognitions such as the prestigious Opal Award in Australia given by the country’s Tourism Commission for best itinerary in 2000.

For more information please visit: www.southerntreks.com

Summertime in Big Sky, Montana

Since a number of my blog readers will be attending my wedding in Big Sky, Montana next month, I have decided to dedicate this posting to list my favorite things to do while vacationing there.  Check 'em out! 

EAT

Blue Moon Bakery (breakfast) Located in the meadow at Big Sky (down the mountain), this quaint deli boasts quite possibly the BEST breakfast sandwiches and bagels ever.  They also have great sandwiches for lunch and tasty baked sweets for snacking.  No link. 406.995.2305 

The Wrap Shack (lunch) Also located in the meadow, the Wrap Shack offers a variety of burrito style goodies.  Feeling adventurous?  Try one of the Bubba - a tortilla filled with slow roasted pork, pinto beans and barbeque sauce.  Otherwise, you will not be disappointed by the traditional-style roll-ups.  406.995.3099

The Corral (dinner) For the quintessential Montana steakhouse experience, the Corral is a must.  The Steak Corral is my favorite item on the menu and I look forward to the tasty crab and bernaise covered filet of goodness each visit.  They do not take reservations and it is typically crowded so expect a wait.  888.995.4249

PLAY

Yellowstone National Park: The country's first national park is just a 45 minute drive from Big Sky.  The park is a great place to view wildlife (elk, buffalo and grizzly bears if you are lucky) and discover the wondrous natural phenomena of geysers (300 total), colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots. 

Fly-fish: Although I am a terrible fly fisherman, I still love floating down the beautiful Gallatin and Madison Rivers.  Hire a guide and you might even catch a fish in these trout-filled waters!

Shop in Bozeman: Bozeman's Main Street has great clothing and home boutiques.  Check out Meridian and Elizabeth and Company for women's clothing, Bridger Kitchens for neat gourmet supplies and Indulgence for pampering goodies. 

SLEEP

This summer, I would highly recommend the Lodge at Big Sky not only because I used to work there, but it is offering the best deal for the season.  For $99 ($89 with AAA discount), you can stay "on the mountain."  The rooms are basic, but spacious and clean.  They offer a nice seating area downstairs, a gym/pool/hottub area and a small bar.  

Things I Can't Wait to Try

Lone Peak Brewery: As a microbrewery fanatic, I cannot wait to check out the newest beer joint in Big Sky's meadow.  The brewery features a tasting room equipped with shuffleboard and a menu of tasty bar food.  

IMAX West Yellowstone: Although it is unlikely I will make it there this trip, I cannot wait to experience the IMAX Theater in West Yellowstone.  The state of the art theater offers shows featuring the wilderness of Yellowstone and the intriguing lives of bears. Check the Web site for show times.