Seattle

After our lovely stay at Willows Lodge, we spent a couple of days getting to know Seattle.  We had fantastic weather - sunshine, not a drop of rain, and above 0 temperatures - which made for perfect conditions to take our time, wander streets, stop for coffee or beer and browse the shops.  We meandered through Pike Place Market one afternoon and returned for breakfast early one morning which was quiet with great views at sunrise.  We walked by the original Starbucks but I couldn't be bothered to wait with the crowds to get inside and order a coffee.  I found it fascinating to learn how many other major companies call the Seattle area home: Microsoft, Amazon, Nordstrom's, Eddie Bauer, Expedia, Allrecipes.com, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Jone's Soda - just to name a few.

We also toured the Boeing facility in Everett (another obligation of an engineer's wife.)  All Boeing 747, 767, 777 and the highly anticipated and recently plagued Dreamliner 787 are made at this facility in what is said to be the largest building in the world.  It was interesting to see these massive airplanes being put together in assembly line form.  The tour itself wasn't an ideal format - a large group of people bussed around the premises, no photos allowed and a very feisty woman who basically did an hour long commercial for Boeing even having us chant "If it's not Boeing, I'm not going" on the bus - but it was interesting nonetheless.

 

 

 

Seattle makes a great weekend trip - many great restaurants to try, a lot of craft brewing, shops and nice scenery.

Where we stayed:
-Alexis Hotel
     -reasonable prices, boutique feel, surprisingly large rooms, great location with Pike Place a mere 5 minute walk away and very pet friendly should you be traveling with your dog.  The concierge was really knowledgeable and helpful which was great for booking the Boeing tour as well as finding restaurants.