Seattle travel advice please?

[Eurobabe]

Hey Washingtonians, Mr. 48percenter and I are taking a trip out your way the end of May and we need some advice re: what to do. I am figuring that we should spend 2 days exploring Seattle, then head out to the islands for 2 days, and drive up to Vancouver and Canada for the remainder (we will be there a total of 8 days).

We are kind of laid back people, actually enjoy the wide open spaces and scenery instead of nightlife (I am into photography and he's a scuba diver) Can you recommend anything that is a must-see?

We are also pretty set on staying in bed and breakfasts, vs. chain hotels, so places you can recommend would be great. Thanks a bunch! This summer we are spending OUR $$$ on a blue state vacation. :))

[skippythwndrdog]

1. Visit Vashon Island for a day trip.

I love that island. Used to have a vacation home on it.

[flamingyouth]

2. Here's a good B&B resource site:

Friends of mine from Australia stayed at the Gaslight Inn on 15th Ave. E. on Capitol Hill. It is a neat old house and they really loved it. :hi:

http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/seabandb.htm

[Eurobabe]

4. Cool, that is one I was considering!

Glad to hear that someone has experience with it. I wonder if you can actually swim in late May out there?

[flamingyouth]

6. It depends

The weather can be warm in May, or it can be rainy. Personally, it's one of my favorite times of year here.

The water will be cold, yes, but there is scuba diving available with a wetsuit.

Hope you have a great time here! :hi:

[Dudley_DUright]

3. I was just up in Seattle and Vancouver over the holidays

Granville Island and Stanley Park are really nice in Vancouver.

http://www.aviewoncities.com/vancouver/granville.htm
http://www.aviewoncities.com/vancouver/stanleypark.htm

I would also recommend a visit to Victoria.

http://www.city.victoria.bc.ca/visitors/about_views.shtml

[Zomby Woof]

5. Beware of the worst traffic in America

Take it a from a former 15-year resident commuter. ;-)

[Zomby Woof]

7. And not to rain on the parade

(No Seattle pun intended)

But I am not sure I buy into the "blue state vacation" idea. The whole red/blue state dichotomy is false and grates on me.

A lot of small business owners, even in WA state, are Republicans. So even by staying in B&B's, and avoiding chains (which employ lots of good Dems), you may be lining the pockets of Republican owners. Unless you want to ask them in advance what their leanings are.

Also, if you are flying, the airlines may be as Republican as the chain hotels, etc.

I am not trying to be difficult, or cast a pall on the whole deal, but I just don't think life is as simple as 'red state/blue state'. It's much more complex to navigate an already complicated life that way.

But have fun, and hope the weather cooperates! :hi:

[sbj405]

8. My friend just got back from a conference there

She said the Undergoround Seattle tour was worth it. http://www.undergroundtour.com/