Originally published March 6, 2017 | Updated March 5, 2018
Chalk it up to the wacky winter weather, but we’ve been counting down the days until spring finds its way back to the Pacific Northwest. If you’re starting to feel a bit of island fever without plans for a spring escape, don’t despair, there’s plenty of fun to be had right in your own backyard! A quick ride aboard the Victoria Clipper will land you in the heart of Seattle, where you’ll have a myriad of options to create your perfect easy getaway.
1. Take a Bite Out of Seattle
Introduce your taste buds to a whole new level of culinary goodness. Stroll through the vibrant stalls of Seattle’s foodie paradise on the Savor Seattle Pike Place Market Food & Cultural Tour, where each stop offers up an array of phenomenal eats. See fish fly at the famous seafood stalls and peer through the glass window of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese shop to watch the magic happen from curd to wheel.
Let your nose lead the way to Piroshky Piroshky for freshly baked delights (Insider tip: the apple and salmon varieties are two options that are sure to leave your mouth watering for more). Shop off the calories and explore the collection of handmade wares, ranging from woven rugs to intricate jewelry housed throughout the market.
2. Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Want to put a little pep in your step? There’s nothing like walking through acres of flowers to brighten your day. Rent a car and make the 60-mile trek north from Seattle to the tranquil Skagit Valley. The region springs to life from March 30-April 30 with thousands of blooms during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Meander through field upon field of Instagram-worthy tulips in every color imaginable, from the sunniest of yellows to the deepest inky purples.
Swing by the two display gardens, Roozengaarde and Tulip Town to snap some photos, check out the gift shop and grab fresh cut flowers to bring home. Need a sweet treat for the ride home? Stop by Snow Goose Produce for a generous scoop or two of ice cream served in a homemade waffle cone to cap off your day. Yum!
3. Soak in Sights of the City from 520 Feet Above Ground
As quintessentially Seattle as it gets, the Space Needle stands tall over the neighborhood of Queen Anne, providing bliss-inducing views of the city and the region’s surrounding blue and green goodness. Snap a time-lapse shot from the elevator as you whisk your way up to the top in a mere 41 seconds, or in other words, 800 feet per minute. Bonus points for popping next door to The Chihuly Garden & Glass for another chance to peep at some beautiful flowers from world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
4. Let Your Imagination Take Flight
If you’re an aviation aficionado or have an aspiring pilot in tow, the iconic Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center and Factory are a must-visit. Walk through the commercial jet-assembly plant (the world’s largest building by volume) for an up close and personal look at the 747, 777 and 787 Dreamliner before they take to the skies.
Budding astronauts can hop inside a full mock-up of the U.S. Laboratory Module Destiny to see what it’s like to live and work on the International Space Station, while junior engineers can put their creative juices to work and create their own airplanes and flying machines.
5. Sip Some of Seattle’s Finest Suds
Embark on a hands-on study of the city’s craft brew scene as Seattle micro-brew experts from Road Dog Tours lead you down the path to brewvana. Visit three of Seattle’s distinguished breweries, where insider knowledge is freely dispensed along with a fresh lineup of delicious suds. Sample a frothy pint of Hefeweizen or down one of the hoppy IPAs for pure PNW goodness.
Whether you want to soak in the sun, explore the outdoors or learn something new, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy your well-deserved break this spring!
Clipper Recommends:
- If you are thirsty for more of Seattle’s famous brews, jump on the craft bandwagon with the Seattle Distillery Tour and explore the inner-workings and giant glistening stills of small-batch producers such as Sound Spirits Distillery, Letterpress Distillery and Copperworks Distillery.
- Spruce up your wardrobe for the season and do a little shopping at Pioneer Square’s E. Smith Mercantile or Show Pony in Fremont to pick up clothing, jewelry and other accessories from local designers.
Feature Photo: Melissa Sitrin