Perhaps it was the busy holiday season or maybe the wacky winter weather, but needless to say, we’re glad that spring has found its way back to the Pacific Northwest. 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
Prepare to introduce your taste buds to a whole new level of culinary goodness. Stroll through the vibrant stalls of Seattle’s veritable foodie paradise on the Savor Seattle Pike Place Market Food & Cultural Tour, where each stop offers up an array of phenomenal eats. Peer through the glass window of the famous Beecher’s Cheese shop to watch the magic happen from curd to wheel. Wander over to the seafood stalls to see fish fly. Follow your nose to Piroshky Piroshky to taste some freshly baked delights (a little insider tip – the apple and salmon varieties are sure to leave your mouth watering for more). Shop off the calories at the array of unique boutiques housed inside the market, featuring handmade wares ranging from woven rugs and baskets to intricate jewelry.
2. Tiptoe Through the Tulips
There’s nothing like acres of beautiful florals to brighten your day. Rent a car and make the 60-mile trek north from Seattle driving along scenic country roads as the quiet Skagit Valley region comes alive with thousands of blooms from April 1-30 during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Meander through field upon field of Instagram worthy tulips in a rainbow of luminescent shades that range from sunny yellow to deep inky purples.
Swing by the two elaborately designed display gardens, Roozengaarde and Tulip Town to snap some photos and grab fresh cut flowers to bring home. Bonus points for stopping by Snow Goose Produce for a generous scoop of ice cream served in a homemade waffle cone to cap off your day.
3. Chase Washington’s Waterfalls
The Emerald City often gets a bad rap for its damp climate, but there are few things more exhilarating than witnessing all the winter’s rain and snowmelt being transformed into thundering, gushing waterfalls come spring. Hop on the Snoqualmie Falls and Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour to visit Washington’s iconic 268-foot waterfall and then move on to three elegant, boutique wineries and learn to sip like a sommelier as you sample award-winning wines rarely found outside of Washington.
4. Let Your Imagination Take Flight
If you are an aviation aficionado or have an aspiring pilot or two 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
Long known for creating an array of delicious elixirs, Seattle has become famous for its exceptional and unique brews. Do 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 most distinguished and unique breweries around, where insider knowledge is freely dispensed along with a fresh lineup of delicious suds. Sample classics such as the frothy and smooth Hefeweizen or down one of the hoppy IPAs to truly feel like a local.
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.
Ready to plan your spring getaway to Seattle? Book your trip today at clippervacations.com.
