Seattle and Vancouver

taquitos43 · #1 10-28-2010, 09:18 AM

I'll be getting married in May of 2011. The fiance and I have decided to honeymoon in Seattle and Vancouver. We've decided this because neither of us has been to the area and wanted a completely new experience for the both of us. Can anyone here tell me what some of the can't miss things are for each or either area? I understand that some of it depends on likes\dislikes. Mostly, I'm looking for the popular sights and activities in the areas, then we'll pare down once we have a better idea of the areas. Thanks!

Jonyak · #2 10-28-2010, 09:20 AM

for vancouver, I would definately go see capilano bridge, whistler, sea to sky highway, grouse mountain, and if you want to take a ferry to victoria.

MJ5150 · #3 10-28-2010, 09:50 AM

Cafe Ladro for a latte in Seattle. Do NOT go to Starbucks, unless you want to check out the first one ever opened in Pike Place Market.
Speaking of, check out Pike Place Market, and ride a ferry to Bremerton.

-Mike

TBird1958 · #4 10-28-2010, 10:34 AM

After your ferry ride to Victoria you might take the one to Pt.Angeles, Wa. and visit Hurricane Ridge, it's an easy drive and a return trip to Seattle is about 2 1/2 hours.

The heart of the Olympic mountains, bring a coat.

Pilgrim · #5 10-28-2010, 10:44 AM

Vancouver is a cool city, you won't go wrong there!

As an alternative - or an add-on:

My wife and I got married in Eastern WA, drove to Port Angeles and walked on a ferry for Victoria BC. On the way over, we sorted through brochures and decided to stay at the Old England Inn...now called the English Inn. GREAT choice for a honeymoon spot! http://www.englishinn.ca/ We stayed in a building on the grounds that's a replica of Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage.

The inner harbor at Victoria is very cool, lots to see and do, and buses will take you just about any place in town.

I'd suggest either making Victoria your stay, or go over at least one day from Vancouver. It's a great trip...but be aware that there aren't many ferries every day, so don't miss the one you need.

taquitos43 · #6 10-30-2010, 09:07 AM

Thanks! I appreciate the input. I will definitely check out the English Inn. We'll see what works for us.

MJ5150 · #7 10-30-2010, 09:19 AM

Victoria and Vancouver are two different places. No way I would try and do both in one day for a first time visitor.

On a side note, can you bring me out some spicy Gates BBQ sauce?

-Mike

taquitos43 · #8 10-31-2010, 05:24 PM

Mike, that won't be til June of next year. If you want to PM me your address, I can send you some Spicy Gates BBQ Sauce. It's one of my favorites!

stevetx19 · #9 10-31-2010, 09:05 PM

if you are in seattle, i recommend dinner at Brad's in Fremont.

Philonius · #10 10-31-2010, 09:45 PM

Both cities have some great neighborhoods, good restaurants, active music scenes, museums, outdoors activities... the list goes on. Knowing a bit more about your interests would help narrow the focus. A couple of quick suggestions:
Seattle is a great town for microbrews, lots of great local beers. Mmmmmmm, beer!
My favorite music venues (now that I'm an old fart and don't hit the big concert scene) are Jazz Alley and The Triple Door. Check out their schedules and see what's up. Bigger shows at the Moore, Paramount, and Showbox Theaters if the timing works out. Benaroya Hall for orchestral music. Lots of smaller bars with live music, pick up a free copy of The Weekly or The Stranger and have at it.
Experience Music Project for a Rock'nRoll museum outing. Seattle Art Museum or Asian Art Museum for art. Olympic Sculpture Park, ditto.
Space Needle for overpriced food and great views of the city.
Take a Ferry ride to Bainbridge Island and walk around the cute Winslow downtown area.
By all means check out BassNorthwest, and be prepared to see one awesome collection of basses (For Sale!) More out of the way, but Trading Musician always has something cool and vintage to tempt 'ya.
Alki Point or Linclon Park for beach walks, The UW Arboretum ought to be a right 'purty walk at that time of year, and while you're in that neighborhood you can rent a canoe at the UW (University of Washington for you know-nothings) boat house and paddle about.
I've never done it, but there is a "Ride the Duck" tour of the city, which might be OK, in a touristy sort of way.
Pike Place Market, of course. Ballard Locks; don't forget to grab some Fish & Chips.
I've been told there is a Major League baseball team; the taxpayers have erected a massive structure in their honor.
If you're into driving around, Hurricane Ridge is nice, as is Paradise at Mt. Ranier, but they will both have boatloads of snow still in June. Leavenworth is 2+ hours away, but you could go there for a day if you get tired of the drizzle.

'Nuff for now.

Pilgrim · #11 10-31-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Victoria and Vancouver are two different places. No way I would try and do both in one day for a first time visitor.

-Mike

Absolutely right, Mike. No way to see any significant part of either one in less than a full day. In Seattle, I like to have dinner at Ivar's on Pier 54(?). It's one of the original places, founded by Ivar Haglund. Touristy, but good food and a nice view of the sound.