Retirement affords one certain opportunity which I am very appreciative. Such opportunities include the ability to travel, explore, see new places and visit new and old friends. My visit to Washington State allowed me to kill two birds with one stone. I was so excited to visit my dear friends Debbie and Vern. Debbie and I taught for years at the same middle school where we became fast friends back east in Maryland. She and Vern moved to the Pacific Northwest to be near their twin daughters and grandchildren. It also was a wonderful opportunity to visit Washington state for the first time.
My journey took me to Lacey, Washington to visit my dear friends and their beautiful new retirement home. Lacey is about fifteen minute from the state capital of Olympia, Washington, and its an hour away from Seattle. With Tacoma, Washington being forty minutes north of Lacey I guess you could say Lacey is right in the thick of things.
My Decent Into Washington
My arrival in Seattle. A magnificent view of Washington’s mountains, waterway, and skyline.
Such an amazing view of the area. Water, water every place! Looking out of the airplane window I was so excited about my visit to Washington state. I was so looking forward to seeing Debbie and Vern, and to see what the state had to offer.
Haws Prairie Trail
A private trail located in Lacey, Washington
These are shots that were taken in Lacey very near Deb and Vern’s home. You can literally stand in their yard and look out over the Puget Sound.
If you walk the trail very near where they live, (the trail is called the Hawks Prairie Trail) you get some magnificent views of the beach near the Puget Sound, there’s a weathered bridge, and a wonderful view of Mount St Rainier that’s simply breathtaking.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
Located in Woodinville, Washington near Seattle
On my visit to Washington state my friends and I went to one of the oldest wineries in the called Chateau Ste. Michelle. This is one of the most elegant wineries I have ever seen. The winery is on this massive estate owned by Altria the parent company of Philip Morris USA. Chateau Ste. Michelle won the 2004 American Winery of the year.
Chateau Ste. Michelle is an experience, they have a peacock roaming the grounds. It is simply beautiful. The grounds really remind you of a beautiful college campus. Chateau Ste. Michelle produces Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Riesling, and they partner with other vintners.
Washington has some of the lushest lands in the United States. They are 2nd in the United States in the production of wine. They have over 850 wineries in the state. It makes for the perfect area to grow grapes and make wine. It was one of my favorite stops on my visit to Washington state.
Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market in Seattle was at the top of my list to visit. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this place on the food channels, and I was so excited to visit the flying fish stand. A Saturday visit didn’t curve my enthusiasm one bit with the large crowds. I was amazed by all the fresh fish stands, oh how I wish I could have all that fish available on the east coast.
Deb and I found the famous Rachel the piggy bank. We had to get that snapshot in with Rachel. Cheese is Queen. You must stop and see Beecher’s Handmade Cheese store. The line was out the door. I regret not waiting to get samples and make a cheese purchase.
Seattle, Washington
The views were amazing in Seattle. You can go to several parks throughout the city and see numerous attractions in the area. Overlooking Dr. Rizal Park you can see both of Seattle sport’s stadiums. The Century Link Field is the home of the Seattle Seahawks and right next door is the baseball stadium Safeco Field where baseball rules.
Not too far from there is the famous Chinatown International District. You are sure to find all kinds of delicious foods and wonderful bargains on beautiful clothing, jewelry, and insight into the Asian culture.
Another park that we visited was called Gas Work Park. Gas Work Park is located on the north shore of Lake Union near a working pier. As you enter the park there is this big metal structure which represents the former Seattle Gas Light Company.
The Space Needle can be seen from the park. There’s a major renovation currently going on at the Space Needle, they are installing glass floors in the restaurant. That should be a huge draw.
Mt. Rainier National Park
Mt Rainier National Park is a must-see. Photographs cannot do this place justice. It is the nation’s fifth national park.
Mt. Rainier at 14,410 feet is the tallest volcano in the Cascade Mountain Range. The weather was perfect for climbers, there was fourteen feet of snow on the mountain. It is really beautiful country, it must be experienced to get the full effect of its beauty.
Olive Branch Cafe
High Tea
Tacoma, Washington
The Olive Branch Cafe is a charming cafe which serves wonderful little sandwiches and the most amazing Smoked Salmon Chowder. The icing on the cake is that they also serve high tea.
High tea is a meal eaten in the late afternoon or early evening. The cafe has such a charming feel. You are greeted by a wonderful staff serving you your choice of tea in fine China. Live music being played on a piano by a well dress gentleman lends itself to an elegant experience.
Museum of Glass
Tacoma, Washington
This is a very small museum. The glass museum is Tacoma’s counterpart to Chihuly museum in Seattle. There are many beautiful contemporary glass pieces on display. One of my favorite parts of the museum was the Hot Shop. I was very impressed with the artist’s glass blowing skills.
The museum offers numerous class to the public. It focuses on nurturing artists and encouraging creativity. They have an exhibition showcasing 51 glass sculptures designed by children under 12 years old which is on display in the museum. The Hot Shop Team worked with the children in crafting the project.
Right outside you will find the Chihuly Bridge of Glass which connect the museum to downtown Tacoma.
My Visit To Washington State
All good things must come to an end. I was in Washington a little over a week. I am grateful for all that I have seen. Washington is such a beautiful state. Even if I had another week, it still wouldn’t be enough time to see everything.
I had a lovely stay, My host and hostess were so gracious. They made the right choice to move here. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and their children and grand babies are nearby. I look forward to another visit to beautiful Washington state.
Check out A Roadtrip to Asheville, North Carolina, you are sure to like my visit there too.