The Explore All 50 States Project
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The first thing you are struck by when you arrive in Washington is the lush greenery everywhere. Seattle is often referred to as "The Emerald City" as the copious rainfall results in rich green foliage. Washington is a wondrous natural place with lots to explore, from the splendorous food choices available at the Pike Place Market in Seattle, to the gorgeous artwork made of glass in Tacoma, to the breathtaking … [Read more...]
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is A little off the beaten path, but definitely worth the drive. Take Highway 504 East off the 5 Freeway directly into the park and start at the visitors center. Mt. St. Helens blasted onto the global scene when she erupted unexpectedly May 18, 1980. There are several visitor centers so I am not sure which one we hit, but I assume it was the main one because there was … [Read more...]
The Washington State Capitol Building looks so much like the Capitol in D.C. from the that I almost had to do a double take. Inside check out the dome in the rotunda which sits about the state seal in the floor which has a portrait of George Washington which I thought was odd, that his likeness would be on the floor. The seal is roped off as apparently too many folks were stepping on Georges nose...Really? This … [Read more...]
The Experience Music Project is definitely one of our most memorable museum experiences of all time. Created by Paul Allen of Microsoft fame, it’s sort of like a museum about music, but not quite…it really is an "experience" and one that everyone should partake in. Walking in, we were immediately awestruck by the “tornado” of guitars that stretched 3 full floors. Inside you can explore music history with … [Read more...]
Taking a harbor cruise is just a super way to get a quick introduction to the Seattle and how it's location on the Pacific Ocean affects it's economy. The cruises are about 1 hour long and depart from Pier 55 and I highly recommend doing it first as the tour is a great sort of orientation. It’s an open-air boat with lots of space to walk around and there are bathrooms and snacks.. Some highlights include the … [Read more...]
Pike Place Market is an amazing place to delight the senses! An open air market filled with sights, sounds, tastes, and smells, you will find many things to give you the “flavor of Seattle.” The kids and I were fascinated walking from stall to stall looking at the displays and hunting for samples. One of the most memorable highlights was watching the fishmongers who literally throw a whole salmon across the … [Read more...]
Seeing the Seattle Space Needle, we could not wait to take a ride up to the O Deck so we could take in a panoramic view of all of Seattle from way top the city's iconic symbol. We rode up the super cool glass elevator. Warning, your ears will pop a little as you ascend up to the top. Check out the numerous binoculars out on the deck and see as far as your eyes can see. I don't know about you but I am not a … [Read more...]
Wow, we Learned all about how glass is created and crafted into things we use every day and incredible artwork at the Museum of Glass. After venturing inside the cone shaped building we took seats in the amphitheater around 3 hot kilns and watched as artisans blew incredible shapes. The sand was melted into a blob on a metal rod and then put into the fire. It was blown and shaped and reworked a couple of times. It … [Read more...]
This was our inaugural road trip, and because the kids were small (7, 6, and 4), we kept it really simple with a focus on nature that appeals to all ages. Starting and stopping in the Emerald City of Seattle (emerald for the lush greenery), we looped down the coast with its crashing waves and incredible sand dunes, and then moved inland to explore amazing volcanoes, steep mountains, and a mighty river. There is so … [Read more...]
