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A Visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market

August 23, 2024

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Location: Seattle Washington USA

Since I was born and raised in the great Puget Sound area, and I spend my summer in our home on the Kitsap Peninsula, the Pike Place Market has always been part of my life. As I child, we used to ride the ferry from Bremerton alone, (as young as ten years old) and spend the day wandering around the market, the Seattle Center and the Seattle waterfront. Seems crazy to think of allowing a ten-year old to do that now, but a visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market was common – and we did!

That’s me at the iconic Public Market sign

Back in the Day

Back in the 1970’s when I was a kid, the market wasn’t so crowded, and not so many tourists as today. Did you know the Pike Place Market was founded in 1907, and is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States? For generations farmers from far and wide brought their goods to sell at the market. Seattle loves this market and has fought to preserve it over the decades.

Drop some coins in the “piggy” bank to help the Pike Place Market Foundation

In 1971, Seattle citizens voted to create a Pike Place Market Historic District and the Market Historical Commission to preserve the Market’s physical and unique social character.

In the 1980’s the Pike Place Market Foundation was created to help fund and preserve the market. It was during this period that the popular Pike Place Market tiles were sold. Today as you walk the market thousands of these tiles showcase the names of market supporters.

Despite my lifelong love of a visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market, it must be said that the market feels more of a tourist destination today than the market of my youth. And yet, there is something about this eclectic space in the middle of a bustling city that continues to draw locals alongside cruise visitors, day-trippers and tourists. A Visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market is a must.

The Finest Produce

I can’t begin to say how many times I have wandered around the market. In a previous life I had a catering business and I would get all my produce at the market the morning of a catering job. Today I still love to pick up produce from one of the market’s longest operating vendors Sosio’s Fruit and Produce. Socio’s opened in 1943 and the current owners took over in 1990. It has been my go-to produce vendor for 48 years.

Socio’s is compact but the produce and the service are top notich

The Freshest Seafood

Although it’s lots of fun to visit Pike Place Fish Company and watch them throw the salmon with all the tourists, it’s a little too crowded for my tastes. So for decades my favorite place to buy any seafood at the market has been Pure Food Fish Market, established in 1911. Here I can find beautiful fresh fish, Dungeness crab, steamer clams and on my last visit they had the most beautiful fresh squid.

My favorite fish monger is Pure Food Fish

Perfecto Italian Specialty Foods

One of my preferred places to visit at the market is DeLaurenti’s…I never miss going in there. The history of DeLaurenti’s is a wonderful story so read about it here and be sure to visit. I love their cheese counter, always buy a couple of dolmades to pop in my mouth, and usually come home with olive oil, gnocchi and chocolate. Whatever you do don’t miss the upstairs wine room.

Fresh Baked

When my kids were still living at home, I always would stop at Pike Place Bakery and bring home a GIANT donut for each of them. These delicious treats are the size of a plate! Back in the day I paid $2 each. Today, like everything else, they are much more expensive ($8) but still worth it. They usually sell out so get there early.

Crafts and More

In addition to the wonderful food stuff at the market, you will also find a large selection of craft items, most locally made in the Pacific Northwest. When I was getting married, I went to the Pike Place Market and visited all the craft vendors. It was here I purchased gifts for each of my bridesmaids.

Craft area is very crowded when I visited recently on a Sunday

Restaurants

Two of my all time favorite restaurants in all of the world call The Pike Place Market home. You can find both The Pink Door and Cafe Campagne in Post Alley. Both of these delicious and unique eateries have been providing diners delicious and fresh foods for decades; The Pink Door since 1981 and Cafe Campagne since 1994. They are Seattle icons both.

Bastille Day Celebration at Cafe Campagne

Recently I had a meal at Half Shell, a Tom Douglas restaurant in the market formerly called Ettas’s. It was excellent and I will be back. A small but fresh and seasonal menu with the best oysters I have had in a really long time.

Pike Place Brewing is a great place to stop and have a cold one, or also a meal. We usually kill some time here, sitting at the bar for a beer or cocktail whenever we make a visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

There are so many places to get great food both in and near the market. See a larger list here.

First Timer?

If you are visiting Seattle’s Pike Place Market for the first time, I recommend trying to come on a week day. But in the summer it will be crowded on any day. Tours are available of the market by verified third party vendors. Food tours, history tours and even ghost tours are some of the options. Check out Get Your Guide and Viator.

Be sure and head down to the lower level of the market

If you don’t have the time for a tour, just be sure to make your way to the lower level of the market, known as the Shops Down Under. This is a part of the market so many people miss. Eclectic shops with hidden treasures and it will be much less crowded.

There are some great facts about the market you might enjoy reading about. So learn more at 16 Things You May Not Know About the Pike Place Market.

A Few Other Things

If I need a coffee when I am at the market I like to hit up Pike Street Coffee. It is really one of the best cups of coffee in Seattle. And, considering the coffee culture in Seattle that is saying a lot.

As of this writing, Starbucks has closed their shop in the market, which was popular with tourists for it’s historic value. No news as to when it might reopen. But, since you are in Seattle there is a Starbucks on nearly every corner, including the corner of First and Pine.

So what is up with this gum wall? Yeah it’s kinda disgusting, but everybody loves it too. The Gum Wall started in the 1990s when local patrons and performers at Unexpected Productions stuck their used gum on the wall. Since those days, the wall has grown piece by piece to cover an enormous expanse of brick and continues to expand down Post Alley. In 2019 the wall was stripped of all gum and cleaned by the Pike Place Preservation Society. But of course, all the gum is back – in fact even more. Once a gum wall, always a gum wall.

A Visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market

Seattle is undergoing a bit of a renaissance, particularly from the waterfront area to the Pike Place Market. After years of construction the new and improved waterfront is nearly complete. It includes a brand new ferry terminal and aquarium. The main thoroughfare, Alaska Way, was moved to accommodate the new aquarium which will include a pedestrian walkway flyover to the Pike Place Market. In addition to this new access pedestrians can also go between the market and the waterfront on the Harbor Steps, the Pike Street Hill Climb and the elevator from the Pike Market parking Garage.

If you haven’t been to Seattle lately, it’s time to see all the changes

The historic Pike Place Market holds a very special place in my heart as a life long resident of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Whether you are a local or a first time visitor, it’s a must when in Seattle, any time of year.

Thanks for reading my post A Visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market. We are grateful when you pin, share and comment on our blog posts. Thank you! See you at the market.

Be sure and see last week’s post A Magical Transformation of my Laundry Room. Also don’t miss My Favorite Hike in Washington State.

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A Magical Transformation of my Laundry Room

August 16, 2024

Laureen

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Location: At Home, USA

My husband and I are many things; happily married, parents to great kids, active outdoors people, travel gurus and do-it-yourselfers. To name a few. And each summer we tackle some kind of do-it-yourself project around our house when we are home from our travels. This year we did a magical transformation of my laundry room.

We purchased a small home five years ago (sight unseen), after not owning a home for a little more than three years. We absolutely love this house, and it is a perfect place to come home to and enjoy our summers in the Pacific Northwest. It’s also easy to lock and walk away when we do our extended long term travel. Our first year we did aesthetic updates to the 1990’s space in the kitchen, living, dining, and master bedroom. See our blog post about that project here. Year two we gutted and did a beautiful new master bathroom See our blog post about that amazing transformation here. Year three we spent most the summer working in the yard. Last year we painted all the interior doors, added some accent wall color and some chair rail. And this summer we did a magical transformation of my laundry room, adding significant storage and fabulous color!

A Magical Transformation of my Laundry Room

Hubs and I have a great system when it comes to both travel planning AND house projects. I’m the vision and he is the braun. That’s not to say I don’t do any labor, but on this small laundry room, it was hard to have two people in the room at one time, so he did the majority of the labor.

Here is what the space looked like before we started. It was definitely functional, but the weird tiny closet was a waste, the cabinets were not what I like and I knew we could do better.

Here are a few of the images I had saved to Pinterest. These were my inspiration and helped me build my vision for this space. When you see the after photos, you can tell me how you think I did on achieving my vision.

I like this countertop and colored cabinets

I like a stackable washer and dryer and love the rug

Let’s Make It Happen

This project took three months because we had lots of other fun stuff going on this summer, and we made sure fun was our priority. It also took six weeks to get the cabinets. While we waited on the cabinets (which are by KraftMaid and we ordered from Home Depot), we did all the prep – starting with tear out, including removing the tiny closet which opened the space up and created lots more options.

Getting old cabinets out and doing wall repair

Paint

Next we painted a sunny yellow on the walls and then added a ship-lap ceiling and wall detail with a ledge for a decorative look. The ledge includes hooks which we will use for lots of things as we come in and out of our garage into the laundry room. The white ceiling and crown molding helps make the space seem bigger and taller!

Washer Dryer

Next step was moving the dryer vent and then installing the new stack able washer and dryer. This was a big job and my husband knocked it out of the park. It wasn’t easy though and involved cutting a hole in the floor and crawling around in the crawl space under our house. He removed the vinyl woodlook floor we installed five years ago while doing this work…but was able to reinstall it all when he was done.

Cabinets

FINALLY the cabinets arrived and holy cow they were heavy. We managed – but barely. Sheesh. They turned out great. I love the color, which looks more gray in these photos than it actually is . The color is called Serenity and it is a blue green. Adding the toe kick, trim and baseboards finishes everything nicely.

Many important details I wanted like this

Finishes

We chose a butcher block counter top because I love the look. We added a light taupe stain and sealed it with polyurethane before installing this beautiful Kohler and VERY heavy cast iron sink and tall faucet. Unfortunately the first sink arrived with a big chip, but Home Depot got us another one very quickly. While we waited Arne added another outlet on the wall near the sink…I think that will be useful.

I did this little silhouette stencil on this big wall to soften the bright yellow a bit before Arne added the tile back splash. Truthfully I don’t love the stencil…but gonna leave it for now. I might paint over it down the road. We used just simple subway tile with a grout color that ties in the the butcher block, floor and door color. Added the drawer pulls – we were able to reuse the ones we had on the old cabinets but had to purchase a few more to finish it off.

Time for the Final Touches

Let me get at it! My favorite part. Hanging art, adding some plants and lots of eye candy. Love this new rug that ties all the colors together. It’s gonna take some time to figure out where everything is gonna live in this huge space, but I’m excited to bring things in that I have been storing in the garage and move other things in that are too tightly packed into my kitchen. This added storage is a real game changer for a small house and I am absolutely thrilled with how it has turned out.

This is perfect. I ordered it on Etsy from www.mrwatsondesign.etsy.com I love it.

Remember?

Here is the before;

And here is the after;

My step stool is accessible both from the kitchen and the laundry room

Success

Another successful do-it-yourself project complete – a magical transformation of my laundry room. What’s our next project? Well other than cleaning and reorganizing the garage, I think we might be done. At least for a few years.

I hope we have inspired you to tackle a do-it- yourself project. Not only does it save lots of money, it also can be very rewarding with a great sense of accomplishment. We spent about $ 15,000 on this project – $12,000 on the cabinets. We could have spent less on the cabinets, but chose to invest in high quality to fulfill our storage needs. This transformation would have cost about $40,000 or more if we had not done it on our own. Thanks for reading my post A Magical Transformation of my Laundry Room. See last week’s post My Favorite Hike in Washington State.

I’m always grateful for your comments and shares. Thank you.

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My Favorite Hike in Washington State

Tolmie Peak Mount Rainier National Park

August 9, 2024

Laureen

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I’m doubly blessed to be able to travel around the world, and yet spend my summers in the glorious Pacific Northwest. There is no place like it in the summer. Born and raised here, I took it for granted for most of my life. Only with maturity have I embraced and celebrated it’s unique beauty. My husband and I started hiking regularly during Covid…after setting it aside for years. Once we got started again we set out to discover and rediscover the best hikes in the region. And thanks to my friend Julie, I found my favorite hike in Washington State – Tolmie Peak in Mount Rainier National Park.

Mount Rainier National Park

We did a lot of hiking when I was a child, most of it in the Olympic National Park area close to our home on the Kitsap Peninsula. I still have a home on the Kitsap Peninsula, and we hike often in the Olympic Peninsula. But Mount Rainier is only a couple of hours away, and the Tolmie Peak hike is entered via the Carbon River entrance, so you don’t need to worry about the new reservation system at Paradise or Sunrise.

Eunice Lake below and Rainier to the South

Mount Rainier National Park has an abundance of hikes for the novice to the expert. From day hikes to multi-day treks whatever you desire it’s here. Tolmie is perfect for anyone with a little bit of hiking experience looking for a spectacular view. Round trip its about 5.5 miles with a 1500 foot elevation gain. The trail is well cared for and you’ll be accompanied by lots of other nature lovers. Weekdays are generally not too busy so try not to go on a weekend in the summer. The trail usually opens shortly after the 4th of July and stays open until late September.

Why I Love Tolmie

This is a hike I feel confident doing solo. I feel safe and I know it’s within my skill level. It’s easy to decide to stop at Eunice Lake, especially when you look up to the peak. It can look daunting. But in reality, the portion of the hike that puts you out at Eunice Lake is much more difficult than the next mile up to the peak. Whatever you do, don’t give up at Eunice Lake. Finish the trek and you will not regret it when you see the view. The last time I hiked to Tolmie it was a crystal clear day and not only did I enjoy the Rainier view but I had the clearest view of Mount Saint Helens I have ever seen from the peak. It’s also easy to see Mount Baker to the north.

What You Need to Know

To get to Tolmie drive towards Enumclaw through Bonney Lake. Just before reaching Buckley, go right on Mundy Loss Road. Follow Highway 165 to the historic coal mining villages of Wilkeson and Carbonado. From Carbonado it’s 4 miles to where the pavement ends. Here you will follow a gravel road another 11 miles. It usually takes 35-45 minutes depending on the traffic. Don’t bother washing your car the day before this drive.

When you reach Mowich Lake, you can park near the campground or on the gravel road. Access the trail either at the campground or off the gravel road where a sign marks the trail. The first part of the trail runs along the beautiful blue Mowich Lake before heading off into the wilderness for two miles to Eunice Lake. Another mile up to the peak.

There is another hike out of the Mowich Campground called Spray Park. Also very beautiful especially when the wildflowers are peaking.

What to Bring

Be sure to bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat and lots of water. I always eat my lunch at the top before meandering back down to the car. Take your time; there is spectacular bird watching along the trail. Last summer I saw a bear eating berries about 50 yards off the trail in a meadow.

Be sure to pack out everything you bring in. There are no public facilities on the trail.

You will need a National Park Pass. If you don’t have an annual pass you can get a pass in a self-pay station at Paul’s Peak shortly before arriving at Mowich Lake.

My Favorite Hike in Washington State

We have hiked a lot over the decades and there is just something about this hike that makes my heart sing. There is no better view in the world – and I have seen a lot of the world. Mount Rainier is my Queen, my Church, my Goddess. She is inspiring. I hope you will do this hike on a sunny day and see why I love it so very much.

Thanks for reading my post My Favorite Hike in Washington State – Tolmie Peak Mount Rainier National Park. We love it when you pin, share and comment on our blog posts. Thank you.

Be sure and see last week’s post Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest.

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Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest

The Way of the Bird King

August 2, 2024

Laureen

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Location: Pacific Northwest

I’ve been a big fan of Thomas Dambo ever since I visited the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and was introduced to his magic there. The blog post I wrote about the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular I’ve ever written. Check it out here. I also visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens while in Georgia and enjoyed more of his recycled art work there. I was really excited when five of these amazing nature themed sculptures came to the Seattle/Puget Sound region (a 6th is in Portland Oregon). So I went tracking trolls in the Pacific Northwest.

Taking a nap at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

I love this one at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Who is Thomas Dambo

I am intrigued by this man and his mission. In his own words…

I’m Thomas Dambo, Danish recycling artist. Our world is drowning in trash while we are running out of natural resources.
In 2011 I quit my job to become an artist and follow my mission to ‘Waste no more’.

Today, I spend my life showing the world that beautiful things can be made out of trash. I give new life to discarded materials by turning them into large-scale artworks. My journey has led me to create artworks in 20 countries across five continents, including my giant Trolls, plastic works, birdhouses, and Happy Wall exhibitions. All these projects are realized using hundreds of tons of recycled materials, working in and with local communities, who are co-creators of the art that I make because the mission I follow needs the involvement of everybody. I also host talks as a speaker, such as TEDx talk, and sometimes I host workshops to teach people how to reuse and upcycle.

If you want to join my mission, follow me on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook.

The Way of the Bird King – NW Trolls

Before visiting the local trolls in the Puget Sound region you really need to visit the amazing website NW Trolls. You can learn a lot of interesting information and find a map of the trolls too. I was intrigued to learn why the Scan Design Foundation chose to present this outdoor art exhibit to the region. Here is more…

This ambitious public art project is presented by Scan Design Foundation, whose mission is to support Danish-American relations with a focus on environmental sustainability.NWTrolls: Way of the Bird King features six giant hand-built troll sculptures by Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo. The publicly-accessible sculptures are located around the Pacific Northwest where each whimsical troll sculpture is part of an underlying environmental story. The project celebrates the human experience of art by amplifying the connections of cultural heritage between Coast Salish tribal communities and Scandinavian traditions. Thanks to our funding partners and host site partners, there is no admission fee to visit any of the trolls.

Everyone loves Pea the Peacekeeper on Bainbridge Island

Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest

I started my treasure hunt a year ago. The six trolls (five in the Seattle area and one in Portland) were built on each site during the spring and early summer of 2023. We visited our first troll on Bainbridge Island, which is about 40 minutes from my home where we spend our summers.

Pea the Peacekeeper

Sakai Park, Bainbridge Island

Learn more and find Pia here.

I loved Pea’s hair made from found sticks in the nearby forest

Last September on the day we were headed to the airport to begin 8 months of travel, we took some time in West Seattle to find our second troll. One of the smaller trolls in the collection, Bruun is hiding in plan sight near the Lincoln Park waterfront.

Bruun Idun

Lincoln Park, West Seattle

Find Bruun here

Summer 2024

Back in the USA for the summer I made a commitment to find the three remaining trolls close to my home. I won’t be able to get to the Portland one this year. Since our adult sons live in the Ballard area, it was easy to find this little man, standing sentry outside the amazing Ballard Nordic Heritage Museum.

Frankie Feetsplinters

Nordic Heritage Museum, Ballard

Find Frankie here

Make day trip to Vashon Island to find the next troll, which is exactly what we did on a beautiful July day. Three ferries make their way to the close yet remote island; Fauntleroy in West Seattle, Point Defiance in Tacoma and Southworth in Port Orchard on the Kitsap Peninsula. Vashon may seem far away, but it really isn’t and meeting magnificent Oscar the Bird King is worth it. I think this one is my favorites.

Oscar the Bird King

Point Robinson Park, Vashon Island

Find Oscar here

I made my way to the beautiful community of Issaquah to find my last troll of my Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest Journey. I lived and worked in Issaquah 35 years ago…wow just saying that blows my mind. But still today this community and it’s people hold a special place in my heart. And now so does Jakob.

Jakob Two Trees

Rainier Trail, Issaquah Community Center, Issaquah

Find Jakob here

Jakob Two Trees, hidden but easy to get to

Troll Life

The trolls will be in their respective homes for about three years…some longer depending on if they are being cared for. Since each troll is constructed from natural and recycled material, the local weather will determine their life length. Since I didn’t get down to Portland this summer, I hope to visit that troll, Ole Bolle, next summer.

Seattle’s Original Troll

Still holding court, now for more than 30 years, is Seattle’s favorite son – the Fremont Troll. A favorite of locals and some visitors too if they know where to find him. I couldn’t write a troll post without mentioning this one-eyed monster we all know and love. Have you visited the original troll under the Fremont Bridge?

The Fremont Troll

Find the Fremont Troll N. 36th Street at Troll Avenue N., under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge (also known as the Aurora Bridge).

What’s Next?

Dambo’s popularity continues to grow around the United States. Many communities are now home to his whimsical trolls. I’m personally hoping for more Dambo Trolls in the Pacific Northwest over the next few years. They just make me happy!

Thank you for reading my post Tracking Trolls in the Pacific Northwest. I hope you can find some trolls too. Be sure to come back next week for My Favorite Hike in Washington State.

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At Home

Home Again Home Again Jiggety Jig

May 10, 2024

Laureen

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Location: Washington State, USA

Eight months. Yep, it’s been 8 months today since we left the USA and it is time to turn our compass towards home. I love our travel life. But I love our little Villa de Verano as well, and we love spending summer in Washington State. So, it’s time. Home Again Home Again Jiggety Jig.

A Look Back

This is year 8 of our Grand Adventure. What a crazy life this is, but also rich and rewarding. This past 8 months we have tackled some difficult places (Papua New Guinea), some favorite places (Brisbane, Melbourne, Tasmania) and some chilly places (Bologna, Puglia, Sicily). We have learned new things and enjoyed watching spring arrive in places like Crete.

More Blogs Coming

I have not finished writing about our adventures in year eight. Coming up North Macedonia, Serbia, Vienna, Bratislava and Madagascar. All worth a read. But meanwhile, this week I just wanted to talk about home. The Grand Adventure is not the kind of life everyone wants, but for us it really is satisfying, particularly knowing we can always go home. Homeward bound. Home Again Home Again Jiggety Jig.

What’s Next

What’s next is the question we get probably more than any other question about our travels. So in brief let me share. We will be back in the USA for four months this time from Mid May to Mid September. In September we will travel for six weeks and then return to the USA for the holidays. During this six weeks we will visit three countries we dropped when we had to return home during COVID; Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Then we will do a tour once again with Intrepid Travel to the Five Stans before returning to the USA for holidays with our family.

After our time home for the holidays (November – January)we don’t know yet, but we have some ideas. We will definitely travel and are considering the South Pacific and Australia in the winter and Europe again for spring. Our trips from now on will be shorter, possibly three to four months. We have learned over the past few months that eight months is too long, our bodies can’t take it anymore. So the continuation of the Grand Adventure will revolve around shorter adventures and longer periods at home. It’s been an evolution, and luckily we both are on the same page about this.

Home Again Home Again Jiggety Jig

I am amazed and grateful at how many people follow our adventures, ask questions and seem genuinely interested in this travel life. Thank you for that. While in the USA, we plan to stay put for most of the four months, with the exception of one short trip to Las Vegas to see Elvis Costello for my husband’s birthday. We really want a quieter summer without travel. Spending time with our adult children and our moms close to home. Time to get some projects done around the house (new laundry room and more). We look forward to golf, hiking, and getting back on a running schedule – I need to drop a few pounds travel has gifted me…so much great food. I’m looking forward to gardening, quilting and some redecorating. I need to continue the photo project I started last summer. I just need to be HOME. These are things that make us happy and keep us healthy. I hope to see some of you this summer.

Be sure to stay tuned for upcoming blog posts. See last week’s post About Albania – Tirana & Beyond. Thank you for your comments, shares, pins and continued interest in what we do. This life – a real Grand Adventure.

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Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Hood Canale Beer & Wine Bar

August 18, 2023

Laureen

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Location: Union, Washington, USA

How lucky am I to have so many creative and talented friends? Very. And today’s Hidden Gem is the brainchild of friends of ours. A brand new, innovative approach to entertainment in the tiny community of Union on Hood Canal. Let me introduce you to this week’s Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Hood Canale Beer & Wine Bar.

Union Washington

If you have never heard of Union Washington on the beautiful Hood Canal, let me tell you a bit about this wonderful, beautiful, (and a bit quirky) hidden gem. Union is an unincorporated area of Mason County on the East and South shores of the Hood Canal near the mouth of the Skokomish River.

First settlers arrived in the late 1800’s. A hotel and sawmill were some of the first commercial operations. Wealthy residents began to grab up property for summer homes and permanent residences and by the 1920’s Union became known as an artistic community.

Hood Canale is across the street from Robin Hood Village Resort

When I was a kid, once or twice a summer we would make our way to Union either before or after we visited Twanoh State Park. We also passed Union on our way to Shelton or hiking in the Olympics. One very memorable Christmas we drove to Alderbrook Inn for Christmas dinner…absolutely unheard of in our family. The Inn has long since been replaced with a beautiful new hotel, grounds, restaurant, and dock….an absolute must visit when in Union.

Creative Friends

Our friends John and Jolica have long had property in Union and their new endeavor Hood Canale has been a dream for these entrepreneurs. Next to Hood Canale are two waterfront Airbnb cottages recently updated with Jolica’s artistic touch. In addition Jolica Jewels (her real job she says with a grin) has a presence at Hood Canale. John also has a “real” job in the travel industry…but boy these two have so much energy they decided to run a bar and pizza grotto too!

Immediate Success

It’s no surprise to me that this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Hood Canale Beer & Wine Bar is an immediate success. The space is gorgeous and comfortable. The wine and beer selection is lovely. And the pizza…well, clever and delicious. I wouldn’t expect anything less from this duo.

According to John, the work ethic here is excellence not perfection. But we think the product is pretty close to perfection – and a very authentic Neapolitan style pie. Fresh dough made every 2-3 days, innovative toppings, “New Wine Wednesday” and music twice a week will keep the customers coming.

In fact locals are flocking to the inviting space and not only to enjoy charcuterie, pizza and drinks, but fun music and events. It has quickly become a gathering place – the hearth of the community. And yet it’s also a perfect stop if you are just passing through – wherever you are on your way to. Stop and say hi, meet the amazing staff and the owners who are hands on. Enjoy some pizza, listen to the lapping water or the fabulous music and take a bottle of wine to go.

Stay Tuned

John and Jolica have more plans…this is only the beginning. Great things are happening in little ole Union. You don’t want to miss out!

As of this writing hours are;

Monday 12-8pm Bar and Charcuterie (no pizza)

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday noon-9pm and pizza starts at 5-8pm

Thursday 12-9pm Pizza 5-9pm and music

Friday 12-10pm Pizza 5-9pm

Saturday 12-10pm Pizza 5-9pm and music

Sunday 12-8pm Pizza 4-8pm

but check the website or call as this will change seasonally. The website also has music line up and information about the cottages next door. Hood Canale will be open year around.

Need directions? Click here.

Fantastic local beers from the Pacific Northwest

Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Hood Canale Beer & Wine Bar

Thanks for reading this week’s Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Hood Canale Beer & Wine Bar. Check out last week’s Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Boehm’s Candies. And be sure to come back next week for our Annual Travel Wardrobe post. Always a favorite.

We love it when you comment, pin and share our posts. Thank you! See you at Hood Canale!

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Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Bloedel Reserve

July 14, 2023

Laureen

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Location: Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County

A true treasure on Bainbridge Island, the Bloedel Gardens are like the secret garden we all dreamed of when we were small. But this isn’t fiction, it is a real and flourishing place not far from Agate Pass. Here is my post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Bloedel Reserve.

History

Long before Virginia and Prentice Bloedel purchased this property in 1951, the Suquamish people were stewards of this land for generations. The Bloedels built their home here, and surrounded themselves with gardens, adding acres through the years.

For more than thirty years the Bloedels sculpted the landscape and welcomed friends and family to the masterpiece they built. When they no longer could care for the land, they gifted it to the community.

The reserve website says of Mr. Bloedel;

Mr. Bloedel was deeply interested in the relationship between people and the natural world, and the power of landscape to evoke emotions — from tranquility to exhilaration. He was ahead of his time in understanding the therapeutic power of nature and funded early research into the psychological effect of time spent outdoors.

Today

The Reserve was opened to the public in 1988 and since then it has continued to grow and develop. The fantastic 150 acre garden includes the welcoming Arrival Garden where you enter, park and enjoy a small and lovely gift shop; the Buxton Bird Marsh and Pollinator Meadow, an open and meandering place of grass and wildlife; the zen-like Japanese Garden, Rock Garden and Guest House; the Jurassic Garden home to the massive gunnera; The Moss Garden – my personal favorite…look close you just might see fairies and elves! Next come through a tall hedge and find a surprising Reflection Pool; enjoy the beauty of the Rhododendron Glen before you visit the shady and restful Trestle Bridge.

Trails

Most trails are accessible and walkable. I visited with my 83 year old mom and she walked, using her walker, without issues through most of the garden.

Tickets

Since Covid, the Reserve has and will continue to be, by timed ticket. Purchase your ticket online ahead of time. Adult tickets are $22 and $25 during peak summer. The Bloedel Reserve is open Tuesday – Sunday year around, but hours change seasonally so check the website. Closed on major holidays.

Don’t miss this Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Bloedel Reserve. A treat for the senses.

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See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest – Olalla Bay Market. Be sure and join us again next Friday for another Hidden Gem. Thanks for your continued support. We love it when you comment, pin and share our posts.

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