So, this weekend my partner went a bid mad. He decided that we needed a holiday with the kids and his parents… So off we went leaving Thursday afternoon and back on Sunday. Most hotels had free high speed internet access so I was safe…
Day 1
Drive up to Anacortes via Whidbey Island. Take the Mulkiteo-Clinton Ferry over to Whidbey Island for a lazy island drive through Whidbey Island. Stop by Greenbank Farm or Whidbey Island Winery to try some of the local wines. I happen to love the local Loganberry Liquor especially over vanilla ice cream. Continue up Whidbey and stop for a walk across Deception Pass. End the day with dinner in Anacortes and then find a nice place to stay.
Day 2
Early rise for the 8:15 ferry to Victoria (you MUST have a reservation). The ferry lands in Victoria at 10:20 and by 11:15 we were in Victoria checking in to the Fairmont Empress. Short stay arranging cameras and unpacking and off to the harbor for a seaplane tour (the Mount Olympus Glacier Tour). Wow, what a view.
Back to the hotel RIGHT away to make High Tea at the Fairmont Empress (also should make reservations far in advance).
(Side note: Can you tell my partner works on Microsoft Project – we had a very tight schedule!)
After High Tea take a lazy afternoon nap and then a dip in the pool… Find a nice place for a light dinner in Victoria.
Day 3
Sleep in a bit, go for a swim and then have the breakfast buffet at the Fairmont. After checkout, drive to the Butchart Gardens and walk off the breakfast buffet. If you’re lucky you might spot a hot-rod (94.27 KB) convention for a detour and see some amazing old (and impeccably maintained) cars. Take the ferry to Vancouver and if you’re feeling a bit hungry I recommend the chips and gravy (i.e. greasy fries with gravy – yes, instant heart attack and on your way to having poutine which adds cheese curds to up your heart attack chances). Head off to your hotel in Vancouver and make sure to make a reservation at Sun Sui Wah – the BEST Chinese restaurant I’ve ever eaten at!!! Make sure to get the Alaskan King Crab (see this BEFORE image of the 9.5 pound King Crab (165.38 KB)). Sorry, I don’t have the after image as it was gone too quickly (well, I actually forgot).
Day 4
Sleep in, go for a swim, have a lazy Sunday brunch and then see Vancouver. So much to do here (Stanley Park, etc.) but we went to the annual Molson Indy races (hint: this really isn’t a great place for young kids or older adults – expensive and loud – but still fun to see). Head back to Seattle the old fashioned way – drive (and make sure to enjoy the delays at the border – on Sunday – use the BLAINE crossing if you want to avoid longer delays at the Peace Arch)…
Finish out the day by blogging about it……
For a complete list of the United “Three Perfect Days” articles check out http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/home.htm. Just think you can tack on Three Perfect Days – Seattle and Three Perfect Days – Vancouver for a week+ long holiday!