A Seattle visit on a budget
I mentioned on Friday that I'd taken a short trip to Seattle, and I promised to tell you a little more about that.
I'm on a laid-back mission to get to all 50 states, so when Southwest had a flight sale earlier this summer, I poked through the offerings to see if I could get a deal on one of my not-yet-visited states.
And Seattle popped up with some pretty affordable flights.
For lodging, I booked a tiny house Airbnb, which the hosts had built on top of their garage.
And I rented a Civic through Turo because that was way cheaper than other car rental options.
My Airbnb had a small but full kitchen, which meant I could buy groceries!
Since the Seattle air was so nice (OH SO NICE), I opted to walk to the nearby Fred Meyer, and I carried my groceries home in my backpack and also in a paper bag.
I stopped to take pictures of all the flowers on my way to and from the grocery store, of course.
I decided to take it super easy on my trip because resting was kind of the point.
So, I slept 9-10 hours each night. The bed pulls down from the wall, like so:
And then it folds up for the daytime.
I paid for a month of HBO Plus so that I could watch the highly-recommended medical drama, The Pitt, and I watched all but three episodes.
(This after having not watched anything all semester; I think the last thing I watched was Wicked in the theater in January!)
I made breakfast in my Airbnb each day; coffee, eggs, a whole-wheat English muffin, and strawberries.
I ate tons of strawberries because Fred Meyer had a good deal on a four-pound box. So I bought it and I ate the entire four pounds in 2.5 days.
I also bought a salad kit, a package of chicken sausages, half-and-half, cheese, crackers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and grapes.
As a result of these purchases, I only ate one meal out.
At Pike's Place, I did buy some little treats just for fun, like a huge gingersnap.
Some agua de pepino.
A crumpet, which I'd never had in my life before:
And some Turkish delight, which every Chronicles of Narnia reader has probably been interested in trying. 🙂
I stopped in an antique market and look, they had knobs for sale like the ones reader Suz gave me for my scuffed table!
I also enjoyed lots of free parks.
And I visited the Ballard locks.
I'd never seen kayaks go through a lock system before!
I chuckled at the heat advisory that came up during my stay; Seattle residents would really freak out at the weather we experience here on the daily in the summer. 😉
I gleefully wore a sweatshirt on some cool mornings.
And also some jeans. Ahhhhhh.
I am desperately envious of the weather Seattleites get to experience in the summer. I know they pay for it with a rather gloomy 9 months the rest of the year, but the summer air was amazing.
I felt like I had died and gone to heaven.
I would like to summer in the PNW for the rest of my life, please and thank you. And if I end up doing travel nursing down the road, you can bet I will look for summer assignments out there. 😉
For a weather comparison, here is how it was the morning I got back; only 81 degrees, but so humid, the real feel was 99 degrees. Ewww.
I have thirteen more states to get to, but I have a trip to Portland scheduled for September (FinCon is in Portland, and so is my blogging friend Katy), and I also booked a trip to Albuquerque later this year, so I can cross New Mexico off.
So by the end of the year, I'll only have 11 states left.
It feels wild to be able to actually plan trips now that nursing school is done. Yes, I have to work, and yes, I'll be doing online BSN classes, but all of that is way more flexible than nursing school was. 🙂
So, I'll keep stalking Southwest's flight sales and eventually, I'll get those last 11 knocked out.
What a great trip! I love your mission to visit all the states!
I had a Judy Blume book as a kid where the main character moves to an apartment with a bed like that, and it was referred to as a Murphy bed. I've never slept in one but have always been intrigued.
I tried watching The Pitt but I can't handle gore and medical anxiety so it was kind of a non-starter lol. Two of the many reasons why I couldn't be a nurse! I can watch Scrubs but that's it!
The UK and Denmark are cold and grey for most of the year, but we also get humidity! On the other hand, our heat waves tend to be shorter so the humidity isn't for the whole of summer.
@Sophie in Denmark, yeppers, that is a Murphy bed. I have a couple of friends who have them. It’s a very efficient way to have a guest room that isn’t a bedroom.
What a great getaway - the green is so lush, the pictures look very inviting. I am glad you got a break from the heat too.
I have the same pink flowers in my garden and they translate to "pokenose" - probably because the seed pods are pointed. They do well in warm weather, with their soft grey leaves. I like making mini flower vases from small bottles, with just five different flowers from my garden and these provide such a wonderful pop of colour.
My father grew up in Seattle, and my grandparents lived there or in the vicinity all of my life. I spent several summers or parts of them in the area, and that weather is a delight. Since you are interested in medical books, here's one for you: Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen. It happened across the road from where my grandparents lived; in fact, I found out that's why we called their place "Starvation Heights." (As a kid, I had assumed it was because my great-uncle who lived there was a beanpole. )
@Jody S., Oooh I am putting that book on my To Read list!
I love the snacks you picked! And that tiny house is so cute!! What a great way to vacation.
I'm with you on the jeans. I wore some yesterday and it felt so good.
I've seen kayaks go through the Soo Locks in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and it does seem a bit intimidating!
@Ruth T,
We just went through the Soo Locks with a Ski Doo on July 5. The rider had his wife and son on it.
You should come and visit Sweden in summer. 🙂
I love that tiny house. It's the sort of place I go in my mind when I get overwhelmed by my much bigger house with five other people and their stuff. 🙂
So, you're coming to New Mexico, huh? I'm sure you'll be making a short visit, but let me know if you want to leave the city and visit the Wild West. 🙂
I've been traveling last week and this week for work (hello, all you FL folks!). Wearing long pants for work, but thankfully in AC most of each day. I hit up a local Aldi and got food supplies similar to Kristen's in order to minimize eating out. No actual cooking happening at the hotel room, but cool foods are welcome!
Btw Kristen, sounds like you had a really lovely trip! Glad you got to go!
I did not know that you were on the 50 state plan! And you only have 11 to go! I haven't been to WA yet, but it's high on my list.
It took me a while to narrow down my mission when I started traveling, but pretty early on I had the idea to spend at least one night in every state, and to tour each state capitol. I've been to more than half of the states, but mostly for work, so I never really got to see anything and it was so long ago that I don't remember much. I decided to do a reboot and start from scratch. I count states by their capitol buildings, and I've seen 10 so far.
My stretch goal is to spend a night in each Canadian province, and in September I'm going to visit Elisabeth in NS, and I realized that puts me close to three other provinces, so depending on the time, it's possible that I will work through a huge chunk of that goal in just one trip.
Happy Travels!
@Birchie, my goal is to go to all the National Parks. However, I find myself wanting to return to the same ones over and over. For example, I was a Yellowstone and the Tetons in September. Yet, I would love to see them in the spring or experience them in the winter.
@Bee,
Ever since we saw Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, and other National Monuments like Bandelier and Pecos in New Mexico, we're in a mission to see all the national parks. Did Grand Canyon long time ago but hardly remember much. So, will have to redo that one again. So much beauty and history to savor! The Anual park pass helps save a lot for entrance to all the national parks. These shouldn't be missed at all!
Yay for the PNW! Especially Washington State. I grew up there, but have relocated to the East Coast as an adult. I remember many wet Fourth of July celebrations… But by mid July, the weather was always amazing. When my kids were younger, we would take trips out there mid-July or early August to visit family. They have no idea what the weather is like other than absolutely gorgeous, sunny and cool. From experience, most houses in the northwest don’t have A/C , hence the heat advisory… I’m always so amazed at how green everything is and how well all the flowers bloom and thrive in the summer. I do miss that.
@Jen S, when we lived there that was something we found odd, no A/C in most homes. Summers were so beautiful, but when it did get “hot” inside was not the place to be! I love seeing all of the beautiful photos, though! It really is such a beautiful state!
@Jen S,
Same! I grew up in North Idaho, and my parents now live close to Spokane. My husband and I (and now our kids) have moved to North Carolina, and the East coast summers make me long for the PNW! We try to visit out there annually, summer being an amazing time to escape the humidity.
Sounds wonderful. That is one area I have to get to in order to get to 50 states. I think I have 11 states left. There is a family reunion in that area in Sept 2026 that I would like to attend, so maybe I can cross it off then!
And maybe we can meet in New Mexico when you get there as I will be there for the end of the Balloon Fiesta in October. My sister lives in Santa Fe, so we had a free companion flight on Delta and we'll visit her. If you rent a car, be sure to check out Santa Fe which is only an hour or so from Albuquerque. Such a beautiful little town. A lot of art!
@Maureen, I agree, Santa Fe is a must-see!
What a wonderful trip! Aren't the Cascades beautiful? My younger son did a solo climb of Rainier in May. I wish I had gone with him. Of course, I would not have attempted the climb. It requires fitness and skill levels which greatly exceed mine.
The flowers and gardens in the PNW are incredibly varied and the colors so vivid. I read a gardening blog written by someone who lives in that area. None of it applies to Florida, of course, where our low temp this morning was 79 with humidity is 84%. Thank goodness for AC!
I have never heard of Turo. Have you always had positive experiences? So what states do you have left?
@Bee, may we know the gardening blog? It will make me sick with envy, but I want to read it anyway.
I have never heard of Turo either.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, it is shiplapandshells.com. It is primarily gardening, but also some decor and vintage treasure hunting. Besides building a beautiful flower garden, the blogger had renovated a 1920s cottage on the water. She has also renovated a 1980s trawler to go out to the islands in the Sound. It's not specifically frugal, but there are many subjects that overlap with frugality.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
I've never used Turo yet but it seems like it's kinda like an Air Bnb for cars where car owners rent out their cars. I've seen credit cards offering cash back upto $30 for using Turo but never got a chance to try it out so far as we mostly rent it out via Costco. I hope Kristen was able to use these cash back offers to sweeten the rental deal a bit.
Love the pics! Esp that yellow cluster flower…
@Stephanie,
It looks like yarrow (I had some growing in my garden....it kind of pooped out last year. Sigh.)
That is an extremely cute AirBnB! I've often said to Mr. B that when we eventually buy a house, if it's one with a jutting-out garage, I'd like to start saving up to build out an extra bedroom...but having a little kitchen is a wonderful idea.
I had the same personal project!
As a fun bonus, if you visit all 50 states and visit North Dakota as the final one, you can become a member of the "Best for Last" club: https://www.fargomoorhead.org/best-for-last-club/
Have fun!
@Molly, That is funny. I had seen something a few years ago about people going to all 50 states somehow leaving North Dakota for the last one. Glad the F-M area is taking that in a good spirit!
@Molly, it's true! I went to North Dakota this summer en route from MN to OR (helping son move from college to grad school), and when we stopped at the visitor center in Fargo I was happily surprised that there was a whole club for people like me who were in ND as their 50th state! They gave me a free t-shirt and had props to take photos with the Best for Last club sign. So fun.
That’s so funny! I have been to North Dakota already due to having Midwest family to visit as a kid.
@Molly, and I thought I was the logical one. Did Hawaii first one on our honeymoon 40 years ago. And saved Alaska for last. Those were the only 2 capitals we flew to. We drove to the other 48. All I can say is we have a very beautiful country.
@Molly, I have a similar goal. I only have five or six states left, so you know which one I'm going to do last! Thank you!
Ooo what are your remaining states? Maybe the commentariat has fun frugal suggestions for visiting those states?
This was a nice trip down memory lane for me as I lived in Seattle for 6 years including starting college there in the fall of 1967. You are right about the weather and as a midwestern girl it was quite an adjustment to be damp all winter! Glad you had a great time and what a fun challenge.
That AirBnB is adorable! I'm curious what states you have yet to visit.
Love, love Seattle! When you get to Oregon, see if you can finagle a trip to the coast - one of my favorite places on the planet! Seattle in the summer tries pretty hard to make up for the gloomy winter.
@Hawaii Planner, I was in Oregon in June, and they were whining about the “terrible heat” when it hit the high 80s. What a bunch of wusses!! I’m with you on the Oregon coast. . . Tillamook! Cape Kiwanda! Lincoln City! Depot Bay! Gold Beach!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, most folks don't have A/C, so that makes a big difference. But, yes, I absolutely adore everything about the Oregon Coast. My favorite is Manzanita, for a very, very quiet beach town (as long as it's not the 4th of July).
I lived in portland for 3 years and the summers were wonderful. When you go definitely check out the farmers market, the food trucks, and coffeeshops. Also second the suggestion to drive up the coast and go for a hike, its so beautiful.
That wallpaper is gorgeous! What a fun trip!
That Airbnb is adorable! I love vacations that aren't scheduled daily. To be able to just roam and relax, take in something new, rest and veg out is vacation!
Crumpets....I love crumpets. They went through a small period in maybe the 90s? where Oprah talked about them and they became a thing. They were sold like english muffins. I always bought the blueberry or the triple berry. Then they disappeared and never returned. I make them at home sometimes because I love them so much. But, I wish they were still sold in regular stores.
@Marlena, I miss crumpets a lot when I'm in Denmark. I should bring some back with me!
@Marlena, they are still sold here my Midwest area. Splitting hairs between crumpets and English muffins.
Being east coast, I'm surprised Kristen hadn't seen a Murphy bed before.
@Marlena,
Trader Joes has crumpets next to the English muffins! I believe they only have plain, no fancy flavors.
Thank you for the travelogue. Your stay sounded like utter perfection. You realize that because of your blog, you could potentially meet up with a local wherever you go? Of course there is the weirdness of not really truly knowing any of us and the weirdness of putting your destinations on the World Wide Web. . . HOWEVER, if you are inclined to visit Sequoia National Park, I am your guide-in-waiting.
Yes, I did think of that! I almost considered trying to organize a meetup but then I was like nah, I’m trying to just rest. Another time!
What a fun trip to Washington. I've been in the airport but, in my books, that doesn't count. I too am trying to hit all 50 states, only have 7 left and 5 of those are little NE ones. We did Hawaii this year but it is more difficult to travel as hubs has Parkinson's and dementia. Watching airline sales is such a good idea for doing frugal trips.
@Jennifer G, I can empathize with the difficulties of travel when a spouse has dementia (Alzheimer's-related, in my DH's case). And since the pandemic and his death, the urge to travel seems to have left me permanently. But I'm glad for Kristen and everyone else who has both the means and the desire to travel.
@A. Marie, I understand that shift. Spent most of my life traveling, especially summers. But at 74 and health issues, plus lack of traveling companions, I just don't have the desire. I've been to all 50 states (Hawaii was my last in '88), Eastern and Western Canada, northern and Pacific coast Mexico. So many places I dreamed of going, but I am content. Oddly, the two things that I REALLY want to see again and know I won't are the northern lights and fireflies. Who says magic isn't real?
Your Air B&B reminds me of my first grown-up apartment, a 1940's garage apartment in the old part of town. It was only 5 or 10 minutes from my job downtown. The rent was $125 a month, and my paycheck was $125 a week (this was in the late 70's, during President Carter's term in office), so I was right on the nose with the recommended ratio of rent to income. I had to pay utilities and the electricity was high in the summer, while the natural gas bill was high in the winter; this place was not insulated at all. Spring and fall were the only comfortable seasons, both in temperature and utility bill affordability. It had an indoor staircase and it was difficult to change the lightbulb in there so my dad got a ladder and we unscrewed the light fixture, put in an electric socket and plugged in a corded fluorescent light fixture (a long tube) that he set up high on the wall, but not so high that I couldn't reach it. That was when the country was learning about energy saving. I also bought several fluorescent light circles that could be plugged into my table lamps, and I would move them from one apartment to the next; they lasted me for maybe 20 years or so. I had to provide my own appliances so we bought a used stove and fridge and they served me just fine. It didn't have much kitchen counterspace so my mom got the high school woodshop teacher to have his boys build me a big plywood counter using metal hairpin legs. It had a nice big shelf underneath for open storage. Don't know whatever happened to it, but I wish I still had it -- it'd come in handy. Anyway, it was my first foray into frugal living. I was frugal before frugal was cool!
I have the same all 50 state goal-have been to 40, with 10 more to go. I love the PNW-daughter is in the process of moving out there, so I guess I will be visiting more often !
After my aunt got divorced, she got her RN and was a travel nurse. She traveled through CO, WY, OR and WA. And she loved Washington so much, that she moved there full time and accepted a job at one of the hospitals she was a traveler at. She met her now husband out of the blue there, and they have the most picturesque and sweetest looking life! I mean... not saying it happens to everyone on that path, but she sure does look happy in this new phase of life for her!!
Awww, I love that for her!
Love the Murphy bed! We just put one in our office. All four kiddos are now married and three live out of state, so we wanted to be able to accommodate them all when they come home at the same time. It was a feat to get together (we got it on Amazon), but kids say it's comfortable, and we're delighted with the practicality.
Kristen, it looks like you had a fabulous time. Such a lovely graduation gift to yourself.
I am interested in your Turo rental experience, how did you find it? We are looking into renting from Turo for a trip to AZ in August. Have any other readers used Turo for car rental, was it a good experience?
I forgot to say before that Turkish Delight was a big disappointment to me as a kid when I finally ate it. I think rationing was a big factor as to why Edmund liked it so much 😉
@Sophie in Denmark, We made Turkish Delight when my oldest was reading the Narnia books, and I was disappointed too! I remember thinking as a kid that it must have been chocolate and caramel, and then it was...a jelly-like thing. But yes, the rationing is why Lewis focused on it--they had very little sugar at all, so anything sweet was welcome. In one of my Miss Read books, a naughty neighbor meddles with Mrs. Pringle's wartime Christmas pudding (by putting lots of buttons in it), so she opens up a "precious" tin of pineapple chunks for dessert instead.
@Sophie in Denmark, I knew my husband was the one after offhandedly mentioning I'd always wanted to try it after reading the first Narnia book, he brought some to our next date. And then I was like "unfortunately, this is gross" 😛
@Karen A., Miss Read! I used to love those books - I haven't read them in years. Perhaps 'real' Turkish Delight is better than the kind sold in shops.
Outstanding self care, Kristen! You have an open invitation to California any time, even though I know it's already crossed off your list.
What a neat trip! The place you stayed is adorable. My craft/guest room has a fold out love seat that is actually comfortable, but I thought about a Murphy bed, too.
It was hot and muggy this weekend, on top of other hot and muggy days, but this past weekend took it to next level. We had no rain to cool it down temporarily, too, so your stay in pleasant weather makes me envious! H0w were the cookies and candy that you tried?
I don't have a particular mission to visit all 50 states. I've visited some, a couple just by being in the airports, which is kind of like cheating, but hey, I was on the ground there! Let's see, NY, NJ, Vermont, NH, Maine, Massachusetts, SC, NC, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas. Wow, I would have a lot of them still to go. You do it, though, Kristen, and please share the photos when you do!
How fun, that you were able to go on a getaway. The Airbnb was so sweet! Perfect for one (or maybe 2). Did you like the Turkish Delight? I've tried it a couple of times and have been underwhelmed.
It wasn’t bad but also not so good I’d be tempted to betray anyone over it. Ha.
@Kris, I think underwhelmed and disappointed for me.
@Kristen, I can only assume rationing made any kind of sugar seem good!
That is a fair point!
@Kristen, me either. 😉 It was interesting to read some of the comments about it--makes sense that anything sweet was welcome during wartime rationing. And Jody, I was also disappointed. In my mind, it was a delicious delicacy.
Sounds like a fun trip! This post reminds me of a lyric in Brandy Clark's fun song "Northwest": "Where the trees grow mountain tall / Most of the summer feels like fall". 🙂
I've lived in and around Seattle for almost 30 years now and will admit to hiding in the shade last weekend!! But it is magical here, and I'm glad you got to enjoy it.
I've lived in the PNW my whole life. I grew up just north of Seattle and now live south of Portland. The summers are the best! Sometimes our family from southern states don't believe how wonderful it can really be here. If you're coming to Portland in September that is one of the best months.
Love your goal of going to every state--and it sounds like such a restful vacay!
I'm afraid that the bed in my spare bedroom isn't as fun, but we'll surely enjoy ourselves anywhen when you come to Portland!
We will indeed!
I’m so excited you’re coming to Albuquerque! I’m a local so if you need any tips or recommendations while you’re here let me know. I’d be happy to help 🙂
Ooh, yes, tell me what not to miss!
What a great little trip!
The first time I bought turkish delight (yes, inspired by the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe) I was highly disappointed. It tasted like soap. My brain interpreted the red color as cherry or berry flavored. Upon closer inspection of the packaging I learned it was Rose flavored. Blech. I know rosewater is a popular flavor in some areas of the world but its not for me!
Oh yes, I told the lady at the shop not to include any Rose in my batch. I dislike flower-flavored foods!
I'm so happy for you. You are in such a a wonderful part of life. The travel sound like fun.
Well, whenever you decide to come to Kansas, let me know! I have lots of suggestions for things to see and do. Kansas City BBQ, the Flint Hills, lots of places to go hiking, quirky little towns, and Wichita is the Air Capitol of the US. We’re not as boring as many people think. Heck, you can stay with us if you want! Just sayin!
Yes, to seeing all of this amazing country!
Alaska is #50 for me and I head there on Thursday!
P.S. I do give all credit to my husband who immigrated to the US as a child and, with his family, set out to see as much of the US as they could pronto…when we got married he was appalled at how little of this land I had seen in my 26 years of life and set out to help me “catch up”.
That Airbnb is cute and the Murphy Bed works really well in that space. I have the wallpaper that they have in the kitchen. I'm using it for the inside backing of a bookcase. That blue flower (hydrangea?) is beautiful.
Seattle is high on my list of US cities to visit but I will not be setting foot on US soil any time soon.
I am on a similar path. First it was 50 by 40, then 50 by 50. Then I got a screaming airfare to Europe and my goal shifted to "Fifty by Whenever, and the Seven Continents, too." When I was focused on 50, I picked up a Rand McNally USA Sticker Passport, which I still have around...somewhere. I just looked it up to recommend to Kristen and, egads! Apparently they are out of print but still in demand.
https://www.amazon.com/Sticker-Passport-U-S-Passports/dp/0528838229
If anyone has one (or a few) of these tucked away somewhere, you might make some quick cash selling them!
My DIL was a travel nurse before she got married and had kids. She absolutely loved it! She did a placement on a reservation in SD. Made life long friends there and learned a lot!
I'm glad you're getting some vacation time in, and glad you got to visit the Pacific Northwest! It's sooo beautiful there! When you get to Portland, I highly recommend taking the time to go to Cannon Beach. It's about a 90 minute drive. It one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to, with Haystack rock. So different from our east coast beaches. I spent about 6 months there in Bible school, many years ago, and would love to go back.
Was it like a beautiful child, growing up free and wild?
You have to be old or an oldsoul like me to get that, I think.
@Battra92, "full of hopes and full of fears, full of laughter, full of tears..." I didn't look the verses up but I think that they're correct. I loved the reruns of that show. Not saying the name of it so as not to give any spoilers!
@Battra92,
Yes, I am, and you made me cry thinking of the late Bobby Sherman, who recently passed.
wow, so happy you get some r and r before your nursing career begins. beautiful photos, lovely place to stay, good food. your hair is beautiful. have never been to seatle. but have been to portland. you will love it there.
When you get to Portland, make sure you visit Powell's Bookstore. It is AMAZING!
A nice reminder of why I love this area! The "heatwave" was only one if you didn't have AC, which many don't. For them, when it doesn't really cool down at night, it becomes a problem. In 2021, we had a short stretch of 105+ days (and my little town of Maple Valley was on the news for hitting 118!) Our hospital was overrun with overheated people, and there so many deaths of mostly unhoused and elderly people. I'm glad thats a rare thing, and mostly we just have gorgeous mid 70s to low 80's days in July and August...and usually a fantastic September as well. I'm glad you enjoyed our corner of the world!
Portlander here—I spent all of my teens and tweens in the Seattle area and love to visit. I was there both of the last two weekends for various reasons. I’m SO glad you got a crumpet. As soon as I read that you went to Seattle my first thought was I hope she got a crumpet! They’re sooo good.
If you need recommendations for Portland, let me know. I’m a bus driver here and am well versed in transit!
How fun! I love this new chapter for you! Live life to the fullest! Thanks for inspiring me!
So loved your "travelogue" and tips!
I wish you could do local meet ups as you work your way through your remaining states. I live in a Seattle suburb and would have loved to spend an afternoon with you. Not swimming in Puget Sound was a good call, it never warms up. Too bad you missed our locally grown strawberries; nothing can hold a candle to them.
I’m in ABQ! I’ve lived here off and on for most of my life. I’d love to get coffee if you’re interested when you visit!
Let's do it!
I live in Albuquerque now and I have a friend that rents her Casitas on Airbnb. Ive followed you for I think I've followed you for at least 15 yrs. I would love to meetup with you for coffee,lunch,etc. Albuquerque foodies group has lots of ideas for frugal food too.
What a wonderful vacation!
And that small space gives me ideas for my new (downsized) apartment!
What states do you have left?
I lived in Seattle for 9 years and had a studio condo with a murphy bed! So great. And yes, the summers there are so beautiful it hurts. The winters on the other hand....
I'm happy you enjoyed my state! I live in Bonney Lake, a town closer to Mount Rainier. We love our summers here--fall is wonderful as well.
It is "Pike Place Market" not "Pike Place" but you are 100% forgiven when you told everyone that Seattle is gloomy 9 months out of the year. You keep on telling everyone that.
I have found Costco car rental the cheaper option. We travel frequently and rent a a car 12-20 times a year. When I book my flight, I immediately book my car and every week I check back. 9 times out of 10 I can get is 20-30% less by doing this method.
Ooh, am I wrong about that? Is Seattle actually lovely the other nine months of the year too??
If so, I'm moving. Ha.
It's Pike Place not Pike's. We actually have not bad weather the other 9 months, people just think it's grey and gloomy outside of if summer. Its not. We had maybe 15 days of rain from winter through spring. We had an amazing fall and winter and spring.
Glad you had a relaxing but fun trip!
My sister in law lived in Ballard for many years. It’s a really nice neighborhood (plus the best coffee shop ever- La Fiore!)
My husband and I have been to all 50 states and now our grown daughter is working on the same goal. We have been meeting her for a long weekend each year ( she lives in NYC and we live in Denver) to get 2 states each time. This year she checked off Michigan and Indiana to leave her with 3 states left - Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii. She is taking next year off to do some international travel but I'm sure she'll eventually make it to all the rest. Good luck to you in your pursuit of all 50!