The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

April 1, 2013 By 6 Comments
Skagit Valley White and Yellow Daffodils_

Skagit Valley White and Yellow Daffodils

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip toe through the tulips during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This is the perfect springtime day trip out of Seattle. Millions of tulips, and daffodils in a rainbow of colors. Every spring hundreds of thousands of people come to Skagit Valley to appreciate the celebration of spring as millions of tulips burst into bloom. There is fun for the entire family.

This year is the 30 year anniversary for the Skagit Vally Tulip Festival, and they’re celebrating 30 Days of April with 30 days of prizes. Each day during the Festival, they will feature an item that a visitor to the Festival can win. Also, for the first time they are also having a photo contest. The winning photographer will have his or her photo published in the 2014 Official Brochure and win a prize package.

Besides flowers, there are helicopter tours, photo tours, bike tours, art shows showcasing local artists, wineries, breweries, and museums. There is so much happening, a few of my favorites are listed below, but I highly recommend downloading the brochure: The 2013 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Brochure  

  • Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair: April 19-21, Fri & Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm. Featuring 100s of arts and crafts vendors from more that 8 states. Live entertainment at multiple locations, children’s activities and a tremendous variety of food concessions to choose from. More info at www.mountvernondowntown.org.
  • Art Gallery At Tulip Town: Tulip Town Art Gallery showcases art from previous and current Skagit Valley Tulip Festival poster artists and other notable Pacific Northwest artists. Originals, prints and other merchandise available for purchase.
  • Tulip Run – 28th Annual: 9:30am start on April 6. This scenic 2 or 5 mile course is flat and fast on gravel packed trails. It’s an experience the whole family will enjoy. Info and registration on-line at http://www.tuliprun.com.
  • Kiwanis Salmon Barbeque: April 6-April 28 11am – 7pm Daily. Alder grilled salmon with baked potato, coleslaw, garlic bread, beverages and ice cream. Reg/large plate $12, medium/small plate $10. More info also at www.kiwanismv.net/.
  • Pick up a lunch basket at the Skagit Valley Coop.
  • Drive (or bike :) ) along the Tulip Route, a 15-mile triangle bordered by Highway 20, the Skagit Valley River, and the Swinomish Channel. The valley is gorgeous, and the tulips are in all their glory. Along the way, check out a few of display gardens. RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town appear to be the largest and RoozenGaarde delivers when it comes to their display garden. They have planted 300,000 bulbs, and the garden is beautiful.
  • Visit a few of the farms with display gardens; RoozenGaarde (15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon; 360-424-8531); Tulip Town (15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon; 360-424-8152); Azusa Farm and Gardens 914904 Highway 20, Mount Vernon; 360-424-1580); Christianson’s Nursery (15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon; 360-466-3821).
  • Visit Pasek Cellars Winery Tasting Room and taste the official wine of the Tulip Festival.

 

Winding Dirt Road with Yellow Daffodils and White House

Winding Dirt Road with Yellow Daffodils

Yellow and Red Tulips

Yellow and Red Tulips

Yellow Tulips under Tree

Yellow Tulips under Tree

 

White and Yellow Daffodils in Field

White and Yellow Daffodils in Field

Skagit Valley Geese on Water

Skagit Valley Geese on Water

Spring Color Hyacinth

Spring Color Hyacinth

Skagit Valley Yellow Daffodils with White House

Skagit Valley Yellow Daffodils with White House

Skagit Valley White and Yellow Daffodils Rows

Skagit Valley White and Yellow Daffodils Rows

 

Skagit Valley Daffodils Guy on Tractor

Skagit Valley Daffodils Guy on Tractor

Red Tulip

Red Tulip

 

Purple Tulips Under Tree

Purple Tulips Under Tree

Purple Tulips

Purple Tulips

Mt. Vernon City Center 1st Street

Mt. Vernon City Center 1st Street

Muscari Grape Hyacinth

Muscari Grape Hyacinth

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San Diego Hometown Tourist: Presidio Park

August 26, 2012 By 7 Comments

Perched up on the top of a hill at the entrance into “the valley” Presidio Park is one of my favorite parks in San Diego.  With views over Mission Bay to the Pacific Ocean, it’s a favorite for sunset watchers.

As a major symbol of the city, it stands atop the hill recognized as the site where California began. It was here in 1769 that the Spanish Franciscan missionary, Father Junípero Serra, established California’s first mission and presidio.  The centerpiece of this park is the Serra Museum, which highlights the four different cultures that have occupied Presidio Hill from the Kumeyaay, Spanish, Mexican and early American periods.

Serra Museum

Padre Cross erected in1913 is made up of tiles from the Presidio ruins.

Just east of the museum is Palm Canyon a half mile of large palm trees shade this canyon and it’s hiking trails.  Located just east, on the other side of Palm Canyon, is Inspiration Point.  A popular location for weddings, it has views of Mission Valley and numerous trees that offer year-round shade making it a great spot for a picnic.

Palm Canyon

Mission Valley from Inspiration Point

To visit Presidio Park, take Interstate 8 to the Taylor Street Exit. Head west on Taylor Street and turn left onto Presidio Drive. Follow Presidio Drive up the hill then right into the parking lot across from the Serra Museum.

 

 

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Top Spots for the Best Views of Seattle

August 22, 2012 By 8 Comments

Seattle is one of my favorite cities.  It would be #1 if I didn’t love Manhattan, London, Amsterdam and Stockholm.  One of the things I love is that some days when I’m riding around or just hanging out I feel like I’m in a lovely painting of blue skies, perfect cumulus clouds, green tree lined roads and bodies of water here and there.   And, if that view has Mt. Rainier in it then it’s awesome. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall; if the sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day and Seattle is in all her splendor.

I like what mother nature is to offering up, but I also like the city of Seattle.  It’s skyline and city view is visually pleasing.  To check this out for yourself I’m going to direct you to some of the best spots to view to Seattle’s skyline and city center.

The best view bar none is from the Columbia Center’s Sky View.  The Columbia Tower (701 Fifth Avenue, Seattle 98104) is in the heart of Seattle’s Financial District, close to freeways, Link Light Rail, downtown hotels, restaurants and shopping.   When you arrive on the 73rd Floor Sky View, without a doubt you will be astounded.  You will have before you a staggering panorama of majestic mountains,  ferries crossing the inland sea called Puget Sound, and the color and drama of one of America’s most spectacular cites.

Exterior Columbia Center Bldg

Columbia Tower Space Needle View

Columbia Tower I-90 View

Hamilton Viewpoint Park (1531 California Way SW, Seattle 98116) offers great views of the city, Elliott Bay, the harbor and the Cascade Mountains.  This park is located in West Seattle right above Elliott Bay and near Alki State Beach

Seattle Skyline from Hamilton Viewpoint Park

Kerry Park (211 W Highland Dr, Seattle 98119) located on the lower south side of Queen Anne hill, offers a view that encompasses downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, the West Seattle peninsula, Alki State Beach, Bainbridge Island, and Mount Rainier.  This spot has a magical view at night, with brightly lit ferries gliding across the water and the Space Needle at eye level shining across it’s pedestal.  Here’s a little trivia: this park was one of the many stops on the finale episode of the third season of Amazing Race and was also featured as the opening scene in the 1999 film “10 Things I Hate About You.”

Seattle from Lower Queen Anne Kerry Park

Bainbridge Island from Kerry Park

At sunset the 12th Avenue bridge that crosses Interstate 90 on the west side of Beacon Hill is lined with photography enthusiasts capturing the changing colors of the sun setting behind the Olympic Mountains as she’s shining the last of that days light on Elliott Bay and the face of Seattle.  The bridge is really the spot, but 12th Avenue runs through Dr. Jose Rizal Park (1008 12th Ave S, Seattle 98144) which has amazing views and plenty of parking to walk to the bridge. :)

Seattle Skyline from Beacon Hill

 

 

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5 Things I Love About Stockholm

August 1, 2011 By 11 Comments

Stockholm is the first European city that I visited.  In fact, I got my first passport, 15 years ago, in order to take that trip.  I love this city.  It’s one of my favorite European capitals.  There are quite a few reasons why I love Stockholm, and why I keep wanting to come back.  I’ve decided to share  just a few of them.  In no particular order is a list of 5 of my favorite things that I love about Stockholm.   It’s no wonder the reason that brought me to Sweden in the first place, makes my top 5 list of things I love about Stockholm.

*  The men are mostly cute and in good physical shape.  This is NOT a criterion for me to love a city.  I’m a married woman. LOL But, not a dead one, so, having good eye candy to look at while spending time on the Tunnelbana (Metro), grabbing some coffee or while out having drinks is an added bonus.  The men also seem to have a greater sense of fashion than the women.  It’s almost as if they’re peacocks showing their feathers.  What else can explain the red pants? (BTW:  These guys didn’t know each other)  :)

Guys in Red Pants

*  They speak English.  This is huge.  Don’t underestimate its ability to ease you into a place.  Some will say that you should always know a few phrases in the local language.  And, I agree.  However, Stockholm is one of those cities in which I find I get better reception and service when I speak “American” right off the bat.  When I do this, I find all my transactions go smoothly.  It’s almost as if I’m forgiven for being a foreigner.  So, if you want to appear courteous you could ask in English, “Do you speak English?” and you will get the standard reply, “Of Course.”

*  The Public Transportation System.   Sweden’s transportation system really cannot be beat.  This system winds its way up and down into the most obscure of locations throughout out Sweden, and conveniently connect to T-Centralen (the main subway/train station in Stockholm).  You’re almost always no more than a 5 minute walk from a metro station when in the city center.  Your pass for the Tunnelbana works for the buses as well.  Unless you’re going into the outlying areas, you will probably never need to get on the bus, and will use the Tunnelbana exclusively.

Fridhemsplan – People Walking with Train

* Simply Put: It’s Beautiful.  Stockholm is set on a series of 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges.  A third of its land is dedicated to green spaces and parks. Its proximity to water, beautiful buildings and lots of green space makes Stockholm one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.  The architecture is  a mix of 19th century elegance with simple forms, and 20th century functionalism, and it all works together.  The colors of the buildings are vibrant and pleasing; such as in this photo of Jakobs Kyrka  in Kungsträgården.

Jakobs Kyrka in Kungsträgården

Sveriges Riksdag (Swedish Parliament Building)

* The Candy Stores!  There I’ve said it.  I love the GodisCenters, and my favorite candy store is in Hötorget  Metro station.   All over Stockholm there are candy stores.  And they all serve candy packaged and in bulk.  You walk through the door, grab a big plastic spoon and a bag.  I don’t know what it is.  I’ve been in similar “candy” stores in other cities, but the ones in Sweden are the best.  My favs are the chewy caramel Rollo’s in the red and gold wrapping, the sweet and sour pacifiers, the chocolate covered raisins, and the chocolate covered marshmallows.  I usually team these up with some, “I wonder how these taste?” samples.

 

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Road Trippin’: Rules For Being Shotgun

June 1, 2011 By 3 Comments

 

Road trip season is fast approaching.  Summer isn’t even here, and I’ve been on three road trips already, which is why I’ve decided to put up a list of “rules” for the person who ends up being “Shotgun.”

In my family, I’m the driver.  I don’t mind, as I like to drive.. But, just because you’re not driving doesn’t mean you get to sit there all brain dead, looking out the window like you’re watching a moving picture (you know I’ve had to say this – LOL).  The role of Shotgun comes with some responsibilities.

So…

Read Up and Learn!

Rule #1: She who handles the steering wheel makes the rules, and therefore also has final veto power in all things regarding the road trip.

Rule #2: Shotgun serves at the pleasure of the Driver and is expected to assist in any way possible that aids the driver, be it by study of the sacred travelling scrolls of Thomas Bros or by programming of a GPS-device.  If the driver says, “ke

ep an eye out for Highway 123,” you keep an eye out.

Rule #3: Shotgun is charged with entertaining the Driver with light hearted conversation, clever wit and a constant rotation of music through XM Radio, FM radio, CD’s, iPod, etc. Particular care must be taken that the music selection does not stray far from the Driver’s particular taste.

Rule #4: The Shotgun must maintain a constant supply of snacks and drinks and be prepared to satiate the thirst and “munchies” of the Driver at a moment’s notice.

Rule #5: Per Driver’s dictation, the Shotgun must type and send out the necessary Tweets or FB status updates (ie. road side photos, cute or unusual signs, etc) for the Driver.

Rule #6: The Shotgun ALWAYS pumps the gas.  Period.

Happy & Safe Road Trippin’!!

 

 

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How To-Do a Layover in Amsterdam

September 21, 2009 By 3 Comments

You look at your travel itinerary and you see that you have a 6 hour layover in Amsterdam.  You’ve heard all about Amsterdam…and would love to check it out, but you only have 6 hours.  Think you got time?  You bet you have time.  A six hour layover in Amsterdam is just enough time to make you wish you could stay, but enough time to get over it…and enjoy the time you had while there.  6 hours in an airport lounge area, or 6 hours stretching your legs on the streets of Amsterdam.

If you’ve decided to stretch your legs and do some mini sightseeing, you’ve made the right choice.  It’s easy, and completely doable.

My typically layover looks something like this:

Arrive Schiphol (Amsterdam Airport) at 7:45AM
Depart Schiphol (Amsterdam Airport) at 2:15PM
This is a 6 hour and 30 minute layover.

Let’s do this.

8:00AM: Exit off of the plane.

8:15AM: Store carry on luggage in lockers near passport control.  This will cost you 6 Euro.

8:40AM: Follow the signs through Passport Control/to Train Station.  To your right will be the ticket window.  Purchase (6.50 Euro) round trip train tickets to Centraal Station and you’re on your way.  Please Note:  They do not accept Mastercard or American Express.

The train ride to Centraal Station take about an average of 17 minutes.

9:10AM: Exiting Centraal Station and looking out on the beautiful city which is Amsterdam.

Right outside in front of the Eastern Entry, located in a traditional wooden white Dutch house, there is the main Amsterdam Tourist Office of the state run VVV (Dutch: Vereniging voor Vreemdelingenverkeer – Association for the Foreign Visitors; open daily: 9 am – 6 pm). To the left in the same building you may find an Information Service of the public transport GVB (open: Monday through Friday 7 am – 9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am 6 pm; they also sell public transport tickets.  Within a 10 – 15 minute walk from Centraal Station are numerous sites.  You can stop here if you’re not quite sure what you want to see, and/or what you have time to see, during your time in the city.

However…being who I am I’ve come into town to get legally baked.  Where else in the world can you do that..and on a freakin’ layover?   U Gotta Luv It!!  But, Amsterdam is a wonderful city with many sites to see. Yes, that is right…there is more to Amsterdam besides the Coffeeshops and the Red-Light District.

 

9:15AM: Seated at Baba’s Coffeeshop on the corner of Oudebrugsteog & Warmoesstraat.  I also like Sheeba’s Coffeeshop, a few doors down, on the other side of the street.  BTW:  Warmoesstraat is a nice street to walk along as well…and good pedestrian street for people watching.  I typically take a walk along this street after my stop by the Coffeeshop.

10:00AM: Walking around the city…cruising towards Dam Square (about a 5 – 10 minute walk from Centraal Station).  This is a cool spot for chillin’ and people watching.  You can grab something to eat; there are food stalls and restaurants galore.  Not the best quality…but good for pizza slices, french fries, middle eastern food, etc.  And, this always comes in handy since the munchies may be kickin’ in right about now.

11:00AM: Cruising the streets (and this is especially good for your legs after sitting for so long), since we have about an hour before we need to start heading back.  May go into one to the “low-end” museums (i.e. The Sex Museum, The Marijuana and Hash Museum), or walk along the canals (I love this, especially in the summer), maybe stop into Baba’s for one last one ;-)

Noon: Head back to the Airport.

Local trains to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, during the day, depart every ten minutes from platform 14a or platform 15 (This can change.  Make sure to verify).

12:45PMish: Back at the airport, collecting my luggage, and going to see which gate my flight is departing from.

That is my 6-hours in Amsterdam.  And, you know what?  No one can’t tell me that this isn’t better than sitting up in the airport.

I must say, A-GAIN…Amsterdam is SOoooooooo much more than just the Coffeeshops.  This is a city worthy of at least a 5 – 7 day stay.   There is lots to see and do, the people are friendly…and it’s just an easy city to “chill out” in, while you see some interesting sites.  But…if you don’t have days to spend in Amsterdam…6 hours will do you good.

Check out this cool Amsterdam Airport Layover Guide.  It has lots of good information, more details on sites, and a downloadable Miniature Amsterdam pdf Travel Guide.

 

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