Weekend getaway around Seattle?

I moved to Bellingham about a year ago and have found that the area has lots to offer for residents and visitors alike. I have been writing about it on my blog if you want to look. Bellingham is about two hours north of Seattle (depending on what part of town and time of day) on I-5, which fits into your travel time radius.

If you like oysters, stop on your way north at the little town called Edison. Take the Bow-Edison exit from I-5 to get there. You have two historic restaurant choices, The Edison or the Longhorn Saloon. Personally, I like the Edison best. If the weather is good, I suggest taking Chuckanut Drive north from Edison along the coast to Bellingham. It will take you to the community of Fairhaven with lots of shops and restaurants before you reach I-5 again. If you like books, try Village Books. They have several floors and rooms of many great local and unusual tities. If you are in a hurry, you can retrace your path to I-5.

Mt. Baker and it's ski area is about another hour past Bellingham up the Mt. Baker Highway. It makes a good day trip even if you don't want to ski. But if you do, here is a link to information about the Mt. Baker Ski area. They have rental equipment available. I have a suggestion for a place to eat on the way to or from the ski area. It's called the Frosty Inn in a small commuinity called Maple Falls. They have great breakfasts. We haven't been there in the evenings, but they also have live entertainment on weekends.

Here are a few more suggestions of things to do in Bellingham:

* Downtown museums, restaurants and shops

* Farmers Market on Saturdays from April through December

* Hiking trails throughout the area

Here's some links to information about lodging in the Mt. Baker area.

http://www.mtbaker.us/travelers_main.php

http://www.mtbakerlodging.com/

If you prefer saying in Bellingham there are lots of choices. Here is a link to accommodations in town. The Hotel Bellweather is at the marina. The rooms all have great views, you can walk around the docks and there are great restaurants right there.

If you have travel documents, you might even consider a day or night in Vancouver. It is only about another hour and a half north of Bellingham, still within your radius.

Hope this helps. -- Margy

There are all sorts of interesting places to go for a weekend getaway. Here are some suggestions:

As someone else mentioned, San Juan Island is always a good choice although personally I prefer going there in the summer when there is a better chance of seeing the orcas: http://www.squidoo.com/San_Juan_Island

La Connor has a great hotel right on the channel: http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3894326-10775740?URL=... - quaint little town along the Swinomish Channel - It is kind of arts and craftsy but there are lots of antique shops, and restaurants. The nearby Skagit Valley also a great area to see wintering trumpeter swans, snow geese and bald eagles. You can drive an hour up the Skagit River and take a float trip down the river to see lots of eagles: http://www.squidoo.com/bald-eagle

Whidbey Island is also a great getaway destination. Deception Pass is beautiful and Deception Pass State Park has lovely old trees and you can walk for miles along the beach: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Decept... Pass&subject=photos There are a few places to spend the night a few miles down the road in Oak Harbor or a few miles further in Coupeville: http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3894326-10775740?URL=... Lots of easy hikes and nice views of the water.

If you have or are willing to get a passport, another great idea is to take the Victoria Clipper to Victoria, BC for a couple of days: http://www.clippervacations.com/?npoCode=310605 The Royal BC Museum is excellent, Tea at the Empress Hotel, shopping and just wandering around the city.

Another favorite of mine is the Olympic Peninsula - the drive time is at your limit, but the National Park Lodges are historic and romantic. No phones and no TV - lots of beautiful scenery - pristine ocean beaches, rain forests, rivers and wildlife. Kalaloch Lodge overlooks the ocean - great for watching the winter storms: http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3894326-10775740?URL=...

For some things to do in and around town, I never get tired of the Pike Place Market and also enjoy wandering around the waterfront, the Ballard Locks: http://www.squidoo.com/seattle-ballard-locks Fremont neighborhood, the Seattle Center - Pacific Science Center and EMP/SciFi Musem, the Boeing Museum of Flight and the many parks and festivals during the year. Here is a link with a little trivia quiz and more ideas: http://www.squidoo.com/quiz-how-much-do-you-know-a...

If you have a valid passport, consider going north to Canada. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Olympic Winter Games February 12 to 28, 2010. Check out all you need to know about these games here: www.vancouver2010.com

Visit the Vancouver Tourism Website:http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/

The city has a very different feel from Seattle and it can be quite fun to wander around the Granville Island area. Visit Whistler. Even for a non-skier Whistler can be quite fun. There’s snowshoeing, snowmobiling, zip-trekking. Check out this site: http://www.tourismwhistler.com/

We’ve stayed at the Delta Whistler Resort, the Fairmont Hotel and the Westin. All have been wonderful! If you want to stay within the state of Washington, try going to Leavenworth. Their website is: http://www.leavenworth.org/

Have a great time!

Dear soliton:

Have you ever gone North to the Port Angeles Area?

Take a car ferry through The San Juan Islands &

go to Victoria/Vancouver for the weekend.

Stop off at Orcas Island or Friday Harbor! It's awesome.

It reminds me of The Med., in Europe!

Good Luck~

Have FUN!

We really enjoyed the areas west of Seattle. Specifically the Olympic National forest and the whole coast up to La Push, Washington. We stayed at two hotels. One on Lake Quinault's north side and another hidden gem in La Push, which had a wonderful view of the ocean. The lodging in La Push is called Ocean Park resort, and their new ocean from cabins are amazing--with kitchens, fireplace, and giant tubs!

Enjoy

Friday Harbor and the other San Juan islands are lovely, scenic, have great potential for a romantic escape, and are but a short drive and ferry ride from Seattle.

I'd also like to suggest the following book. Enjoy your trip!