I’ve just gotten back from a three-week assignment in and around Seattle, Wash., and I have to say, it quickly jumped to the top of my list of favorite places. Although I spent most of the time working, I did squeeze as much sightseeing in as possible (a definite perk of the inspector position) and had some memorable moments.  Here is a quick list of my favorite experiences during my time in Seattle:

1. Drinking my first latte at a local Seattle coffee shop. Clichéd? Maybe. But spending an hour at any of the local coffee shops is a must if you want to get into the spirit of the city. I skipped the line to view the original Starbucks and instead stopped in Seattle Coffee Works, located on Pike Street just before the market.... Read More

Walking along the streets in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square, I noticed what appeared to be purple glass block windows under my feet.  That was certainly a curiosity.  But, it wasn’t long before I discovered that, indeed it was glass and it had a very specific purpose.  I learned about that, and some of Seattle’s other “deep” secrets, when I took the Underground Tour. ... Read More

 
As a Seattle resident and AAA travel counselor, I recommend that visitors see sights like the Space Needle or Pikes Place Market but in my opinion, the true Seattle experience is coffee - -in a Seattle coffeehouse.

There are many theories behind our coffeehouse obsession, from rainy days to techies attached to their laptops and java buzz. Who knows? All that we know is that it’s good! With a variety of bean-roasting techniques and an abundance of coffee hubs to choose from, Seattle has elevated coffee to an art as well as a part of everyday life.  Here’s a list of my favorite local coffeehouses, in no particular order, chosen for both their coffee and ambience. ... Read More

Bill Purpura, editor of the Ohio edition of AAA’s Home & Away magazine, got the inside scoop on Bellingham, Washington from actor and comedian Ryan Stiles.

Bellingham, Washington, is about 90 miles north of Seattle and a lot farther away from Hollywood. But it’s where Ryan Stiles— best known for his television roles on The Drew Carey Show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Two and a Half Men—  has chosen to live and raise his family with his wife, Patricia. Not only is Stiles a riot, but he’s smart too. Well, at least smart enough to settle in Bellingham.... Read More

With over two million visitors a year, Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park can lay claim to being one of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest spectacles,  popular with naturalists, anglers, diners and children of all ages.

Like several of my fellow AAA bloggers, I am fascinated by botanical gardens. Point Defiance Park’s entrance road passes by a contemplative pond that lies beside a series of gardens rich with floral delights – roses, irises, fuchsias and herbs are prominently displayed. ... Read More

'America’s Worst Driver’ takes its search for the worst driver in the country to Seattle as the show moves to a new day - this Saturday, April 10 at 10 p.m. E/P on the Travel Channel. AAA’s collaboration with Travel Channel as the official safety partner on the new reality travel competition continues four new contestants who take on the roads of one of America’s most beautiful cities in the Pacific Northwest. As in previous episodes, the city’s worst drivers will participate in a series ... Read More

Another beautiful day in Seattle!  Typical winter weather means dodging rain drops, but much to my delight it has been uncharacteristically sunny.

My first task of the day was to sort out my dilemma about the cancelled Giant Slalom final.  As expected, when I called the Olympic ticket office the line was busy.  I tried three or four times before I started my day, and was greeted with an annoying busy signal. 

Instead of getting upset about it, I continued with my agenda and started my day's journey to Olympic National Park.  The ferry departure point wasn't far... Read More

 

These featured AAA Drive Trips - just two of over 100 available - are both in appealing summer destinations. Click on the Drive Trip's name to access the complete printable itinerary.

The Cape Cod Drive Trip in Massachusetts takes you from Buzzard's Bay to Falmouth, Wood's Hole (where you can catch the ferry to Martha's Vineyard) to Hyannis at the tip of Cape Cod. Beaches, shopping, sightseeing and, of course, seafood are the highlights of this coastal... Read More

 
 Question: Alex Sands asks:  We are driving from Bellingham, WA  to San Francisco in April.  I'd like to take the coastal route as much as possible without the trip taking FOREVER on those windy, two lane roads. We're hoping to camp along the way in out-of-the way spots with breathtaking views...any ideas?

 Answer: AAA Washington's Jeff Howe answers: Hello Alex! Thank you for writing in. Your drive is one of the best in the country, in my opinion. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind if you are going in April. As... Read More

     When I’m in Seattle I always stay at The Mediterranean Inn. Here are several reasons why:

6.  It’s not fancy but comfortable, a good choice if you’re here on business or pleasure and mainly want a room for sleeping. The mini-fridge enables you to stock up on food, thereby cutting down on eating expenses. (And speaking of stocking up, there’s a large, nice Safeway across the street for fruit, sandwiches, bottled water, you name it.)

5.  Free Internet access in the lobby (and not just a stand-up wall pc; there’s also a... Read More