Seattle TravelGram

This is the last week to “Do The Puyallup” fair which is the largest fair in the state. There is something for everyone here from excitingt rides to petting the farm animals. Be sure to come hungry because the fair food is really great.

The concert line up this year is outstanding and there are still tickets available for many of this week’s performances.

I had the opportunity to spend a week down in Waldport, Oregon this summer. My friend has a fantastic ocean front home that is a rental property for families wanting to take long walks on a sandy beach, gaze over the Pacific Ocean and visit wonderful communities up and down scenic highway 101. We did all that plus relaxed with our 3 dogs, 2 parrots, our 2 daughters and her husband. It was paradise. AHHH

It’s a 6 hour drive south to get to the Newport area. After Portland Oregon you’ll get out of the city traffic and start going through beautiful forest, windy roads and then highway 101 with its spectacular ocean views. The coast of Oregon has dozens and dozens of view points, beaches and camping grounds that are all open to the public. Every turn out and every view point is worth stopping for.

We played tourist and went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Take several hours for this experience. We started by going through Passages of the Deep where you walk through a tunnel and sharks swim over and around you. You’ll see Octopus, seals, sea lions, jelly fish, sea otters and all sorts of birds and wildlife that hang out in our coastal waters.  It’s a great experience for adults and children.

When you get down that way make sure to dine at Panachein historic Newport. This is one of the best meals I’ve ever had. We started out with a trio of freshly smoked halibut, salmon and tuna. I ordered halibut for my main course and it was crusted with chopped almonds and cranberries. OMG- tasty. All the other dishes around the table were just as impressive.

Winter or summer the coast is a great getaway.

October is just around the corner and there is an exciting and extraordinary exhibit that you won’t want to miss starting October 8^th at the Seattle Art Museum. Picasso Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris will be in Seattle for only 3 months. Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), is arguably the most radical and influential artist of the 20th century. This exhibit presents 150 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photographs which are iconic works from virtually every phase of Picasso’s legendary career.

Hotel Ändra  has partnered with the Seattle Art Museum and is offering guests a VIP package that includes:  

• Overnight accommodations for two.
• Two VIP tickets to the exhibit (allowing you to skip the line and reserve a viewing time).
• Drinks and appetizers in Lola ($25 credit, also applicable toward breakfast, lunch or dinner). Lola is a Greek inspired restaruant by award winning chef Tom Douglas.
• A beautiful full-color catalogue of the Picasso exhibit: PICASSO: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris.
• A late check-out of 2pm which will allow perhaps for another viewing, or a stroll through the city.

Hotel Ändra is a Scandinavian-inspired small boutique hotel. This hotel is stylish and inviting and is convenient for business and pleasure travelers because of its close proximity to trendy Belltown restaurants, downtown shops, the Seattle Convention Center, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum.  Hotel Ändra’s 119 rooms are comfortable as well as beautiful and have a distinctly Northwest feel.

Make your plans now to see this amazing collection at the SAM, and be sure to book your reservations at now for the VIP package at Hotel Ändra.