Seattle TravelGram

If you’re looking for a new, quiet hotel that’s close to Belltown and Queen Anne, check out the Maxwell Hotel.

Located at 300 Roy St., across from Teatro Zinzanni’s new digs, the Maxwell offers comfy digs with easy access to the Seattle Center and great restaurants in the Queen Anne neighborhood.

The lobby is bright and modern. The staff, friendly and attentive. It was all I could do to resist the little mini-cupcakes they have out on a tray when you check in.

My room, 328, faced Roy Street. There’s a parking lot across the street, but I could see over it to the Space Needle beyond. The rooms are finished with dark hardwood–with a few nice touches. There is a one-cup Keurig coffee maker in each room. These machines make great coffee–plus the staff puts the half-and-half in the mini-fridge for you. Nice. The alarm clock by the bad has a little arm that swings out to hold your iPod. Charge it and play it! The internet is fast and free.

In the bath, the counters are finished in dark marble. The shower head is high enough so I don’t have to stoop down to wash my hair (what’s left of it!).

I loved the location. The Seattle Center is an effective barrier against the noisy downtown area. And Queen Anne is one of those quirky neighborhoods that Seattle is famous for. Across the street from the hotel is a McManamin’s pub–delicious food and microbrews (Nadra Angerman, aka “@thejetcitywoman”, right, helps with a “sharing plate” of munchies from McManamin’s). Up the street is Toulouse Petit, a wonderful French-inspired restaurant. We ate there three times (twice for breakfast). For coffee/espresso, it’s Cafe ZIngaro, two blocks away. If you’d rather grab something and take it back to the room, check out the Metropolitan Market. It’s fancy! And it’s open 24-hours.

Check out the Maxwell Hotel the next time you’re in Seattle.

Photo (above): Jet city woman (that’s me) with daughter in tow. Taken from the Pier 66 Parasail crew at Elliott Bay.  If you’ve never been parasailing, give it a try in Seattle because it’s much safer than in Mexico and it is A THIRILLING experience with epic views of Elliott Bay including Port of Seattle’s Smith Cove terminal (for those of you who have a thing for cruise ships) and Alki Point in West Seattle (another hot spot).

Parasailing is a fun thing to do with your tween, but not for the faint at heart. As my daughter exclaimed, “look mom, no hands!” I actually had to close my eyes and practice relaxation breathing (I knew Lamaze would eventually come in handy).  Pier 66 Parasail is only upon during the summer months, (206) 622-5757 to make reservations.

I guess we were just born to fly. By the time my daughter was two years old, she had logged 15,000 air miles. I know, I know, I know… infants can fly for free on most airlines, but I believe in starting them early and racking up those highly coveted Alaska Airlines frequent flyer miles.  And guess what? THIS SUMMER, we will be racking up even MORE frequent flyer miles, 10,000 each to be exact, on Condor German Airlines.  Yup we are flying non-stop from Seattle to Frankfurt International. If you want to travel to Europe this summer, one-way tickets start at $626 USD, not including the fuel surcharge, German aviation tax, commercial fees and services charge. Condor’s non-stop Seattle-Frankfurt flights will be offered twice a week starting in June. So stay tuned as my teenage daughter and I do a little mother-daughter bonding in Germany.

Until then, you’ll probably find us out at these local hot spots: Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park because it’s a great way to spend the entire day with the family. When you go, dine at the Old Spaghetti Factory it’s on Elliott right next to the OSP.  Also a good time for little kids, the Seattle Waterfront Arcade on Pier 57 and on Pier 55 Red Robin…YUM!  If your kids are a bit older and well mannered, dine at Anthony’s Home Port (right in front of Pier 66 Parasail) or Argosy Cruises on Pier 56. I highly recommend Argosy Cruises, and even if your kids aren’t well behaved you can threaten to throw them overboard if they don’t straighten up.  Problem solved. ANYWAY… all are great ways to enjoy Seattle’s waterfront on Mother’s Day or any day of the year.

Oh and by the way, if you haven’t picked up a copy of the Seattle TourSaver, you can get one at Argosy Cruises. Lots of great 2-for-1 deals on cool things to do in Seattle.

People often think Sun Valley is synonymous with skiing. However, Sun valley is a great place to visit any time of year, trust me it is. Photo (above) Sun Valley Summer, courtesy of Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to Seattle TourSaver friends at Alaska Airlines, you can fly roundtrip from Seattle to Sun Valley Idaho for just $247. Super Cool.

There are many great places to stay in Sun Valley. Tourists and “regulars” often stay at the Sun Valley Lodge. Established in 1936 with every amenity a skier could possible imagine, it offers high class accommodations with old world charm. It’s located at 1 Sun Valley Road, and even if you don’t choose to stay the night, it is definitely worth a drive. But heck, stop for a few minutes and walk through the lobby. You’ll find old, OLD, old photos of the Hemingway family and many other celebs who have frequented the Sun Valley lodge over the decades. Plus the Sunday brunch is delicious.

Are you an independent traveler? Then look for a condo or home to rent at Sun Valley Vacation Rentals. I’ve stayed at the Tyrolean Lodge and it’s central to downtown Ketchum, which isn’t very big. Stay there because it has an outdoor hot tub, high-speed Internet access and is conveniently located to shops, restaurants and local nightlife. But don’t stay there for a Bavarian experience — if that is what you want, visit Leavenworth, Washington instead.

Don’t let the sign on the door fool you. Grumpy’s is open and they mean business! When it comes to burgers, I’m kind of partial to Seattle’s Red Mill Burgers, but trust me, sink your teeth into a big ol’ juicy hamburger at Grumpy’s (located at 860 Warm Springs Road in Ketchum), you will be glad you did.

Really food in Sun Valley is fabulous. Add to your to do list: Eat breakfast at the Kneadery (located at 260 Leadville Ave N)  — Huge portions, great decor, friendly service… Need I say any more? Eat dinner at the Pioneer Saloon (located at 308 Main Street). Enjoy hearty steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood, hard liquor, wine and beer.  Make sure you order an Idaho spud with all the trimmings — the state of Idaho is known for producing potatoes so kick your South Beach diet plan to the curb and enjoy. Thank you J.R. Simplot.

So again, what do you do if you’re not a skiier or snow boarder in Sun Valley? The answer:  Lots. Check out this exciting calendar of events:

• June 1-5: Renowned New York actor Bill Raymond will be directing “A Little Night of Laughter.” Get ready to laugh as four one-act comedies take the stage.
• June 1-25: Live Jazz featuring the Sun Valley Trio at the Duchin Lounge (located off the Sun Valley Lodge lobby). Admission is FREE
• June 11: Adams Gulch Fun Run & Walk. It starts 10:00am at Ketchum Skate Park, Warm Springs Road, heads through Adams Gulch, over Heidleburg Hill and back to skate park covering a distance of approximately 4.2 miles on a road and dirt trail. Your legs might not thank you, but your eyes will. Gorgeous. Oh, I’m sorry…are you in shape? Then signup for the Sawtooth Relay… Also June 11, visit www.sawtoothrelay.com for more information.
• June 11-12: If you’re ready to learn the basics of fly fishing then signup to attend this popular two-day class lead by Silver Creek Outfitters.
• Do you like live music? Go to Whiskey Jacques in downtown Ketchum. Check their music calendar before you go and listen to some of the best live music in the Sun Valley area. Plus, Whiskey Jacques has been a favorite watering hole to locals and tourists alike. Don’t be surprised if Bruce Willis Blues Band is playing. We can’t make any promises, but he’s been known to make surprise appearances at Whiskey Jacques.
• Did we mention that Alaska Airlines is offering a Seattle to Sun Valley web special right now? I thought so.

What to pack? The Sun Valley / Ketchum, Idaho area typically has dry sunny summers. In June you can expect a high of 71 and low of 38 — on average. It’s truly a beautiful place and a great Seattle getaway.

Remember, this Alaska Airlines special is good for travel between June 3 and June 15, 2011. Special terms and conditions may apply. Visit Alaska Airlines for complete details. Amounts are quoted per person in U.S. dollars, one way, and subject to change without notice until purchased. The final price may differ from the price shown on this page due to a real-time fare change or other mandatory recalculation.

By Nadra Angerman

We love Seattle–all the great things to do, places to eat and sites to see! Don’t miss the chance to save $20 on the all-new Seattle TourSaver. It’s the 2-for-1 travel book with all the best stuff to see, do and experience throughout Seattle, Victoria and the San Juan Islands!

Order the Seattle TourSaver online today and save $20 off the regular $79.95 price through April 10, 2011 only. Redeem just one coupon and recoup the cost of the book! Then, use the rest of the coupons all summer long! Also, get the Seattle TravelGram email travel newsletter.  Editor Nadra Angerman [hey that's me, really] loves Seattle and spends her time exploring all the cool neighborhoods and secret haunts. It’s free.

Remember, everything in the Seattle TourSaver is 2-for-1. Here are some of our favorite offers in this year’s Seattle TourSaver:

1. 2-for-1 Victoria Clipper. Take the fast cat from downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Remember–you’ll need your passport.

2. 2-for-1 Kenmore Air. Seattle premier flightseeing company has a great ride to show off the best Seattle sites–from the air!

3. 2-for-1 Argosy Cruises. Argosy has a gob of cruises in the Seattle TourSaver, from a “Locks Cruise” through the Crittenden Locks to a deluxe dinner cruise to a Harbor Cruise–check ‘em out.

4. 2-for-1 Seattle Food Tours. Get an insider’s peek at the “Soul of Seattle”: Pike Place Market. Several stops along the way for snacks and bites insure you’ll have a good feeling at the end of your stroll–never mind the “inside scoop” on where to eat and what to see when you return on your own!

5. 2-for-1 Future of Flight/Boeing Factory Tour. Whoa. Worth the drive up to Everett to get a tour of the 777, 747-8 and 787 assembly line. All Bow Down, ye airplane geeks!!

6. 2-for-1 Hop On-Hop Off Gray Line of Seattle Double Decker tour. See all the sites of Seattle. Stop along the way. You can’t miss the big red bus! Check it out!!

7. 2-for-1 Seattle Aquarium. Right down on the water. This is an awesome place. MUST SEE!

8. 2-for-1 Experimental Music Project (EMP). Right next to the Space Needle, this awesome exhibit is a mecca for Rock-n-Roll fans. There’s even a studio and instruments where you can bang out your own songs…mix it up. Great fun.

9. 2-for-1 Queen of Seattle. Ride on an historic paddlewheel along Lake Union and the historic Ship Canal!

10. 2-for-1 Whale Watching from Victoria’s Inner Harbour!…plus dozens more.

Use the Seattle TourSaver as your “Gateway to Savings”. What a great city–and a great destination for fun activities and adventures! Again–order today online and save $20 at the website: Seattle TourSaver. Plus, signup for the free travel newsletter here: SeattleTravelGram.com to get weekly reminders of what is happening the the Emerald City!

Seattle is Condor German Airlines newest US departure airport.  This June, nonstop flights will begin departing from Seattle to Frankfurt, Germany — a hub that can take you to some of the most beautiful destinations across Europe. It’s definitively worth a trip! Visit www.condor.com to view the 2011 summer flight schedule.

Kenmore Air’s City Explorer seaplane flightseeing excursions are offered several times daily from beautiful Lake Union — just $89 per person. Conveniently located at 950 Westlake Avenue, Kenmore Air terminal is a quick trip from many downtown hotels by cab, streetcar or bus.  Book online or call (866) 435-9524 to make your reservations!

Fares and promotional offers subject to change without notice. Visit www.kenmoreair.com for current rates.

Seatle HeliTours by Classic Helicopter Corp, lets you experience Seattle from the completely unique perspective of a helicopter. Choose from many different routes:

• Flight Route A: 18-20 Minutes – from $90.83
  Downtown, Downtown Stadiums, Space Needle, Lake Union, University of Washington, Lake Washington, Ballard Locks and Ship Canal, Fisherman’s Terminal and Elliott Bay Marina.
• Flight Route B: 30 Minutes
  Flight Route A, plus Spectacular Homes in Medina, Downtown Bellevue and Green Lake.
• Flight Route C: 40-42 Minutes
  Flight Route A, plus Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Si, Spectacular Homes in Medina, Downtown Bellevue, Green Lake and Golden Gardens.

Visit www.seattlehelitours.com for more information. Rates subject to change without notice.

Seattle Theatre Group presents Starbucks Hot Java Cool Jazz, at the Paramount Theatre this Friday. Five of the best high school jazz bands in the nation are right here in Seattle. And they’re about to blow the doors off the Paramount. Come hear them for yourself at Starbucks 16th Annual HOT JAVA COOL JAZZ.

Tickets cost $18. Purchase tickets online or call (877) 784-4849. For more information about this event, visit www.starbucks.com/seattle.

Great deals on flights to and from Seattle!

Atlanta, GA $228 RT  – AirTran Airways
Baltimore, MD $290 RT  – Southwest Airlines
Charlotte, NC $278 RT  – AirTran Airways
Dallas, TX $218 RT -  Virgin America
Denver, CO $198 RT  – Southwest Airlines
Las Vegas, NV $208 RT  -  JetBlue, Virgin America
Los Angeles, CA $158 RT  – United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Virgin America
Nashville, TN $178 RT  – Southwest Airlines
Orlando, FL $218 RT  -  American Airlines, Delta Airlines
Phoenix, AZ $258 RT  – Southwest Airlines
San Diego, CA $208 RT  – Alaska Airlines
San Francisco, CA $138 RT – Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Virgin America
Tampa, FL $238 RT  – Southwest Airlines

Taxes and fees are additional. Special terms and conditions may apply. Contact the airline directly for more information.

New web special at Alaska Airlines. Fly from Seattle to Juneau for just $149 or from Seattle to Fairbanks for just $189.

Fares quoted are for one-way travel, subject to change and based upon availability. Travel valid May 1 – May 31, 2011. Special terms and conditions may apply. Visit www.alaskaair.com for complete details.

Photo: Alaska Airlines “Spirit of Alaska Statehood” Boeing 737-490.