Want to travel to the Pacific Northwest? I was just there...

...and had a great time.  As tour director for a gang of folks from the Reno area, I got the chance to see some wonderful sights in Tacoma, Leavenworth and Seattle.  Having traveled to the region in the past, I had a general idea of what was there to see, but with our local bus driver, Michael Bailey, we all got a terrific amount of insight into the area and some of the special sites and attractions.

Tacoma's Union Station

First, I have to say this: if the weather wasn't so cloudy/rainy/wet, I could see myself living in Tacoma.  The efforts that have been made to preserve buildings downtown has been more than commendable.  The dedication to look and feel gives the downtown area a flow especially when you add in the free light rail that keeps that flow moving.  Then you have the imprint of Dale Chihuly and glass art all over the city.  Many cities and towns look for that distinction that separates them and Tacoma has certainly accomplished that.  A must visit is to the Museum of Glass.  With the hot shop where artists and artisans can create in front of the public (watch the hot shop live) coupled with stunning and whimsical galleries, this museum is a must see in the area.

On the way to tap the keg!

Another town that has made an all-in commitment is the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth.  We were there for one weekend of Octoberfest and the whole town revels in their recreation of southern Germany.  From the gift shops to the gazebo in the center of town to the beer garden, Leavenworth is a destination not to be missed, especially in October.  And the beer is pretty good too - it should be because nearly all of it is imported from Germany.

Museum of Flight

And last but not least, Seattle.  The anchor of the Pacific Northwest has much to see and do.  Three sites that are on the must-see list: the Space Needle, Pike Place and the Museum of Flight.  Even if the weather is cloudy and rainy (like it was the only time on this trip), riding the elevator to the observation deck is a must, even for those with a little skittishness about heights.  Do it just to say you did it.  The views even on a cloudy day are magnificent.  And make sure that you read up on some history before you get there.  Pike's is a farmer's market on steroids.  While many communities have created this quintessential American event, Pike's is the mother lode.  Not only can you talk to many owners behind the stall counters, you also can get extremely fresh, local produce and seafood.  And for the Starbucks fans, you can visit the #1 store (and you can buy coffee beans that are specially roasted for this store only).  And for all the plane enthusiasts out there, how would you like to step aboard a British Airways Concorde?  Here you can do this as well as sit in a cockpit mockup of an F-18 and a SR-71.  Get a feel for what it is like for pilots flying these amazing accomplishments in aeronautical technology.  Plan on a whole day here because there is just so much to see.

And there is much more to see than I am mentioning here.  Dear friends have been going to the Hood Canal area for years during the summer.  The Olympic Peninsula is otherworldly.  And Mt. Ranier and Mt. St. Helens can take your breath away.  So next time when you are considering a vacation spot that can tickle many a fancy, think about the home of the apple, Washington.