This recap is long overdue. At the end of January the hubs and I traveled to Seattle for a friend’s wedding. She was initially a student assistant in my office and her senior year she completed her internship with us. We spent more and more time together and when she graduated we became friends. It’s funny how things like that work out. I shared the bachelorette weekend recap in October. If you are looking for a fun weekend away, Austin is a pretty cool place.
Congrats to the bride and groom!
Although much of our time in Seattle was wedding related we spent a little bit of time exploring the city. This recap/guide is going to be pretty brief…sorry!
We stayed at the Embassy Suites Downtown Pioneer Square. It was a great location and the staff are amazing! There was always an Uber nearby and we never waited more than 2-3 minutes.
On our first free day we explored Pike Place Market (which is huge by the way!) and walked by the original Starbucks. I wasn’t interested in waiting in line. While I was with the bridal party getting ready, the hubs made another trip over there and actually went inside to buy a souvenir coffee tumbler. We did venture to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room on Pike St. It was a fun experience and the hubs got a nitrogen infused cold brew. He said it was good, but very strong. Their Mixology Bar features signature cocktails inspired by their coffee and tea.
The day after the wedding we were real tourists! We got up early to beat the lines at the Space Needle. I’m glad we did because by the time we left it was starting to get a little full. I will say, the views were pretty cool, but I’m not sure it was worth the money to visit. As part of the Space Needle ticket we also purchased general admission to Chihuly Garden and Glass. Now that was impressive! Every room we went in was spectacular. Even the gardens were beautiful. We watched a glass blowing demonstration which was really interesting. The items produced during these demonstrations end up in the gift shop at the Space Needle. Proceeds fund scholarships at a local institute. While we were in the area we went to MoPOP, the Museum of Pop Culture. Very interested and interactive place. If you’re into movies and music definitely check it out. We paid extra for access to the Marvel exhibit and it was definitely worth it.
A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Nordstrom! It was huge and fantastic and I loved every minute of walking around.
Piroshky Piroshky Bakery at Pike Place Market…totally worth the wait! The hubs went the day of the wedding and got a cinnamon cardamon braid and cheddar cheese and garlic roll. They were both amazing, but the cheesy, garlicy roll…something dreams are made of. I want it with every meal now! Warning: There is a lot of garlic so if you need to keep a vampire away this is your source lol
Remember how I said we loved our hotel? Not only does Embassy Suites include a hot, cook to order breakfast every day and happy hour with snacks in the evening…this one had a 24 hour restaurant attached to it. The hubs and I ate there several times because of the convenience. Even if you don’t stay at this hotel, you should check out the restaurant 13 Coins. I had their burger, blackened chicken sandwich, and sausage and eggs from their breakfast menu. All were fantastic. I recommend sitting at the counter because you get to watch all the orders be filled and talk with the staff. The pork belly sliders looked amazing. I saw several orders be plated.
The day we explored Pike Place Market we stopped at Lowell’s for lunch. Hands down one of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever had (and I’ve had a lot!). It’s called the Flamed Broiled Chicken Breast and Bacon sandwich. Doesn’t that just sound delicious!? The service is quick and the view is great!
On a particularly rainy day we stopped for lunch at Hong Kong Bistro. We originally planned to try a dumpling house a few blocks over, but the line was out the door and we were hungry! In an earlier conversation, the hotel staff suggested Hong Kong Bistro so we thought we would give it a try. It was very good! I will admit, I was very embarrassed to ask for a fork since I’m not efficient with chopsticks. Give me chopsticks and I might as well eat with my hands!
That about wraps up our Seattle trip. If you are traveling there I hope you get to eat a good amount of food and absorb the culture! Oh and see a fish be thrown at Pike Place Market…that was pretty cool! 🙂
Until next post…xoxo Becca
Breckenridge is by far one of the best places we have traveled to and today I am sharing where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Whether you are traveling at the beginning of the season or towards the end, this town has a lot of history and everyone you meet is friendly.
Although I have only visited Breck in the winter, I have heard the area is beautiful during the summer as well. This vacation guide will focus on winter though since that’s how I have experienced Breckenridge.
How to Get There
From Houston it is a quick flight into Denver. We rent a car in Denver and make the 2 hour drive through the mountains to Breckenridge. There are shuttle services available, but we like to have the rental for easy travel in and around Breck. The local Free Ride shuttle connects the resorts with the main street area and the perimeter of town if you’d rather shuttle in and then use the public transportation.
Where to Stay
Best accommodation experience has been at DoubleTree by Hilton Breckenridge. With so many people using airbnb these days you may have luck finding a great spot in or near town that fits your needs and budget. The DoubleTree had friendly staff and was dog friendly too! Upon arrival, valet staff greeted us, unloaded our luggage, and delivered it upstairs to the lobby. Valet parking only, fees are included in the cost of the hotel. Check-in was a breeze, the front desk staff was friendly and answered our initial questions.
The room was a great size and immaculately clean. I recommend staying on the 7th floor or lower, otherwise you have to take an elevator to the 7th floor, walk across the hotel to take a second elevator up to a higher floor.
Every night there are free s’mores and happy hour is offered twice a day at the restaurant. The hotel features an indoor pool, three hot tubs outside, saunas, and a fitness center. They also offer a shuttle to four stops along Main Street which is really convenient.
Equipment rentals are available and skiing…well it’s right across the street! Use the ski valet and they’ll deliver your equipment slope-side.
Gondola – Gondolas aren’t just for Venice! The BreckConnect takes you from town to the bases of Peak 7 and 8. It’s a great way to see above the trees and it’s free (but it does cost to park).
Loveland Pass – Scenic views going up and coming down as you travel to the Continental Divide.
Becca
born and raised Texan
Hi all and welcome to my cozy little place in the blogosphere. My name is Becca and I'm a born and raised Texan. After college I got married. Got a puppy. Got a house. And then I decided I wanted to share daily life, struggles, ambitions, and everything in between.
