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Seattle: Central Library - The Crown Jewel of the System

architecture September 29, 2016
This eleven story library, with books and collections organized by their call number for each floor is a modern take on a library. With numerous computer terminals, desks to do research and study, and chairs to lounge, Seattle Central Library invites the local community to spend time in a public space. Each floor is accessible by luminous neon yellow escalators that travel up...Read More

Olympic National Park: Lake Crescent

hiking September 27, 2016
Legend has it that Klallam and Quiluete tribes of the area were fighting in the area. Mount Storm King heard of this fight and threw a boulder down, damming the rivers, forming the present-day Lake Crescent. This lake is the second deepest in the state of Washington and the phenomenal colors of the area slow down traffic quite a bit as people want...Read More

Olympic National Park: Hurricane Hill

hiking September 24, 2016
Surprisingly, after passing through the heavily trafficked Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center parking lot, few people were attempting the Hurricane Hill trail. This trail is wonderful for its views of the mountain range that forms part of Olympic National Park, the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island. The views are wonderfully expansive and from what I've seen in movies...Read More

Sequim: Home of Lavender Fields

flora September 22, 2016
Every July, Sequim hosts the Lavender Festival of Washington. The timing of my visit didn't coincide with the festival. Instead, I visited a local farm to see what it's like. The lavender at Jardin du Soleil was so beautiful. The round bushy lavender plants were so cute, and I had no idea that there were so many varieties of lavender! I'm not sure what the...Read More

Seattle: Pike Place Market Eateries

flora September 20, 2016
Pike Place Market is one of those must-visit places when visiting Seattle. Sure, the market is touristy, but it's still a functioning market that sells local products, seafood, flowers, and delicious eats. I've compiled a couple places that are my favorite. Check them out! Piroshky Piroshky 1908 Pike Place, Seattle, Washington This small shop is stocked with delightful pies filled with different flavors...Read More

Seattle: Pretty Places to Visit Around the Space Needle

art September 17, 2016
Two places immediately come to mind when people mention Seattle: the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Those are definitely the two spots to place on everyone's itinerary for a first-time visit to Seattle. What about the places surrounding the Needle? Below are some spots that are worth a visit. Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington Admission: $22; discounts...Read More

Half Moon Bay's Overlooks: Cowell Beach Ranch and Pillar Point Bluff

beach September 16, 2016
If there's ever a hot day in the Bay Area, head to the coastal areas like Half Moon Bay for cooler weather. For beach access, head to Cowell Beach Ranch! A short walk from the parking lot leads to an overlook that boasts views of seals in the springtime. Early summer yields yellow wildflowers carpeting the hillside. There are also some benches scattered...Read More

Purisma Creek Rewoods Open Space Preserve: Surrounded by Towering Redwoods

california September 13, 2016
The drive up to the trailhead was pretty scenic. After passing through cool and foggy Half Moon Bay and turning onto Purisma Creek Canyon Road, the fog disappeared and the sun shone intensely as I passed a lot of grassy hillsides dotted by cows and the occasional house. For much of Purisma Creek Redwood Trail, it is relatively flat with some incline and...Read More