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 to each floor, while the exterior of glass and steel opens up the library to let in ample natural light. There's even an automated book sorting system! Even if you don't hold a local library card, this place is worth a stop on any Seattle trip.
Seattle Central Library
1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Happy travels!
Cat
Seattle Central Library
1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Happy travels!
Cat
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 and pictures, I could almost be in Austria or Switzerland! The trail continues towards the north before making some switchbacks up to the peak. Along the way are signs that explain the background of the flora and fauna that inhabit this region as well as the geology of the mountains.
After the final switchback, an information placard at a clearing showcases several landmarks, like the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, Port Angeles. Be weary of strong winds though, which is probably why this trail was named Hurricane Hill. After spending some time on the hill, head back to the trailhead on the same trail.
Wildlife sightings were quite common along the trail. I saw quite a few deer and the interaction of the marmot and the deer in the bottom right picture was calm and mutual.
Olympic National Park: Hurricane Hill
Start: Hurricane Hill parking lot (beyond the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center)
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 3.2 miles RT
Danger: windy,
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: moderate
Happy travels!
Cat
(hike completed in June 2016)
The views are wonderfully expansive and from what I've seen in movies and pictures, I could almost be in Austria or Switzerland! The trail continues towards the north before making some switchbacks up to the peak. Along the way are signs that explain the background of the flora and fauna that inhabit this region as well as the geology of the mountains.
After the final switchback, an information placard at a clearing showcases several landmarks, like the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, Port Angeles. Be weary of strong winds though, which is probably why this trail was named Hurricane Hill. After spending some time on the hill, head back to the trailhead on the same trail.
Wildlife sightings were quite common along the trail. I saw quite a few deer and the interaction of the marmot and the deer in the bottom right picture was calm and mutual.
Olympic National Park: Hurricane Hill
Start: Hurricane Hill parking lot (beyond the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center)
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Length: 3.2 miles RT
Danger: windy,
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: moderate
Happy travels!
Cat
(hike completed in June 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 red flowers are called - they added a beautiful contrast amongst the different purple-colored lavender hues. There's also a delightful gift shop that sells lavender by the bunches and other lavender-infused products. There are some u-pick lavender farms too. Take a pick as Sequim is host to many lavender fields.
Jardin du Soleil: 3932 Sequim Dungeness Way, Sequim, Washington
For a bite to eat in Sequim, check out The Oak Table Cafe. This family-run restaurant makes delicious eggs benedict with potato pancakes, with applesauce and cream cheese side. My friend likes their apple pancakes.
The Oak Table Cafe: 292 West Bell Street, Sequim, Washington (second location in Silverdale)
Happy travels!
Cat
Jardin du Soleil: 3932 Sequim Dungeness Way, Sequim, Washington
For a bite to eat in Sequim, check out The Oak Table Cafe. This family-run restaurant makes delicious eggs benedict with potato pancakes, with applesauce and cream cheese side. My friend likes their apple pancakes.
The Oak Table Cafe: 292 West Bell Street, Sequim, Washington (second location in Silverdale)
Happy travels!
Cat
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 available for seniors, youth and packages to combine with Space Needle access
Dale Chihuly developed a unique approach to blowing glass, presenting the form as a new avant-garde art style. The results are truly breathtaking, with the multitude of colors and shapes, objects and figurines, twists and turns, above and below, large and small, indoors and outdoors.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
440 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Admission: free
This was an unplanned stop and I'm so glad that my friend and I stopped by. Outside is a large screen documenting the work that they have achieved and the problems that lie ahead of them, as well as a timeline of the progress of how the foundation began. Inside is a well-designed exhibit. Through meticulous work, the foundation has explored how to 'green' their building inside and out to reduce environmental impact and energy usage, as well as gathering people to collectively think about how to improve the lives of millions of people who are less fortunate. Their message is that no matter how close or how far somebody lives, work can be done in local neighborhoods or far-reaching regions to create equal lives for everybody and to unlock everyone's potential.
Electronic Music Project Museum (EMP)
325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington
Admission: $30; discounts available for youth; extra for the additional special exhibition
I didn't actually go inside here. We visited the park outside and played with the uniquely designed playground that produces sounds and music of all sorts. Be a carefree kid again!!
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Admission: free
This outdoor park has so many wonderful pieces of art. While doing some background research, I discovered that this site used to be a contaminated brownfield. Since remodeled, the park has become famous for the Eagle by Alexander Calder. This unique place is great to see extra large outdoor contemporary art pieces, take a walk, and to enjoy the views over Elliott Bay.
Happy travels!
Cat
Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington
Admission: $22; discounts available for seniors, youth and packages to combine with Space Needle access
Dale Chihuly developed a unique approach to blowing glass, presenting the form as a new avant-garde art style. The results are truly breathtaking, with the multitude of colors and shapes, objects and figurines, twists and turns, above and below, large and small, indoors and outdoors.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
440 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Admission: free
This was an unplanned stop and I'm so glad that my friend and I stopped by. Outside is a large screen documenting the work that they have achieved and the problems that lie ahead of them, as well as a timeline of the progress of how the foundation began. Inside is a well-designed exhibit. Through meticulous work, the foundation has explored how to 'green' their building inside and out to reduce environmental impact and energy usage, as well as gathering people to collectively think about how to improve the lives of millions of people who are less fortunate. Their message is that no matter how close or how far somebody lives, work can be done in local neighborhoods or far-reaching regions to create equal lives for everybody and to unlock everyone's potential.
Electronic Music Project Museum (EMP)
325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington
Admission: $30; discounts available for youth; extra for the additional special exhibition
I didn't actually go inside here. We visited the park outside and played with the uniquely designed playground that produces sounds and music of all sorts. Be a carefree kid again!!
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, Washington
Admission: free
This outdoor park has so many wonderful pieces of art. While doing some background research, I discovered that this site used to be a contaminated brownfield. Since remodeled, the park has become famous for the Eagle by Alexander Calder. This unique place is great to see extra large outdoor contemporary art pieces, take a walk, and to enjoy the views over Elliott Bay.
Happy travels!
Cat
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 throughout the overlook.
Follow the steps down to reach the beach where many break out their picnic ware, spending the afternoon resting on the sand and playing on the beach.
When I made my way back up towards the stairs, I spotted a falcon (?). This pose was my favorite: "I see you and this is my spot."
For a bite to eat, I headed to Cafe Capistrano, where I ordered their cochinita pibil, a nice combination of Mayan-style flavors.
After sampling some local food and to make the most of the Half Moon Bay excursion, I headed to Pillar Point Bluff, located behind the local airport. The air force station is visible towards the south.
Cowell Beach Ranch
Start: Cowell Beach Ranch Access gate (it's a small parking lot, though parking along Highway 1 is fine.)
Duration: less than an hour
Difficulty: easy
Length: 1 mile RT
Danger: windy
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: moderate
Pillar Point Bluff
Start: any entrance along Bernal Avenue
Duration: half an hour
Difficulty: easy
Length: variable
Danger: sandy trails and brisk wind
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: very low
Cafe Capistrano: 523 Church Street, Half Moon Bay, California
Happy travels!
Cat
(Half Moon Bay visited in June 2016)
Follow the steps down to reach the beach where many break out their picnic ware, spending the afternoon resting on the sand and playing on the beach.
When I made my way back up towards the stairs, I spotted a falcon (?). This pose was my favorite: "I see you and this is my spot."
For a bite to eat, I headed to Cafe Capistrano, where I ordered their cochinita pibil, a nice combination of Mayan-style flavors.
After sampling some local food and to make the most of the Half Moon Bay excursion, I headed to Pillar Point Bluff, located behind the local airport. The air force station is visible towards the south.
Cowell Beach Ranch
Start: Cowell Beach Ranch Access gate (it's a small parking lot, though parking along Highway 1 is fine.)
Duration: less than an hour
Difficulty: easy
Length: 1 mile RT
Danger: windy
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: moderate
Pillar Point Bluff
Start: any entrance along Bernal Avenue
Duration: half an hour
Difficulty: easy
Length: variable
Danger: sandy trails and brisk wind
Exposure: open
Crowd Factor: very low
Cafe Capistrano: 523 Church Street, Half Moon Bay, California
Happy travels!
Cat
(Half Moon Bay visited in June 2016)
Manhattan has all things that people want to visit when in New York: shopping at 5th Avenue, Central Park, Wall Street, the Met, MOMA, Guggenheim, Times Square, Empire State Building, SoHo, Statue of Liberty, and so on. I visited most of the places on my first visit to New York several years ago, so for this trip, I picked some more interesting spots off the beaten track.
Due to a coincidence in timing, I found out that Collective Design's annual exhibition matched up with my travel dates! I dragged a friend along, who was only mildly impressed since she was an industrial design student, and enjoyed the art with no price tags.
The Cooper Hewitt Museum has become one of my favorite museums that I have visited. As a part of the ticket, they loan you an interactive pen that you can press to exhibit placards to 'save' to your online portfolio. Want to check out the ones I personally saved? Head to cooperhewitt.org/you and enter the code: wqtk. On the site are high resolution images, details of the object, and background information. In addition, there are interactive exhibits to create wallpaper, 3D objects, and such through this pen. This is the first museum that really enhances the museum experience through technology! During my visit, I experienced several ongoing exhibitions, I could pause and ponder the arising emotions and thoughts that are elicited from within and muse about the designer's decisions as they created a piece of artwork. Through these quiet moments, I neither felt the pressure to move on or the push and shove of a crowded museum like that of the Guggenheim, the Met or the Art Institute in Chicago. Each exhibit offered a sense of personal enjoyment that I thoroughly enjoyed.
After the museum, I had every intention to rent a bike to cruise around Central Park, but the best of spring allergies took over, and I suffered on a seat in the comforts of a Duane Reade Pharmacy :(
Another place I visited was the High Line. This former railroad project is now a very popular urban park. With views of the Hudson River, perspectives of the Chelsea neighborhood, modern architectural residences and offices, mini landscape gardens, outdoor art exhibits, places to relax and food carts, what's not to love about the High Line? Personally, the park was too crowded for me, though it's definitely worth a second visit during an off-peak time. Maybe in the morning or towards sunset? With multiple access points to this elevated park, the High Line has something for everyone while casually strolling.
Collective Design: Skylight Clarkson Square, 550 Washington Street, Manhattan, New York (2016 exhibit is over)
Cooper Hewitt Museum: 2 East 91st Street, Manhattan, New York
The High Line: Chelsea, Manhattan, New York
And to satisfy the hungry, here are a couple places worth checking out (clockwise from left):
1. Shanghai Cafe: 100 Mott Street (between Canal and Hester Streets), Manhattan, New York
2. 10Below Ice Cream: multiple locations
3. Two Little Red Hens: 1652 2nd Avenue (between 85th and 86th Streets), Manhattan, New York (~delectable cheesecake!!)
4. Cho Dan Gol Korean Restaurant: 55 W 35th Street (between Avenue of the Americas and 5th Avenue Midtown West), Manhattan, New York
5. Luke's Lobster: multiple locations
6. Totto Ramen: multiple locations
And other eateries I visited:
Momofuku Milk Bar: 251 E 13th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), Manhattan, New York (~the crack pie is so addictive)
Halal Guys: multiple locations
Fresco Gelateria: 138 2nd Avenue (between St. Marks Place and 9th Street), Manhattan, New York
Maison Kayser: multiple locations
Shake Shack: multiple locations
Alas, there's only so much time in the day. For future visits, I definitely want to check out Whitney Museum of American Art, the Met Cloisters, the Frick Collection, Dia: Beacon, Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate, and Storm King Art Center. To satisfy hunger pangs: Bibble & Sip, Russ & Daughters, Xi'an Famous Foods, Spot Desert Bar, Levain Bakery, Dominique Ansel Bakery, Eataly, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, and Raclette. For shopping: Gentle Monster, Agnes B., Dashwood Books, Aedes Perfumery, and Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks.
Been to New York or planning to visit? What's on your must-visit and must-eat list?
Happy travels!
Cat
(visited New York in May 2016)
Due to a coincidence in timing, I found out that Collective Design's annual exhibition matched up with my travel dates! I dragged a friend along, who was only mildly impressed since she was an industrial design student, and enjoyed the art with no price tags.
The Cooper Hewitt Museum has become one of my favorite museums that I have visited. As a part of the ticket, they loan you an interactive pen that you can press to exhibit placards to 'save' to your online portfolio. Want to check out the ones I personally saved? Head to cooperhewitt.org/you and enter the code: wqtk. On the site are high resolution images, details of the object, and background information. In addition, there are interactive exhibits to create wallpaper, 3D objects, and such through this pen. This is the first museum that really enhances the museum experience through technology! During my visit, I experienced several ongoing exhibitions, I could pause and ponder the arising emotions and thoughts that are elicited from within and muse about the designer's decisions as they created a piece of artwork. Through these quiet moments, I neither felt the pressure to move on or the push and shove of a crowded museum like that of the Guggenheim, the Met or the Art Institute in Chicago. Each exhibit offered a sense of personal enjoyment that I thoroughly enjoyed.
After the museum, I had every intention to rent a bike to cruise around Central Park, but the best of spring allergies took over, and I suffered on a seat in the comforts of a Duane Reade Pharmacy :(
Another place I visited was the High Line. This former railroad project is now a very popular urban park. With views of the Hudson River, perspectives of the Chelsea neighborhood, modern architectural residences and offices, mini landscape gardens, outdoor art exhibits, places to relax and food carts, what's not to love about the High Line? Personally, the park was too crowded for me, though it's definitely worth a second visit during an off-peak time. Maybe in the morning or towards sunset? With multiple access points to this elevated park, the High Line has something for everyone while casually strolling.
Collective Design: Skylight Clarkson Square, 550 Washington Street, Manhattan, New York (2016 exhibit is over)
Cooper Hewitt Museum: 2 East 91st Street, Manhattan, New York
The High Line: Chelsea, Manhattan, New York
And to satisfy the hungry, here are a couple places worth checking out (clockwise from left):
1. Shanghai Cafe: 100 Mott Street (between Canal and Hester Streets), Manhattan, New York
2. 10Below Ice Cream: multiple locations
3. Two Little Red Hens: 1652 2nd Avenue (between 85th and 86th Streets), Manhattan, New York (~delectable cheesecake!!)
4. Cho Dan Gol Korean Restaurant: 55 W 35th Street (between Avenue of the Americas and 5th Avenue Midtown West), Manhattan, New York
5. Luke's Lobster: multiple locations
6. Totto Ramen: multiple locations
And other eateries I visited:
Momofuku Milk Bar: 251 E 13th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), Manhattan, New York (~the crack pie is so addictive)
Halal Guys: multiple locations
Fresco Gelateria: 138 2nd Avenue (between St. Marks Place and 9th Street), Manhattan, New York
Maison Kayser: multiple locations
Shake Shack: multiple locations
Alas, there's only so much time in the day. For future visits, I definitely want to check out Whitney Museum of American Art, the Met Cloisters, the Frick Collection, Dia: Beacon, Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate, and Storm King Art Center. To satisfy hunger pangs: Bibble & Sip, Russ & Daughters, Xi'an Famous Foods, Spot Desert Bar, Levain Bakery, Dominique Ansel Bakery, Eataly, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, and Raclette. For shopping: Gentle Monster, Agnes B., Dashwood Books, Aedes Perfumery, and Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks.
Been to New York or planning to visit? What's on your must-visit and must-eat list?
Happy travels!
Cat
(visited New York in May 2016)
