Bainbridge Island

There aren't many things that I love more than being a tourist.

Not like an obvious one.. with a giant camera strapped around my neck and a Fodors guide in hand. 

But the sense of adventure that comes along with exploring a new destination is pretty spectacular.

When my friend and I were in Seattle a few weeks ago,

we decided to expand our boundaries and take a day trip to Bainbridge Island. 

Highly recommend it!

We had the best time, breathing in fresh air and gawking and the beautiful surroundings. 

Bainbridge Island is located west of Seattle, is entirely surrounded by salt water, and is known for its outstanding natural beauty and rustic character. 

Catch a quick ride from Pier 52 on one of the Washington State Ferries, and get there in less than an hour.  

I recommend bringing your vehicle across the pond, so you can have the convenience of navigating as you deem fit. 

We didn't really have a set itinerary for the day.. 

instead we googled a few "must see destinations" while we sat back on the ferry,

and the first thing that caught our attention was the Bloedel Reserve. 

Oh em geeeeeee! 

Best pleasant surprise ever!! 

The Bloedel Reserve is an internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve.

It was created by Prentice and Virginia Bloedel, who resided on the property from 1951 until 1986,

with a vision to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty.

Let me just tell you, it did not disappoint!

It took us about two hours to make our way around the woodland trails at the most leisurely pace.

The grounds are absolutely stunning,

and we found ourselves oohing and ahhing every few minutes as we came across the gorgeous sweeping vistas, formal gardens and soothing water features. 

Their home, which is now open to the public,

is my dream come true.

The pictures just don't do it justice. 

Anyway, to say that we were not disappointed is an understatement.

We truly did leave the reserve feeling relaxed and inspired.

We spent a few more hours on the island,

perusing the adorable boutiques (this one was my favorite),

before making our way back to Seattle to catch our flights home. 

Perfect way to end our trip!

Sleepless in Seattle

I love documenting my personal trips on my blog, 

not only as a means to record my memories,

but also to share some recommendations for things that I truly loved about my experience.

I know that when I'm planning a trip I draw a lot of inspiration from other bloggers out there,

so I like to pay it forward. 

This wasn't my first time to Seattle, and I hope it won't be my last. 

My girlfriend and I spent a solid 48 hours in this lovely city,

and honestly had the best time. 

STAY:

We fell in love with the Thompson Seattle,

which was just so refined and perfectly chic. 

It's located just a  block from Pike Place Market, 

which was convenient for morning walks to grab some coffee and piroshki.

SEE:

We got extremely lucky with the weather (not a drop of rain during our October visit!),

so we took advantage and did a lot of sightseeing by foot. 

~Of course the first thing we did was wander through Pike Place Market,

checking out the produce and seafood,

trying to blend in with the locals to avoid having a fish tossed at us. 

~Strolled through Post Alley and found the Gum Wall,

gross but entertaining. 

~One of my favorite attractions was the Chihuly Garden & Glass museum,

which was just very different. 

Perfect for selfie ops and visual stimulation. 

~Although we didn't go to the top of the Space Needle,

the landmark can be seen from all around the city, 

including my favorite vista point - Kerry Park.

~Obviously I couldn't say no to checking out the Fremont Troll,

just so I can say we went trollin in Seattle. 

~Last but not least, we took a ferry to Bainbridge Island and had such a good time that I decided to dedicate a whole separate post to it. 

EAT:

You already know... my favorite part about planning a trip is deciding which restaurants we're going to eat at. 

Seattle gave me a run for my money with its plethora of options,

but I think we chose wisely, 

because every single place we visited did not disappoint our high foodie expectations.

~First, a trip to the Pacific Northwest wouldn't be complete without some oysters,

so we got right into it with a traditional happy hour at Elliot's Oyster House.

It's a classic, my friends, so slurp up.

I like my oysters topped with some lemon, mignonette and a dash of tabasco,

chased by a sip of chilled crisp Prosecco. 

Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

One of my go-to sources for restaurant recommendations is Bon Appetit magazine,

so when I saw that there were TWO Seattle restaurants on their 50 Best New Restaurants List,

I was beyond excited. 

~We made reservations at Bateau weeks in advance,

knowing it would be worth the wait. 

I've been borrowing recipes from Renee Erickson's cookbook for months,

so it's no surprise to me that the newest member of the Sea Creatures family would offer a smooth sailing experience. 

If you don't eat red meat, I'm sorry, this place probably isn't for you. 

The "boeuf", butchered and dry aged in house, 

comes directly from Erickson's Whidbey Island farm to your plate, 

served alongside inventive sides, thrice fried frites, iconic cocktails, and a smart bottle list.

My friend and I kicked the evening off with some veal sweetbreads, 

which were tender and delicious, 

but the real star of the evening was the 28-day-aged ribeye, 

topped with bone marrow butter, of course.

So rich that I just wanted to slather myself in all the fatty goodness. 

Is that weird?

~You know what makes me smile?

When tiny, hole in the wall establishments receive accolades for serving up damn good food. 

Isn't that what's most important?

Yes, the ambiance is key to an overall dining experience, 

but sometimes, all I need is a hot bowl of noodles that is infused with so much flavor that my taste buds nearly buckle. 

Little Uncle is not the first Thai restaurant that has received accolades despite its casual demeanor (Pok Pok anyone?),

setting a new standard for the term "fine dining".

Again, sharing is caring when my friend and I try new places,

so we decided to split the Khao Soi Gai and the Beef Noodles. 

🔥🔥🔥

~The Seattle Times described the Brimmer & Heeltap as a cheery bistro and bar in Ballard,

that "is as comfortable to slip into as your favorite jeans". 

I couldn't agree more. 

You can't go wrong with a restaurant that seeks to celebrate the moments that exist between the first sip of one’s libation and the last drops lingering at the bottom of the glass. 

The cocktails are great, but honestly, the food is even better. 

Teasing the concept of Asian fusion, the menu offers something for everyone. 

We were pleasantly surprised by how tender the charred octopus was when it arrived,

and blissfully happy while we alternated between bites of the grilled pork shoulder and the duck fried rice. 

Khao Soi Gai from Little Uncle. Just LOOK at that bowl!! You can almost taste the flavor through the picture.

The happiest of hours at Elliot's Oyster House. The only downside? They cut you off after a dozen!

Oh just a perfectly cooked, 28-day-aged ribeye, bathing in bone marrow butter. Boeuf boner at Bateau. 

Views from our hotels rooftop bar, the Nest.

Picking up little treats to go along with some fresh brewed coffee at Amandine Bakeshop.

Shareable options at Brimmer & Heeltap: duck fried rice and grilled pork shoulder.