Where to Go and What to Know
Pacific Northwest
Seattle, WA
Why Visit Seattle
A City That Earns Its Reputation
Pike Place, On Foot
Skip the tourist loop and go early. The fishmongers, flower stalls, and the original Starbucks are all within a few blocks, best before 9am when the crowds thin out.
Neighborhoods Worth the Detour
Capitol Hill for coffee and record shops. Fremont for the Sunday market. Ballard for the locks and a proper fish-and-chips by the water. Each one has its own rhythm.
Easy to Get Around Without a Car
The Link Light Rail runs from the airport straight into downtown. Most of what you'll want to see is walkable or a short ride from there. A rental car is not needed.
Stay in Seattle
Come Home to a Townhome, Not a Hotel Hallway
Your own kitchen for the market haul, a front step for the morning coffee and a local team a call away.
- NeighborhoodsCapitol Hill, Queen Anne & the Central District
- The HomesTownhomes & Houses, 1–4 Bedrooms
- Looked After ByA Team That Lives in Seattle
Hawaii
Maui, HI
Why Visit Maui
The Island Moves at Its Own Pace
Three Towns, Three Moods
Kihei is sunny and laid-back with easy beach access. Lahaina has the history and the harbor. Wailuku is where the locals eat. Fewer tourists, and the food is better.
The Road to Hana Is Worth the Drive
Pack snacks, leave early, and stop at the black sand beach. The waterfall pools halfway through are the real payoff. Most day-trippers turn back long before they do.
Sunrises at Haleakala
It's cold at 10,000 feet before dawn, so bring a layer. The crater view as the light comes up is unlike anything else on the island. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early.
Stay on Maui
Lanai Sunsets, Pool Days and Kihei Sand
Rinse off the salt, fire up the grill by the pool and watch the sun drop into the Pacific from your lanai.
- TownsKihei, Wailuku & Lahaina
- The Homes1–2 Bedroom Condos With Pools & BBQs
- Looked After ByOur Team on the Island
Pacific Northwest
Whidbey Island, WA
Why Visit Whidbey Island
An Hour From Seattle, a World Apart
Deception Pass Is the Main Event
The bridge over the pass is one of the most photographed spots in Washington. Walk both sides of the water. The views from the bluff beat the bridge itself.
Langley and Coupeville Are Worth an Afternoon
Langley has good galleries and restaurants that punch above their size. Coupeville is older, quieter, and known for its mussels. Both are worth a slow pace.
The Ferry Ride Is Part of the Trip
The Clinton to Mukilteo crossing takes 20 minutes. The views of the Sound on a clear day make it feel like you've already arrived somewhere worth the drive.
Stay on the Islands
Wake Up to the Water and Let the Last Ferry Go
Coffee with a view of the Sound, a walk along the shore before breakfast and no rush to get back to the city.
- TownsCoupeville, Langley, Greenbank & Camano
- The Homes1–4 Bedrooms, Most Near the Shore
- No Ferry NeededCamano Is a Little Over an Hour by Car
Pacific Northwest
Mt. Rainier National Park, WA
Why Visit Mt. Rainier
The Mountain Is Bigger Than You Expect
Ashford Puts You at the Gate
Five minutes to the Nisqually entrance. You can be on a trail before 8am, which matters in summer when the parking lots at Paradise fill up fast. Book timed entry.
Paradise Lives Up to the Name
The wildflower meadows peak in late July and August. The Skyline Trail loop takes about 3 hours and gives you glacier views for most of the way. Weekdays are best.
Packwood for the Quieter Side
The Stevens Canyon entrance sees far fewer visitors than Nisqually. The drive through old-growth forest is worth it even before you reach the park boundary itself.
Stay Near the Mountain
Muddy Boots by the Door, a Fire Pit After Dark
Cabins in the gateway towns, close enough for a sunrise start on the trail and a hot tub when you get back.
- TownsAshford & Packwood
- The CabinsFire Pits, Hot Tubs & Forest Views
- In WinterSnowshoe the Park or Ski Crystal Mountain
Not Sure Where to Start