I’ve been to Seattle many times for concerts, shopping and quick getaways but rarely have I taken the time to look around the city. On my recent #2DaysInSeattle trip I had the opportunity* to take a trip with EverGreen Escapes. Based in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon, EverGreen Escapes specializes in nature, epicurean and education adventures throughout the region. From half-day city tours to multi-day outdoor adventures there’s something for everyone on their list of excursions, I chose the half-day Explore Seattle Tour. Picked up from the hotel by our driver/guide Joslyn at 0730, and after picking up the rest of the 8 (of a possible 10 seats) guests, we set off on our 3.5 hour tour.
First stop was the place it all began, Pioneer Square and a little history lesson on the beginnings of Seattle. A swing through downtown and Pike Place Market before taking a drive up Queen Anne Hill to Kerry Park Lookout for some breathtaking views over downtown Seattle and Puget Sound. One of the more interesting stops on the tour had little to do with scenery or history but Joslyn next pulled into one of Seattle’s P-Patches. The Interbay P-Patch is one of the city’s community gardens, provided a glimpse into the real neighbourhoods and the community spirit that make up the Emerald City. Following a drive through the up-scale Magnolia neighbourhood to the Ballard Locks and Fish Ladders, a large set of locks connecting Seattle’s Lake Washington Ship Canal and Salmon Bay. An engineering feat, the locks and accompanying fish spawning complex are also a bustling attraction as visitors watch the fish below and the boats being raised and lowered in the waters above.
Passing over the canal into the free-spirited Fremont District and a visit to Theo Chocolate shop and factory, was a another interesting stop in our diverse day out. Even if it was probably a sponsored stop, sampling Theo’s on-site handmade artisan chocolate was a tasty afternoon treat and a somewhere that I wouldn’t have found without EverGreen Escapes. Since we were ahead of time, Joslyn suggested a walk through the quaint main drag of Fremont instead of a drive to our next stop, the Lenin Statue. Walking back to the van through the peaceful, village-like neighbourhood on a sunny day, was a great way to wrap up an informative, fun and recommended city excursion.
Contact EverGreen Escapes to make a reservation
Seattle: 206-650-5795
Portland: 503-252-1931
Toll Free : 866-203-7603
Email: experience@evergreenescapes.com
*EverGreen Escapes provided me with the opportunity to take one of their tours with no expectation of endorsement