All in Travel

At home in Iceland

At home in Iceland

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

If you have not heard, Iceland has been gaining tremendous popularity over the last several years. And if I am being completely honest about it, I am a little sad. Iceland is such a fantastic place I really hoped it would stay a secret for as long as possible. However, I will have to admit I am partly to blame for the explosion of tourists. Ever since our first visit in 2010, I have been singing the praises of this beautiful country. From its rugged beauty to its colorful little city, it really is a country bursting with both charm and diversity. 

My top three cozy weekend getaways

My top three cozy weekend getaways

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

As I type, the rain is falling hard outside my window. One moment it goes from sudden downpour, to a drizzle, and then a sprinkle and back to another downpour. As a Seattleite who has experienced her fair share of rainy days, it should be known we have lots of different names for the type of rain falling outside our window. As I think about the upcoming months, it would be easy to hunker down at home for the next several months, but I have recently discovered it is more exhilarating and relaxing to head away for a weekend or two to hang at someone else's home. 

A wet and windy weekend at Earthbox Inn

A wet and windy weekend at Earthbox Inn

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Seattle

On a wet and windy Thursday we took the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor. The weather forecasters were calling for a "storm of the century" that weekend and we weren't exactly sure what to expect. Several years ago I heard the expression "there is no such thing as bad weather, only improper clothing". As a born and breed Pacific Northwesterner I try to stick to that as my mantra and not let the weather interfere with my plans. If we made it a point to stay inside on inclement weather days not only would we be missing out on a whole slew of adventures, but we would be missing out on the quintessential moodiness which is so integral to the PNW. 

New Leaf Cafe

New Leaf Cafe

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Food

When we visit Orcas Island eating dinner at New Leaf Cafe is always at the top of our list. The food never disappoints, the presentation is always beautiful and the flavors are memorable. Whether it be a salad, an entree or a dessert, each item holds its own and leaves a lasting impression in your mind and on your taste buds. As most of you already know, my family and I are big fans of traveling during the off season. Easy to come by dinner reservations are just one of our favorite things about a slower season.

Our annual fall trip to the North Cascades

Our annual fall trip to the North Cascades

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Seattle

Each year in honor of Asher's birthday, we spend a long weekend in to the North Cascades. It is hard to put into words what a special place this has become for our little family, but the first word which comes to mind is refuge. Aside from the jaw dropping views and overall detachment from the outside world, it has become a place where we can remember and yet continue to make lasting memories together as a family.

Pebble Cove Farm

Pebble Cove Farm

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

During our time on Orcas Island we stayed at a lovely place called Pebble Cove Farm owned by Lydia and John Miller. Upon first glance at their website, the thing that struck me the most was how they referred to it as their "dream come true". In 2004, Lydia and John bought this long neglected acreage and worked hard to transform an abandoned barn into a contemporary farmhouse. There dream to raise their three boys by the sea was achieved and now their guests are the recipients of all their hard work.  Pebble Cove Farm is a respite from the world. There is a u-pick garden, a sweet horse named Buddy, goats, pigs, chickens, a swing set and most importantly room to breathe. Jasper loved spending his time in the garden and I was in love with their bountiful orchard and flower garden. 

Savor the San Juans: Orcas Island Farm Tour

Savor the San Juans: Orcas Island Farm Tour

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Food

Two weekends ago, we hopped on a ferry bound for Pebble Cove Farm on Orcas Island. It had been a long time since we last visited Orcas Island and we were excited to visit some familiar places, but more importantly participate in the Orcas Island Farm Tour, stay at Pebble Cove Farm and eat dinner at New Leaf Cafe. The Orcas Island Farm Tour is just one of the many events occurring during the Savor the San Juans which runs thru November 12th. Savor the San Juans is a nine year tradition which has grown to encompass three film festivals, art exhibits, a new sustainable seafood Salish Sea Festival, a farm parade, two vineyard harvest festivals, harvest dinners, farm tours and much more. I love the San Juan Islands and with the stunning ferry ride this is one instance where getting there is really half the fun. 

Edmond's Saturday market

Edmond's Saturday market

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

A couple weekends ago we found ourselves up in Edmonds on a Saturday afternoon. Much to our delight we stumbled upon their farmer's market. Living in Seattle it is often difficult to find a farmer's market which isn't on a Sunday, so we were excited to peruse the fresh vegetables, flowers and handmade goods. We were excited to walk away with an assortment of locally made goods. We bought some amazing peanut butter chocolate fudge and milk chocolate toffee, handmade caramels, a head of garlic, a pound of fingerling potatoes, a bouquet of fresh flowers and a gardening tool. Sounds like we have a bit of sweet tooth doesn't it?!

A weekend in Leavenworth

A weekend in Leavenworth

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend

Last weekend, we headed to Leavenworth for some hiking, a little bit of relaxation, and a much needed change of scenery. Every once and awhile I crave a new landscape, so last weekend we packed up the car and headed east of the mountains. I am always amazed at how different the landscape is just a couple hundred miles away from our home. It reminds me there is so much still to explore in my own backyard. 

Our week in Arizona

Our week in Arizona

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

Arizona can be a VERY hot place in the Summer, but when you know you are only going to be there for a short time it is easy to embrace the heat and enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape. On our recent visit to Arizona our biggest criteria in finding a rental house was that it had a pool. Not only did we find a house with a pool, but it had two outdoor fireplaces, an outdoor television, a pool table and two outdoor seating areas. One of my favorite parts about Arizona aside from all the different varieties of cacti is the fact that people who live here actually own a whole wardrobe of bathing suits. As a Pacific Northwest native, the very idea of wearing a bathing suit more than once a year is a pretty exhilarating prospect.

The Saguaro in Scottsdale

The Saguaro in Scottsdale

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel

Last week, we spent some time visiting Cameron's parents in Arizona. It had been several years since we last visited Arizona and we were excited for a change of scenery, warm weather, amazing Mexican food, and lots of swimming. We took an evening flight from Seattle and knew we would be arriving late, so we booked one night at The Saguaro Scottsdale to start our trip off. Aside from the sometimes stifling mid day heat, it was the perfect time of year to visit Arizona. The thermometer easily hovered a little over one hundred degrees each day and we found if we were outside, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. 

Hiking around Mount Rainier

Hiking around Mount Rainier

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Seattle, Weekend

In the Summer, there is one Saturday I look forward to more than all the others- it is the day we go hiking around Mount Rainier. Typically, we visit Paradise in August when the wildflowers are in full force and our chance of having a clear day is at its greatest. So far this ultra scientific method for picking what day to visit has worked out. Over the past several years we have enjoyed a spectacular day on the mountain. 

Sea to Sky Gondola

Sea to Sky Gondola

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend, Outdoor adventures

Although we have done a fair amount of traveling I always feel like we have just scratched the surface. There is so much to see and do in our neck of the woods there really is no need to venture too far unless we are in the mood for a change of scenery. On our way back from Pemberton last month, we stopped at the Sea to Sky Gondola. We rode the gondola up, ate lunch and then walked along a few of their trails and rode it back down. Next time, we plan to hike up and then ride the gondola down. Had we not been pressed for time we would have done so this time. 

Outstanding in the Field at North Arm Farm

Outstanding in the Field at North Arm Farm

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend, Food

In Pemberton, BC there exists a place so beautiful it just begs to be shared. North Arm Farm is a family run business that was started by Jordan and Trish Sturdy in 1995. Since then, it has been developed into forty five acres of vegetables and fruit. One July morning, we made the trek from our home in Seattle to their farm in Pemberton. What ensued was an evening of stunning food, inspiring conversations and endless beauty. My only wish is that this farm was located closer to Seattle because I would like to spend as much time as possible in this idyllic setting. 

Our long weekend in Victoria, B.C.

Our long weekend in Victoria, B.C.

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend, Parenting

The biggest perk of catching the early ferry is you can hit the ground running once you are in Victoria. When traveling with a toddler two of the most important factors are food and speed. During our boat ride we were able to eat breakfast and then spend the rest of the time checking out all the boats and beautiful scenery out our window and chatting with the interesting people on board. Once in Victoria we took a short taxi ride to our hotel and without much fuss we were able to be settled into our room and get a bite to eat all before noon. Since it was so early in the day, we then had the rest of the day to explore Victoria at our leisure. We had such a long list of things we wanted to do we really appreciated being able to get up to Victoria so fast and with such ease on the Victoria Clipper. 

Outstanding in the Field at Hama Hama Oysters

Outstanding in the Field at Hama Hama Oysters

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel, Food

There is something utterly romantic about taking a mid week break from every day life, boarding a ferry and heading to a beautiful place to have a wonderful meal. Outstanding in the Field isn't about just food, it is about bringing people from all walks of life together. I really relished the opportunity to have an evening set aside to meet the makers, break bread with the farmers and celebrate some of the best things in life.

Wolf in the Fog

Wolf in the Fog

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Weekend, Food

Some times you eat and other times you feast. Our recent anniversary dinner at Wolf in the Fog in Tofino was definitely the latter. Aside from the jaw dropping scenery from the top deck, the friendly and attentive staff and innovative dishes being pumped out of the kitchen Wolf in the Fog is a place whose food lingers in your mind. From the Potato Crusted Oyster to the Bamfield Seaweed Salad to the Moroccan Spiced Octopus to the Shellfish and Chicken Laksa each dish was a delight to all senses. 

Duck Soup Inn

Duck Soup Inn

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Travel, Food

At the end of an unassuming gravel road on San Juan Island there exists a place unlike anywhere else. A quiet, unpretentious place which delights your sense, satisfies your belly, sparks your creativity and challenges you to rethink how you present food at your own home.  Duck Soup Inn is home to Kyle Nicholson, an amazing chef, who is known throughout the island and beyond as a food pioneer. Before taking the reigns at Duck Soup Inn Kyle has been the Executive Chef at the Friday Harbor House. After meeting Kyle I was impressed by his quiet strength and his calm presence. Throughout the island he is thought of as a creative force and I firmly believe he is on his way to making Duck Soup Inn a destination.  

Summer Guide to Seattle

Summer Guide to Seattle

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Travel

The two questions I get more than any other is "What are some non touristy things I can do with out of town guests?" or "What should I do when I come to visit Seattle?" Today, I will set out to answer those two questions and give you a variety of ideas of things you can do both near and far.

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