Experiences Archives

Experiences

Colorado | Gateway Canyons Auto Museum

June 27, 2014June 2, 2022by Susan Edel10 Comments

How about a little road trip in one of these beauties from the Gateway Canyons Auto Museum.

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Experiences

Colorado | Gateway Canyons UTV Tour

June 23, 2014June 2, 2022by Susan EdelLeave a Comment

What do you do when you are staying at a remote resort in the desert where the closest populated town is an hour’s drive away?

If you are at the Gateway Canyons Resort in Gateway, Colorado, your only problem is going to be how to decide amongst all of the choices available to you. This may be a remote area but Gateway Canyons’ philosophy seems to be “more room for us to play!”

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Experiences

Utah | Arches National Park

June 20, 2014June 2, 2022by Susan Edel1 Comment

I have truly grown to love the southwestern region of the United States ~ Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. The landscape is so completely different and unique to any other geography in the U.S. with its beautiful desert setting, yucca, saguaro and prickly pear cacti, looming large red rocks, rivers and so much more. This region of the country is also home to some of the most stunning national parks ~ Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and too many more to mention.

On a trip to Gateway, Colorado (Gateway Canyons Resort), I took the opportunity to take a day trip out to Arches National Park. The weather was perfect, so I opted to take the shorter 1+ hour route over the John Brown Canyon road which begins at the resort, instead of the 2-1/2 hour route via the highway. This is an easy drive, however, not a route you want to take if it is raining or wet, as a good portion of the drive is an unpaved dirt road and turns quite muddy when wet. I would also suggest only traveling this road during daylight hours.

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Experiences

Washington | Seattle: Space Needle

March 2, 2014May 20, 2021by Susan Edel3 Comments

What is more iconic to Seattle than the Space Needle? The Space Needle was built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Today, this Seattle landmark still stands strong at a 520 foot elevation and offers extraordinary views of the Emerald City. The observation deck offers a spectacular 360 degree view of the city and bay.

There is a bar and snack area on deck and if you are looking for a nice sit-down option, the SkyCity Restaurant offers a panoramic rotating view while you dine. I heard mixed reviews about the quality of the restaurant but decided to give it a try anyway. I found the atmosphere quite enjoyable and my food was delicious. It was a pricey meal, however, I guess you pay for the novelty of it and it is a unique experience. Reservations are definitely recommended.

Some people told me they enjoyed the view more during the day and others said at night. I decided to enjoy both and I went in the late afternoon so I could witness the sunset and have dinner with the twinkling lights of the city as the backdrop. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy and I did not get to see the full glory of Mount Rainier. This is a wonderful option for obtaining a bird’s eye view of the city.

Space Needle

Experiences, Uncategorized

Washington | Seattle: Pike Place Market

March 2, 2014May 20, 2021by Susan Edel2 Comments

There are farmer’s markets and then there is Seattle’s Pike Place Market ~ this is no ordinary farmer’s market! As one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks since 1907, this bustling market offers a plethora of fresh fish, meats, produce, flowers, sweets, quirky merchandise and so much more. From the moment you arrive you’re on sensory overload…the people, the magnitude of choices, and the sumptuous smells draw you in and hold you spellbound.

The market is a true resource for locals and restaurant chefs alike but has also become a huge tourist attraction. So much so, that the market actually offers formal Pike Place Market Tours. One of the main reasons for all this attention is due to the Pike Place Fish Market which been immortalized through media attention and Hollywood for their entertaining fish tossing techniques and antics. Groups of people will crowd around the fish market waiting to see a fish toss, and then continue on their merry way afterwards.

The market is surrounded by rows of independent deli’s, pastry shops, and restaurants offering delicious nibbles. This is also where you will find the original Starbucks coffee shop founded in 1971. It’s worth it to walk by just to see the enormous line of people who want to say they purchased a cup of coffee there….I have to say I don’t get it but it’s fun to see.

Aside from all the food offerings, there are also several floors of independent stores offering vintage and unique merchandise. All I can say, is plan on spending several hours here because you will get sucked into the energy and excitement of this amazing Seattle attraction.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market

Experiences

Washington | Seattle: Seaplane Ride

March 1, 2014May 20, 2021by Susan Edel2 Comments

Sometimes it’s nice to get a different perspective on the city you’re visiting. It’s for that reason, that I chose to take a seaplane ride around Seattle. The concierge of my hotel, the Four Seasons (see post), arranged a city tour flight for me on Kenmore Air. Being February, the weather wasn’t ideal but it was good enough to still fly. Many of the tours get cancelled due to weather conditions, as did the flights right after mine.

I opted for the shorter city tour but you can arrange to tour or be dropped off at the San Juan Islands as well. The plane I was on held 5 passengers and the pilot comfortably. My only slight disappointment was that the tour was a recorded voice you listened to through headphones describing what you were seeing. It would have been nice to be able to interact with the pilot and ask questions along the way but it was still an informative and fun flight. Had it been the summer months, I would have gone to the San Juan Islands for the day (or a couple).

This was a fun and different excursion and a way to see the city from a different vantage point. Here are some images from my flight.

Click on the first image to open a slide show or any image to enlarge.