If you’re craving a mix of city adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of outdoor exhilaration, look no further than the Pacific Northwest. Our recent trip through Seattle, Vancouver, and Whistler was the perfect blend of urban charm, culinary delights, and mountain magic. Whether you love exploring vibrant city streets, indulging in top-notch cuisine, or hitting the slopes, this itinerary has something for everyone. This is one of those trips where packing your suitcase for the entire trip and a day’s excursions, makes all the difference. We show you all of our tricks in our ‘What’s In My Bag Guide’ blog post. These guides are super helpful so you can make the most of your getaways. Exploring Seattle: Markets, Monorails & Museums Seattle is a city that knows how to do cozy, creative, and caffeinated. Our first stop? The iconic Pike Place Market. There’s something truly special about wandering past fresh flower stands, watching the famous fishmongers toss their latest catch, and picking up some delicious produce and a few artisan-made goodies along the way. If you’re up for unique displays of “art” walk through the gum walled walkway around the corner from the market or visit the famous Fremont Troll. If you’re a coffee lover (and let’s be honest, you’re in Seattle—so you are now!), make sure to grab a cup at Monorail Espresso or Olympia Coffee Roasting before heading out for the day. The Seattle Center Monorail is a fun and efficient way to travel from downtown to Westlake Center, home to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. The Space Needle’s 605-foot-high observation deck offers some of the best views in the city—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Rainier. Right next door, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is an absolute must-see. The intricate glass sculptures are nothing short of mesmerizing. Afterward, we loved unwinding at The Bar inside the museum, sipping cocktails while admiring its quirky collection of antiques—accordions hanging from the ceiling, treasures tucked into tables—it’s a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the day. For a dose of marine magic, the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59 is well worth a visit. The Window on Washington Waters exhibit, with its 120,000-gallon tank teeming with Northwest sea life, is a highlight. Throughout our stay, we found downtown Seattle incredibly easy to navigate on foot and even tried out the city’s scooter system. And, of course, the food scene did not disappoint. We enjoyed a mix of flavors, from the Asian-fusion dishes at Wild Ginger to the romantic ambiance of The Pink Door and the classic Italian comfort of Tulio’s. Each meal was a delight, and we left Seattle happily full and ready for our next destination. If you are looking for a fantastic day trip outside the city of Seattle, consider taking a ferry from downtown over to Bainbridge Island. A day trip to Bainbridge Island is one of the best ways to escape the city while still enjoying breathtaking views, charming small-town vibes, and delicious food. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge offers a mix of outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, and fantastic dining—all within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Getting to Bainbridge Island from Seattle Head to the Seattle Ferry Terminal (Colman Dock) – Located at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle, the ferry terminal is easy to reach by foot, car, or public transportation. Walk-on passenger tickets are around $10 round-trip (cheaper for seniors and free for children under 18) and run every hour. We recommend grabbing a seat on the top deck for the best views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains and watch for seals or even orcas in the water. Walk off the ferry on Bainbridge and within 5 minutes, you’ll be in Winslow, the island’s main town, filled with shops, galleries, cozy cafés, restaurants, a free museum and other attractions. Take a scenic stroll along the Bainbridge Waterfront Trail, which offers peaceful views of Eagle Harbor and leads to hidden beaches and marinas. Bainbridge is also home to several wineries and cideries that are worth checking out. If you’re up for more adventure, rent a bike and explore farther! When you’re ready to return, simply walk back to the ferry terminal and board the next boat. Ferries depart approximately every hour, so there’s no need to buy another ticket for the return trip if you’re a walk-on passenger. As the sun sets, you’ll get a another gorgeous view of the Seattle skyline. Vancouver: Food, Fun & Festivities Crossing the border into Canada meant one thing—our traditional first stop at Tim Hortons for a nostalgic sweet treat (if your not familiar with the brand, think Canada’s version of Dunkin’ Donuts). Vancouver, like Seattle, is a wonderfully walkable city, and we loved exploring its diverse neighborhoods. One of our favorite dinners was a comforting bowl of Pho, followed by an evening of lively music and drinks at Donnellan’s Irish Pub. There is a lot to do and see in Vancouver. It’s the perfect mix of urban sophistication and easy access to mountains, ocean, and lush forests. Whistler: Skiing, Waffles & Après-Ski Bliss No trip to the Pacific Northwest is complete without a few days in Whistler-Blackcomb, one of the most spectacular ski resorts in North America. Staying right on the mountain at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa made all the difference—it’s just a short walk to the gondola, making it easy to fuel up with a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes. Skiing here is truly next-level. The terrain, the snow, the views—it’s no wonder Whistler has such a stellar reputation. Take a well-deserved midday break at the Crystal Hut, where you can warm up with delicious waffles and rich hot chocolate. And after a full day on the slopes, the après-ski scene did not disappoint. Options range from a lively pint at Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub to the cozy charm of Crêpe Montagne…
Adventures/Travel
Spring Break in the Florida Keys..
Stone Crabbing, Fishing & Laid-Back Island Vibes… If you’ve never been to the Florida Keys, here’s what you need to know—this place is as casual as it gets. Think flip-flops, sundresses, and breezy beachside bars where the only dress code is comfort (a perfect fit for Shookhill Style). Whether you’re escaping the lingering chill up north or just looking for a relaxed getaway, Key Largo is the perfect destination for a sun-soaked spring break filled with incredible seafood, adventure, and plenty of time to unwind. Where to Stay: Waterfront Bliss in Key Largo For the ultimate spring break retreat, we recommend staying at Baker’s Cay Resort or Playa Largo Resort & Spa—both offer stunning oceanfront views, beach access, and all the amenities you need to kick back and relax. From floating docks to kayak and jet ski rentals, these resorts make it easy to enjoy the water without ever leaving the property. Fresh Catches & Local Flavors: Where to Eat Casual dining is the name of the game in the Keys, and you won’t find better fresh seafood than at Key Largo Fisheries—a must-visit for stone crabs and conch fritters. Craving sushi? Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar serves up incredibly fresh rolls and Thai dishes in a relaxed, no-fuss setting. Stone Crabbing: A Florida Keys Tradition One of the highlights of our trip was heading out with friends from Ocean Reef for a day of stone crabbing and fishing. If you’ve never tried stone crabs, you’re in for an absolute treat! Here’s how it works: Setting the Traps – Traps are baited and dropped in shallow waters, then left for a few days. Harvesting the Claws – Once the pots are pulled onto the boat and inspected, the crabs are carefully measured, and only legal-sized claws are taken. The crabs are then safely released to grow new claws. Boiling & Cracking – Freshly caught claws are boiled, chilled, and cracked open for the most delicious, sweet crab meat. We served our stone crabs Key’s style—chilled, with a homemade mustard dipping sauce (a simple mix of yellow mustard, mayo, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce). Participating in this process with local residents was such a wonderful opportunity, but if you don’t know a local with all of the licenses and equipment, a great place to source stone crabs is Key Largo Fisheries. You can eat them there or buy them to go along with a cracker and dipping sauce. Fishing for Snapper We also spent a day fishing the patch reefs for mutton and yellowtail snapper. The Keys are home to some of the best fishing in the world, and we had a fantastic time reeling in fresh snapper. Pro tips: Use live bait like ballyhoo or shrimp. Fish around reef structures where snapper love to hide. Be patient—the fight is worth it! Back at shore, our catch was filleted and cooked Reef-style with lemon, capers, and butter—served alongside our stone crab appetizer, a fresh salad, and homemade Key Lime Pie. Pure island perfection! Scuba Diving: Explore the Beautiful Reefs For those who are a little more adventurous and love to dive, we recommend coordinating a day or two with the Rainbow Reef Dive Center. Make these plans ahead of time and enjoy the breathtaking reefs and warm waters of the Keys. With an abundance of marine life, colorful coral formations, and crystal-clear visibility, scuba diving in Key Largo is an unforgettable experience. Beach, Pool & Sunset Magic Between fishing trips and seafood feasts, we made time to unwind. A day at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offered snorkeling and beach time, while lazy afternoons by the pool were spent reading and sipping cocktails. For sunset, here are a few recommends: Anne’s Beach in Islamorada – A serene spot to catch the colors of the evening sky. Snooks Bayside Restaurant – Enjoy cocktails and apps with a side of sunset views. Sunset Cruise (Viator options available) – Because everything looks better from the water. The Perfect Spring Break Getaway From hauling up crab traps to reeling in snapper, savoring fresh sushi, snorkeling, and biking along the coast, this trip to Key Largo had the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re in the mood for deep-sea fishing or just a beachside cocktail, the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys makes it the ultimate spring break destination. Have you been to the Keys? Tell us your favorite seafood spot or sunset view in the comments! Want to add a little Key’s flavor to your life, try making our Key Lime Pie. Our recipe is a delightful balance of tart and sweet. This pie offers a refreshing and tangy finish to any meal, capturing the essence of the Florida Keys. Enjoy!