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 bag for the the trip and a day’s excursions, makes all the difference. We show you all of our tricks next week in our ‘What’s In My Bag Guide’ blog post. This 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…
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Making Easter Easy…
A Stress-Free Potluck Buffet & Beautiful Naturally Dyed Eggs… Hosting Easter should be joyful, not stressful! The key to a seamless and stylish holiday gathering? A well-planned potluck buffet, a make-ahead DIY drink station, and a little advance prep to avoid that dreaded “Pre-Party Frenzy.” By sharing the meal prep with your guests, you can focus on the details that make hosting enjoyable—like setting a beautiful table, preparing a few favorite recipes, and having time to actually enjoy the day. A Foolproof Plan for an Easy Easter Buffet A potluck buffet is the easiest way to serve a crowd while ensuring variety. The trick? Assign dishes ahead of time so you don’t end up with five versions of the same casserole. A simple group message or shared list will do the trick! Here’s a basic potluck plan to keep things balanced: Main Dish: You can prepare a classic Easter ham or spring roast, or ask a guest who loves to cook to bring their specialty. Salads & Sides: Assign a mix of fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or a light grain salad to keep things colorful. Breads & Rolls: A simple addition that rounds out the meal beautifully. Deviled Eggs: A must-have for Easter—more on that below! Desserts: Encourage guests to bring their best baked goods—lemon bars, carrot cake, or a springtime pavlova are always welcome. Beverages: This brings us to the next step… Make-Ahead DIY Drink Station No need to spend the holiday playing bartender! A self-serve drink station keeps things easy and elegant. The secret? Prep it the night before so everything is chilled and ready to go. Our hosting essentials guide is another great planning resource. Signature Cocktail & Mocktail: A light, refreshing Spring Sangria or a sparkling lemonade with fresh fruit gives guests an easy go-to drink. Wine & Sparkling Water: Offer a selection of white wine, rosé, and sparkling water with citrus slices for a refreshing twist. Coffee & Tea: A small station with a French press or carafe of coffee and hot water or tea ensures guests can sip and linger. If your temps are too warm for hot beverages, turn your station into an iced coffee, chai, matcha and tea bar. Set up pretty glassware, pitchers, and garnishes in advance, and let guests help themselves! Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs: Beautiful & Delicious With the price of eggs still high, we’re making the most of them—decorating first, devouring later! This year, we embraced natural dyes in shades of soft blue (from red cabbage) and golden yellow (from turmeric), perfect for our Easter color scheme. How to Dye Eggs Naturally: Bring 2 cups water to a rolling boil. Add coloring agent: For Blue: Use 1 cup chopped red cabbage (yes, really!) For Yellow: Use 2 tablespoons of turmeric Reduce heat and simmer for 30+ minutes to extract the richest color. Strain liquid into a mason jar and allow to cool to room temperature (about 2-3 hours). Stir in 2 tablespoons white vinegar and add 3 hard-boiled eggs. Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight or until the desired color is reached. For a glossy finish, rub dried eggs with a dab of vegetable oil (optional). Once your eggs are beautifully dyed, turn them into a show-stopping deviled egg flight! Deviled Egg Flight: A Twist on a Classic Deviled eggs are a staple at any Easter gathering, but why not elevate them with a few gourmet toppings? There are so many toppings to choose from. Here are some of our favorites: Classic: A sprinkle of smoked paprika and chives Southern Twist: A spoonful of Wickles relish for a sweet-and-spicy kick Vegetable Caviar: Tiny pearls of balsamic or beet “caviar” for a fancy touch Pickled Red Onion & Carrot: Bright, tangy, and fresh Green Onion & Cracked Pepper: Simple but delicious Sun Dried Tomato: Bright garden fresh flavor Set up your platter with a variety of flavors, and let guests sample their favorites! Final Touches: Setting Up Your Buffet in Advance One of the best ways to keep Easter morning relaxed is to set up your buffet table a day or two before guests arrive. Arrange serving platters, utensils, and table décor ahead of time so you’re only focusing on food and finishing touches on the day of the event. We used our bunny topiary and glass treat jars (featured on the blog last week) as the anchor pieces in our tablescape. Pro Tip: A table runner, fresh flowers, and small decorative accents (like painted eggs or mini bunny figurines) will make your buffet table look curated and festive. Enjoy Your Easter, Stress-Free! By planning ahead, sharing the meal prep, and embracing easy, beautiful details, you’ll have time to actually enjoy your Easter gathering—without last-minute chaos. Whether you’re dying eggs, setting the table, or mixing up a batch of sangria, these simple ideas will help you host with ease and style. We’d love to see your Easter creations! Share your photos with us @ShookHillSecret and have a beautiful, stress-free holiday!
