Fall Trip Ideas!
It's September! Pumpkin spice lattes are back, the evenings are slowly getting colder, and the sun is setting earlier. So where to go for a weekend or a weeklong trip to enjoy the fall in the West Coast? The Pacific Northwest--Washington and Oregon.
Washington
Leavenworth
Nestled in the mountains, visiting Leavenworth is like being transported to a quaint town in Germany. In the fall, the town hosts a major Oktoberfest! It has some good beer spots to relax year-round, like the Icicle Brewing Company, Doghaus Brewery, Bushel and Bee Tap Room, and Blewett Brewing Company. There are many pretty good spots in Leavenworth, especially if you're looking for German food! I like the Watershed Café and München House when I'm there.
Where to Stay
I enjoy visiting Leavenworth so much that I have several properties there that I manage! Check them out:
Seattle
Seattle is great place to visit in the Fall, offering everything from music festivals to waterfront dining and iconic attractions like the Space Needle. Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for some nice views and unique experience. Make sure you stroll through all the stalls at Pike Place Market, and don't miss the iconic fish toss. If you want to get the full Seattle experience, check out the Seattle Center & Space Needle, where you can ride the monorail, explore the Museum of Pop Culture, and snap panoramic photos from atop the Needle.
Where to Stay
Oregon
Bend
The city has a growing arts and music scene, with frequent concerts, festivals, and art galleries. In the Fall (and Spring), I recommend checking out the hot springs in Paulina Lake--a volcano that has hot springs surrounding the lake, so you can sit and enjoy the views. There are several parks which are nice to enjoy, like Pilot Butte State Park and Drake Park.
Check out the Old Mill District and downtown Bend for mix of boutique shopping, dining, and historic charm. I particularly enjoy walking near Old Bend and checking out the many coffee shops, bookstores, and bakeries. And of course, Bend is also known as a craft beer capital! It has over 30 breweries, which are all listed on the Bend Ale Trail.