adrift

Hey PNW people:

Been to California many times; Monterrey, Twentynine Palms, San Diego. But now I get to see something new.

Looks like in mid June I will be travelling through Vancouver. I've managed to break open my schedule to spend a couple of days (3?) in the area before departing out of Seattle. For security reasons I can't say more here. This is the furthest north I've been on the west coast so I wanted to stay a couple of days and see the sights.

How should I split my time between Seattle and Vancouver? More one place, less another? Should I rent a car or will public transportation suffice? How best to get from Vancouver to Seattle (ferry?)?

I'm into plants (duh!), boats, scenery, and hand made burgers with a micro brew. Not into late nights, dance clubs, strip clubs, or places that will get me into hot water with Mrs. Adrift even in the company of a female traveling companion.

Ideas?


KJ

__________________
I've got to stop asking people, "How stupid can you be." People are taking it as a challenge.

pdx_karina

Hello! PNW-er here. Born and raised in Vancouver, but moved to Portland last year after graduating college.

I haven't spent a lot of time in Seattle, as Portland is most likely less rainy, warmer, and has plenty for me to do. My recommendation would be to visit Portland, then Seattle.

The Portland Nursery in SE Portland is a nice little place. It's in my neighborhood, so I am partial

I hear the Chinese Gardens are interesting, but I believe they charge for admission.

There are also several rose gardens in the City of Roses... what a surprise. Washington Park (more famous) and Peninsula Park are a couple I have been to.

Any of the Mcmenimans restaurants are awesome for visiting, and good beer and burgers. Most of them are unique historical buildings, restored in Mcmenimans funky style. Kennedy School: (Kennedy School Movie Listings brought to you by McMenamins) for one suggestion. There is even one that is Grateful Dead-themed (Barley Mill Pub).

Burgerville is my favorite locally-owned, sustainable fast-food chain. It's worth a try if you need something quick. They are spread around in Portland and Vancouver.

Mt. Tabor provides awesome views of Portland's city-scape, while being on top of an extinct, nature-filled volcano.

Forest Park is also pretty for walking.

The new Portland Boardwalk (The Eastbank Esplanade) along the Willamette River (the river that separates East and West sides of town) is also a nice walk, especially in the evening.

If you are limited to being in Vancouver, I would stay somewhere near downtown. There is more to do, though even then, still not much. If I ever had someone visiting from out of town, we always go to Portland, so I really can't think of anything to do in Vancouver. There is a small farmers market downtown on the weekends.

I can't offer much as far as Seattle recommendations. It's an amazing city as well, though.

You can take the Greyhound up to Seattle. No ferry needed. Just Interstate 5 all the way. You can get along with public transit in Portland, and as I understand, in Seattle as well. There is some public transit in Vancouver, but it's not as frequent.

Enjoy!!!! It's a wonderful, green place up here!!!

proletariatcsp

Get a banana latte'!

lorax

If you can make it to Van island, check out the Redwoods in the national park. Amazing.

jack hagenaars

Hawaiin Botanicals near Vancouver is cool....you can check out thy're website.....Also Van Dusen gardens in Vancouver is beautiful...If your on the Island in Victoria you are welcome to visit my garden.....

lorax

Oh yeah, and the UBC Botanical Gardens, too!

adrift

pdx,

Thanks for the Portland tips. I do hope to get there some day. We'll go get a pair of Chris' banana lattes on me. (Do they really make them?)

Perhaps I didn't give enough information. On this trip I am traveling on someone else's nickel, was scheduled to do an equipment change in Vancouver. I asked if I could stop there for a few days and the response was if I picked up any extra costs.

In fact, if I just overnighted in Vancouver it cost a lot more for airfare so I thought the project was a bust. Then someone told me I could fly out of Seattle and save money. So adding those layover days but leaving through a different airport it comes out even. Now I just have to pick up the food & lodging costs & whatever conveyance I use to get from one to the other.

Since I'll be strapped into a seat for many hours both into Vancouver & out of Seattle, another 3 hours sitting each way to Portland and back isn't what I'm looking for. I'd rather stretch my legs in a botanical garden or explore a college campus. If I had more time I'd range further but Mrs. Adrift and the fanged flea bags we share our lodging with won't let me stay away any longer.

KJ

__________________
I've got to stop asking people, "How stupid can you be." People are taking it as a challenge.

Chironex

Drink

__________________
Scot