Mount Rainier National Park
We decided to escape the city to Mount Rainier for the day. Because we were around in the off-season, only a small portion of the southwest side of the park was open to the public. We had a wonderful time exploring, walking, and enjoying the scenery. We entered in the southwest corner and made our way a total of 19 miles into the park to the Paradise area. It was spectacular! Of course, these rangers LOVED it. Too bad we could only see a small part...but that leaves a lot to see when we go back!
So excited to be there...
Longmire Museum...why go into the park when you can press strange buttons...
Longmire Area...a National Historic Landmark...
Hiking under the giant trees...
Look! A mountain!
The road was marked for snow removal...
On our way back to Seattle...
Salumi
This gem was recommended to us by the concierge at the Alexis Hotel. Salumi is owned by Mario Batali's family. They create cured meats and other Italian foods in-house.
We made our way over to the Pioneer Square neighborhood, which was within walking distance from the hotel. Salumi would be easy to miss...it's barely wider than a doorway. When we finally found it, we stepped inside and joined a line. Along the wall to our left was a chalk board with the menu. They have a set menu with daily specials. Several things were already gone for the day, as we were a bit on the late side and Salumi is incredibly busy.
Just inside the door...
Made us beautiful Salumi salami sandwiches...salami with provolone, olive oil/garlic smear, and peppers...
All of the tables were taken in the back of the restaurant, which was tiny and crowded. We were VERY lucky to score the only two stools near the front window and front door. So, we wedged ourselves in and enjoyed...
If you go to Seattle and you don't go to Salumi, you are crazy. It is absolutely charming, unique, and delicious. Our salami sandwiches were the best we've ever had. This tiny place is crowded for a reason. It's worth the wait and the cramped spaces. You must go to Salumi!
Matt's in the Market
Our last dinner was spent at this beautiful restaurant, which is tucked above the Pike Place Market. It wasn't a planned stop...we just went up to look at the menu. We're so glad we decided to have our dinner there. It's such a charming place. The kitchen is open to the dining area and the windows overlook the Market. It's incredibly charming and the food is absolutely delicious. We decided to share soup, salad, and our entree. We each enjoyed a glass of wine.
We sat along a low wall, next to the kitchen...
The perfect end to our dinner came in the form of coffee in a french press...one of our absolute favorite things. If you still make your coffee in a coffee maker, you are missing out! We enjoyed our coffe...and Chris tried to hold his cup...but the handle was smaller than the one on my cup. He managed somehow...
After dinner we stepped outside and looked up to see Matt's on the top floor...and wanted to go back inside to the beautiful little restaurant...
But, it was time to head back to the Alexis and pack up for our flight the next day. So, we took one last look at the Market...
Unfortunately, we had to head back to reality in Oklahoma. We loved our time on Whidbey Island, San Juan Island, and in Seattle. We can't wait to go back and explore again soon.
3 comments:
Wow! I think you saved the most picturesque parts for last! In fact, I have set the photo with the mountain and water and trees as my new desktop background! How beautiful! Thanks for sharing! Now you have Arizona parks to report on! :) When will we learn more about Tuzigoot??? :)
Fantastic post!!! I really want to go to Mt. Rainier. I feel like I did vicariously through you guys. Plus when I do get to go, I will have some ideas of where to eat! Thanks! Oh and I want a Salumi sandwich right about now ...
Oh gosh, you would LOVE LOVE LOVE Salumi! It's AMAZING! The sandwich was about the size of my head and I hate to admit that I ate most of it. Oh, it was SO good! You HAVE to go there!
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