Category Archives: America

How to spend a day in Mount Rainier National Park

Posted on December 4, 2016 by julieovaltrades

I had one day to spend in Mount Rainier National Park and it was less than perfect weather-wise. I guess that’s the risk you take when visiting in October! However the magnitude of amazing that emanates from this natural place … Continue reading →

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Parks of Seattle, Part II: Local Edition

Posted on December 3, 2016 by julieovaltrades

If you find yourself with an extra few days and are looking to get some fresh air these are wonderful choices. Filled with wildlife and/or locals, some of these parks fly under the radar of many tourists and can feel … Continue reading →

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Parks of Seattle, Part I

Posted on December 2, 2016 by julieovaltrades

Seattle is a city dotted with many diverse and sensational parks, well worth a priority placement on any itinerary. I was lucky enough to spend a bit of time exploring the green spaces and below are four of my top … Continue reading →

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Street Art around Seattle

Posted on December 1, 2016 by julieovaltrades

Seattle doesn’t have the most dense collection of street art I’ve ever seen in a city, but every so often during a bout of traffic a splash of genuinely color catches the eye. A kooky expression on a cartoony bison made … Continue reading →

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Lester Park Stromatolites, Saratoga Springs

Posted on November 30, 2016 by julieovaltrades

Once a tourist attraction, now a lonesome roadside ghost town. Lester Park [Lester Park Road Saratoga Springs, NY] showcases ancient fossils, 490 million year-old from the Cambrian Period called stromatolites. These layered rocks were made by blue-green algae on a … Continue reading →

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Harvest & Hearth, Saratoga Springs

Posted on November 29, 2016 by julieovaltrades

Backdrop: the setting sun sinking under Fish Creek and the smell of the wood fired stove. Harvest & Hearth [251 Co Rd 67, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866] is the perfect mix between cozy-country and classy-chic. If you sit in the … Continue reading →

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Five Strange Sights in Seattle

Posted on November 28, 2016 by julieovaltrades

Fremont Troll, Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 Billy-goats beware, although you’re safe for now. Under the bridge is a satisfied gigantic troll who just stole a Volkswagen Beetle with his right hand and human female with his left. His … Continue reading →

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Best Museums of Seattle

Posted on November 27, 2016 by julieovaltrades

There is an epicenter of culture in Seattle, a small proximity in the heart of the city filled with museums, parks, and sculpture – all accessible with just a short walk from a single parking spot. Usually an area like … Continue reading →

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Explore Seattle’s Pike Place Market

Posted on November 26, 2016 by julieovaltrades

How often is it that in a major international city the marketplace is one of the top rated destinations? Not very often. Pike Place Market [85 Pike St Seattle, WA 98101] cannot be overlooked on a trip to Seattle, thought … Continue reading →

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Playing Pinball around Seattle

Posted on November 25, 2016 by julieovaltrades

Full Tilt Ice Cream, 5453 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 This is what I think happened here. Someone asked the owners, name five things you love and create your happy place. They responded with pinball, ice cream, art, beer, … Continue reading →

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