Fun Itinerary for: Gristwoods & Sciortinos
West Coast Adventure
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Itinerary made / last updated: 2026-04-26
Day 1
MORNING:
Saturday, 5/30
- Adios Goodyear, Hello Open Road!
- Jammin' Out to Jody's Master Playlist
- Checkin' Out the Sights Along the Way
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AFTERNOON:
- Welcome to ELy, NV
- Prospector Hotel & Gambling
- Downtown Exploration
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EVENING:
- Copper Queen Hotel & Casino
- JT's Steakhouse
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NIGHT:
- Our prerogative
DAY 1 Details
MORNING:
Driving Highway 93
Get ready for a long one! It’s about an 8-hour trek from Goodyear to Ely (pronounced E-Lee), mostly following Highway 93. We’ll have plenty of desert scenery to take in along the way—and hoping for some decent restroom stops throughout the trip!
Note
* We are scheduled to leave Goodyear no later than 7:30am.
Get ready for a long one! It’s about an 8-hour trek from Goodyear to Ely (pronounced E-Lee), mostly following Highway 93. We’ll have plenty of desert scenery to take in along the way—and hoping for some decent restroom stops throughout the trip!
Note
* We are scheduled to leave Goodyear no later than 7:30am.
AFTERNOON:
Pit Stops & Neon Lights
We’re clocking some serious miles today! We should be rolling into Ely around 5:00. Once we check into the hotel, take care of Koa, and drop our bags, we’re hitting the downtown area to see what kind of cool stuff we can find.
Helpful Links
• Prospector Hotel
• Welcome to Ely
Note
* The Ely Renaissance Sculpture Park (687 US-50) looks like a neat place to check out for a photo op. before heading to the restaurant, and it's only a 4-minute drive from the hotel.
We’re clocking some serious miles today! We should be rolling into Ely around 5:00. Once we check into the hotel, take care of Koa, and drop our bags, we’re hitting the downtown area to see what kind of cool stuff we can find.
Helpful Links
• Prospector Hotel
• Welcome to Ely
Note
* The Ely Renaissance Sculpture Park (687 US-50) looks like a neat place to check out for a photo op. before heading to the restaurant, and it's only a 4-minute drive from the hotel.
EVENING:
After Dark
It’s time to find some dinner, and JT’s Steakhouse inside the Copper Queen Hotel & Casino looks like a solid choice. Once we’ve eaten, we’ll see where the night takes us—possibly either over to the tables for some gambling or off to a tavern we scouted earlier (possibly the Corner Tracks Saloon).
Helpful Link
• JT's Steakhouse
Note
* Copper Queen/JT's Steakhouse is a short 1.2-mile trip from our hotel.
It’s time to find some dinner, and JT’s Steakhouse inside the Copper Queen Hotel & Casino looks like a solid choice. Once we’ve eaten, we’ll see where the night takes us—possibly either over to the tables for some gambling or off to a tavern we scouted earlier (possibly the Corner Tracks Saloon).
Helpful Link
• JT's Steakhouse
Note
* Copper Queen/JT's Steakhouse is a short 1.2-mile trip from our hotel.
NIGHT:
Saloon Tunes & Early Moons
The Corner Tracks Saloon might be on the radar for music and drinks! We’ll just see how the night goes/how we feel, but either way, it’s early to bed or early to rise—we’ve gotta be fed and ready to hit the road by 9:00 AM tomorrow (or the earlier the better).
Helpful Link
• The Saloon does not have a dedicated website, but this link will take you to a short description: Saloon Info.
The Corner Tracks Saloon might be on the radar for music and drinks! We’ll just see how the night goes/how we feel, but either way, it’s early to bed or early to rise—we’ve gotta be fed and ready to hit the road by 9:00 AM tomorrow (or the earlier the better).
Helpful Link
• The Saloon does not have a dedicated website, but this link will take you to a short description: Saloon Info.
Day 2
MORNING:
Sunday, 5/31
- Beans & Brews
- Goodbye Ely
- Open Road & Tunes
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AFTERNOON:
- Welcome to Boise
- Extended Stay America
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EVENING:
- The Refuge Restaurant & Lounge
- Boise River Greenbelt
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NIGHT:
- Our prerogative
DAY 2 Details
MORNING:
Caffeine First, Idaho Second
Good morning! First order of business: breakfast. We can eat at the hotel or get on the road. Either way, we’re definitely swinging by Beans & Brews Coffee House to get that essential morning fuel for the caffeine addicts in the group (they do have breakfast sandwiches). Once we’re charged up, it’s back on the road to soak up the scenery on our way to Boise.
Helpful Links
• Beans & Brews
• Margarita's
Notes
* Margarita's, inside our hotel, has a breakfast menu should be wish to eat there first (they open at 5:30). See the link above to check out the menu.
* We are scheduled to leave Ely no later than 9:00am.
Good morning! First order of business: breakfast. We can eat at the hotel or get on the road. Either way, we’re definitely swinging by Beans & Brews Coffee House to get that essential morning fuel for the caffeine addicts in the group (they do have breakfast sandwiches). Once we’re charged up, it’s back on the road to soak up the scenery on our way to Boise.
Helpful Links
• Beans & Brews
• Margarita's
Notes
* Margarita's, inside our hotel, has a breakfast menu should be wish to eat there first (they open at 5:30). See the link above to check out the menu.
* We are scheduled to leave Ely no later than 9:00am.
AFTERNOON:
Bags Down, River Bound
Hello, Idaho! We’re aiming to roll into Boise by late afternoon—around 4:00 PM, depending on how our morning pace goes! First things first: getting checked in and settled at the Extended Stay America. Once we’ve unpacked and freshened up, the plan is to head to the Greenbelt along the Boise River for some walking and eating.
Helpful Link
• Extended Stay America - Boise
Hello, Idaho! We’re aiming to roll into Boise by late afternoon—around 4:00 PM, depending on how our morning pace goes! First things first: getting checked in and settled at the Extended Stay America. Once we’ve unpacked and freshened up, the plan is to head to the Greenbelt along the Boise River for some walking and eating.
Helpful Link
• Extended Stay America - Boise
EVENING:
Stroll, Eat, Repeat
Ready to hit the Greenbelt! This 29-mile, tree-lined oasis is basically the heartbeat of Boise, winding right along the river with perfect views and tons of wildlife. It’s the ultimate place to stretch our legs. Plus, we’re grabbing dinner at the Refugee Restaurant & Lounge—a total local gem right on the trail. Think comfort food, cold beers, and sports on the big screen. If we’re still feeling energetic afterward, we can keep the stroll going and walk off that dinner!
Helpful Links
• Boise River Greenbelt
• The Refuge Restaurant
Notes
* The Greenbelt and/or Refuge Restaurant is only a 3.2-mile drive from the hotel.
* The Refuge Restaurant has a pet-friendly patio, so Koa can come with us. However, we should call ahead and make sure before leaving the hotel.
* Temperatures can get down into the 50s at night in June, so bring a light jacket just in case (for the women...of course).
Ready to hit the Greenbelt! This 29-mile, tree-lined oasis is basically the heartbeat of Boise, winding right along the river with perfect views and tons of wildlife. It’s the ultimate place to stretch our legs. Plus, we’re grabbing dinner at the Refugee Restaurant & Lounge—a total local gem right on the trail. Think comfort food, cold beers, and sports on the big screen. If we’re still feeling energetic afterward, we can keep the stroll going and walk off that dinner!
Helpful Links
• Boise River Greenbelt
• The Refuge Restaurant
Notes
* The Greenbelt and/or Refuge Restaurant is only a 3.2-mile drive from the hotel.
* The Refuge Restaurant has a pet-friendly patio, so Koa can come with us. However, we should call ahead and make sure before leaving the hotel.
* Temperatures can get down into the 50s at night in June, so bring a light jacket just in case (for the women...of course).
NIGHT:
City Lights or Hotel Nights
At the end of the day, our night in Boise is entirely our prerogative. If we’re feeling energized after dinner and want to keep exploring the city lights, then that’s the plan! But if the road trip miles have finally caught up with us and we’re ready to call it, heading back to the hotel to kick our feet up is just as perfect--no pressure and no agenda.
At the end of the day, our night in Boise is entirely our prerogative. If we’re feeling energized after dinner and want to keep exploring the city lights, then that’s the plan! But if the road trip miles have finally caught up with us and we’re ready to call it, heading back to the hotel to kick our feet up is just as perfect--no pressure and no agenda.
Day 3
MORNING:
Monday, 6/1
- Rise N Shine
- Anne Frank Memorial
- Historic Trolley Tour
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AFTERNOON:
- Hyde Park
- Old Idaho Penitentiary
EVENING:
- 8th Street
- Freak Alley Gallery
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NIGHT:
- Downtown Boise
DAY 3 Details
MORNING:
Morning History Hunt
Rise and shine! After we grab some breakfast, let’s hit the road early to squeeze in a visit to the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. Once we’ve taken that in, we need to be at the Boise Trolley station by 9:50 AM sharp—our 10:00 AM historic tour awaits! It’s a two-hour deep dive into the city's past, so it’ll be a great way to kick off the day and check out places we might want to visit later.
Helpful Links
• Boise Trolley Tours
• Human Rights Memorial
Notes
* Human Rights Memorial location: 770 S 8th St.
* Trolley boarding location: 1800 Fairview Ave (tour takes 120 minutes).
* The Memorial is located about 2.5 miles from our hotel and then the trolley station is located 1.5 miles from there. So, we should be done with breakfast and at the memorial by 9:10ish (which gives us 30 minutes there to explore).
Rise and shine! After we grab some breakfast, let’s hit the road early to squeeze in a visit to the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. Once we’ve taken that in, we need to be at the Boise Trolley station by 9:50 AM sharp—our 10:00 AM historic tour awaits! It’s a two-hour deep dive into the city's past, so it’ll be a great way to kick off the day and check out places we might want to visit later.
Helpful Links
• Boise Trolley Tours
• Human Rights Memorial
Notes
* Human Rights Memorial location: 770 S 8th St.
* Trolley boarding location: 1800 Fairview Ave (tour takes 120 minutes).
* The Memorial is located about 2.5 miles from our hotel and then the trolley station is located 1.5 miles from there. So, we should be done with breakfast and at the memorial by 9:10ish (which gives us 30 minutes there to explore).
AFTERNOON:
Paws, Penitentiaries, & Parks
Once we wrap up our trolley tour, we’re heading straight to Hyde Park to wander, shop, and grab a bite. The rest of the afternoon is wide open—we've got the Old Idaho Penitentiary on our radar, or we can check out any other hidden gems that caught our eye earlier. Before we dive into the evening, we’ll head back to the hotel to let Koa take a bathroom break, get him fed, and freshen up ourselves. Then, we’re ready for more exploration.
Helpful Links
• Hyde Park
• Old Idaho Penitentiary
Notes
* Hyde Park location: 1413-1620 N 13th S (1.5 miles from the trolley station).
* Old Idaho Penitentiary location: 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd (3.5 miles from Hyde Park)
* We do not have tickets to tour the Penitentiary because I didn't want us to have to commit to it. However, if we choose to visit, the tickets are $8/adult and $6/senior. It closes at 5pm.
Once we wrap up our trolley tour, we’re heading straight to Hyde Park to wander, shop, and grab a bite. The rest of the afternoon is wide open—we've got the Old Idaho Penitentiary on our radar, or we can check out any other hidden gems that caught our eye earlier. Before we dive into the evening, we’ll head back to the hotel to let Koa take a bathroom break, get him fed, and freshen up ourselves. Then, we’re ready for more exploration.
Helpful Links
• Hyde Park
• Old Idaho Penitentiary
Notes
* Hyde Park location: 1413-1620 N 13th S (1.5 miles from the trolley station).
* Old Idaho Penitentiary location: 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd (3.5 miles from Hyde Park)
* We do not have tickets to tour the Penitentiary because I didn't want us to have to commit to it. However, if we choose to visit, the tickets are $8/adult and $6/senior. It closes at 5pm.
EVENING:
Art, Eats, and the 8th Street Beat
For our evening in Boise, we’re heading to the 8th Street Promenade! It’s a great spot to soak up the city's energy, stroll around, and dive into whatever entertainment or eats catch our eye. And we definitely can’t miss a wander through Freak Alley Gallery—a must-see for some local color and incredible street art.
Helpful Links
• 8th Street
• Freak Alley Gallery
• ParkBOI
Note
* 8th Street, which is a 10-minute drive from our hotel, has a pedestrian only walkway between Main St and Bannock St. The ParkBOI 9th & Front Garage is located there. Rates are approximately $3/hr.
For our evening in Boise, we’re heading to the 8th Street Promenade! It’s a great spot to soak up the city's energy, stroll around, and dive into whatever entertainment or eats catch our eye. And we definitely can’t miss a wander through Freak Alley Gallery—a must-see for some local color and incredible street art.
Helpful Links
• 8th Street
• Freak Alley Gallery
• ParkBOI
Note
* 8th Street, which is a 10-minute drive from our hotel, has a pedestrian only walkway between Main St and Bannock St. The ParkBOI 9th & Front Garage is located there. Rates are approximately $3/hr.
NIGHT:
The Final Boise Call
Whatever the night has in store—whether we’re soaking up downtown until the lights go down or calling it an early night at the hotel—we’ll need to be ready to hit the road bright and early the next morning!
Whatever the night has in store—whether we’re soaking up downtown until the lights go down or calling it an early night at the hotel—we’ll need to be ready to hit the road bright and early the next morning!
Day 4
MORNING:
Tuesday, 6/2
- Alchemist Coffee Overland
- Boise to Seattle Scenery
- Welcome to Washington
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AFTERNOON:
- Check-In at Extended Stay America
- Check out Pikes Place Market
- Explore Miners Landing
- Ride the Wheel and Soar the Skies
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EVENING:
- Dinner
- Evening Stroll
- Neon Lights
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NIGHT:
- Chillax
- Get Some Sleep
DAY 4 Details
MORNING:
Seattle Bound: Brews & Views
Wheels up for Seattle by 7:00 AM (or even earlier since the coffee’s calling)! Our first mission is a stop at Alchemist Coffee Overland for a proper caffeine fix and a breakfast that beats the hotel’s grab-and-go options. Then, it’s a straight shot to Seattle—time to crank up the music, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the ride
Helpful Link
• Alchemist Coffee
Notes
* Alchemist Coffee location: 10650 W Overland Rd (open 6 am).
* It is a 7.5-hour drive to our next hotel.
Wheels up for Seattle by 7:00 AM (or even earlier since the coffee’s calling)! Our first mission is a stop at Alchemist Coffee Overland for a proper caffeine fix and a breakfast that beats the hotel’s grab-and-go options. Then, it’s a straight shot to Seattle—time to crank up the music, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the ride
Helpful Link
• Alchemist Coffee
Notes
* Alchemist Coffee location: 10650 W Overland Rd (open 6 am).
* It is a 7.5-hour drive to our next hotel.
AFTERNOON:
Market Bound & Seattle Sound
We should be rolling into Seattle around 3:30 PM! After getting settled at the Extended Stay America, we’re heading straight to the heart of the city: Pike Place Market. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the stalls and grabbing a snack before walking over to Miner's Landing (5-10 minutes) and taking to the skies on Wings Over Washington and the Seattle Great Wheel for some epic waterfront views
Helpful Links
• Extended Stay America - Bellevue
• Pike's Place Market
• Miner's Landing
Notes
* Miner's Landing location: 1301 Alaskan Wy
* Pike's Place Market location: 85 Pike St (10 miles from hotel). There is a Pike's Place parking garage at 1901 Western Ave at a cost of $6/hr.
* The Great Wheel closes at 9pm.
* Wings Over Washington closes at 9pm.
We should be rolling into Seattle around 3:30 PM! After getting settled at the Extended Stay America, we’re heading straight to the heart of the city: Pike Place Market. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the stalls and grabbing a snack before walking over to Miner's Landing (5-10 minutes) and taking to the skies on Wings Over Washington and the Seattle Great Wheel for some epic waterfront views
Helpful Links
• Extended Stay America - Bellevue
• Pike's Place Market
• Miner's Landing
Notes
* Miner's Landing location: 1301 Alaskan Wy
* Pike's Place Market location: 85 Pike St (10 miles from hotel). There is a Pike's Place parking garage at 1901 Western Ave at a cost of $6/hr.
* The Great Wheel closes at 9pm.
* Wings Over Washington closes at 9pm.
EVENING:
Market Lights & Easy Nights
For dinner, we’ll pick a spot around Pike Place or Miner’s Landing that works for everyone. After we eat, we can take a slow walk through the market to see the neon lights and soak up the atmosphere before heading back to the hotel to wind down for the night.
Helpful Link
• Yard House
Notes
* Should we wish to go to Yard House, it is located at 1501 North Avenue, which is only a 6-minute drive or 12-minute walk from Miner's Landing.
* It can be cold and windy on the waterfront, especially in the evenings, so it's advised to dress warmly.
For dinner, we’ll pick a spot around Pike Place or Miner’s Landing that works for everyone. After we eat, we can take a slow walk through the market to see the neon lights and soak up the atmosphere before heading back to the hotel to wind down for the night.
Helpful Link
• Yard House
Notes
* Should we wish to go to Yard House, it is located at 1501 North Avenue, which is only a 6-minute drive or 12-minute walk from Miner's Landing.
* It can be cold and windy on the waterfront, especially in the evenings, so it's advised to dress warmly.
NIGHT:
Closing Out the Day
It’s time to head back to the hotel, kick back, and get some sleep so we’re refreshed for a full day of exploring Seattle tomorrow.
It’s time to head back to the hotel, kick back, and get some sleep so we’re refreshed for a full day of exploring Seattle tomorrow.
Day 5
MORNING:
Wednesday, 6/3
- Shit, Shave, Shower, & Shine
- Pluto Organic Cafe
- Seattle Center
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AFTERNOON:
- MoPop (Museum of Pop Culture)
- Chihuly Garden & Glass
- Pacific Science Center
- Seattle Central Library
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EVENING:
- 5 Points Cafe
- Columbia Center
- Sky View Observatory
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NIGHT:
- Bellevue Downtown Park
- Shut-Eye
DAY 5 Details
MORNING:
Breakfast and Beyond
Rise and shine! We’ll get ready and head out toward the Seattle Center, making a pit stop at Pluto Organic Cafe to fuel up with some coffee and breakfast. Once we’re in the area, we’ll dive into exploring—if we arrive early enough, we can wander around a bit before our 11:00 AM Space Needle tour. Olympic Sculpture Park would be a cool area to check out. After the tour wraps up, we’ll keep the adventure going and finish exploring the rest of the Seattle Center grounds.
Helpful Links
• Olympic Sculpture Park
• Pluto Organic Cafe
Space Needle
Notes
* Olympic Sculpture Park location: 2901 Western Ave
* Pluto Organic Cafe location: 2502 5th Ave (opens at 7am).
* Seattle Center location: 305 Harrison St
* The parking garage located near Broad and Western (2901 Western Ave) puts us at Olympic Sculpture Park with a 15-minute walk to the Space Needle. Rates start at $7.
Rise and shine! We’ll get ready and head out toward the Seattle Center, making a pit stop at Pluto Organic Cafe to fuel up with some coffee and breakfast. Once we’re in the area, we’ll dive into exploring—if we arrive early enough, we can wander around a bit before our 11:00 AM Space Needle tour. Olympic Sculpture Park would be a cool area to check out. After the tour wraps up, we’ll keep the adventure going and finish exploring the rest of the Seattle Center grounds.
Helpful Links
• Olympic Sculpture Park
• Pluto Organic Cafe
Space Needle
Notes
* Olympic Sculpture Park location: 2901 Western Ave
* Pluto Organic Cafe location: 2502 5th Ave (opens at 7am).
* Seattle Center location: 305 Harrison St
* The parking garage located near Broad and Western (2901 Western Ave) puts us at Olympic Sculpture Park with a 15-minute walk to the Space Needle. Rates start at $7.
AFTERNOON:
Afternoon in the Emerald City
After the Space Needle, we’re diving into the rest of the Seattle Center. We have tickets for MoPOP and after that, we can explore Chihuly Garden and/or the Pacific Science Center. We’ll be stopping for snacks whenever we need a boost—between the food vendors and local spots, we’ll be well-fed while we explore.
Helpful Links
• Chihuly Garden
• Museum of Pop Culture
• Pacific Science Center
• Seattle Center
• Space Needle
Notes
* The Museum of Pop Culture (325 5th Ave N) is open from 10 to 5.
* Chihuly Gardens (305 Harrison St) is open from 10 to 9 and is included in our Space Needle ticket.
* The Pacific Science Center (200 Sue Bird Ct N) is open from 10 to 5 and costs $25/ticket.
* We have tickets for 11am for the Space Needle (400 Broad St).
After the Space Needle, we’re diving into the rest of the Seattle Center. We have tickets for MoPOP and after that, we can explore Chihuly Garden and/or the Pacific Science Center. We’ll be stopping for snacks whenever we need a boost—between the food vendors and local spots, we’ll be well-fed while we explore.
Helpful Links
• Chihuly Garden
• Museum of Pop Culture
• Pacific Science Center
• Seattle Center
• Space Needle
Notes
* The Museum of Pop Culture (325 5th Ave N) is open from 10 to 5.
* Chihuly Gardens (305 Harrison St) is open from 10 to 9 and is included in our Space Needle ticket.
* The Pacific Science Center (200 Sue Bird Ct N) is open from 10 to 5 and costs $25/ticket.
* We have tickets for 11am for the Space Needle (400 Broad St).
EVENING:
Dinner & The View
After our afternoon adventures, it’s time to head back to the hotel to recharge and look after Koa. We’ve got 5 Points Cafe on the schedule for dinner, but we can pivot if we found something else we’d rather try. To cap off the night, we’ll head up to Columbia Center and the Sky View Observatory (by 8:10ish) for those incredible nighttime views—and if we’re in the mood for a nightcap, they’ve got a full bar waiting for us. Amaretto sours, anyone?
Helpful Links
• 5 Point Cafe
• Sky View Observatory
Notes
* 5 Point Cafe location: 415 Cedar St (20-30 minute drive from hotel)
* Sky View Observatory location: 700 4th Ave. It is inside Columbia Center building and is a 10-minute drive from 5 Point Cafe. Our tickets are for 8:30pm.
* The hotel is a 15 to 20-minute drive back from Columbia Center.
After our afternoon adventures, it’s time to head back to the hotel to recharge and look after Koa. We’ve got 5 Points Cafe on the schedule for dinner, but we can pivot if we found something else we’d rather try. To cap off the night, we’ll head up to Columbia Center and the Sky View Observatory (by 8:10ish) for those incredible nighttime views—and if we’re in the mood for a nightcap, they’ve got a full bar waiting for us. Amaretto sours, anyone?
Helpful Links
• 5 Point Cafe
• Sky View Observatory
Notes
* 5 Point Cafe location: 415 Cedar St (20-30 minute drive from hotel)
* Sky View Observatory location: 700 4th Ave. It is inside Columbia Center building and is a 10-minute drive from 5 Point Cafe. Our tickets are for 8:30pm.
* The hotel is a 15 to 20-minute drive back from Columbia Center.
NIGHT:
Night Stroll/Hotel Roll
We're heading back to the hotel, with a potential detour through Bellevue Downtown Park for an evening walk if we’ve still got some energy left.
Helpful Link
• Bellevue Downtown Park
We're heading back to the hotel, with a potential detour through Bellevue Downtown Park for an evening walk if we’ve still got some energy left.
Helpful Link
• Bellevue Downtown Park
Day 6
MORNING:
Thursday, 6/4
- The Original Pancake House
- Farine Bakery & Cafe
- Microsoft Campus
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AFTERNOON:
- Waterfall Garden Park
- Central Public Library
- Starbucks
- Amazon Spheres
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EVENING:
- Dinner
- Keys on Main
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NIGHT:
- Nighty Night
DAY 6 Details
MORNING:
Redmond Morning
We’re hitting the road by 8:30 AM for a quick jaunt over to Redmond to check out the Microsoft Campus—it’s a non-negotiable 'must-do' for one of us! To keep our spirits high, we’re starting with breakfast at The Original Pancake House, followed by a quick detour to Farine Bakery and Cafe for that essential 'must-do' Chai Latte. The hope? That we’ll be so full and content that we’ll be immune to the urge to spend a fortune at the Microsoft Store!
Helpful Links
• The Original Pancake House
• Farine Bakery & Cafe
• Microsoft Visitor Center
Notes
* The Original Pancake House location: Town Center, 7425 166th Ave NE Suite C-205. It opens at 7am and is approximately 15 minutes from our hotel.
* Farine Bakery & Cafe location: 16450 Redmond Wy Ste 100 (opens at 7am). It's less than half a mile from the pancake house.
* Microsoft Company store location: Building 92, 15010 NE 36th St (opens at 10am). The campus is 2 miles from the cafe.
We’re hitting the road by 8:30 AM for a quick jaunt over to Redmond to check out the Microsoft Campus—it’s a non-negotiable 'must-do' for one of us! To keep our spirits high, we’re starting with breakfast at The Original Pancake House, followed by a quick detour to Farine Bakery and Cafe for that essential 'must-do' Chai Latte. The hope? That we’ll be so full and content that we’ll be immune to the urge to spend a fortune at the Microsoft Store!
Helpful Links
• The Original Pancake House
• Farine Bakery & Cafe
• Microsoft Visitor Center
Notes
* The Original Pancake House location: Town Center, 7425 166th Ave NE Suite C-205. It opens at 7am and is approximately 15 minutes from our hotel.
* Farine Bakery & Cafe location: 16450 Redmond Wy Ste 100 (opens at 7am). It's less than half a mile from the pancake house.
* Microsoft Company store location: Building 92, 15010 NE 36th St (opens at 10am). The campus is 2 miles from the cafe.
AFTERNOON:
The Afternoon Photo Op Loop
We’re heading back to the hotel to grab Koa—he’s joining us for the rest of the day! We’ve got a full afternoon of photo ops and exploring ahead, with stops at the Central Public Library, the Waterfall Garden, the first-ever Starbucks, the Amazon Spheres, Lumen Field Stadium, and anywhere else the mood strikes--we’ll just see where the afternoon takes us!
Helpful Links
• Waterfall Garden Park
• Lumen Field Stadium
• Central Library
• Amazon Spheres
• The First Starbucks
Notes
* Waterfall Garden Park location: 219 2nd Ave S
* Lumen Field Stadium location: 800 Occidental Ave S. Tour dates are released monthly, so we will check back about touring the stadium.
* Chinatown gate location: 504 5th Ave S
* Seattle Central Library location: 1000 4th Ave
* Amazon Spheres location: 2111 7th Ave. We cannot tour the Amazon Spheres because they only allow visitors on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.
* Starbucks location: 1912 Pike Pl
* The best route (that makes a loop) for us to take is to start at the Waterfall Garden, check out Lumen Field (and possibly sports store), then photo op of the Chinatown Gate, then over to the library, Amazon Spheres, and last stop at the first ever Starbucks.
We’re heading back to the hotel to grab Koa—he’s joining us for the rest of the day! We’ve got a full afternoon of photo ops and exploring ahead, with stops at the Central Public Library, the Waterfall Garden, the first-ever Starbucks, the Amazon Spheres, Lumen Field Stadium, and anywhere else the mood strikes--we’ll just see where the afternoon takes us!
Helpful Links
• Waterfall Garden Park
• Lumen Field Stadium
• Central Library
• Amazon Spheres
• The First Starbucks
Notes
* Waterfall Garden Park location: 219 2nd Ave S
* Lumen Field Stadium location: 800 Occidental Ave S. Tour dates are released monthly, so we will check back about touring the stadium.
* Chinatown gate location: 504 5th Ave S
* Seattle Central Library location: 1000 4th Ave
* Amazon Spheres location: 2111 7th Ave. We cannot tour the Amazon Spheres because they only allow visitors on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.
* Starbucks location: 1912 Pike Pl
* The best route (that makes a loop) for us to take is to start at the Waterfall Garden, check out Lumen Field (and possibly sports store), then photo op of the Chinatown Gate, then over to the library, Amazon Spheres, and last stop at the first ever Starbucks.
EVENING:
Dinner & Dueling Pianos
Once we're ready, we'll find a place for dinner (no long debates this time!). We need to be at Keys on Main for our 8:45 PM dueling pianos reservation. Let’s enjoy the show and have a good time before heading back to the hotel to catch some Zs
Helpful Link
• Keys on Main
Notes
* Keys on Main location: 1114 Howell St. We have reservations for 9pm, but they ask that we get there at 8:45--they do not hold the table once the show starts.
* This is 20 minutes (ish) from the hotel and there is no onsite parking, so we will have to find a lot or garage.
Once we're ready, we'll find a place for dinner (no long debates this time!). We need to be at Keys on Main for our 8:45 PM dueling pianos reservation. Let’s enjoy the show and have a good time before heading back to the hotel to catch some Zs
Helpful Link
• Keys on Main
Notes
* Keys on Main location: 1114 Howell St. We have reservations for 9pm, but they ask that we get there at 8:45--they do not hold the table once the show starts.
* This is 20 minutes (ish) from the hotel and there is no onsite parking, so we will have to find a lot or garage.
NIGHT:
Sleep Well, Wake Early
Time to get some shut-eye! We need to be up bright and early to grab breakfast and get to the ferry terminal for our 9:35 AM sailing to Bainbridge.
Time to get some shut-eye! We need to be up bright and early to grab breakfast and get to the ferry terminal for our 9:35 AM sailing to Bainbridge.
Day 7
MORNING:
Friday, 6/5
- Bainbridge Ferry
- Bainbridge Island
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AFTERNOON:
- Return Ferry
- Portland, OR
- Cambria Hotel
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EVENING:
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
- Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
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NIGHT:
- Walk Back
- Nightcap
- ZZZs
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DAY 7 Details
MORNING:
Island Exploration & Go
We have a few breakfast choices—hotel grab-and-go, a quick stop, or waiting until we reach Bainbridge. Regardless, we need to arrive at the ferry terminal by 9:20 AM to catch the 9:35 AM sailing (unless we get there earlier). Since the ferry may be pet-friendly, Koa will probably be coming along to explore the island’s shops and scenery with us. This is a great, relaxed way to wrap up our time in Seattle before heading to Portland.
Helpful Links
• Ferry Schedule
• Bainbridge Island
Notes
* The ferry is pet friendly as of now, but we need to check back because it is a pilot policy that may end before summer 2026. If he cannot board, then we will be leaving for Portland instead.
* The ferry terminal location: Colman Dock (Pier 52), located at 801 Alaskan Way. It costs $11.05/adult and $5.50/senior. We can purchase tickets ahead of time or at the terminal kiosks.
* Paid parking for the Bainbridge ferry is available immediately adjacent to the terminal via Diamond Parking (Lots D508 at 232 Olympic Dr SE and D505 at 907 Winslow Way E). Daily rates typically range from $7 to $15.
We have a few breakfast choices—hotel grab-and-go, a quick stop, or waiting until we reach Bainbridge. Regardless, we need to arrive at the ferry terminal by 9:20 AM to catch the 9:35 AM sailing (unless we get there earlier). Since the ferry may be pet-friendly, Koa will probably be coming along to explore the island’s shops and scenery with us. This is a great, relaxed way to wrap up our time in Seattle before heading to Portland.
Helpful Links
• Ferry Schedule
• Bainbridge Island
Notes
* The ferry is pet friendly as of now, but we need to check back because it is a pilot policy that may end before summer 2026. If he cannot board, then we will be leaving for Portland instead.
* The ferry terminal location: Colman Dock (Pier 52), located at 801 Alaskan Way. It costs $11.05/adult and $5.50/senior. We can purchase tickets ahead of time or at the terminal kiosks.
* Paid parking for the Bainbridge ferry is available immediately adjacent to the terminal via Diamond Parking (Lots D508 at 232 Olympic Dr SE and D505 at 907 Winslow Way E). Daily rates typically range from $7 to $15.
AFTERNOON:
Afternoon Arrival
We need to catch the 12:20 PM ferry back, which will keep us on track to leave Seattle by 1:00 PM. Thanks to the short drive, we should pull into Portland by 4:00 or 4:30 PM. Once we’ve checked into the hotel and freshened up, we’ll head out for a walk down to Pioneer Courthouse Square to explore and snap a few photos.
Helpful Link
• Cambria Hotel
Notes
* Cambria Hotel location: 165 NW Park Ave. The only parking they have available is valet, which is $55/day.
* There is a parking lot on NW 9th and Davis for $12/day, but it is not In & Out.
We need to catch the 12:20 PM ferry back, which will keep us on track to leave Seattle by 1:00 PM. Thanks to the short drive, we should pull into Portland by 4:00 or 4:30 PM. Once we’ve checked into the hotel and freshened up, we’ll head out for a walk down to Pioneer Courthouse Square to explore and snap a few photos.
Helpful Link
• Cambria Hotel
Notes
* Cambria Hotel location: 165 NW Park Ave. The only parking they have available is valet, which is $55/day.
* There is a parking lot on NW 9th and Davis for $12/day, but it is not In & Out.
EVENING:
The Brazilian Feast
It’s time to head out for a decadent dinner at Fogo de Chão. It’s just a short walk away, so we’re ready to indulge—and maybe accept that our wallets might be a little lighter by the time we’re finished!
Helpful Links
• Portland Pioneer Square
• Fogo de Chão
Notes
* Pioneer Courthouse Square location: 701 SW 6th Ave. This is a 5-minute drive by car or a 13-minute walk. I say we walk.
* Brazilian Steakhouse location: 930 SW 6th Ave. This is only a 5-minute walk from the square.
It’s time to head out for a decadent dinner at Fogo de Chão. It’s just a short walk away, so we’re ready to indulge—and maybe accept that our wallets might be a little lighter by the time we’re finished!
Helpful Links
• Portland Pioneer Square
• Fogo de Chão
Notes
* Pioneer Courthouse Square location: 701 SW 6th Ave. This is a 5-minute drive by car or a 13-minute walk. I say we walk.
* Brazilian Steakhouse location: 930 SW 6th Ave. This is only a 5-minute walk from the square.
NIGHT:
The Unscripted Walk Back
Time to head back to the hotel. We’ll decide on the fly if we want to stop for a nightcap along the way, but once we’re back, it’s all about getting some beauty sleep for another full day of adventure tomorrow.
Time to head back to the hotel. We’ll decide on the fly if we want to stop for a nightcap along the way, but once we’re back, it’s all about getting some beauty sleep for another full day of adventure tomorrow.
