At the end of March Howard will be attending Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle. We are considering making it a family vacation trip as well. We’ll be stopping in Boise on the first night because it’s approximately half way and because my sister lives there so we can crash at her house. The road from our house to my sister’s house is a familiar one, so we intend to make that a straight shoot. The road from Boise to Seattle is not familiar and here is where I’m asking for help. What sights are there to see between Boise and Seattle? We don’t mind going a little off the path for something really cool and may even consider adding a stop with enough incentive.
The kids and I will stop by the con for awhile, but probably not all day. I’ll need other things to do with the kids on a Saturday in the Seattle area. Any suggestions would be appreciated. On Sunday I’ll be locating a local LDS congregation and going to church with the kids. Howard will probably be announcing this trip from his front page as we get closer to the event. There may even be a Schlocker meetup separate from the con, I know of lots of you who live in the area.
I would love to get together with Seattle area LJ friends as well. There’s lots of stuff that can be crammed into this vacation, I’m just trying to figure out what it all is so that I can start sorting things in my head.
My recommendations: Once you’re close to Seattle, stop at Snoqualmie Falls. The Gorge (somewhat near George, Washington) is a pretty concert venue, but probably not that entertaining on its own.
Would love to meet you guys in person if schedule permits.
My recommendations: Once you’re close to Seattle, stop at Snoqualmie Falls. The Gorge (somewhat near George, Washington) is a pretty concert venue, but probably not that entertaining on its own.
Would love to meet you guys in person if schedule permits.
If you go straight from Boise across to Portland, the trip is pretty boring (awful) until you hit about Hood River. The Columbia Gorge is gorgeous at that point. Several major Falls areas as well as overlooks of the entire gorge. Boise to Portland is about 7 hours. Portland to Seattle is about three hours. It’s a lovely trip up I-5 between Portland and Seattle.
Secondary route would be to go north and west into Oregon to Hermiston, then cut North into Washington, to Kennewick or Yakima, then over Snoqualmie. The road is boring and awful until you hit the Cascades for the last two hours, but shaves off an hour or two. (Google Maps likes this route, it may be the shortest by an hour or so, but it’s pretty ugly in my opinion.)
Third option. Go straight North out of Boise to Lewiston, have lunch on us, then head over to Seattle via the WA 26 or I-90 out of Spokane. It’s about 4.5 hours of lovely mountainy stuff north from Boise to Lewiston, then five hours door-to-door from our place to downtown Seattle. The trip across 26 is a few hours of rolling farmland until you hit the Cascades. If you wanted to cut the trip up a bit more, you could take a break in Lewiston or in Spokane.
Hope that helped.
(Don’t forget to schedule in time for: http://www.sfhomeworld.org/ while in Seattle. We’re working on them to add Howard’s stuff.)
If you go straight from Boise across to Portland, the trip is pretty boring (awful) until you hit about Hood River. The Columbia Gorge is gorgeous at that point. Several major Falls areas as well as overlooks of the entire gorge. Boise to Portland is about 7 hours. Portland to Seattle is about three hours. It’s a lovely trip up I-5 between Portland and Seattle.
Secondary route would be to go north and west into Oregon to Hermiston, then cut North into Washington, to Kennewick or Yakima, then over Snoqualmie. The road is boring and awful until you hit the Cascades for the last two hours, but shaves off an hour or two. (Google Maps likes this route, it may be the shortest by an hour or so, but it’s pretty ugly in my opinion.)
Third option. Go straight North out of Boise to Lewiston, have lunch on us, then head over to Seattle via the WA 26 or I-90 out of Spokane. It’s about 4.5 hours of lovely mountainy stuff north from Boise to Lewiston, then five hours door-to-door from our place to downtown Seattle. The trip across 26 is a few hours of rolling farmland until you hit the Cascades. If you wanted to cut the trip up a bit more, you could take a break in Lewiston or in Spokane.
Hope that helped.
(Don’t forget to schedule in time for: http://www.sfhomeworld.org/ while in Seattle. We’re working on them to add Howard’s stuff.)
To start with, I would love to hang out with you and Howard again, and I’m sure I speak for a lot of us when I say that. (I don’t know whether Vermi will be out of hospice at that point, but we can hope…)
In Seattle, for the kids… the Pacific Science Center is one of those wonderful hands-on-science-museum sort of places. It’s right next to the Seattle Center, which contains (among other things) a carnival-midway sort of thing with little rides and the like, but that may be challenging to shepherd four children through. (Apparently the Science Center will have a special “Grossology” exhibit when you’re in the area. Human body science.)
Seattle also has a fantastic aquarium. Of particular interest at the aquarium are a bunch of shallow pools where one is actually encouraged to reach in and touch the starfish, anemones, etc. that live in such an environment.
And there’s a zoo up towards the northern part of the city, called the Woodland Park Zoo. Never been there, but I’ve heard it’s pretty good.
Unfortunately, from what I can see there aren’t any family passes to any of these places, and Seattle tends to be a bit on the pricey side.
To start with, I would love to hang out with you and Howard again, and I’m sure I speak for a lot of us when I say that. (I don’t know whether Vermi will be out of hospice at that point, but we can hope…)
In Seattle, for the kids… the Pacific Science Center is one of those wonderful hands-on-science-museum sort of places. It’s right next to the Seattle Center, which contains (among other things) a carnival-midway sort of thing with little rides and the like, but that may be challenging to shepherd four children through. (Apparently the Science Center will have a special “Grossology” exhibit when you’re in the area. Human body science.)
Seattle also has a fantastic aquarium. Of particular interest at the aquarium are a bunch of shallow pools where one is actually encouraged to reach in and touch the starfish, anemones, etc. that live in such an environment.
And there’s a zoo up towards the northern part of the city, called the Woodland Park Zoo. Never been there, but I’ve heard it’s pretty good.
Unfortunately, from what I can see there aren’t any family passes to any of these places, and Seattle tends to be a bit on the pricey side.
I saw someone’s comments about the Aquarium and the Woodland Park Zoo, and both are fabulous (I went to both many times, and this is before I had kids). Pike’s Place Market is always fun (be sure to watch the flying fish guys and see the brass pigs there as well). The Space Needle is cool, but I would recommend that be a grown up thing and do a romantic dinner in the spinning restaurant at the top. The pier downtown is lots of fun and I’m sure Link would find the Olde Curiosity Shoppe particurlarly fun (shrunken heads and mummies and other oddities abound). As far a a ward, I loved my ward in Seattle, it was the Highlands Ward, which is north of downtown Seattle (when I just googled it however, the name of the ward has changed to the Shoreline Ward), but it’s still in the same wardhouse and starts at 11:20am, just an FYI. Hope that helps, I love Seattle, it’s a great city and you should have a lot of fun. Man, I forgot how much I miss it!
I saw someone’s comments about the Aquarium and the Woodland Park Zoo, and both are fabulous (I went to both many times, and this is before I had kids). Pike’s Place Market is always fun (be sure to watch the flying fish guys and see the brass pigs there as well). The Space Needle is cool, but I would recommend that be a grown up thing and do a romantic dinner in the spinning restaurant at the top. The pier downtown is lots of fun and I’m sure Link would find the Olde Curiosity Shoppe particurlarly fun (shrunken heads and mummies and other oddities abound). As far a a ward, I loved my ward in Seattle, it was the Highlands Ward, which is north of downtown Seattle (when I just googled it however, the name of the ward has changed to the Shoreline Ward), but it’s still in the same wardhouse and starts at 11:20am, just an FYI. Hope that helps, I love Seattle, it’s a great city and you should have a lot of fun. Man, I forgot how much I miss it!
The kids will love The Olde Curiosity Shop down on the waterfront. It’s got mummies and old-school arcade games (like an Abe Lincoln grip strength tester and stuff). And loads of kid-stuff toys, magic tricks etc. It’s a cool place.
The kids will love The Olde Curiosity Shop down on the waterfront. It’s got mummies and old-school arcade games (like an Abe Lincoln grip strength tester and stuff). And loads of kid-stuff toys, magic tricks etc. It’s a cool place.
Thanks for the travel suggestions, you’ve given us several good options to consider.
Thanks also for reminding me about the Science Fiction Museum. That’s a definite must see for all of us. Do you have inside contacts with folks there?
Thanks for the travel suggestions, you’ve given us several good options to consider.
Thanks also for reminding me about the Science Fiction Museum. That’s a definite must see for all of us. Do you have inside contacts with folks there?
Good suggestions on the sightseeing stuff. Vermi is in hospice? (I ask cluelessly. Obviously I’m out of touch.)
Good suggestions on the sightseeing stuff. Vermi is in hospice? (I ask cluelessly. Obviously I’m out of touch.)
Thanks for the ward suggestion! Olde Curiosity Shoppe sounds cool too.
Thanks for the ward suggestion! Olde Curiosity Shoppe sounds cool too.
Not an “inside track” per se. We’re founding members, though, so we tend to get a lot of updates and personal letters. Our Schlock-pushing has mostly been verbal so far, but it was mentioned in two letters. There is probably something online about making an exhibit donation. We went back only once since the first book came out. We were hoping to get there again now that we’ve got the second book in our paws. Before the books, there was nothing to hand over.
If you do pursue getting Schlock to the people that count, by all means keep us informed.
Not an “inside track” per se. We’re founding members, though, so we tend to get a lot of updates and personal letters. Our Schlock-pushing has mostly been verbal so far, but it was mentioned in two letters. There is probably something online about making an exhibit donation. We went back only once since the first book came out. We were hoping to get there again now that we’ve got the second book in our paws. Before the books, there was nothing to hand over.
If you do pursue getting Schlock to the people that count, by all means keep us informed.
I’ll have to introduce myself at LTUE. Our potential Seattle trip will take place after LTUE so Janci can introduce me to slwhitman there. Sounds like you’ll be there too, so she can introduce me to you as well.
I’ll have to introduce myself at LTUE. Our potential Seattle trip will take place after LTUE so Janci can introduce me to slwhitman there. Sounds like you’ll be there too, so she can introduce me to you as well.
Yeah, I guess it’s further complications with his feet. He’s been writing about it on his livejournal…
Yeah, I guess it’s further complications with his feet. He’s been writing about it on his livejournal…
Also, the children’s theatre is in the area of the science center, and might have a good play going on at the time.
Also, the children’s theatre is in the area of the science center, and might have a good play going on at the time.
Hey! I was browsing through links within links and found this. Yup, I’m going to be at LTUE, for the 3rd year in a row. I’ve been on panels with Howard before, but I don’t think I’ve ever met you. (What’s funny is that there’s a guy who works here at Wizards who actually looks quite a bit like him, and it took me several takes when I first started working here to realize it wasn’t him.)
You guys are also welcome to a tour of Wizards if you like. We’re in a new building and have all sorts of cool artwork, and I don’t know how much you’re into it, but I know from Fish that Howard hangs out at the gaming store, and there’s always a possibility of free stuff. 🙂 You’ll have to tell me if you prefer D&D or Magic, is all.
I go to a ward near Seatac, so if you’re looking for someone to go to church with, unless you have friends you already know in the area, you’re welcome to go with me.
And there are all sorts of things I could think of to recommend, but you’ll have to remind me as the time comes closer, because it’s 1:30 a.m. and I should be in bed getting my beauty sleep for our pre-sales conference tomorrow. 🙂
Hey! I was browsing through links within links and found this. Yup, I’m going to be at LTUE, for the 3rd year in a row. I’ve been on panels with Howard before, but I don’t think I’ve ever met you. (What’s funny is that there’s a guy who works here at Wizards who actually looks quite a bit like him, and it took me several takes when I first started working here to realize it wasn’t him.)
You guys are also welcome to a tour of Wizards if you like. We’re in a new building and have all sorts of cool artwork, and I don’t know how much you’re into it, but I know from Fish that Howard hangs out at the gaming store, and there’s always a possibility of free stuff. 🙂 You’ll have to tell me if you prefer D&D or Magic, is all.
I go to a ward near Seatac, so if you’re looking for someone to go to church with, unless you have friends you already know in the area, you’re welcome to go with me.
And there are all sorts of things I could think of to recommend, but you’ll have to remind me as the time comes closer, because it’s 1:30 a.m. and I should be in bed getting my beauty sleep for our pre-sales conference tomorrow. 🙂
Yep, I’ll be there! I’m excited to see Stacy and other friends. And it will be nice to meet you.
Yep, I’ll be there! I’m excited to see Stacy and other friends. And it will be nice to meet you.
Thank you for your kind offer. We’d love to have a tour of Wizards. I mentioned it to 11 year old Kiki and her eyes lit up like diamonds. Both of my older kids love playing D&D with Howard. And free stuff is always happy.
We may take you up on going to church with you as well. Most of our Seattle friends aren’t LDS. I don’t mind walking into a strange ward, but it’s nicer to have a friend there.
Thanks for your recommendations! See you at LTUE.
Thank you for your kind offer. We’d love to have a tour of Wizards. I mentioned it to 11 year old Kiki and her eyes lit up like diamonds. Both of my older kids love playing D&D with Howard. And free stuff is always happy.
We may take you up on going to church with you as well. Most of our Seattle friends aren’t LDS. I don’t mind walking into a strange ward, but it’s nicer to have a friend there.
Thanks for your recommendations! See you at LTUE.
Do you have any idea what the name of the children’s theater is? (It’ll make googling it much easier if I have a name.)
Do you have any idea what the name of the children’s theater is? (It’ll make googling it much easier if I have a name.)
Just the Seattle Children’s Theater.
Just the Seattle Children’s Theater.
I second the motion for the Pacific Science Center. We were in Seattle a couple of years ago and my kids loved it (especially the butterfly room). They also liked the Space Needle but it was very pricey. We also took a ferry which was the highlight of our trip as far as Ethan was concerned, but my kids are all just crazy about boats so I’m not sure this would be as fun for everyone else.
We stopped at some Lewis and Clark museums and sites along the way, so let me know if you’re interested in more details on those. I thought they were great and since we just celebrated the 200 year anniversary of their trip, it was fun to say we’d been there.
Julie
I second the motion for the Pacific Science Center. We were in Seattle a couple of years ago and my kids loved it (especially the butterfly room). They also liked the Space Needle but it was very pricey. We also took a ferry which was the highlight of our trip as far as Ethan was concerned, but my kids are all just crazy about boats so I’m not sure this would be as fun for everyone else.
We stopped at some Lewis and Clark museums and sites along the way, so let me know if you’re interested in more details on those. I thought they were great and since we just celebrated the 200 year anniversary of their trip, it was fun to say we’d been there.
Julie
This is the Vermi…
Yeah, I’m in a nursing home with a metal frame (External Fixator, in the jargon) around my right foot, and bicycle spokes coming out of it every which way. Long story short, the bones in my right foot were dislocated and getting right painful, so I have had to have restorative surgery to see if I can save the foot and ever walk again. Also going through other bits of fun with intravenous antibiotics due to catching a resistant version of strep. Hopefully I’ll be off those on Monday.
I live, but I’m stuck in a wheelchair, and I’m not terribly entertaining. But I’m still thankful to be around, with a fair chance of being able to walk.
This is the Vermi…
Yeah, I’m in a nursing home with a metal frame (External Fixator, in the jargon) around my right foot, and bicycle spokes coming out of it every which way. Long story short, the bones in my right foot were dislocated and getting right painful, so I have had to have restorative surgery to see if I can save the foot and ever walk again. Also going through other bits of fun with intravenous antibiotics due to catching a resistant version of strep. Hopefully I’ll be off those on Monday.
I live, but I’m stuck in a wheelchair, and I’m not terribly entertaining. But I’m still thankful to be around, with a fair chance of being able to walk.
Re: This is the Vermi…
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been having a hard time. I’m glad to hear that you’ll be walking again. That doesn’t sound like a fun experience at all.
Re: This is the Vermi…
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been having a hard time. I’m glad to hear that you’ll be walking again. That doesn’t sound like a fun experience at all.