Day
1 - Welcome To Seattle
Our journey together begins with arrival at our convenient downtown Seattle hotel. Following check-in, you may choose to meander through the historic Pike Place Market, or visit Seattle’s historic waterfront area, or simply relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch sampling this area’s legendary cuisine…it’s all here waiting for you.
Our Welcome Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m., allowing plenty of time for dinner on your own.
Day 2 - Tacoma Treasure - Quilts to Glass
Today we visit the Pacific West Quilt show in Tacoma, one of the most eagerly awaited events in the area, and it’s easy to see why. This gala festival showcases hundreds of juried quilts from the area. We know you’ll be awed—and inspired too—by the depth and diversity of the quilting talent in the Pacific Northwest, and Western Canada. And be sure to visit the exciting vendor mall that offers many items exclusive to this part of the world.
A dazzling afternoon awaits beginning with our journey across the spectacular 500-foot, pedestrian-only Chihuly Bridge of Glass. We’ll then enter the Tacoma Art Museum where we’ll be “Wowed” by the largest permanent exhibition of Chihuly art glass in the world! (C. Breakfast) (Dinner)
Day 3 - Victoria B.C.
This morning our high-speed ferry departs from Seattle’s shimmering Puget Sound for a spectacular two hour cruise. Among the lush green islands and majestic mountains lies a jewel of a city…Victoria, British Columbia. Stepping ashore, we feel as if we’ve been transported to a charming English city of another era. Here 19th century lampposts are festooned with flowers, double-decker buses rumble through flower-lined park squares, and horse-drawn carriages trot past stately Victorian buildings. Our coach awaits us for a grand exploration of this most charming city. We’ll see the enchanting main street area brimming with old English-style shops whose specialties include a vast array of international goods.
Soon we are entering the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Imagine the most lavish of gardens, with all the delicious elements: Renaissance parterres, lush grottoes, sculptural topiaries, classical statues, urns tumbling with flowers…It’s all here waiting to be explored. We may never want to leave this 50-acre floral extravaganza, but there are other treats in store for us today.
Our journey continues, past Victorian houses with widows walks and flourishing gardens, to Victoria’s favorite quilt shop. Stepping into the shop, we’ll enter a wonderland, where walls, ceiling, and isles are bursting with colorful inspiration. Besides the oodles of fabrics, notions, and books, there are exclusive patterns and kits designed by Canadian quilters, and a special collection of oriental inspired fabrics. You’ll want to shop “fast” as there is sooooo much more to see in this bustling city-by-the sea! Awaiting us are cobbled courtyards, and narrow lanes filled with a myriad of treasure-filled shops, one specializing in handmade buttons, another featuring needlework supplies and English thimbles and chatelaines, yet another featuring hand-crafted dolls. And no visit to Victoria would be complete without visiting a teahouse in this city that’s so imbued with English ambiance.
This evening we return to Seattle, our heads and hearts filled with all that we have experienced today. (C. Breakfast)
Day 4 - Skyscrapers to Seashore
This morning we’ll explore Seattle’s best-known sites on our motorcoach tour of downtown Seattle. We’ll see the world-famous Space Needle, looking much like a picture post-card as it towers high above the city’s skyscrapers with Mount Rainier poised regally in the background. And we’ll visit Pioneer Square, a 30-block National Historic District (and site of America’s original “Skid Road”) where we’ll hear a few saucy tales of the colorful characters who shaped Seattle’s rough and rumble history. We’ll also explore Seattle’s historic waterfront and Chinatown area.
Later our journey continues north, passing snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountain range, which is surely among the most breathtaking scenery in Washington State.
We’ll arrive just in time for lunch at one of the breezy, outdoor cafes in the enchanting waterfront town of LaConner. Looking much as it did a century ago, original Victorian era buildings hug a waterfront dotted with bobbing fishing vessels and billowy sailboats.
We’ll explore this sleepy village, perusing the shops and emporiums that specialize in goodies from the Pacific Northwest. (C. Breakfast) (Dinner)
Day 5 - Shopping Spree!
This morning we’ve been invited on a private tour by the friendly folks at Martingale Press, home of That Patchwork Place publications. What a treat to see the offices here so beautifully embellished with over 50 quilts that have graced the covers of their publications. And are you ready to go shopping in their “hurt book” room? Over 250 titles with small imperfections, as well as out of print stock, selling for (Are you ready?) up to 75% off! At this price you may want to pack books in your suitcase and leave the clothes behind!
Now that we have the books, it’s time to get the fabric. We’ll do that on our afternoon mega-shop-hop! Get ready for some of the best fabric shopping in the state! (C. Breakfast)
Day 6 - Yesterday's Treasure
Our morning begins with a short walk through LaConner village. Here history seems to unfold in the vintage dwellings nestled behind white picket fences, and flowers tumble from dooryards while lawns ramble to gardens. We soon find ourselves entering the 1891 Gaches Mansion, now home of the LaConner Quilt Museum. The first floor is graced with authentic furnishings and quilts of the era draped on chair backs and tabletops. Ascending the beautifully carved wooden staircase to the second and third floors, we discover paneled hallways and lofty rooms that have been transformed into remarkable gallery space for current quilt exhibitions.
Afternoon finds us visiting the spectacular coastal community of Anacortes, gateway to the San Juan Islands. This enchanting seaside hamlet offers magnificent views of Puget Sound and the surrounding islands. We’ll spend a “breezy” afternoon in this leafy historic area whose shops and cafes are festooned with hanging flower baskets, and bouquet filled courtyards. We’ll acquaint you with a few of our favorites emporiums here, including the largest yarn and stitchery shop in the Northwest, and two exceptional quilt and fabric stores...ahh life is good here! (C. Breakfast) (Dinner)
Day 7 - Farewells & Flying Fish
A visit to Seattle would not be complete without visiting the legendary Pike Place Market. Known as the “soul of Seattle,” this jubilant, open-air celebration offers an introduction to the sights, sounds, and tastes of genuine Seattle-ites. A nine-acre labyrinth of cobbled streets, brick alleyways, and ancient arcades, it’s filled with the shouts and banter of vendors as colorful as their products. Within its nooks and crannies you’ll discover over 300 shops and restaurants offering everything from fresh produce to fine art, and then some! And be sure to watch for the famous fish flingers as they ply their trade! (C. Breakfast)
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