Eco-Friendly Seattle Trip – The Beginning

Think back to your early childhood, the preschool and elementary school years. What memories stand out the most? Do you remember the gifts you were given, the toys you had? What about experiences, trips, and time spent together with a parent?

I wrote yesterday of my belief in the power of giving experiences over things, so when birthdays come around I start thinking of a trip or experience that will capitalize on that child’s interests at the time and will be something we can share together. Yay for one-on-one quality time!

Just recently I had the good fortune to be the parent chosen to take my 6-year-old on a fantastic eco-friendly journey which started and ended by train. In between was a whole lot of fun. Did you guess previously where we went? If you guessed Seattle, you guessed right!

We started on an early October morning with the one piece of the weekend that my planes, trains, and construction truck guy was so looking forward: a long (few hours) train ride to our neighbor to the north!

Oregon City Train Station


Oregon City Train Station

Riding the train was a fantastic way to begin our adventure. We were able to sit back and watch the gorgeous country fly by as we enjoyed books, games, and some snacks from the snack car. The quality time had already begun and we had just started!

We were going to do this whole weekend without a car., so after we pulled into the Seattle train station we made a beeline straight for the cabs and didn’t even have to wait! We had a great driver who was funny and chatty with my kid, wished him a happy birthday, and got us to our hotel for $7.

Relaxing in the Hotel - Hyatt at Olive 8

Relaxing in the Hotel – Hyatt at Olive 8

The hotel, oh the hotel, is going to get a post all its own, but let me tell you that we both wanted to move in. But greater Seattle awaited us!

Seattle Monorail

Seattle Monorail – built in 1962 for the World’s Fair.

 

We strolled down to catch the Seattle Monorail and check a couple of our must-see, must-do items off the list. Riding the monorail is a fun way to see a little bit of the city on your way to the Seattle Center, home to many of Seattle’s attractions. It’s a quick ride, but worth it.

The Seattle Space Needle

The most recognizable tourist attraction in all of Seattle, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. At 650 feet tall, you can see most of the city from the observation deck.

Inside the Seattle Space Needle

After a long day we were ready to enjoy the comforts of our fabulous hotel room. When I heard those magic words as we were going to bed – “This is the best day ever!” – I knew that we were off to a great start.

I can’t wait to tell you more about the fun adventures we had on our eco-friendly visit to Seattle. I know once you hear more about the hotel, you’ll be planning your own visit shortly!

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Other Links That May be of Interest About Our Seattle Travels:

Eco-Friendly Seattle Trip – The Beginning
Give Experiences Over Things
Making Eco-Friendly Memories
The Train is Part of the Journey
Great Eco-Friendly Summer Road Trip

Comments

Eco-Friendly Seattle Trip – The Beginning — 4 Comments

  1. Pingback: Making Eco-Friendly Memories | A green living, green parenting blog

  2. We’re traveling next week with two boys (6 & 8)- we’re ambivalent about visiting the space needle- is it a must-see? Should we splurge and eat dinner there?

    • It’s tough. I think it is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things to do, but just seeing it is impressive, even if you don’t go up. I thought it was great myself. We did not eat there, but have heard it is pretty neat. You just have to decide what your priorities as a family are. Feel free to ask any other questions!

  3. Pingback: Hyatt at Olive 8 - Eco-Friendly Luxury Hotel in Seattle