A heavy fog rolls in on the bay.
All photos are property of the Wanted Wanderer and owner Nichole Magdor.
FIND YOUR WAY, LOSE YOURSELF
WASHINGTON
Let's refine the search a bit, wanderer. What exactly are you looking for?
PLACES TO SEE
MUST DO'S
FOOD
HOTELS
PLACES TO SEE
When it comes to Washington, you really can't go wrong. Here are a couple of things to do when visiting the Pacific Northwest.
PUBLIC MARKET
An iconic location for all who visit. An exotic collection of food, plants, antiques, and more. See the fisherman's daily catch fly through the air. Munch on some world-famous donuts and drink coffee from Starbuck's first location. With over 500+ stores, there's something here for every wanderer.
Learn more: http://pikeplacemarket.org/
RUBY BEACH
An iconic location for all who visit. An exotic collection of food, plants, antiques, and more. See the fisherman's daily catch fly through the air. Munch on some world-famous donuts and drink coffee from Starbuck's first location. With over 500+ stores, there's something here for every wanderer.
ILWACO
A sleepy port town located about 2 hr and 30min south of Olympic National Park. Ilwaco is a boutique town full of life and flavor. Step out on the pier and watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch. About 10min away from Cape Disappointment, there's a Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center that is perfect for all ages. It will give you in-depth knowledge of the historical adventure. Why not learn a bit of wandering from the wanderers?
MOUNT SAINT HELENS
A fantastic sight to see. History courses through the mountain's veins and all can be learned at the visitor center. Learn about the eruption and catch a ranger talk. Enjoy some of the hiking trails the mountain has to offer. The best way to understand it's significance will be either through the ranger talk given every 10 minutes or through the theatre available at the visitor center.
MUST DO'S
These are some of the Wanted Wanderer's favorite suggestions. You cannot visit Washington without visiting these locations.
MOUNT RAINIER
This is at the very top of the Wanted Wanderer's list. If you go to Washington for one thing, it has to be Mount Rainier. There are sights here you simply cannot see anywhere else in the world. This is the magic of the Pacific Northwest at its absolute best. Full guide recommendations and advice can be found in the blog post, A day in Mount Rainier." Click the button below.
LEAVENWORTH
A German-themed town full of German cuisine. Shop the German stores, eat the best German food in the Northwest, and enjoy some bratwurst and bier. Located south of the North Cascades, this is a sight that cannot be missed by any Wienerschnitzel-loving Wanderer.
Learn more:
https://leavenworth.org/
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Breath-taking along all landscapes the park has to offer. From Hurrican Ridge, (pictured), to the Hoh Rainforest, you could spend a whole week basking in its beauty. The cascading mountain ranges flow seamlessly into the beaches below. This is a sight that cannot be missed.
For updates on the park:
https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT
Around the corner from Ilwaco lies a piece of historical treasure. A sailor mistook this cape as the entrance to the Colombia River and dubbed this cape: Disappointment. An easy uphill trail to a lighthouse will overlook the cape. There's a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center within walking distance and I highly recommend making the detour. It's very influential and interactive for kids.
To learn more:
https://parks.state.wa.us/187/Cape-Disappointment
MINI COFFEE SHOP
Mini coffee shops are located everywhere in and around Seattle. Known as the state to go grab a coffee, stop by one of these adorable mini coffee shops to fuel your travels. Take a coffee break and have a sip.
FOOD
Washington is home to some of the best eats. Whether you're looking for some international cuisine, or just looking for a taste of home, here are just a few of the places I recommend based on the itinerary above.
SALT HOTEL + PUB
If you happen to be wandering around Ilwaco, head to the waterfront pub known as the Salt Hotel + Pub. This pub is ideal for sushi and American pub lovers. With a picturesque view of the Ilwaco waterfront, you can't go wrong.
What we ordered:
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Pulled Pork Tacos
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Willapa Bay Steamer Clams
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Tuna Fish and Chips
Menu and more:
https://www.salt-hotel.com/pub
ANDREAS KELLER GERMAN RESTAURANT
While in Leavenworth, if you're looking for authentic and delicious German cuisine, this is the place for you. Situated between shops and snacking options, it's perfect to stop in, see downtown, and be on your way. It's located downstairs and can be tricky to find. Reservations are encouraged since it's a very, if not the most, popular restaurant.
What we ordered:
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Wienerschnitzel's all around!
Menu and more:
https://www.andreaskellerrestaurant.com/
THE GINGERBREAD FACTORY
This adorable bakery is to follow the German cuisine in Leavenworth. Located on the ground level, right above the Andreas Keller German Restaurant, this on-theme gingerbread house will satisfy your sweet tooth.
What we ordered:
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Snickerdoodle ice cream and some cookies.
Menu and more:
https://www.gingerbreadfactory.com/
MEE SUM PASTRY
Located across the street from the Pike Place Market, this hole-in-the-wall pastry place is on my list for a reason you may not think. I ordered the BBQ Pork Stick and to this day, I crave it. It was the perfect kabob to snack on while browsing the market.
