Mickey O'Lantern

It’s now.  I mean, if you were wondering.

Just after school starts, on a weekday in the fall, during a recession.

My husband and I took our boys there today for the first time.  Aside from two rides with waiting times of an hour each, we hardly waited for anything.  No unruly crowds, no unbearable heat, short wait times, even multiple passes on the same ride. No waits for food.  No lines for the rest room.

And if I can be a bit more specific, if your birthday is between tomorrow and December 31, 2009, the best time to go would be your birthday.  You get free admission to the park, a spiffy button that says “Happy Birthday [name]” and birthday wishes from strangers all day long.

Five minute wait for this ride? Unheard of!

[photos by Kim and Stewart Prince]

Seattle Central Library: Admission Always Free

If you are one of the thousands or travelers to Seattle every week and are looking for a few ‘inexpensive’ things to see to supplement your stay, read on.

Considering that the Fall weather in Seattle is still pleasant and at times beautiful, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to take in this cosmopolitan city which is surrounded by abundant natural beauty.  With that in mind, here is a short list of  FREE (You can’t get any less expensive than that)activities in my fair city that can fill up an agenda and serve as a supplement to a memorable Northwest vacation.  See you around town.

1. Free Sail at Center for Wooden Boats - Located on the South end of picturesqe Lake Union, the Center for Wooden Boats moors dozens of beautiful wooden boats of all shapes and sizes.  Most are sail boats, and on Sunday afternoons you can show up a little before 2:00 PM and sign up to take a free family sail.  It is a terrific way to enjoy the water with stunning views of the surrounding city. Read More »

Fall Offers Some Great Northwest Hiking Opportunities

Autumn in the Northwest is a beautiful time of the year.  And although it means that cooler temperatures and wet weather are just around the corner, it doesn’t  also mean the end of your opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.  October ushers in the vibrant colors of the season to the regions abundant hiking trails.

Many hiking opportunities are just a short drive from metropolitan Seattle and can have you home and relaxing before the earlier dusk settles in.  Not sure where to start?  A great place to start is this link from the Washington Trails Association highlighting Fall hiking in the region.  A quick Internet search will also yield plenty of other options. 

So, if you are looking for a refreshing way to experience the colors of Northwest  this Fall, consider a local hiking trail.  Just remember to be safe out there.

Photo courtesy of brianholsclaw from flickr creative commons

Taliesin West, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is an estate designed and built by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The property was built as his personal residence, where he lived until his death in 1959 at the age of 92. The property is currently the main campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

Tours of the property are offered year-round – the most popular of which is the 90-minute “Insights” tour, which features the newly restored living quarters and “Garden Room”. Other tours feature outbuildings and hiking paths throughout the surrounding Sonoran Desert. A three-hour “behind the scenes” tour is offered for architecture enthusiasts. Select dates during the Christmas season feature the 2-Hour “Holiday Night Lights”, during which refreshments are served and carols entertain the visitors as they view the property decked out in holiday splendor.

Taliesin West is located at 12621 North Frank LLoyd Wright Blvd in Scottsdale. The entrance is located at the intersection of Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd and Cactus Road. Parking is free and tour tickets can be purchased in the Gift Shop, which is close to the main parking lots. A variety of pricing packages (from $18 to $55) are available depending on which parts of the property you wish to tour. Reservations are recommended.

Photo credits (in order of appearance):
- “Taliesin West” by Bluecanary Dreams on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Taliesin West Interior” by AndyB on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Taliesin West” by Khamis Hammoudeh on Flickr Creative Commons.