Alderbrook Resort: Profiled Destination

Alderbrook Resort - A Quick Getaway from Seattle

It's no wonder that while vacationing at Alderbrook, you'll find that among the area's neighbors are Bill Gates and other Microsofties. With its top notch accommodations in a pristine natural setting, an outdoor enthusiast playground, along with city amenities of a beautiful indoor atrium swimming pool and full spa, this two hour getaway gets you in the rest and recreation mood very quickly.

What I like best about Alderbrook is its natural setting. Equipped with the gorgeous views of the Olympic mountains and glacier waters, it's hard not to fall in love with this place. We came here during Spring break in April and was blessed with sporadic sun, typical of the Pacific Northwest. We were able to enjoy the views from the beach, as well as when we swam without crowds in the warm large indoor pool. With a full dock and water recreation at your finger tips, this resort is best enjoyed during the summer months. One can rent kayaks and board the Lady Alderbrook for a tour of the Hood Canal.

From Seattle, you board a ferry to take you to Alderbrook. The short 30 minute ferry ride is no-frills, so come with your own coffee, drinks and snacks. Nevertheless, it's an adventure whenever you take a ferry. Like some magical pixie dust, boarding a ferry seems to calm one's senses and takes you onto a journey mind set.

Alderbrook offers an on-site restaurant, and the lodge rooms do not come with a kitchen, so one just needs to pack the basic casual weekend wear, and some food and beverage to snack on. The drawback of one restaurant is simply one menu. As a family vacationing, a small kitchenette would have come in handy, for quick bites in between main meals in the dining room, and to save extensively, as their food outside the kids menu is a bit pricey.

The highlight of our Spring break was the fresh oysters caught within minutes, and barbequed on the lawns by the cottages. During the week, the staff has a complimentary oyster tasting in the early evening, under the canopied patio. My kids who see me savor oysters whenever I get a chance, was tempted to try them for the very first time. They loved this delicacy, especially as the chef just caught them on board her boat, and immediately placed them on the grill. The butter garlic dip was their favorite.

City breaks with the Kids Series: San Diego

San Diego, a popular West Coast destination is an easy jaunt from those in the Pacific Northwest, as well as a quick getaway for Californians. With San Diego's beaches, world famous zoo and wildlife park, Hotel del Coronado, a national historical landmark, Titanic Artifact Exhibit, fabulous food, and relaxing vibe, every member of the family will find something to enjoy.

Beach fun

Boardwalk for walking, skating and biking

Located along the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is a beautiful place to be active or to relax. One can enjoy a day on the beach playing games by the water, surfing, taking walks on the sand, and simply watching passerby's on the boardwalk or the frolicking dolphins. And, the sunsets are unbelievable!

View from our beachfront rental

Our beachfront residence in San Diego was a Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO) condo on Pacific Beach. We were amidst restaurants from breakfast spots, taquerias, and trendy restaurants we can walk to. If a home made meal was on the agenda, the grocery store was a few blocks away, as well as plenty of take out places for pizza and burgers. The nightlife at Pacific Beach starts at Happy Hour on the outdoor decks along the boardwalk.

Entering the party zone

Every morning we woke up to the sun, palm trees, and a temperate climate. With the windows cracked open at night, one can be soothed to sleep with the sound of the waves. The extra convenience of having a vacation rental is that you can have a secure parking spot without having to pay the excessive price of a hotel parking garage.

The Titanic Artifact Exhibit commemorating Titanic's 100th anniversary is currently showing at the San Diego Natural History located in picturesque Balboa Park. It has a wonderful display of artifacts including porcelain china served in the first class dining room, leather luggage, shaving brushes, and beauty cremes. 

Titanic view outside the exhibit. No photography allowed inside.

At the historical Southern Californian gem of  Hotel del Coronado, where US presidents of past and present have visited, the hotel lobby takes you back into time with its old fashioned elevators and chandeliers. With the nearby naval base, the restaurants and shops are dotted with military families.

Balmy night strolling the Hotel Del Coronado

The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park will delight both the kids and adults. From the cuddly pandas, the sleepy lions, and lightening fast cheetahs, the animals will captivate you. Make sure to wear your walking shoes, as both venues are vast and lots of walking is required. You can buy admission for both venues to maximize your visit and save money.

Panda exhibit at the San Diego Zoo

Up close with a peacock at the zoo

Along the tram on the African Safari at the San Diego Safari Park

Sleepy lion on a Range Rover at the Safari Park

Flamingos galore at the San Diego Zoo

The VIP packages at the Safari Park is an exceptional experience. As a member of a small group of cheetah participants in a Show and Tell and Question and Answer session, our family was treated to up close encounters with the wild's fastest animal (going 0 to 70mph in 4 strides). It truly was a treat and worth the ticket price.

Along the Cheetah Run at the Wildlife Park

Up close with a cheetah at the Cheetah Safari

On our lunch break in La Jolla, a ten minute drive from San Diego, we were pleasantly surprised by a colony of seals basking on the beach. To top of our San Diego visit, we shopped at La Jolla's boutiques geared for all budgets, and had tasty Oscar cookies at a local cafe to celebrate the award show the following night.

La Jolla's local favorite Girard's Deli