Seattle is my home (technically my home away from home), and as a resident since 2011, I've done my fair share of exploring the city and the surrounding areas. Everytime I hear about day trips from Seattle, most think of one of the mountain ranges like Rainier or St. Helens. Although it's possible to do in a day, you'll spend more time in the car than actually exploring the area. These destinations are best  visited as a weekend getaway. If you don't have much time in Seattle and want to explore something different, this blog is for you. These easy-to-get-to day trips are in close proximity to Seattle's downtown and accessible either bus, car or ferry. 

Bellevue Botanical Gardens & the Historic Downtown Issaquah
The Bellevue Botanical Gardens are one of my favorite places to visit outside of Seattle. Start your day by exploring the gardens and its many secret paths and skybridge. Mornings are quiet and peaceful, sort of like what Seattle used to be like in 2011.. After the gardens, head further east on I-90 to the historic downtown Issaquah for a coffee or lunch. Like a time capsule, drive past the 1940's shell gas station and explore the shops and restaurants nestled in a two-block radius. If you love chocolate, stop at Boehm's, a European-style chocolatier since 1942. During the summer, head to Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah to swim, walk or relax in nature. The park is one-mile from downtown and requires a Discover Pass, which you purchase at the entry gate. . 

Tacoma, WA - Ruston Way & Point Defiance Park
I love Tacoma. It's like the Cleveland of the Puget Sound. Many people "dog" Tacoma, but thanks to gentrification, Tacoma is movin' on up. Tacoma is known for its Glass Art Museum, but to experience the best of what Tacoma has to offer, head to Ruston Way and the Point Defiance Park. On the weekends, enjoy one of the many Ruston Way brunch buffets held at the Lobster Shop & Shenanigans. From here, either walk around Ruston Way for picturesque views of Mount Rainier, or head to Point Defiance Park. Escape the city life at the rose and dahlia garden and at Owen's beach. If you have a family, head to the park's zoo (must-see Christmas lighting show). End your day with a slice of (vegan) cake at Corina's Bakery on South Fawcett Street.  

Mount Vernon, WA
If you are in Seattle during tulip season, head north on I-5 to Mount Vernon. Various daffodil and tulip fields attract thousands of visitors everyday. Traffic in and out of the tulip fields is a nightmare, specifically on Saturday. Mount Vernon isn't a world-class destination, but it showcases the best of small town America. During the summer and fall, be sure to stop at one of the you-pick berry farms along I-5.  

Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie is one of the most beloved Seattle getaway spots. The area contains plenty of day hikes, with Snow Lake, being one of my favorite trails. Or hike alongside the waterfall on a 0.7 mile interpretive trail, descending some 300 feet in one-half of a mile. Check with the locals about trail closures.  If you want to stay indoors,  wine and dine with some wanna-be jet-setters while admiring the falls inside the Salish Lodge. I recommend taste testing Snoqualmie brand's Riesling wine. 

Leavenworth, WA - Bus Seattle to Leavenworth
Leavenworth is one of those places that can either be a weekend getaway or a day trip. If you're looking to explore the natural scenery, stay the weekend. If you want some beer and (yes vegan too) brats, book either a Greyhound, Amtrak or tour-bus ticket to Leavenworth. The buses and trains leave from downtown Seattle and in about two hours, you'll experience one of the best Bavarian-style villages outside of Munich. This is a must-visit during the Christmas lighting season. 

West Seattle - Water Taxi from Downtown to Alki Beach
Is West Seattle really a day trip? From a local's perspective, yes it is! Anyone who lives in West Seattle basically "lives off the grid," and it's common to see your West Seattle friends maybe once per quarter. Thanks to the shitty traffic, getting to and from West Seattle is a nightmare. But...thanks to the local water taxi, West Seattle is now a fun adventure for everyone! Depart from Pier 50 in downtown Seattle and enjoy this 15-minute boat ride that overlooks a stunning waterfront view. From here, take a break at Salty's or make way right to Alki Beach. There is a connector "short" bus that goes from Seacrest dock to Alki, or bring your walking shoes and trek a couple miles down the road. At Alki, there are plenty of cafes and boutiques.  Rent a family-wagon bike or relax on the beach - the choice is yours! 

Bainbridge Island
This is another popular day trip, and the 35-minute ferry ride alone is worth the experience. Many cyclers visit to ride around the island where others head downtown to eat, drink and shop. Sometimes orcas are seen from the shoreline, but don't get your hopes up if you don't spot one. Whales swimming in the sound is actually dangerous because the water is not as salty as the ocean. Sadly, many grey whales pass on to their next life if caught in the Sound for too long.  

Seattle, “The Emerald City,” is a true gem in the Pacific Northwest. Although the city is growing faster than a hipster’s beard, there are still plenty of places to stop and smell the roses. From popular parks to secret gardens, these are my favorite public spaces to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of flowers.

Elliot Bay Park Rose Garden - Waterfront
Located on the waterfront, the Elliot Bay Park Rose Garden features stunning views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains and of course, the roses. The garden is small and contains several benches around the perimeter.  Adjacent to the garden is a small outdoor workout area where plenty of locals workout beneath the summer sun. This is one of the most photogenic areas on the Elliot Bay trail.

Volunteer Park – Capitol Hill
Located on 15th Avenue East, Volunteer Park is one of Seattle’s most beloved public spaces. This park has a true European flare, and with it’s history, it’s no wonder why locals love this green space. The city bought the land in 1876 and by 1901 the reservoir was built to hold water piped from the Cedar River. Here, you’ll find plenty of flowers blooming around the park, but the Conservatory, a Victorian-glass greenhouse, hosts a variety of art, educational and musical events. Entry fee required. On a clear day, the park features small views of the Olympics. The Asian Art Museum is also located at Volunteer Park.

Parsons Garden – Queen Anne
Located on the magnificent West Highland Drive, Parsons Garden is a small, cornerstone garden that is in bloom year-round. This is my favorite park in Seattle because the scenery looks like a scene from a magical fairy-tale.  From the hydrangeas to the magnolias to the rhododendrons, this is a popular spot for weddings during the summer, which the public cannot (or morally should not) enter during ceremonial times. This used to be the personal park of Reginald Parsons and was given to the city in 1956. 

Belltown P-Patch – Belltown
A P-Patch is a place where locals rent a plot to grow vegetables or flowers. Located at 2520 Elliot Avenue, the P-Patch is a block away from the waterfront ferry docks. Born in 1995, the P-Patch is a floral oasis located amidst a concrete jungle. The garden is a treasure chest of seasonal surprises, which attracts locals and tourists alike every year. Please do not pick anything from the garden.

Roanoke Park – North Capitol Hill
This small, Neighborhood Park sits between some of the most beautiful streets in the city. Roanoke is a 2.2 acre grassy space that blooms with tulips, daffodils and fruit trees. It’s cute, quaint and quiet. It’s not the most impressive park in the city, but the surrounding area and homes is a spectacular site to see.

Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden – Phinney Ridge
Adjacent to the zoo is the Woodland Park Rose Garden. Established in 1922, the rose garden is one of two-dozen certified American Rose Test Gardens in the US.  This 2.5 acre park features approximately 3,000 roses, of over 200 different varieties. This rose garden prides itself on being pesticide-free, which means everyone can stop and smell clean roses. One reason for cultivating pesticide-free petals is that it becomes zoo food, specifically for the gorillas.

Carl S. English Botanical Gardens – Ballard
Located adjacent to the Ballard locks is this notable botanical garden. This seven acre garden is the labor of love of the late Mr. English. The garden features 570 species of and 1,500 varieties from around the world.

What's your favorite flower garden in Seattle? With so many parks and gardens in the area, there are endless opportunities to explore the natural landscape. Stay tuned for the upcoming blogs on the best parks in Seattle! 

Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 7  Seattle Gardens & Parks to Enjoy Flowers.  

Madrid has no shortage of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes. A chic and classy city, don't expect the hole-in-the-wall joints chocked full of alternative, tatted-up hipsters.  Having good health is a part of the European lifestyle and mindset, and with that said, the plant-based industry is forever growing. Madrid features a combination of vegetarian and vegan only restaurants alongside with various veggie options at specific tapas restaurants.

Be sure to double-check the hours of each restaurant, as siesta is part of the culture. Most places open for dinner around 8-9:00pm and close around midnight to one in the morning. And like most big cities, Madrid is not cheap, so be sure to have plenty of euros in your pocket, specifically for the three-course menu of the day, which is common in Spain.

Mercado de San Miguel
This market is one of the most popular in Madrid. From fresh fruit to spiced nuts to Spanish desserts, enjoy a variety of Spanish delights. The white chocolate baklava is like heaven on earth. Most desserts will be vegetarian as egg and butter is part of traditional baking, but hey, at least the sangrias are vegan! 

La Biotika
La Biotika offers vegetarian, vegan and macrobiotic cuisine. Adjacent to the restaurant is a plant-based health food store where you can find a variety of chocolates, spices, grains and products. Order items separately or try the menu of the day that comes with a starter and small dessert. Try the croquettes, a Spanish favorite. The restaurant also serves meet-up and group organizations for dinner.
http://www.labiotika.es/index.htm

Rayen Vegano
Enjoy a bit of vegan home cooking at Rayen. Open for breakfast and lunch; enjoy a variety of single-items like pancakes and soy lattes or order several courses from the brunch or menu of the day. The menu of the day is typical like most places, coffee, lunch and dessert for 13.50. I’m a big fan of their peach smoothies.
http://www.rayenvegan.com

Loving Hut
Loving Hut is one of my favorite vegan restaurants found in major cities throughout Europe. The menu offers a combination of Asian and local fare, so every Loving Hut is different. The menu of the day is my preferred choice with a choice of soup or salad, lunch item, dessert and tea or beer. Yes, drinking beer at lunch is common, but I prefer the tea. The Asian curries are a must!  

VivaBurger
With a motto of “eat positive,” Viva Burger features a menu of 100-percent plant-protein burgers. This global chain has restaurants around the world and the menu features a variety of burgers, wraps, salads and desserts. The Burger Queen always sits well with me.
http://www.vivaburger.es

Shi-Shang
Starved for lunch, I discovered this place on a whim. I had no clue where I was in the city and thankfully I roamed past a vegan/vegetarian buffet. Shi-Shang is an Asian vegan buffet. The buffet includes a variety of starters, sushi, soy-protein meats, vegetables, noodles, rice and desserts. Eating at lunch (9 euros) is cheaper than dinner prices (10 euros). Weekend prices are higher. If you’re not up for the buffet, order from the traditional menu. Some items maybe vegetarian, so it’s best to ask in Spanish what foods are not one-hundred percent vegan. http://www.shishang.es

Tekoe
Tekoe is a European chain teahouse. I normally avoid anything established, but it was one of the few places open before 9:00am. I enjoyed the green tea with roses and recommend it for a place to taste test a variety of teas. Sit at the window-side bar to people watch. 

Pura Vida Vegan Bar
Peace, love and no thank you to the machismo culture is part of Pura Vida’s brand. Part local, part global, you’ll find a combination of veggie burgers, pizza, nachos and croquettes. Keep an eye on the website for local events and take away is available.
http://puravidavegan.es

Want to eat and travel without getting lost? This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 8 Favorite Places for Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Madrid.