Seattle

You all know that I do plenty of research before taking a trip..... yes, partly because I am crazy like that but also because I want to be able to take in as much as I can in a new city. Good news about that is I am sharing with you all the fun we had! Sometimes the typical tourist spots can still be the best places to visit.

The gum wall. Why? NO idea but this Instagram worthy spot is a hot destination in Seattle. This is tucked in a alleyway by Pikes Place market and the fact that it is hidden and dirty just adds to the draw, for real. 

 The Fremont Troll is a massive art installation under a bridge. I will say this is about a $19 uber ride and 20 minutes outside of Seattle, also this is in a off beat spot so once you get your picture that is that. If you have the time go check this out, it's neat for sure but this doesn't need to top your list.

 I love everything haunted and historic so absolutely our first stop was the Underground Seattle Tour. I researched all the tours and took the Bill Spiedel's Tour which had the best reviews. You can check out their site HERE
Seattle is essentially built on top of old Seattle and the stories are incredible. The tour is 75minutes and I loved being down there picturing what is was like, seeing the memories left behind and wondering if spirits still lurk down below. Sadly, my hopes were a little high... the tour was jammed packed and although I learned a ton I still wanted more. BUT everyone I know loved this tour more than me and I highly recommend it.

There are still shop signs, bed springs and walk ways underground the Seattle that we all know. I wish I had had more time to go back and do a haunted night tour!

 We were lucky to be able to take in a baseball game while in Seattle. Matt and I love checking out stadiums and taking in games when we are on vacation. And this was a stunning Seattle day, it was so enjoyable..... Baseball, Sunshine, Food and drinks!

 Safeco field is pretty neat with the retractable roof and all and this stadium sits right next to the NFL stadium as well.

 I knew that Washington has quite the large wine industry and I was able to carve out a little time one afternoon to visit Chateau St Michelle winery in Woodinville, WA! You can check out the site HERE

 We got a free tour of the winery, saw the grapes and then had a tasting! It was fun because this brand is literally on so many wine lists it will be fun to look back and remember our time there! If you have more time there are a TON of smaller wineries all around Woodinville and you can stay the whole day and wine taste away!!! HERE is the website all about Washington Wine Country!

 The Space Needle is the one thing you always think about when you hear Seattle so we headed on over after breakfast one morning. Funny thing is that when we got up top I was SO SICK! I literally got vertigo so bad I felt like I was on a ship and I was sick to my stomach. I swear I am such a weirdo!

 The views from up top are awesome and you are able to stay as long or for me as short as you want!

 Then much to my surprise next door was the Chihuly Museum. Dale Chilhuly was from Seattle which I didn't know and this museum at the base of the space needle is the perfect place.

 Can you spot the space needle in this pic?

 The outdoor garden was equally as stunning and we were so glad that we stumbled upon this hot spot. Plan your trip HERE

 One day while Matt was in workshops I had a lovely morning at the Seattle Japanese Tea Garden!

 What made it even more incredible is the Fall colors all over Seattle and especially at this garden! I highly recommend checking this place out and if you do be sure to feed the Koi fish!
Check it out HERE

 Matt and I spent some time walking along the "boardwalk" we had Ivars clams, watched Seagulls attack people, we rode the huge Ferris wheel and then we checked out the Seattle Aquarium. We enjoyed it and we got to get really up close with otters and sea lions... both are Puppies of the sea! And you can't tell me anything different!

 You thought we were going to get thru this post without talking about the market? HA! Each day I spent a little time here, even getting flowers for our room for the week! BUT the best thing I did all week was the Early VIP Market Food Tour! They offer a ton of tours you can see HERE but the early morning was perfect. The market wasn't busy and who doesn't want to start the day off with fresh donuts? What was really neat is after the tour I went back and shopped at all those places!

 The famous fish throwing guys gave us a chance to catch fish and answer questions which was very cool! Just as I type this I am hungry for some fresh seafood!

One night for dinner we ate right next to this sign at Matt's in the Market, which was delish and with views like this... perfect!

Speaking of food where should you eat?? Oh don't worry I have you covered!!!! These places are so good and you won't go wrong.....
* Matt's in the Market
* Pikes Place Chowder 
* Ivars
AND my #1 place to eat in Seattle is...........
The Pink Door
Matt and I were both obsessed with that meal from start to finish and the fact that everything but their meat comes from their own farm is even more amazing!

Extra thing to do: Tour the Boeing Factory in Everett, WA! It was an incredible tour and day spent there!



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The Biltmore Estate

Each time we get to go on a Farmers Topper or Championship trip there is always a day where they offer us several day trips to choose from. Like coming up in Seattle we are going to the Boeing Plant which I am very excited about. And in Asheville we did the MUST see Biltmore Estate. 

You must check out the website for more information and pictures (HERE)The place and gardens plus the village is so large you literally cannot see it all in one day! The home was built in 1889 and that is mind blowing to think about how this stunning home came to be back then. To read up on the History of the Estate click HERE

This is the first thing you see when you walk into the Estate... the GRAND atrium and from this room, rooms like the foyer, office, sitting room, piano room are all set off this grand indoor "garden"

 The basement was my favorite part... to see the servants quarters, gym, laundry, pantry, bowling alley and this pool. I personally thought it was kinda creepy and I couldn't imagine swimming in this enclosed room. BUT especially for the time period this is incredible and those lights on the bottom are original.

 The kitchen was also in the basement and it really encompassed around 3 rooms, I can't imagine cooking for hundreds in this kitchen in the 1800s.

 The Grand ballroom was just that GRAND! When we walked in it truly took my breathe away, I can only imagine how stunning this room is at Christmas time... Now and Then.

The gardens take up acres and we ran out to time to see them all but man it was a HOT day so we were excited to find us some shade to enjoy some afternoon relaxation!

After the Estate Tour we headed over to the village to visit the Winery, it was so neat! They have a HUGE tasting room and you can taste as much as you want before you buy. 

 Matt and I really enjoyed the Malbec so we got us a bottle to bring home and are just waiting on the right meal to open it up at.

Over all this was such a lovely day and all we needed was MORE time!

Farmers Topper Club

Ok, I am backing up on the vacation posts and starting at the beginning..... Farmers Insurance. Thats the reason we were in Savannah to begin with, like with last years trip to San Fran and this years to Boston Matt qualified by being at the top in the entire company! So first I am so proud of him and we were so excited when Farmers announced that one option for Topper Club is Savannah! Just like next year one option is the Omni in Asheville which we are hoping to attend!

In Savannah Farmers put us all up at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort, we loved it!

 The first night was the welcome dinner Southern style complete with fried green tomatoes! Then they had a Silent Disco and it was SOOOOO MUCH FUN! SO everyone gets these headphone with 3 stations so while we all dance everyone can be listening to something different! It sounds stupid but it was literally the most fun we have had in a LONG time!!!!!!!

 This is Matty and I PRE dance party which was a sweat fest...... I mean you guys, the South is NO joke. It is entirely too hot and humid for me. Geesh!

 The next few days we had fun tours, nights out on Farmers Insurance and then the last night was the awards night and we got all dudded up........

 They had a wonderful 4 course meal with wine for us all and a great cover band! Topper Club is so neat and I loved seeing some agents and district managers get awards for like 30 consecutive years of making Topper Club.. I mean, GOALS!

 It was also nice to see our friends from Oklahoma and our Farmers friends from across the country. We only get together once a year or so!

I have so many more posts but again Congrats to my husband for being in the TOP 10% of the entire company and getting us to these amazing places!!! Cheers to Savannah!

Zero George

 I wanted to start off the first of MANY vacation posts by talking about my MOST favorite thing from the trip and that was the Zero George. Zero George was where we stayed in Charleston and it literally took my breath away. The Zero George is located in a series of buildings including an old carriage house that dates back to 1803! And now in 2016 is the must luxurious place Matt and I have stayed to date!

I have to jump ahead to one of my favorite features..... The in house Chef Vinson Petrillo from Top Chef Masters! I mean, I die! Literally the building you check into houses the kitchen so I just watched mouth agape as such a culinary master was working dinner service!

My second favorite features..... uh how about the fact that every afternoon at 5pm you get complimentary wine and cheese boards??!!! I wish someone would bring me that everyday at 5pm FROM the kitchen of a TOP CHEF MASTER!  Are you seeing why this place was my heaven on earth???

This boutique hotel is small only houses around 16 rooms I believe and each room.... or at least our room really felt like I was just staying in a room at a friends.... well.... a friend who lives in a mansion and has turn down service?! (wink wink)

 Oh ya, when we arrived we were greeted by a bottle of Champagne JUST because, just because the Zero George lets no detail go to waste!

 This is one of the outdoor private sitting areas! Another feature I loved was the European Breakfast each morning complete with our own barista! There was bagel and lox, Quiche, Fruit and they bring in each morning the FAMOUS Charleston Callie's Hot Biscuits which were TOO die for and yes, I had 2 every morning!

 Matt was embarrassed about all my pictures taking but look at this place.... how could I not?

 Oh ya, to compliment your stay you get to tool around Charleston in these awesome Zero George bikes! Wish I could have fit it into my suitcase to take home!

 Behind this door is reception, the kitchen, the bar, restaurant and common rooms.....

 I know, right?? For ALL the details on staying here and what they offer make sure you check out the website..... click HERE and yes, before you go having a heart attack this is a special occasion place. If ya catch my drift!

 This is one of the common rooms and Matt and I felt wayyyyy too "common" to sit around in here! hehe!

 Our room was amazing complete with our own Espresso machine and cooler drawer stocked with complimentary drinks! And the toiletries in the shower (full size might I add) were so amazing I am literally ordering some for the house! Malin + Goetz, have you heard of them??

It was hard leaving this place, I felt so special while I was there and I loved every minute and every detail!

 Til' Next Time Zero George!!!!!!