Z.’s Neighborhood

Seattle Washington, the birthplace of Grunge and Starbucks is one of my favorite cities with a cool and laid back urban landscape that is never too far from nature. This culturally rich city offers, of course, some of the best coffee in the country along with a wide variety of art and museums such as the Seattle Art Museum and my personal favorite the Museum of Glass. The Museum of glass is technically in Tacoma but is well worth it with massive exhibits, hands on art studio, glass blowing demonstrations and even the building is a work of art itself.

Downtown Seattle is also renown for their fresh seafood caught from the bordering Pacific and the legendary Pike Place Fish Market. You know, the massive fish market where they chuck full size salmon across the market yelling the whole time, its quite the experience and inevitably someone usually gets hit with a fish which is hilarious providing you're not the one getting hit.

Don't forget you also have your standbys such as the Space Needle with the revolving restaurant overlooking the city and the breathtaking observation deck, the Seattle Aquarium, Bellevue Square and republic of Fremont for all you shoppers, GameWorks (which is pretty much the ultimate arcade), SafeCo Field for baseball fans and a killer night life.

Going on right now is a Puget Sound staple, the Seattle Seafair. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year this massive month long fest is home to the Chevrolet Cup power boat races (August 1st-3rd). If you don't know what a racing power boat is or "Hydroplanes", its basically a little futuristic looking boat with a helicopter jet strapped to it and sent flying across the water.

The Seafair also includes an interesting element...Pirates! Yes we all love pirates, I mean honestly who doesn't? Well maybe ninjas I suppose. But seriously the Seafair pirates are composed of 40 or more swashbuckling performers that gallivant across the grounds stirring up ruckus providing music and entertainment. There is even a Pirate ship! What more could you want!?

So if you are looking to explore the Northwest now is definitely the best time to go, especially before we get back in to the rainy season.

If you are wondering where to stay and have a budget then check out the Sorrento Hotel. This gorgeous boutique hotel is a nice step away from ordinary with luxury Mediterranean styling this early 1900's landmark is centrally located only a few blocks from downtown, Pioneer Place and a couple miles to the Pike Place Fish Market.

I would like to hear some of the less "touristy" spots Seattle has to offer, I know there is a huge underground and I am looking to head back to the Northwest soon so send me a line!

The closest most of us get to Olympic glory is huddled in our living room and tuning into the opening ceremonies. This season with the Olympics only being a hop, skip and a jump away in Beijing China (sarcasm) the chance of any of us getting to partake in the excitement of watching the worlds best athletes live is more than likely not going to happen. However, if you are a track and field fan then fret no more. The U.S. Olympic team trials for Track and Field are being held in Eugene Oregon at the legendary Hayward Field. Get your tickets to witness one of the most prestigious pre-Olympic events and be a part of history in the making as the roster for team USA is selected for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Trials have just started and the last of them will be held Sunday July 6th. Trials will also be held on the the 4th of July including fireworks. If you can't make it to the trials or Track and Field just ain't your cup'O tea; the city of Eugene simultaneously has several unique and amazing events including: The Eugene Festival (concerts, arts, food, entertainment, fireworks on the 4th and more), the Oregon Bach Festival, the First Friday Art Walk, Cottage Grove Speedway Wall of Fire & Fireworks and more. Check out the calendar for more events.

If you are more the outdoorsy type then a trip to Eugene will definitely be right up your alley. You can raft the Mckenzie river, spend a day at the Wild Woods Falls and Lagoon, choose from an assortment of camping options, Oregon Coast tours, Willamette Valley Winery tours and more.

Due to the events, there are a number of hotels that are already sold out, lucky for you however, I have the inside track on hotels that should still be available. Also, since Eugene is a college town (the University of Oregon) you have the unique combination of upscale hotels and cheap stays all within a couple of mile of each other.

Where to Crash:
The Valley River Inn is a great stay. Situated on the Willamette River this hotel represent quintessential Northwestern rustic charm and elegance with towering wooden beams, warm inviting fireplaces, beautiful gardens and local artwork. If you are looking for a pleasant get away that is that is centrally located and reasonably priced then look no further.
Price: around $149-$159 per night

If you are looking for a cheap solution or a place to just call base camp then check out the University Inn and Suites or the Econo Lodge. Coming in at around $60 a night they are a decent place to rest your head and recoup for the next days adventure.

We just flew in to the beautiful and scenic dessert lands of New Mexico. Known for the blue and purple sunsets New Mexico provides the perfect tranquil escape for any busybody looking to get away. We rented a car and took the 25 min. trip into downtown Santa Fe and checked in to our hotel, the Inn and Spa at Loretto. This beautiful hotel put us just a block away from the historic Plaza which is home to a plethora of shopping, fine art galleries and museums including the renowned Georgia O'Keefe Museum.

We started off the excursion roaming through Santa Fe exploring the food and Art galleries the quaint downtown has to offer. If you are going to go to Santa Fe you'll find plenty of restaurants that will allow you to indulge in some authentic New Mexican food such as Sopapias but the staple Southwestern treat that you wont find anywhere else is the Chile. Whether you order tacos, enchiladas, hamburgers, or a Sprite you are going to hear the same question "Red or Green?" In order to save you the embarrassment Ill let you in on the meaning behind the "red or green?" conundrum.

The question refers to the type of Chile you want smothered over your meal. Mind you this isn't pork and bean style American "Chili" but rather sauces made with true New Mexican red and green spicy Chiles. Don't get scared off right away, typically the Chile isn't too spicy and has more of a zip than a burn and is incredibly delicious. The red Chile is more of a curry sauce typically blended with garlic and onions while the green Chile is a stew type sauce with actual green Chile strips and generally a little spicier. If you want to sound like a local when answering the Chile question just say, "Christmas!" And you will get the best of both worlds.

Personally my favorite Chile dish and one of the more...unusual, is the god sent gift of the Frito Pie. Just like the name states it is a bowl full of Frito's smothered in either red or green Chile (or Christmas as we learned earlier) topped off with refried beans, lettuce, cheddar cheese and diced onions. Probably one of the simplest and best meals I have ever had and better yet, they can be found just about anywhere including another local favorite; Blakes Lota Burger.

That's all for now but I'll keep you updated, if anyone knows of some must see spots in New Mexico or other cool places to stay let me know!