| 07/21/09 |
Positive
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5 out of 5 stars, suitable for a romantic getaway or entire family fun
This home is absolutely wonderful. Our family stayed here for two months in the summer of 09. The home is a wonderfully restored Victorian home in the vibrant neighborhood of Ballard, a few miles northwest of downtown. When our family of 4 stayed here it felt as though it was our second home. From the beautiful oak floors, marble countertops, and old world charm, this home is stunning. We slept on the fold out sofa for two months and it was as comfortable as our bed at home. The location is in one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You can walk to cafes, restaurants, movie theatres, nightlife, a new library, kids splash park, Trader Joes "a little longer walk but doable", the ship canal, Seattle’s newest independent clothing designers. My wife came home with about a dozen new dresses, street festivals, local farmers markets, The Burke Gilman Trail. This is well known in Seattle, approximately 60 miles of uninterrupted bicycle path starting from The Puget Sound wrapping its way along Lake Union and Lake Washington ending up at some local wineries and breweries. What you will not find is McDonalds, Wal-Mart, or suburban strip malls of any kind. Seattle is very much about their local shops and they have reason to be proud of them.
There is a new grocery store that will be completed by the end of 2009 that is two blocks from this house. Once that is completed I think renting a car to stay here is unnecessary since you can take the bus - lines 17, 18, 15 to downtown or just about anywhere else. You can also check out zipcars which has a car two blocks from the house. They rent cars by the hour and make it really easy for those occasions when you do need a car.
While we stayed here we enjoyed sailing at Windworks Sailing Center, Rowing on Lake Union - lessons are offered year round, over a dozen parks for the kids, Woodland Park zoo, Numerous trips to downtown Seattle, an almost everyday walk to downtown Ballard, a 2 day excursion to Victoria Canada, the beach at Golden Garden Beach Park - 1/4 mile away, Cupcake Royal - lavender and salted caramel were our favorites, The Tall Grass Bakery, and last but not least Café Besalu – better than if you were in Italy or France. Go early, there is usually a line.
Having lived in Seattle before, people enjoy the outdoors year round as it never gets that cold. For those worried about the rain, dont. Seattle enjoys summer July through September, with October a beautiful month as well. You can do things outside year-round. We did when we lived here. |
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Steve, Phoenix, AZ |
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