Best Nighttime Activity With or Without Kids in Seattle

Want to do something different at night that involves some sort of physical activity? Go to Interbay Golf Center and try out a game of miniature golf. Go with a group, a date or your kids. The course is 18 holes and if you desire, you can bring a beer or glass of wine along with you. We took our kids and had a blast! Some of the holes were pretty challenging too.

Best Italian Restaurants in Seattle

I love Italian food and have found my favorite Italian restaurants in Seattle. Not only is the food good, the atmosphere and service are excellent as well making the following restaurants the best experience for an Italian dinner out.

Tavolata- Tavolata is located in Belltown and is more of a modern Italian experience with an urban feel. The restaurant is industrial, but still pleasant. The restaurant is dark with a lot of candlelight and funky mirrors on the wall. My favorite entrees are the Olive Oil Poached Halibut and the Gnocchi alla Romana. I also like the Arugula & Dandelion Greens Salad. Tavolata is a good place to go for date night or a night out with another couple. It is also close to the Big Picture if you want to catch a movie after dinner.

Pink Door- I love the Pink Door. It is like a hidden treasure. You wouldn't even know it exists just walking by, there isn't a sign, but you can spot a pink door. It is located on 1919 Post Alley. Pink Door serves Italian-American cuisine that is absolutely delicious! You can order anything from a simple pasta and meatball dish to a wild Northwest salmon entree. The decor is beautiful with antique chandeliers, large red drapes and stylish touches throughout the restaurant. Pink Door also offers entertainment on certain nights such as live music or trapeze artists and has a back patio that has a stunning view of Elliot Bay. Pink Door is a must when you have visitors in town. It can be a casual affair or a romantic night out.

Serafina- Serafina is a great find and another awesome Italian restaurant. It is located on East Lake and although it doesn't have a view and is more of a neighborhood restaurant, it still delivers an amazing experience. The restaurant is dark with dark chocolate wood everywhere and is lit up with small twinkle lights. Some of the decor is eccentric, but it all seems to work creating a warm, romantic ambience. They have an extensive wine and cocktail menu and the food is delightful. I also love the service. Most servers have been working there for years and they have mastered how to compliment a great dining experience. Serafina also hosts wine tasting events and have live jazz on certain nights.

Best Weekend Getaway near Seattle

My husband and I wanted to getaway for the weekend before our baby was born. We didn't want to venture to far from Seattle, but wanted the full experience of a relaxing vacation. We chose to head to Langley, WA. Langley exceeded our expectations and was just the retreat we were looking for.

We headed to Langley, WA around 1pm from Seattle. To get to Langley from Seattle follow the following directions:

• Take I-5 north
  
• Take Exit 182 (in Lynnwood), merge left onto WA-525 west towards Mukilteo


• Stay on WA-525 until you reach the WA State Ferry Terminal


• Take the Mulkilteo-Clinton ferry across Puget Sound to Clinton (See the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferry schedule)
  
• Once off of the ferry continue North on WA-525


• Turn right onto Langley Rd, it's the 2nd traffic light on WA-525
  
• Once in Langley, turn right onto Cascade Ave, it will turn into First Street You are now in downtown Langley!

Travel time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Seattle. We arrived in Langley around 2:30pm and went straight to where we were staying, Inn at Langley, which is in the heart of downtown Langley. When we entered our room, it felt like we were on a boat. Our room was over looking the water and the view was gorgeous!

The room was very simple, but comfortable and relaxing.

After we got settled, we headed into town to check out the Langley Oktoberfest.

The Oktoberfest was very small, but full of character. There was live German music and a beer garden. My husband enjoyed a stein of beer from Diamond Knot Brewery.

After the Oktoberfest we headed back to our room for an in room couples massage coordinated through the inn's spa, Spa Essencia. The massage was excellent and it was nice having it in the privacy of our room.

For dinner, we had reservations at the hotel restaurant. We didn't have any expectations and the experience ended up being very unique. The set up felt more like a dinner party then it did being at a restaurant. We got to meet the chef, Matt Costello. In 1994, Costello joined famous Seattle chef Tom Douglas heading up the kitchen as Chef at both the Dahlia Lounge and Palace Kitchen. We were also visited by the owners, Paul (past Seattle Mayor) and Pam Schell at dinner. The food was amazing and the chef uses mostly local ingredients! It came out in 5 courses and each course was paired with wine. View a sample menu here.

So if you want to escape from the city for a weekend, I highly recommend a trip to Langley, WA!