My travel schedule seems to be just a bit heavier these days than I normally like. And though it might sound strange to spend money to stay close to home, I have found that not having to travel a long distance but still be able to enjoy a night away from home (no dishes! no cooking!) actually DOES help me to relax and unplug, even if it’s for 24-hours.
Having just recently enjoyed my own little “staycation” (I actually dislike that term, but it does get the point across), I wanted to share a suggestion for you this fall.
First, you must have heard that the Seattle Art Museum is presenting Picasso in Seattle, the first ever major presentation of Pablo Picasso’s works in the Pacific Northwest. The exhibit runs from October 7 through January 17 and features works drawn from the Musee National Picasso in Paris, and are from every phase of the artist’s life. If you can’t get to Paris… you can always wait for it to come to you, right? Here’s your chance!
Combine a visit to the museum with a stay at the Renaissance Hotel (lobby pictured), where they are featuring a Picasso-inspired package which includes admission to the Seattle Art Museum, a corner king room, parking and Picasso-inspired amenities.
And after a day of museum-going, stop in at BOKA Kitchen and Bar (located at the Hotel 1000) for dinner. (Confession: I had a fantastic, and I mean fantastic, dinner there recently. I took photos of every bit of food, and made notes of each item, and then promptly lost my camera and all those photos, so you’ll have to trust me.)
BOKA’s menu features organic (85 – 90%) and locally-grown produce, working closely with the farmers providing their goods. There’s a chef’s tasting menu that is specially created based on your tastes. Ours included:
* Ahi tuna poke
* Squash blossoms
* Ricotta gnochi with peas and cardamom
* Shrimp with jalapenos
* Mini veggie burgers
* Open faced ravioli
And we topped it all off with chocolate mousse cake.
No images aside (and you know how I love my food photos!) this was excellent.
And here are the pertinents:
Seattle Art Museum
1300 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 654-3120
Renaissance Hotel
515 Madison Street
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 583-0300
Boka Kitchen and Bar
1010 first avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 357-9000
Travel Well!