West Coast Escapes

[trip style = weekend getaway]

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

The problem with wanderlust—a strong desire to travel—is that it can never really be quenched. When I get away, I'm already planning my next retreat. Not out of the need to escape my everyday life, but fuelled by the joy of discovering somewhere new or the comfort of returning somewhere special. Standing on a beach last week, with only the Pacific between me and Japan, I couldn't help but take a mental trip down the West Coast and chart a course for an escape—or four. Could one of these destinations be the temporary cure for your wanderlust?

Tofino, BC

What's better than a spontaneous escape to Tofino? {Also known as the ideal place to decompress for fans of fish tacos, surfing, long walks on the beach, gorgeous sunsets and cozy lodges.} Taking advantage of a midweek rate of $100/night, I stayed at the rustic and friendly Middle Beach Lodge last week, where pleasant perks like breakfast, evening cookies and a roaring fire were provided in the communal beachfront lounge.  If you're looking for something more luxurious—perhaps a Travel+Leisure hall of famer—try The Wickaninnish Inn, which we covered last year in Roam+Board. Don't miss the aforementioned fish tacos at local and visitor favorite, Tacofino, and long walks on the beach along Chesterman Beach or Long Beach, part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Seaview, WA

From one Long Beach to another, a truly unique spot along Washington's southern coast is The Sou'Wester, about 30 minutes north of Astoria, Oregon. This retro glamping escape features a collection of vintage trailers outfitted with record players, wood panelling and lawn chairs straight out of your childhood. Read up on this nostalgic seaside escape in Roam+Board.

Big Sur, CA

This cliff-top destination on California's central coast is one of North America's most popular and romanticized stretches of coastline. High rollers can perch themselves high above the beach at the Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Inn, while those looking for something a little more rustic and midcentury can check into a cabin at Glen Oaks Big Sur, previously featured on Roam+Board. I hear McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur Bakery and Deetjen's are not to be missed.

Santa Barbara, CA

I've been crushing on a collection of cabins, yurts and safari tents on Instagram for the past year. El Capitan Canyon is a private camping resort tucked between a state beach and a national forest 20 miles north of Santa Barbara; the perfect place for those seeking to unplug, unwind and toast a few marshmallows alongside hip LA families on holiday. {And dangerously close to Santa Barbara wine country, which is a must visit!} If your idea of relaxing is more poolside than creekside, check into Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a historic hotel in a spectacular setting that shouldn't be missed. Did someone say "happy hour"?

[tofino photos by @heatherlovesit, others via long beach peninsula tourism, wikimedia, el capitan canyon]

Spotlight :: Bellevue {Washington}

[trip style = weekending + urban + active & adventure + wine tasting]

Sunday morning did not start off like any other day. With my life jacket firmly fastened and my paddle gently sweeping through the glassy water, I spotted turtles instead of people and herons in place of buildings. On this peaceful morning, my main mode of transportation was a bright yellow kayak. The only reminder of the modern world was the entrance and exit to the Mercer Slough, where I paddled underneath what seemed like a bridge. Later on when I drove over this "bridge", I learned it was actually a series of concrete spaghetti-like structures that happened to be part of the I-90. In one glance I was away from it all, gliding through lilypads, and in the next glance, in the centre of it all, standing in the shadow of tall glass highrises.

This juxtaposition became my ebb and flow when I was invited to explore Bellevue this past weekend. One second I was admiring toy-like metal and mechanical animals dancing in a dim, strobe-lit room at the Bellevue Arts Museum, and the next moment I was in traditional and modern tasting rooms, twirling, sipping and sloshing the season's best in Woodinville Wine Country---only 15 minutes away.

If you spend 48 hours in the former whaling town, you'll discover activities you'd sooner associate with a waterfront metropolis than a quiet suburb. Previously I would just go to shop, eat and sleep. Now my Visa is happy to report that I've taken off the blinders that gave me shopping tunnel vision, to stop and look at what else is out there, counterbalancing the shopping with exercise, culture and upscale dining.

Bellevue's small-town-within-a-metropolis feel is what keeps me coming back. It's a worthy alternative to nearby Seattle, and one I've probably been to a half dozen times over the past year alone. In one weekend, I can shop and walk, eat out and kayak, drink coffee and taste wine, buy at Nordstrom and browse Jimmy Choo. Like the Mercer Slough flowing into Lake Washington, Bellevue is a setting where multiple trip styles converge. It's a place occupied by some of the biggest names in US business---Microsoft, Expedia and T-Mobile to name a few---but it has a lot more to offer than just Windows 7, travel search engines and former Bachelor couple Jason and Molly.

Shop The Bellevue Collection - A fusion of sophisticated shopping, dining, nightlife and upscale hotels. The Bravern - A luxury shopping experience resembling more of a Spanish villa than covered outdoor mall, anchored by Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Salvatore Ferragamo and Hermès. Don't miss the melt-in-your-mouth gelato at Vovito Caffe & Gelato. Nordstrom Rack - The Seattle-based department store's discount outlet.

Dine Purple Cafe And Wine Bar - A funky restaurant specializing in wine pairings and local seasonal ingredients. Try the Phyllo-baked brie. Bis On Main - Known for its consistent American French cuisine and the owner's art collection. If you were going to spot Bill Gates in Bellevue, it might be here. Monsoon East - Saigon-inspired Vietnamese cuisine in a modern setting. Barking Frog - With an impressive wine list and northwest cuisine to match, only 15 minutes from Bellevue. Must-try: deconstructed movie-theatre popcorn ice cream dessert. Cupcakes Royale - Rich and cakey cupcakes born in Seattle, bred in Bellevue. Try the Salty Caramel! Munchbar - shows MMA by day and cranks turntables by night. This resto-lounge and its cultured sister Piano Bash {dueling piano bar}, are your answer to nightlife in Bellevue. Try the crispy mac n' cheese bites or mini grilled cheeses with a tomato sour cream dipping sauce.

Stay Hyatt Regency Bellevue - $$ - Friendly staff, recently renovated with a serene winter bamboo garden. {See my trip advisor review here} Westin Bellevue - $$ -  Nice rooms, large pool and great weekend packages. {See my trip advisor review here} Sheraton Bellevue - $ - Efficient lower cost option. {See my trip advisor review here}

Do Kayak or Swim - at Enatai Beach Park only a 5-minute drive from downtown Bellevue. Walk - along one of the trails in the 320-acre wetland nature park known as the Mercer Slough. Jog - on the half-mile park loop at the tree-lined Downtown Park---a 2-minute walk from the Hyatt or Westin. Stroll - along Main Street and browse the smaller, boutique shops like Glassybaby, where each famed glass tumbler is handmade by a team of four, and multiple local restaurants feature their votives. PS - I hear locals collect every colour! Sip - drive 15 minutes to access 70+ wineries and tasting rooms in Woodinville Wine Country. Visit - the Bellevue Arts Museum, where the building is an impressive as the three storeys of art it holds dear. Don't miss the museum store---a great place to find unique gifts for people of all ages.

Getting There Bellevue is three hours from Vancouver and 20 minutes from Seattle.

[photo{s} by @tripstyler]

Vancouver to Seattle Must-Stops

[trip style = weekend getaway]

I can't even count the amount of times I've travelled (by car) between Vancouver and Seattle and back again. Along with my husband, we now have the trip down to an art! Too bad there isn't a car version of frequent flier miles. Whether you're crossing the 49th parallel for a flight, shopping, to visit friends or a weekend getaway, here are my tried and tested must-stops.

YVR --> SEA Must-Stops 1) The Border (Nexus) The Nexus lane is fast and efficient, 95% of the time. Spending $50 and investing two hours to apply and interview for Nexus makes border crossing, dare I say, somewhat dreamy. Otherwise, check out the border line-ups with one of these border wait apps, or indulge in orange tic-tacs at the Pacific Truck Crossing's duty-free store to legitimately jump the line and save yourself a lot of time.

2) Gas Filling up once you cross the border is a no-brainer. Gas is about 20-25% cheaper in the US, regardless of the exchange rate because the price differential is almost entirely related to gasoline taxes. So why not fill up?

3) Avenue Bread What this simple take-away or eat-in cafe lacks in decor, it makes up for in food quality. Their freshly baked bread is what they're known for, but in my humble opinion, their two most delectable dishes are Avenue Eggenues (a fresh-baked english muffin and egg breakfast sandwich, with add-ons like cheese, spinach, bacon, avocado and tomato) and the BLT&T with rosemary bread, add avocado. Where to find it: The location with the most atmosphere (pictured above) is 3 mins off the I-5 highway in historic Fairhaven (the last exit before you exit Bellingham.)

4) I Wanna Moka I have never been served coffee by friendlier, more bubbly baristas. Either they LOVE their jobs, or they're on a constant caffeine high. But seriously, this drivethru coffee bar is where it's at. And yes, their 'mokas' are good. Where to find it: Also, just off the Fairhaven exit, you won't be able to miss I Wanna Moka.

5) Optional but highly suggested: Trader Joes and/or Target. Trader Joe's, a more fun, boutique alternative to Whole Foods has everything from Two Buck Chuck ($3 bottle of bin-end wine) to fun treats, fresh flowers, great to-go salads, the best tasting sugar and salt-free peanut butter on the planet and a host of other groceries. Whether you're driving to Seattle for a flight or shopping, it's a great place to grab healthy snacks. Where to find it: The Bellingham store is just off the I-5 highway and conveniently across the street from an Avenue Bread (not the location I mentioned above).

What don't we need at Tar-jay? This weekend my husband found a great fall essential for $6, the grey waffle shirt. Need I say more? Well, I will: shopping at Target makes me wish I had a hobby/storage room to keep all the sometimes silly, but sometimes awesome seasonal stuff I find. There is no store like it in Canada. I always stock up on their allergy medication, toiletries, white platters, designer-collab clothing lines and wine (costs 50% less than in Canada). Where to find it: In Bellingham at Bellis Fair Mall, or in Marysville just off the I-5 highway.

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