New Traditions

Sometimes the best things come from stressful events. My family learned that last year during the big “power outage 2008”. Last years power outage had us spending part of our December in one of Redmond’s hotels, and then discovering one of the best local traditions that we never knew about. This year, our family decided that our Redmond winter 2008 was so much fun that this year we should continue every aspect of that new tradition – but with a twist. We decided to try a new hotel every year. This year we checked into Redmond’s newest hotel, Hotel Sierra.

For those unfamiliar, Redmond has five great hotels that are consistently offering package promotions. No matter what time of year it is, you can find a great hotel promotion built around something perfect for you.

For our weekend at Hotel Sierra were pleased to discover that it is within an easy walk of Redmond Town Center. This was perfect as our weekend was centered on Redmond Lights, Redmond Town Center and holiday shopping.

Friday afternoon we checked into the Sierra, awed by its beauty and entranced by the promise of an indoor swim and a comforting whirlpool relaxation session later in the day. Knowing in advance that the rooms offered kitchenettes (swanky kitchenettes, at that!) we brought in snacks and cold drinks to revitalize ourselves during shopping excursions.

After dinner out at The Matador we headed back to the hotel to drop the kids off at Redmond Town Center for a movie, while hubby and I checked out the in-hotel bar and lounge. Our mellow night was rounded out by a nice long soak in the hotel’s whirlpool by the indoor pool.

After a delightful and filling continental breakfast (one of the Sierra's perks), the family and I headed over to Redmond Town Center to kick off our holiday shopping. We all split up, promising to meet back at the Desert Fire restaurant for lunch. If you have not been to Redmond Town Center before, let me fill you in on this jewel in the Eastside’s crown. There are more shops here than you can possibly go through in one day. From chic house wares stores to cute boutique clothing shops and beyond, there were stores here that suited everyone on my shopping list (and even a few that suited...well, me). I could have easily shopped all day long, but knowing that Redmond Lights started at 3pm, I needed to get my loot back to the hotel and meet the family for lunch.

Desert Fire is a good choice for a local lunch. It’s consistently good food, great portions, helpful staff – and lucky for us, in Redmond Town Center. Knowing we didn’t want to stray too far from the action that was promised that afternoon, we were comfortably fed at lunch, and went back to the hotel to rest a while.

By 3pm, we were ready to get to Redmond Lights. Even though we’d been last year, we were still awed by the sheer number of people that turn out for this local event. There is an amazing amount of things to do, see and hear at Redmond Lights. From the local bands playing, the arts/crafts, to the carolers, the entire experience leaves you in amazing sprits. Although all of us in my family usually want to go different things at the same time, we can all agree on a few areas. For instance, the lighted walk along the Sammamish River trail is both relaxing and energizing, and something we love to do together as a family. The quiet solitude of the lights is beautifully offset by the uplifting spirit of the music. Moreover, if the beauty of the scenery doesn’t astound you the cool night air will. But even the cold is the perfect compliment to the event. It really feels like the beginning of the winter season.

As usual, we wrapped up our night with a big late dinner out at Pomegranate Bistro – a family favorite and headed back to the hotel for another dip in the pool and nightcap in the lounge. Once our Redmond weekend is over, we really feel like we can jump into the winter season – decorating, sending out holiday cards, and planning parties. But our weekend in Redmond will always be the beginning of our holiday season, and we owe this newfound tradition to a power outage.

It's been almost a week since we stayed at the Sierra and enjoyed the music and memories of Redmond Lights together. And although I'm already starting to feel the stresses of this winter season lie heavily on my calendar, all I have to do is close my eyes and I can feel the whirpool at the hotel and see the luminaries of the river walk and remind myself that next years Redmond Lights is only 357 days away.

The Perfect Family Easter Event - Eggstravaganza

For those of you who might be in Redmond this Saturday, April 11th, here's an Easter event to check out: The 13th annual Eggstravaganza at the Redmond Senior Center.

This event is so much fun. Kicking off your day with a pancake feed with a group of supercharged kids is always a blast. All of the kids are keyed up for the egg hunt, which starts at 10am, and the adults (or as I like to call them, “Super Tall Kids”) are equally as excited. I know I usually have to hold myself back from joining the hunt, and I can see myself on every parents face. It’s events like this that bring back such incredible memories from childhood. Seeing the kids really get into all the arts and crafts, face painting, and discovering that there really is an Easter Bunny makes dealing with the inevitable sugar high well worth it.

The Redmond "Eggstravaganza" really knows how to put on a great event fit for the entire family. They provide a pancake feed at 8am and 10am, which makes it easy for just about everyone to get there, eat great food, and participate in all the fun. Even better, this event is completely affordable with prices a staggeringly cheap $5 to $7 – and that includes breakfast! And it’s totally worth the extra $3 donation to make the memories last longer to get a photo of your child with the Easter Bunny.

You’ll definitely see me there this Saturday. Just watch for the syrup covered, face painted Mom who looks like she wants to find some eggs of her own.

Spring Is Around The Corner

Is that the Sun? A Pacific Northwest morning arrives crisp and clean with brilliant blue skies overhead and the promises of spring underfoot. The sun is a welcome sight after four months of snow, snow, rain, snow, wind, snow and more snow. I find myself already making plans to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather ahead.

While these plans invariably include weeding and mulching lonely flowerbeds, trimming rose bushes, and shopping for new garden gnomes, my plans always include breaking out my outdoor gear. In fact, I spent this morning tuning up my bicycle to include new tires, brake and shift cables, and installing new reflectors. Given the brief window of opportunity the weather affords during this season of intermittent weather I need to be ready to hit the trails at a moments notice.

What better place to grab those moments than in Redmond? One of my favorite relaxed rides is the Sammamish River Trail. It follows the Sammamish River from Marymoor Park to Woodinville, making it an almost 20 mile round trip. The views from the trail are spectacular and varied, including the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, majestic Mount Rainier, and of course the breathtaking Sammamish Valley. The trail gets a lot of use, which is part of the fun; bicyclists, skaters, walkers, joggers, and even the occasional horse and rider all share the same path.

With all that to offer, it’s the short “off-trail” excursions that make this trail an absolute local favorite, including both the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery and the Redhook Brewery. Easing onto the Bear Creek Trail just north of Marymoor, I can satisfy my well-earned hunger at one of Redmond Town Center’s many eateries, or grab a new book and slow down the pace for a while with a coffee and good story.

Another great destination is the Redmond Puget Power Trail, which is just over three miles long and leads to Farrel McWhirter Park. The park is a great jumping off point for the Watershed Preserve Trails where I stop and take in the splendor of the lilies in Beaver Pond. The Watershed Preserve Trails are a system of multi-use trails that include an ADA accessible boardwalk known as Tree Frog Loop.

On more adventurous days I’ve taken the Sammamish River Trail north to Blyth Park in Bothell to ride the Burke-Gilman Trail. It’s easy to lose myself on this wide and winding path as I cruise through Seattle neighborhoods with the rare street crossing to slow my momentum. On more than one occasion I’ve ended up in downtown Seattle, phone in hand, trying to find a friend willing to make the drive to Gasworks Park for a late lunch and a lift home.

Though I am a native of Redmond, every year I find new areas of my own backyard to discover and treasure. The trail system in Redmond is a great starting point for local adventure. With the days getting longer and the temperature rising it won’t be long before I’m back on two wheels exploring the great Pacific Northwest. Perhaps we’ll meet on the trails.

Valentines Day in Redmond...

I always look forward to Valentines Day. It’s one of the few days of the year that my family knows we can take a big break from everything in our schedule and just spend time alone together. Our family has certain traditions we always follow, from the heart shaped waffles for breakfast, to waking up to roses in the master bed room. However, like many other married couples, it is Valentine’s night that we always look forward to most. I love finding new events every year and keeping them secret until just before the big day. Part of the joy in Valentine’s Day is showing your loved one that you’ve really thought about them and spending time with them in a special and unusual way.

When planning our Valentine’s I always keep my eye open for things that I know will make my spouse happy, and this year I think I’ve really hit the jackpot. There’s so much to choose from in Redmond that I am having a difficult time making a final decision. I’ve also found events and activities for the whole family, a few friends, and my brother and his daughter.

Perhaps you’d like to dazzle your loved one with a weekend spent snuggled up in an elegant room with wine, chocolates, a bubble bath, and other romantic delights. If so, check out two of the current packages at The Redmond Inn, one of Redmond’s premier hotels. The “Wine Lover’s” package includes a one-night stay in a Superior King guest room, an assortment of exquisite chocolates, and a bottle of Deep Merlot or Crisp Chardonnay from the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Or upgrade to the “Deluxe Wine Lovers” package. In addition to everything in the Wine Lover’s Package, you’ll also receive two 30 minute Serenity Massages, and a 20 minute Wine Bath soak for two at Spa Agio.

Also from The Redmond Inn is a package devoted to your comfort and wellness. Check out the “Here’s To Health” package, including a one night stay in a superior king guest room, a bevy of healthful snacks and beverages as a gift upon check in, and a full day pass to Golds Gym with full access to everything that strengthens both your mind and your body.

If you don't have a date for Valentine's Day, there is no need to spend the evening alone with the TV remote and a pint of ice cream. Hey all you single ladies…check out The Redmond Inn’s “Girlfriends Getaway which includes a one night stay in a standard guest room, and a full hour of relaxation at Spa Agio consisting of two 30 minute Serenity Massages and two 30 minute Fast Facials. Also receive a booklet of $1500 savings from the Redmond Town Center. What better way to celebrate your than with your girlfriends?

To take advantage of one of these special packages from The Redmond Inn, make your reservations online and surprise the one you love. Just click on Redmond Inn link right on the ExperienceRedmond.com home page. Redmond’s hotels vary in price and style and you’ll be sure to find a location to suit both your needs and your budgets.

Want even more ideas to celebrate with your loved one in style and comfort? Check out the “Lights, Camera, Action” package at the Redmond Marriott Town Center. This package includes: Overnight weekend accommodations, two premium passes to Gold Glass Cinemas and a Complimentary desert for two. Gold Glass Cinemas is the newest theatre in Redmond and offers an elaborate way to enjoy the movies with a luxurious lounge, intimate seating, personalized service, fine wine and gourmet dining, state-of-the-art technology, stunning sound and superwide screens. Prices vary based on room choice.

Want to spend Valentines Day shopping? You can with the “Retail Therapy” package from Redmond Marriott Town Center. Balance recreation and relaxation in the heart of Seattle's wine country. Start with a $100 gift card and 11 percent discount at Macy's and add a relaxing weekend stay at Marriott! Make your reservations soon as these rooms won’t last long. Just click on the Redmond Marriot Town Center logo on the home page of ExperienceRedmond.com.

Whether you’re a single, a couple, or a large group, head over to Chateau St. Michelle Winery on February 13th or 14th for a special evening with the winery’s Culinary Director, John Sarich. The culinary team will create a menu for the romantic in all of us. Space is very limited, and tickets are only $115 per person. Spend the night at a fabulous Redmond hotel and the Mr. or Mrs. in your life is sure to remember how you made V-Day 2009 spectacular for them.

It's never too early to introduce kids to the fun of Valentine's Day. The Father/Daughter dance, brought to you by The Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center has planned an enchanted evening of dancing, music, crafts and refreshments. For girls ages 3-12 and their father, father figure, uncle, grandfather. What little girl wouldn’t want to be treated like a princess on Valentine’s Day and be swept off of her feet by the first “knight in shining armor of in her life”? This inexpensive event costs only $25 per “father”/daughter and pre-registration is required. Just ask for event #27278. For event details log on to Experience Redmond dot com.

This Valentine’s Day when you’re spending time with your loved one experience all that Redmond has to offer on this special day. There’s so much to explore in and around Redmond both day and night that you’ll be asking yourself “What’s NOT to love about Redmond”? For more great date night ideas for Valentines Day, or for fun and interesting events for any other day or night of the year, check out ExperienceRedmond.com’s event calendar. Enjoy nearby wineries, dining for every taste and first-class lodging. Experience everything Redmond has to offer.

Start your exploration at Experience Redmond.com.