We are so close to summer finally being here in the PNW! Given the pandemic and social distancing guidelines loosening up, we at Bristow's wanted to put together a summer weekend getaway for our customers. However, as you'll notice throughout this guide, we try to include primarily outdoor and socially distant activities for you and the family. Just a drive away from exploring what Washington offers in its warmer months! Let's go!
Do You Love Kites? Visit Ocean Shores
If you travel two hours West from our shop and stay on Highway 8, you might find yourself exploring Ocean Shores! While staying in the blissful and quaint town, some outdoor exploring is needed. Check out the North Jetty beach area, and you might spot some spectacular wave action from views on the beach, as well as checking out the tide pools for hidden marine life and shells. If you wanted to trade up transportation methods, try another ocean shore staple, horseback riding! Have you heard of Honey Pearl Ranch or Chenois Creek Horse Ranch to fill your day with horses and beach trails? Horseback riding offers a unique way to explore the long Pacific beaches, forests, and waterways. With a properly tuned-up vehicle, Ocean City beach access road to drive down on the sand near the waves. Roosevelt Beach is another location to drive on the beach if you're up for an adventure! Finally, Ocean Shores is known for the many kites that fly along the beaches. Make sure you pick up the proper beach toys & kites while visiting! Ocean Shores Kites is a classic family spot to grab your essentials.
Leavenworth: A Quaint Bavarian Town
Another Washington summer road trip would require a 2.5-hour drive east, mainly on highway 90. Then you will find yourself in the beautiful town of Leavenworth! This town is perhaps the closest any of us could get to the German Alps, given the pandemic! Leavenworth is a German-inspired hidden gem with endless dining, hiking, and incredible views. In the summer, the hiking and gorgeous forests are the real gems, and in the winters, the streets look picture perfect. Take your tuned-up vehicle along Icicle Creek Road's 20-mile drive, which begins high in the Cascade Mountains and connects to the Wenatchee River. This road offers beautiful views of the river and high mountain valleys on either side, as well as many scenic pullouts, hikes, and places to camp along the way. If you have more time, try the four-million-acre Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which surrounds all sides of Leavenworth. This stunning national forest offers views of rivers, mountains, and even some glacial remnants. It's only a 15 miles drive from the heart of Leavenworth to enjoy these jaw-dropping views, worth the drive! Visitors only need to drive 15 miles from town to arrive at the trailhead for the most beautiful area of the entire forest. Finally, while enjoying the German-inspired village, one must trek over to The Enchantments. This mountain range is within the Alpine Lake Wilderness and lives up to its name. One can either drive around this high-alpine paradise or if you're looking for some exercise, check out Stuart Lake Trailhead. We cannot talk about Leavenworth without giving some space to the wonderful food one will find. The classic Gingerbread Factory is a must for sweets, and check out Andreas Keller Restaurant or Gustav's Beer Garden & Grill for authentic Bavarian food.
The Emerald City Adventures
An hour north of our location will bring you to the Emerald City of Seattle. A drive from Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park is a great way to feel the city. A Seattle classic that requires you to get out of your vehicle is the Pike Place Market. When you take off to look into all the stalls and levels of this market, it will be an incredible experience for all your senses. Being surrounded by food, amazing smells, hand-crafted arts, flowers, and more is what the Pike Place market will bring you. Finally, for one of the best views of Seattle, head to Kerry Park, located on the south side of the Queen Anne Hill neighborhood. A photo from the top of this park will guarantee your postcard-perfect shot. Kerry Park captures the returning and departing ferries in Elliott Bay and the city skyline, with the Space Needle in the forefront.
Port Angeles: A PNW Summer Must
Our final suggestion to you all for a perfect weekend road trip is to tackle the city and region of Port Angeles, which is two hours northwest of our shop! The number one vehicle destination in this region would be to visit the Olympic Game Farm. This farm is an adventure taken from your vehicle that allows you to feed multiple types of animals while on a drive throughout the farm! You'll be sure to excite your kids and yourselves as you provide food for the wildlife (fair warning about the drool and saliva in your car). For more outdoor adventures, check out Marymere Falls Park. A short hike through the woods and across a creek from the Storm King Ranger Station brings you to these beautiful falls for a lovely picnic outdoor time. Another must while in Port Angeles is the salt creek recreation area. Try and aim for low tide and discover abundant marine life, including sea anemones, starfish & sea urchins. Prepare yourself and your party to descend to this recreation area on some pretty steep and rocky slopes; bring the hiking shoes!
Here at Bristow's Auto Repair, we hope at least one of these four summer road trip locations caught your eye! Wherever you go this summer, if you plan on a mini road trip, make sure you give us a call. We are here to help keep you on the road no matter what you drive so you can have a wonderful summer road trip! Make your check-up appointment with some of the most qualified auto mechanics in the Tacoma region today. We back our work with a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty. We specialize in BMW and Porsche service and repair, so you'll know that your car is in the best of hands. Please make your appointment with us today.
We look forward to seeing you soon & cheers to summer!