4 days ago
Ski and snowboard passes, a new Seattle hotel, and a lightweight pack for hiking adventures
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Pats Peak lets you secure an early-season rate on one of 10 different pass options through Aug. 18.
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THERE
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A new Seattle hotel with a luxury feel and nature-based vibe
Feel connected to nature in the middle of a bustling city at 1 Hotel Seattle, a new hotel in the South Lake Union neighborhood that's within eyeshot of the Space Needle and within walking distance of the Museum of History and Industry on Lake Union and the Pike Place Market area less than a mile away. The hotel, formerly the Pan Pacific Seattle, has an earthy yet upscale Pacific Northwest feel with wooden room keys, mossy wall murals, driftwood sculptures, a giant chandelier made of lichen in the gift shop, and live-edge tables throughout, plus numerous potted plants and a wonderful woodsy aroma in the lobby. Sit on a fur-lined chair in the lobby and enjoy locally distilled spirits from Drift, the onsite bar, and enjoy a creative fusion of Mediterranean, Spanish, and Japanese cuisine at La Loba restaurant. The hotel, part of the Starwood Hotels group, has 108 rooms and 45 suites. Each one has a tree branch-style coat rack on the wall, furnishings made from reclaimed wood, plants, a faucet with filtered water in the bathroom, and a small wooden board that explains the hotel's '1 Less Thing' program, offering guests a chance to leave behind unneeded clothing that will be donated to a local family shelter. The hotel has an outdoor patio with Space Needle views, but cozier furniture in little sitting areas overlooking a two-story mural made from moss, sticks, and leaves. The onsite gym, called the Field House, has Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio machines, but guests also get free access to sessions at DRYP Yoga Studio across the street.
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The new 1 Hotel Seattle, located in the South Lake Union neighborhood and within eyeshot of the Space Needle, has an earthy yet upscale Pacific Northwest feel.
1 Hotel Seattle
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A lightweight pack for hiking adventures
When it comes time to pack up all your favorite gear and hit the trail, consider Gregory's new Paragon (men's) or Maven (women's) lightweight backpack. One of my favorite features: The FreeFloat hipbelt, which enables the pack to fit securely at your hips yet move freely from the pack's frame for added comfort over the trail miles. The honeycombed Air-Cushion mesh back panel allows for great air flow when temps — or efforts — spike, helping to keep the pack off your back and the air circulating. Each pack has an adjustable torso and hipbelt (great for growing kids), two zippered pockets in the lid and on the hipbelt, mesh water bottle sleeves, a mesh stuff pouch up front for stashing rain gear, a whistle, and an internal pouch for your hydration bladder. It also comes with a zippered bottom compartment — offering a second access point — and color-coded side straps that make it easier to pair up straps correctly. The other top feature: An easy-access pocket on one shoulder strap with a built-in elastic bungee that's specifically designed to hold your Garmin inReach Mini or Messenger (or any small satellite communicator) — perfect for keeping it within reach but from bouncing around while you hike. The Paragon comes in 50, 60, and 70 liters (ranging from 3.3 to 3.8 pounds), while the Maven is available in 48, 58, and 68 liters (3.2 to 3.6 pounds). $239.95-$289.95.
KARI BODNARCHUK
Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at
