Gilman Village, Issaquah is a wonderful place for a short break or an afternoon. Turn-of-the-century cottages linked by wooden boardwalks lend a quaint country air to it's fine boutiques and restaurants. Cache is a favorite of mine for jewelery and fashions. A few minutes away is the home of Boehm's Swiss Candies. Their fantastic almond-dipped ice cream bars are a NW tradition.
	Snoqualmie Falls, Salish Lodge & North Bend were made famous by the mysterious and quirky "Twin Peaks" TV series. Salish Lodge is an internationally rated inn perched on the rim of Snoqualmie Falls just as the river free-falls 268 feet (110 feet higher than Niagara Falls) onto the rocks below. Salish offers spa, gourmet dining, meeting facilities and elegant lodging. My favorite pastimes are day picnics on the grounds and relaxing in front of the fire at the Attic Lounge.
	Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville was ranked best winery in the nation by Wine Country, Taster's Guild and Spirits magazines. The 87 acres of landscaped grounds surrounding this very impressive French-style chateau host casual picnics, weddings and open-air concerts. Columbia Winery is located in a classic Victorian Mansion just across the street. Nearby is Paul Thomas Winery known for their superb hand-crafted wines. Their Crimson Rhubarb wine is a picnic favorite of mine.
	Redhook Ale Brewery, Woodinville is located next to Columbia Winery. This newly opened brewhouse is a unique spot to enjoy a very popular NW sub-culture - micro-brewed beers and ales. Shouted "hellos" from overhead hot-air balloons are frequently heard by patrons relaxing on the large "beer-garden" deck overlooking the Burke Gilman Bike Trail. The huge 2-floor high brewing vessels are spectacular. The food is reasonable and Redhook's own ESP Bratwurst Sandwich is great. Children are welcome. Tours and tasings are fun.
	Downtown Kirkland is sometimes called the Sausalito of the Northwest and with good reason. Located on Lake Washington and festooned with charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, inviting cafes and art galleries; Kirkland is a favorite destination by boat or car. I enjoy the monthly "Art Walk" and "Jazz Night" evenings followed by dinner - sometimes elegant, sometimes casual - that's what makes Kirkland so much fun.
	Bellevue Square, Bellevue is my shopper's paradise. It's the premier NW shopping destination featuring over 200 retailers, large and small, including world-class names such as Nordstrom, Gucci, Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, The Gap, Banana Republic, FAO Schwartz, Dansk, Guess and Warner Bros. Studio Store to name a few. The wonderful little gift shop at the Bellevue Art Museum is one of my secret shopping spots.