Fitness Staycation, Seattle Style

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Amit Chattopadhyay

To wrap up the summer, take a healthy getaway in your own backyard!

The economic troubles have hit us all hard. However, just because your wallet is a little slimmer doesn’t mean you should turn down a vacation! Take a little bit of time off to rejuvenate — not to mention skip the expensive airfare and hotel bill — with these great stay-at-home vacation activities.

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Jackie H.

Greenlake  |  7201 E. Green Lake Dr. 

Sleep in a little bit (this is a vacation, right?) before you head to Greenlake for an invigorating stroll, run or bike ride. The 2.8 mile path around the lake is paved to help you start your morning right. If you’re ‘vacationing’ with company, the park’s tennis courts, soccer fields and grassy acreage provide the perfect stops for playing a game or catching some sun.

Portage Bay Cafe |  4130 Roosevelt Way NE  |  (206) 547-8230

Grab a tasty, nutritious brunch at Portage Bay Cafe — a meal that is completely Seattle, since all ingredients are locally-sourced and organic. Savor their house-made Italian omelette, made with fennel-spiked Italian sausage, fresh basil, asiago cheese, organic tomato and sautéed mushrooms. Then, wash it all down with mimosa made with your choice of six fresh squeezed juice options or coffee made from Fonte Coffee Roasters’ Portage Bay Blend. Brunch is served until 11 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 p.m. on weekends.

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Nicholas Boos

Gasworks Park  |  2101 N. Northlake Way

On a sunny afternoon, Gasworks Park is the perfect place to fly a kite or toss around a frisbee. Grassy knolls located throughout the park are ideal spots for a summer picnic. Grab some cheese, veggies and snacks from a grocery store for a light, refreshing afternoon snack.

Northwest Outdoor Center  |  2100 Westlake Ave N., Suite #1  |  (206) 281-9694

When you’ve digested and you’re ready to move again, head to the Northwest Outdoor Center for a kayak rental or lesson. The center offers trips as well, including a sunset tour if you prefer to enjoy summer evenings on the water.

Photo courtesy of Spaahh

Spaahh at Hotel 1000  |  1000 1st Ave.  |  (206) 957-1000

After all of that activity, rest your mind and body with a Swedish, hot stone, or deep tissue massage at Hotel 1000’s acclaimed Spaahh. Relax, breathe deep, and hydrate to refresh your body from the busy day.

Chiso Fremont  |  3520 Fremont Ave. N.  |  (206) 632-3430

Dinner is next, and sushi is the perfect complement to the day. Stop at Chiso in Fremont for one of the best sushi and sashimi hotspots in Seattle. Executive Chef Hirohiko Kirita practices the tradition of fine Japanese cuisine, featuring quality sushi and ippin (small appetizer bites). Chiso prides itself on its use of traditional fish from Japan, paired with seasonal Seattle-grown ingredients.

Photo courtesy of Flickr/Amit Chattopadhyay

Myrtle Edwards Park  |  3130 Alaskan Way

End your wellness-rich day with a stroll through Myrtle Edwards Park (the Seattle Sculpture Park). It’s an ideal location to enjoy the sunset while allowing your body to wind down from the day.

Of course, this is just one list of options. The best thing about Seattle: there are so many fun, healthy things to do, see, eat and drink that anyone can make their own fitness staycation.