There is nothing like a good Seattle staycation to remind you of some perks of playing tourist in your own town — and region. Whether you’re dreaming up fall adventures to PNW havens or thinking about places farther afoot, we thought we’d share some recent discoveries making life on the go even sweeter.

LOGISTICALLY SPEAKING

We’re thrilled to learn of some new routes that have been coming to Sea-Tac as of late, like Edelweiss’ summertime flights from Seattle to Zurich, Switzerland, and Alaska’s Air recent expansion of flights to Tokyo — and to London and Reykjavik launching next spring. Cathay Pacific also announced the return of its non-stop flights to Seattle starting March 30, 2026, with five non-stop return flights per week (and special fares on offer until October 22).

And of course we’re always a fan of Alaska lounge time, as an ideal way to get pampered and grounded before taking off from Seattle soil. Our favorite at Sea-Tac is the flagship lounge located near the N gates; tour the expansive space and its killer views here. (Be sure to also check out a recent Alaska lounge addition at SFO, plus recent enhancements in Anchorage and a brand-new lounge coming to PDX in Spring 2026.) Single-entry lounge passes cost $65 USD per person (depending on space available), or you can purchase a membership here.

Fans of Alaska will also appreciate learning about their new joint loyalty program with Hawaiian Airlines, Atmos™ Rewards, creating buzz for offering more ways to earn and redeem across a global network.

This fall, Delta-Seahawks hybrid fans will appreciate checking out Delta’s 12Status program, too.

A SERENE SEATTLE HOMEBASE

If seeking the most soothing oasis for your next Seattle staycation, we can wholeheartedly recommend 1 Hotel Seattle as a delightful place to land. Located just a short walk to downtown and to SLU treasures both old (MOHAI) and new (The Cove wine bar, with coveted lakeside views), this sustainably-minded, luxury-focused hotel instantly pulls you in.

Inside their serene sanctuary of creams and beiges, you’ll find reclaimed wood finishes, stone-clad millwork, 1,200-plus living plants cared for by a team of diligent “plant whisperers,” moss-inspired art (check out the lobby’s fantastic living wall!) and gorgeous furniture showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans. The hotel will soon be LEED Silver Certified, and it’s immediately clear upon arrival that the designers have been intentional with every last amenity and decorative touch.

Chill in front of the lobby’s meditative fireplace, peruse local goods in the open-air retail shop, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the dreamiest patio at Drift. When dinnertime rolls around, dive into Spanish-inspired dishes at La Loba, which Chef Oscar Amador describes as a “high-energy, elegant space where nature plays a central role.” He says the menu reflects that same spirit, with seasonally-drive culinary offerings — rooted in Spanish tradition — that are “playful, soulful and meant to be shared.”

On October 31, The Sacred Supper, a one-night-only La Loba tasting menu ($95, buy tickets here) from Chef Amador ushers in an enchanting evening of seasonal flavors, signature cocktails and spirited celebration.

What’s more: The hotel regularly supports non-profit partners through charitable events, happily provides a stage for blossoming local talent and uses their platform to “raise awareness and ignite positive change” with community events and other gatherings. Not only is the venue aesthetically stunning, but it also brings joy knowing they’re “committed to honoring and uplifting the planet, people and culture in the places we call home.”

We enjoyed perks like guest room keys allowing for complimentary classes at DRYP Yoga Studio, located right across the street, and other on-site wellness programming that rotates with the season. Look out for packages like a recent wellness offering that gave guests the option to try out HigherDOSE equipment (including a sauna blanket and red light face mask), as well as a Liquid I.V. amenity. With this particular offer, guests also received discounts on their hotel stay and a floating sauna session on Lake Union.

GEAR + GOODIES

If you’re like us, this time of year’s “back-to-the-grind” vibes may be inspiring a refresh in home spaces, too. Sometimes, it’s simply time to thank and toss ragged luggage that has accompanied you on many adventures near and far. If looking for a spacious, weather-proof tote (pictured above) for all your picnicking and day-tripping needs, we enthusiastically recommend gear by local PNW company Portland Gear.

Their newest release, the Cascade Tote, was inspired by customer requests for a one-strap version of their (also wonderful) Cascade Backpack. The sleek and streamlined bag features weatherproof protection and a structured, easy-access opening. (Among other features, we’re loving the padded laptop sleeve and a sturdy design that helps it stand upright.) For more distant destinations, the tote fits snugly under airplane seats, too.

If on the hunt for new vessels with which to fill up on airport water or ferry coffee, check out new offerings from Seattle-based, reusable drinkware company MiiR, as they celebrate “15 years of design, community, coffee culture and collaborations.” Their sleek and functional camp cups and bottles now come in “Party Collection” colors like Party Speckle and Jubilee Pink. Or, perhaps you’ll be drawn toward useful gadgets they’ve created over the years like The Pourigami and Hand Grinder, ideal for making fresh java on the go.

FOOD + DRINKS ALONG THE WAY

We’re always a fan of toting along local road snacks whenever possible. Luckily for us, our favorite women-owned charcuterie brand Coro Foods just teamed up with Dalkin&Co for their first collaborative flavor— chimichurri salami. It’s available in piccolo sticks and also in a gift box alongside two of other favorite Coro flavors, Classic and super spicy Hot Sopressata. Dalkin&Co owners Gaby Dalkin and husband Thomas Dawson have a strong Seattle connection, plus it’s a great way to support a collaboration of female entrepreneurs who continue to crush it in the culinary world.

And for those picking up goods for a cabin weekend away, we’ve just learned that delicious offerings from James Beard Award-winning Los Hernandez Tamales — a Yakima Valley staple since opening in 1990 — are now available at Pasta & Co. The two brands recently partnered to offer the traditional chicken and the seasonal asparagus tamales at both the University Village and Bellevue locations. (They can be purchased frozen in half-dozen packages to be cooked later at home.)

Los Hernandez Tamales is anchored around family recipes and Latino traditions, while using regional ingredients and supporting local agriculture. Each tamale has been hand-crafted with scratch-made masa from corn that’s milled in-house, and the filling is made using high-quality ingredients like savory pork, tender chicken, or seasonal asparagus and pepper jack cheese.

If wanting to pick up ready-to-eat-or-heat foods from Seattle or Bellevue before hitting the road, Pasta & Co stores prove another great resource. Think fresh appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts, along with a line of frozen foods like ready-to-bake pizzas and cookie doughs, as well as their popular lasagna.

In the beverage department, we’re continuing to enjoy new-to-us discoveries like The Walls Stanley Groovy wines (from Red Mountain appellation), ideal for autumnal dinner parties and adventures. We’re also curious about innovative Schilling Cider flavors like Excelsior Imperial Mango, which we learned is the country’s only Climate Neutral fruited cider. It joins Schilling’s flagship Imperial Apple, the only Climate Neutral in the entire cider category.

As a bonus, October happens to be National Cider Month, a six-year-old movement led by Schilling Cider that’s now become a beloved tradition near and far (even spanning into Canada for the first time). What began as a passion project has evolved into more than 175 events and tastings throughout the month. Schilling also has a brand-new flavor — Excelsior Imperial Hyper-Dry cider, and seasonal fan-favorite Chaider now comes in a glow-in-the-dark can.

Since we’re officially delving into cozy season, we’ve rounded up yet more PNW wines recently brought onto our radar — like a lesser-known collection from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. (All wines below — described by the producers themselves — are available online and can be shipped within the contiguous U.S.) We’ve really been enjoying sipping these flavors of the Northwest, and we hope you will too!

Abbey Road Farm 2022 Estate Trousseau

“Willamette Valley Trousseau noir offers all the complexity and food friendliness of its frequent blending partner, Pinot Noir, but single varietal expressions like this one from Abbey Road Farm highlight Trousseau’s fragrantly red-fruited, yet rustic character. Trousseau first appeared in the Willamette Valley in the late 1990s and is still considered a rarity in the region.

Abbey Road Farm stewards just one acre of estate Trousseau noir vines and winemaker Blair Trathen crafts one single varietal bottling each vintage. The 2022 edition surprises with aromas of ripe strawberries and rose hips but delivers a spicy and earthy palate that will lend itself beautifully to fall food pairings and holiday fare.”

Nicolas-Jay 2023 L’Alliance (a three-barrel blend of estate Chardonnay and Pinot Gris)

“A wine of ever-increasing popularity, L’Alliance is a three-barrel blend of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay from Nicolas-Jay’s estate vineyard, Bishop Creek, in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA of the Willamette Valley. A tiny block (0.15 acres) of old-vine Pinot Gris that was planted in 1995 generates enough wine each vintage to fill just 1 barrel. Executive winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo then selects two Chardonnay barrels from the high-elevation, upper-bench of the estate to create this small-production cuvée. The result is a Willamette Valley Blanc that is aromatic, fruitful and truly delicious.”

“An exceptionally rare bottling from a serious Pinot Noir domaine, L’Alliance shows off Nicolas-Jay’s lighter side and is a welcome counterpoint to heavier fall dishes!”

Remy Wines 2022 Sangiovese

“Remy Wines produces Italian varietal wines in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from their estate vineyard and from sustainable vineyards in Oregon and Washington. The Sangiovese is sourced from Kiona Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington. A gorgeous expression of the grape, this Sangiovese shows strawberry preserves on the nose, and is big and juicy with a minerality that balances well with your entire Thanksgiving feast.”

GC Wines 2023 Convivial Barbera

“The Convivial series is a GC Wines project to produce wines that are fresh, energetic, full of fruit, and perfect for your dinner table! The Barbera is sourced from Waving Tree Vineyard, vines planted in Washington right on the banks of the Columbia River. The constant winds and long hours of sunlight balance to produce a ripe, intense Barbera.

This Barbera is made with a carbonic fermentation for the first 10 days, then the fermenter is open and winemaker John jumps in to break up the skins. A semi-carbonic fermentation continues for a few more days to extract more color, and then the wine is aged for 5 months in neutral oak before bottling. A balanced red with well-integrated tannins that will pair just as well with cornbread and turkey as it does with chocolate pies.”

Montinore Estate 2022 Almost Dry Riesling

“This Riesling from the Tualatin Hills is a gorgeous balance of acidity and residual sugar, boasting full fruit flavors and a delectable body. A vibrant bouquet of lemon and pear mingle with more subtle aromas of baked goods, allspice and honeydew melon. A full white wine that can be drunk alone on cool fall evenings, it will also serve as a refreshing pairing for a cheeseplate, dessert, or with roast vegetables.

Montinore Estate is Demeter Certified Biodynamic in the vineyard and winery. One of the first wineries to attain certification in Oregon, they have been leaders in the industry for over two decades. While they produce Pinot Noir, the winery’s focus has always been on less-common whites, including Riesling, Gewürtztraminer, and Müller-Thurgau.”