You sort of roll the dice when you go to a car dealership for anything.  I have had my fair share of good and bad ones both in Atlanta and Seattle with my Saab.  I drive an older Saab 9-3 and expect to drive it until the wheels fall off (or until they release a hatchback model again) but continue to take it to a dealer for service for some reason. Hand’s down the best experience I have ever had is with Carter Saab in Ballard (they sell VW as well).  I can’t say enough about their service levels and Jim is a rock star. 

Besides, its a chance to go to Ballard which is cool little place just north of Seattle.  Its roots are as a fishing town with a big Scandinavian population and I believe Sig Hansen of the Discovery Channel ‘s Deadliest Catch (one of the most creative approaches to a documentary I have seen) is still a resident.  In fact, today (May 17) is Norwegian Independence Day and I believe there is parade later.

I am not going to re-hash all the travel advice that is out there about Seattle as there is no shortage of it, but wanted to share something that I thought you would enjoy.

A friend recommended (thanks Jessica) this quick day trip when I first moved here and I was finally able to do it yesterday with my family in town – a ferry trip to Bainbridge Island.

Bainbridge Island is a 30-40 minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle and feeds the romanticized "take a ferry to work" images that originate here.  I have several friends that live there and love it.  I’ve been on this ferry a few times as we have traveled out to the Olympic peninsula on various excursions but never stopped in town.

It’s pretty easy to do:

    1. Grab the ferry schedule here

    2. Drive on or walk on

    3. Once you get to Bainbridge Island, head to the City Center up the hilll and left at the light.

We ended up at Doc’s Marina Grill for a lunch with 6 adults and 3 children under 5 – quite a crew. They were great and accommodated our large party quickly. It sits right on the marina next to Pegasus CoffeeCafé Nola.

It’s just the right amount of time and distance to get out on the water, experience a ferry ride, and get one of the best views of the city as you come and go.
and has a great view. Another great stop is

What an absolutely amazing day here today.  There are certainly a few cloudy/rainy days in Seattle, but on days like today I wonder if there is a better place to be…