August 9–16, 2025 — Arlington, Washington
Saturday morning started before the sun—2:30 a.m. early. I woke up, got ready, and Christie, being the wonderful wife she is, was up right alongside me. By 3:45 a.m., we were at Hartsfield International Airport for my 6:30 flight. After making it through TSA, I settled in at the gate until boarding began at 5:50. At 6:21 a.m., the plane rolled down the runway, lifting off for Seattle.
After a 4-hour, 57-minute flight, I landed. Emily was there waiting, and our first stop was Pike Place Market—a must-visit in Seattle. Between the famous Gum Wall, the flying fish at Pike Place Fish Market, and lunch at Ben Paris, it was a perfect start. Later, we strolled through the Arlington Farmers Market and even popped into Arlington Hardware & Lumber. Arlington felt like a Hallmark movie set. Back at Emily’s, we put on Happy Gilmore 2—though we didn’t make it far before dozing off. That evening, after a Walmart run, we honored Jon Hyatt with dinner at Denny’s. Back at Emily’s, we wound down with TV before calling it a night.
Sunday
We started the morning with church at LifeWay in Arlington, held in what used to be the Olympic Theater. The sermon, titled “Jesus Problems,” hit home, with the pastor joking about the heat like a Southern Baptist preacher—a line I could relate to. Afterward, Emily, her roommate Jo, and I had lunch at the Stilly Diner, a place filled with vintage photos of downtown Arlington. I ordered a club sandwich, of course.
That afternoon, we took Benny, my granddog, for a hike along the Centennial Trail, walking from Emily’s apartment to downtown Arlington. People stopped us to pet Benny, and after two and a half hours, we headed back. Later, after a Walmart run for ingredients, Emily and I cooked chicken parmesan and stayed up until midnight just talking. A simple evening, but one of the best.
Monday
Despite wanting to sleep in, I was up at 5, Emily by 7. We eased into the day with an episode of Big Brother, then headed for Seattle. Our main stop: the Space Needle. After wandering the gift shop, we took the elevator up for breathtaking views—Mount Rainier, the skyline, even the Grey’s Anatomy hospital. The rotating glass floor on the lower deck was surreal.
Lunch was at The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass—wagyu sliders hit the spot. Then it was back to Pike Place for flowers, a visit to the Gum Wall, and finally, iced coffees from the original Starbucks.
Tuesday
The morning started with Starbucks—pup cup for Benny, coffee for Emily and me. We planned an easy day, exploring Arlington. I picked up a giant chocolate chip M&M cookie and dirty soda at Hammond Bread Company. At Arlington Pickers, I tried their stress-relief game: $1 to smash a glass against a wall. Oddly satisfying.
Wednesday
We set out for Mount Baker, stopping first in Burlington for my first-ever Carl’s Jr. At Artist Point, 5,100 feet up and 55°F, snow still dotted the trail. Emily and I hiked 3.2 miles, making TikToks along the way. Two hours later, we descended, stopping at Nooksack Falls before heading back.
Later that night, I cooked schnitzel for the girls. With Emily’s help, we made schnitzel, broccoli, and corn. After dinner, we sat up swapping stories until about midnight—a perfect way to end the day.
Thursday
A slower day. We started with brunch at the Stilly Diner, then took a short trip down the road from Emily’s apartment. After doing a little research, Emily found the Outback Kangaroo Farm, where we got to feed kangaroos, emus, and alpacas. That evening, we had dinner at Nutty’s Junkyard Grill—a quirky burger joint filled with automotive memorabilia.
Friday
Rain finally found us—classic Washington weather. We drove to Deception Pass on Whidbey Island and hiked 1.5 miles on Goose Rock Trail. Even in the rain, the views were incredible. Afterward, Emily showed me
where she works on Whidbey Island Naval Station. That evening, we had hibachi in Burlington and closed the night with Kevin Hart’s Lift.
where she works on Whidbey Island Naval Station. That evening, we had hibachi in Burlington and closed the night with Kevin Hart’s Lift.
Saturday
Departure day. Bags packed, we squeezed in a last stop at Arlington Hardware and one more club sandwich at Stilly Diner. My nerves got the better of me—I could only eat half.
Before heading to the airport, we figured out how to transfer my tickets for the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire. Emily and I went Saturday, where she enjoyed the sights and I got to see Jacques Ze Whipper perform.
Back in Arlington, we took one last walk with Benny. With the air show flying overhead, we wandered to the airport, reminiscing about the week. Eventually, the drive south to Seattle came, and with it, goodbye. Emily hugged me tight before I headed into the terminal.
This trip was one of the best week of my life—definitely my best with Emily. The memories we made will stick with me, and I can’t wait to return, next time with Christie by my side to share it all.
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