Exploring Washington State

Unlock Europe's Hidden Trails with Cassandra Overby

Cassandra Overby, author of "Home Base Hiking Europe," shares her journey from a business student to a writer inspired by her extensive travels. Rediscovering travel through hiking and connecting with locals, she found it more fulfilling than traditional sightseeing. Her European travels were extended thanks to remote work opportunities, showcasing technology's flexibility. This experience inspired her book on hiking-based European travel, emphasizing safety and navigation using GPX tracks. She also discusses practical aspects like comfortable footwear and the challenges of hiking with young children, leading to home-based hiking adaptations in Europe.Cassandra recounts an accidental European tour with her 14-month-old daughter, which sparked the idea for day hikes between Austrian towns and writing a guide for foot exploration enthusiasts. Her family spent three months in Europe hiking and finalizing routes for the book, which was completed over five months due to parenting responsibilities. The text highlights Austria's Wachau Valley as a family-friendly destination and promotes walking-based travel as budget-friendly. It also mentions affordable travel options from Seattle to Europe. It offers tips on exploring destinations from a hiker's perspective, including coffee experiences and enjoying German cuisine, particularly in Bavaria.Cassandra collaborated with Rick Steves on hiking in Europe, who became her mentor and wrote the foreword for her book. Her book is available in stores and online, with plans for more European hiking guides. They run a website for planning hiking itineraries and offer travel consultations. Cassandra enjoys hiking in Snohomish, Washington, with her family and group, engaging in local activities like mini-golf, and recommending dining spots. She prefers pie over cake and cherishes exploring natural beauty while appreciating familiar places anew.Connect With Cassandra🥾 Visit Cassandra's Website🐑 Follow Cassandra on FacebookConnect With Us📬 Subscribe To The Newsletter🐑 Follow Us On Facebook📷 Check Us Out On Instagram📽️ Join Us On YouTube🐤 Connect on Twitter🌲 Visit Our WebsiteHelp Us Out🟢 Leave Us a Rating on Spotify💜 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts🤝 Introduce Us to a Potential Guest

Small Town, Big Dreams: Jesse Baker on Expanding JET Hospitality's Unique Retreats

Since our last conversation, Jesse's been hard at work restoring unique properties across Washington and beyond, bringing a mix of rustic charm and modern convenience to places you might never expect. From fixing up a yacht that doubles as an office to building bridges—literally—at his Pacific Dunes property, Jesse shares how he's redefining what hospitality can look like.To kick things off, Jesse updates us on his famous yacht, which he uses as a floating office. After a complete restoration, it's still going strong, and I even took a trip to Poulsboo for some relaxation. As Jesse says, it's a labor of love—a new engine, a rebuilt transom, and the whole deal. It's clear that for him, hospitality isn't just about running hotels or lodges. It's about creating experiences; sometimes, that means turning a boat into your workspace!What's Happening at Pacific Dunes?Scott's questions about Jesse's Pacific Dunes property, and Jesse is more than happy to give us the scoop. They've been adding to the "vintage vibe" of the place with a new coffee shop, a gift shop, and even a beer garden. Plus, there's that bridge Scott had to ask about. It's not just a metaphor—Jesse and his team really built a bridge to give guests easy access to the beachfront. Instead of a long walk, it's a quick 5-minute stroll to get your toes in the sand.Details like these make Pacific Dunes more than just a place to stay. Jesse's vision for the property is all about offering guests more than just a room—it's about giving them an unforgettable experience. Whether sipping coffee at the new shop or enjoying a local beer in the garden, it's clear that Pacific Dunes is becoming a destination in its own right.The Rise of Tiny Homes and GlampingBut it's not just about yachts and bridges. Jesse's been hard at work expanding the accommodations at Pacific Dunes, too. They've added tiny homes, glamping tents, and more RV stalls, making it the perfect spot for group events like weddings. And it's not just about sleeping under the stars—guests can rent out an entire "glamping village," combining the best of both worlds: the comfort of private lodging with the charm of an outdoor adventure.Growing Beyond Washington StateHearing about JET Hospitality's growth is one of the most exciting parts of the conversation. Jesse shares that they've expanded beyond Washington into states like Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho, with 10 locations across five states. But don't worry, Washington State still holds a special place in Jesse's heart, and he hints that there are always new projects on the horizon in the Evergreen State.Jesse's passion for restoring and revitalizing old properties is contagious. Whether he's turning a forgotten motor inn into a boutique roadside stop or transforming a historic haunted hotel in Wyoming, he's all about preserving history while giving it a modern twist. His latest purchase, the Virginian Hotel, comes with a rich history—and a few friendly ghosts, according to Jesse!What's Next for JET Hospitality?So, what's next for Jesse and his team? Plenty. JET Hospitality is diving into new territory with its "motor inn" concept, refreshing old roadside motels and adding modern touches like electric vehicle charging stations and on-site coffee trucks. The idea is to compete with major hotel brands while offering something that feels more personal and unique. Jesse says they're not afraid to tackle projects others might shy away from, making JET Hospitality's portfolio so exciting.Connect With Jet Hospitality 🏚️ Visit their Website📸 Follow on Instagram🔗 Check Jet Hospitality on LinkedIn🐑 Find them on FacebookConnect With Us📬 Subscribe To The Newsletter🐑 Follow Us On Facebook📷 Check Us Out On Instagram📽️ Join Us On YouTube🐤 Connect on Twitter🌲 Visit Our WebsiteHelp Us Out🟢 Leave Us a Rating on Spotify💜 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts🤝 Introduce Us to a Potential Guest

Exploring Washington’s Autumn: Photography, Adventure, and Life on a Boat with Lisa Mize

Exploring Washington: Autumn Photography, Iconic Landscapes, and Life on a BoatWashington State is a photographer's paradise, offering a rich diversity of landscapes—from the North Cascades to the waters of Puget Sound. Photographer Lisa Mize captures this beauty while living full-time on a boat. In a recent Exploring Washington State Podcast episode, Lisa shared her photography journey and unique lifestyle.From Film to DigitalLisa's passion for photography began with family photos during the "film days," capturing memories of her children. As she started hiking Washington's trails, her focus shifted to landscapes. She transitioned from film to digital with a Pentax camera, later embracing Nikon's mirrorless cameras for their efficiency and advanced features. Despite her professional gear, Lisa often uses her iPhone, saying, "The camera you have with you is better than no camera."Capturing Autumn in WashingtonAutumn is Lisa's favorite season for photography, and her work has been featured on Explore Washington State. Lisa captures stunning fall road trip scenes from Mount Baker's Artist Point to the North Cascades Highway. One standout shot is of a Japanese maple tree at Kubota Garden, a photo that has captivated her audience. Her secret? Patience, persistence, and finding the right light.Sharing KnowledgeLisa is passionate about teaching others, offering workshops that take photographers to some of Washington's most scenic spots. Her workshops focus on helping participants find their unique compositions. She emphasizes that great shots take time and practice. Only two out of 30 photos of the Kubota Garden tree stood out as exceptional. Her advice for beginners: Don't be discouraged by the numbers.Life on a BoatLisa has lived on a 42-foot powerboat in Puget Sound for the past four years. While boat life presents challenges like cold winters and small hot water tanks, the breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and sunsets make it worthwhile. Lisa cherishes her lifestyle, which complements her passion for capturing Washington's natural beauty.Looking ForwardAs Lisa continues to explore and photograph Washington's landscapes, she remains dedicated to sharing her experiences through her workshops and personal work. Her advice? "Just go and see." Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a seasoned traveler, Washington's beauty awaits you.With her camera and adventurous spirit, Lisa reminds us to appreciate the beauty around us—whether on a hike through the Cascades or from the deck of a boat in Puget Sound.Connect With Lisa📸 Visit Lisa Mize Photography🐑 Follow Lisa on Facebook🎥 Check out Lisa's photography on InstagramConnect With Us📬 Subscribe To The Newsletter🐑 Follow Us On Facebook📷 Check Us Out On Instagram📽️ Join Us On YouTube🐤 Connect on Twitter🌲 Visit Our WebsiteHelp Us Out🟢 Leave Us a Rating on Spotify💜 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts🤝 Introduce Us to a Potential Guest

Explore the Richness of Island-Inspired Coffee: An Interview with Chris Baldwin

Meet Chris Baldwin: A Blend of Art and CoffeeOur guest, Chris Baldwin, is a true craftsman. As a designer and artist by profession, Chris has always had a passion for branding, commercial art, and graphic design. His journey led him to Whidbey Island, where he combined his love of coffee with his background in design and marketing to create Island Time Coffee.Island Time Coffee: A Brand Born from PassionChris's love for coffee and design naturally led to the founding of Island Time Coffee on Whidbey Island. He explained the brand concept through a Venn diagram, showcasing what makes his coffee unique—from its intense blends to the island lifestyle it represents.Launching Island Time CoffeeLaunching a new brand during a pandemic comes with its set of challenges. Chris faced significant supply chain issues, with costs skyrocketing shortly after his product hit the market. However, he adapted by scaling back and focusing on growing the business organically.Island Time Coffee's Growing ReachAs of September 2024, Island Time Coffee has expanded to about 40 retail locations, particularly thriving in small, privately owned boutique stores. Recently doubling his footprint, Chris anticipates solid growth in these new stores over the next year.Future Plans and Brand StrategyChris plans to maintain the brand's purposeful nature, focusing on the Greater Seattle and Puget Sound region and potentially expanding to the San Juan Islands. He stressed the importance of remaining true to the island lifestyle that defines Island Time Coffee.Fun with Art Cars and Whidbey Island ActivitiesAside from coffee, Chris indulged in artistic endeavors through art cars during his time in Seattle. These cars, covered in toys and artistic materials, were a hit at events like the Fremont Fair. Even though he faced challenges with ferry inspections, the experience added a unique twist to his journey.Community Involvement and Orca NetworkChris is passionate about giving back to the community. He collaborates with Orca Network, a nonprofit focused on whale awareness. By donating a portion of his coffee sales and using authentic whale photos, Chris combines his business with meaningful contributions to local causes.If you enjoy coffee I know you will LOVE Island Time Coffee Thanks for listening to the episode.Connect With Chris and Island Time Coffee🐑 Follow Island Time Coffee on Facebook☕️ Visit Island Time Coffee's Website📸 Check Island Time out on InstagramConnect With Us📬 Subscribe To The Newsletter🐑 Follow Us On Facebook📷 Check Us Out On Instagram📽️ Join Us On YouTube🐤 Connect on Twitter🌲 Visit Our WebsiteHelp Us Out🟢 Leave Us a Rating on Spotify💜 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts🤝 Introduce Us to a Potential Guest

Discover the Story of 'Seattle Samurai': Kelly Goto’s Tribute to History

Meet Kelly GotoKelly Goto is a trailblazing American entrepreneur renowned for her user experience design and contextual research. Kelly began using .ethnography, where she was among the first to delve into this innovative approach, reshaping how we understand and improve user interactions. That is not why she is our guest. 😉Introducing Seattle Samurai: A Book Project Honoring a Creative LegacyThe centerpiece of Kelly's current endeavors is her book project, "Seattle Samurai," which pays tribute to her father's cartoon career. Kelly has meticulously curated and presented her father's cartoons, aiming to create a comprehensive narrative despite the challenges. The beautifully designed book embodies honor and respect, core themes of the Bushido code, and is a testament to her father's artistic contributions.Trials and Triumphs: The Creative Process Behind "Seattle Samurai"Creating "Seattle Samurai" was no small feat. Kelly spent countless hours refining the book, facing significant setbacks and sleepless nights. An epiphany about organizing the book around the character Samurai Shigeru and the Bushido code helped her overcome creative blocks. With support from Chin Music Press and dedicated editorial team members, Kelly ensured the book honored her father's legacy while adhering to historical accuracy and thematic consistency.Embracing Imperfection: Wabi-Sabi and the Goto Family EthosKelly's family's approach to art and life embraces the beauty of imperfection, a philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi. This ethos is evident in their practical mindset and love for handcrafted solutions, whether a modified toilet paper holder or intricate engravings on teeth. The Goto family's collaborative spirit and dedication to preserving history and art shine through in their creations and storytelling.A Journey of Remembrance and ConnectionThrough her book, Kelly commemorates her father's artistic contributions and celebrates her family's shared creative journey. Her book tour offers an opportunity to connect with new audiences, bridging generations and communities. As Kelly navigates the excitement and nerves of sharing her father's legacy, her dedication to preserving and honoring their story remains unwavering.Connect With Kelly Goto✅ Find Out More About Kelly📓 Visit The Seattle Samurai Book WebsiteConnect With Us📬 Subscribe To The Newsletter🐑 Follow Us On Facebook📷 Check Us Out On Instagram📽️ Join Us On YouTube🐤 Connect on Twitter🌲 Visit Our WebsiteHelp Us Out🟢 Leave Us a Rating on Spotify💜 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts🤝 Introduce Us to a Potential Guest