Blog Archives | Page 23 of 30

Seattle One Day Trip Itinerary – Shopping Downtown

Oct 23, 2017 Mikaela Cowles

There’s nothing quite like shopping in the big city where flagship stores and high-end boutiques abound. Sure, Seattle’s bustling metropolis doesn’t have the same reputation as New York’s shop-till-you-drop atmosphere. But really, isn’t one urban jungle enough?

Here, in a city where fashion is in the eye of the wearer, you can peruse to your heart’s content without being overwhelmed. Whether you’re arriving by wheeled plane (for which this itinerary is specifically designed) or by seaplane, this itinerary will take you to some of Seattle’s best spots to shop and eat.

Whether you’re arriving by wheeled plane (for which this itinerary is specifically designed) or by seaplane, this guide will take you to some of Seattle’s best spots to shop and eat.

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Wandering Goose
Tucked among Seattle’s bustling neighborhoods are micro communities – city blocks and single storefronts where locals gather. Here neighborhoods blossom and restaurants thrive. While Capitol Hill is better known for its eclectic and edgy stretch of Broadway, 15^th Ave. – located just a few blocks east – is a slower, definitely cleaner and more upscale option. It’s also home to Wandering Goose, a charming restaurant where church pews line the walls and lampshades are made from flour sacks. If the nursery rhymes carved into the tabletops aren’t enough to make you swoon, the food certainly will. While a collection of biscuit sandwiches may seem tempting, it’s the cast-iron plated hash options that demand attention. Topped with a poached egg, these brisket and veggie (Bubble & Squeek) or fried oyster and cured pork belly (Hangtown Fry) are comfort food that stops just short of making you want to crawl back into bed.

10:30 – Shop. Shop. Shop.
Head to Downtown Seattle where quaint boutiques are speckled among large department stores. For oodles of high-end fashion, Nordstrom carries it all with its massive city block footprint and five levels of shopping options. Flanked to the east by Pacific Place and to the west by Westlake Center, this three-block stretch along Pine St. serves as Seattle’s shopping hub. But, the plethora of options doesn’t stop there. Nearby you’ll find Niketown, Anthropologie, AllSaints and more. (The walk from breakfast is just shy of 40 minutes, but it’s all downhill. Or, you could hop on the 10 – Seattle’s Metro line which runs right past Wandering Goose. Additionally, see the “Getting Around” suggestions below.)

1:00 – Refuel
Shopping is hard work. The picking. The choosing. The trying on and trying off of clothes. While our love for elegant dresses and handsome shoes have certainly been honed over the years, nothing quite speaks to our baser instincts like the sight of meat over a roaring fire. Perhaps that’s why we breathe a little easier when we walk into chef Jason Wilson’s new Miller’s Guild and stand face-to-face with his custom-built, nine-foot Grillworks Infierno grill. Its warmth soothes our souls. So too do the wood floor and the lofted ceiling, lowered with soft dangling lights. Wilson’s hearty American fare focuses on nose-to-tail butchery with slowly braised meats and fire-roasted vegetables. The cheese packed grits and fried Brussels sprouts aren’t anything at which to sneeze either (when they’re on the menu).

2:00 – Shop. A little more.

4:00 – Rest
Take a load off. You deserve it. Oliver’s Lounge – located at the Mayflower Park Hotel – is tucked in the backside of Westlake Center. Its casual and friendly demeanor is just the thing after a hustle-bustle day filled with trips to the of dressing room.

5:00 PM – Make Your Way Back to Boeing Field
The day may be over, but the adventure’s not! Head back to Boeing Field* and enjoy your scenic flight back home.

Getting Around
This walking itinerary is designed as a leg-stretching adventure. However, getting to and from downtown definitely requires a little help. From Boeing Field you can catch a cab or order an Uber car. Uber’s easy to use smartphone app is quick, reliable and affordable.

*You must be present and checked-in for all international flights 45-minutes prior to departure.

October 23, 2017/by Mikaela Judd

Dog-Friendly Seattle Adventure: Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop

Blog, Things to do in Seattle

Oct 17, 2017 Mikaela Cowles

Dog-Friendly Seattle Adventure: Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop

With a little bit of beach and a whole lot of beauty, the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop features 6+ miles of stunning views, eclectic neighborhoods, and fabulous dog-friendly stops to grab a bite.

Exploring on foot is a great way to soak in the beauty of Seattle while getting your dog some exercise. With multiple water access points and dog-friendly stops to grab a bite (or a pint), the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop is one of my favorite puppy-filled adventures. The trail’s well-marked with blue signs on red poles. It offers multiple water access points, great for thirsty dogs. And, it takes you through some of Seattle’s most eclectic neighborhoods.

So, grab your leash, lace up your tennis shoes, and get exploring.

Watch Seaplanes Take off and Land from Gas Works Park

South Lake Union’s northern edge is an urban oasis of grassy slopes, eclectic structures, and stunning skyline views. But in the early 1900s, those same grounds were a veritable maze of muddy roads and train tracks. The Seattle Gas Light Company worked around the clock passing steam over superheated coals to produce hydrogen gas. The remnants of their activity can be seen in the rust-colored tanks that have become an iconic Seattle landmark.

The 19-acre public space is ideal for picnics, kite flying, and strolling by the water. It also happens to be a prime location for watching seaplanes take off and land.

(Want to turn your casual walk into an all-day workout? Gas Works Park rests along the Burke-Gilman Trail. The trail runs all the way to Log Boom Park in Kenmore, just minutes from our headquarters.)

Dogs at Essential Baking Company in Seattle

Insider Tip

Before you hit the park, drop by the Essential Baking Company’s Wallingford Café to snag a pastry and coffee. Though pups can’t go inside the café, they’re more than welcome on the covered patio.

Cross the University District Bridge

Following the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop east, you’ll hop on the Burke Gilman Trail all the way to the University Bridge. The northern edge of the bridge is marked by Peace Park, a small city park best known for its full-size bronze statue of Sadako Sasaki. The statue is frequently covered in paper cranes.

University Bridge and Peace Park in Seattle

Insider Tip

If you’re looking for an upscale stop to grab a bite (and maybe a drink), take N 36^th St. down to N Northlake Way. The award-winning Westward is located just a one-minute walk east. The Mediterranean inspired menu is seafood heavy and the restaurant offers outdoor seating, complete with a fire pit and Adirondack chairs.

Street-End Parks and House Boats

At the base of the University Bridge, on the southern side, you’ll find the first public park with water access – South Passage Point Park. Adorned by a weeping willow and a lone picnic table, this little park is a great location for watching boats and letting your dog cool off.

As you continue to follow the Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop, you’ll pass a variety of parks and houseboat communities. Fairview Parks is one of the largest of the neighborhood parks. It features a well-maintained community garden.

Of particular note is the Roanoke St. Mini Park, where Boeing launched its first airplane in 1916. The site is marked by a small plaque set within a stone bench. (Learn more about the history of seaplanes on Lake Union.)

Consider also pausing at the Lynn Street Park. This was the first street-end park developed in the city. Street-end parks (aka pocket parks) were first developed by the community to revitalize neglected areas filled with junk.

Soaking in Seattle from a Dock

Another one of my favorite stops along the way is Terry Pettus Park, where a public dock offers an amazing view of the Space Needle. There are frequently a few chairs sitting at the far end of the dock. If you time your visit right, you might even catch a few seaplanes taxiing by.

South Lake Union

At the southern end of Lake Union, you’ll pass Seattle Seaplanes before ducking down to Fairview Walkway that borders the water’s edge. Keep an eye out. A variety of wildlife is often seen, including blue herons.

Following the lake south, you’ll find two of Seattle’s best museums: Center for Wooden Boats and MOHAI. While MOHAI is not dog-friendly, the Center for Wooden Boats is! You can even take your dog out on the water with you if you want to rent a boat.

Meandering past the museums, you’ll find our Lake Union seaplane terminal, where we offer daily scenic flight tours. And….we’re a dog-friendly airline! (If you want to bring your pup, please call in advance. Certain restrictions do apply.)

And, a big shout out to our Lake Union neighbors, Argosy Cruises, who offer sightseeing cruises of Seattle from the water.

Grand Central Baking in Seattle

Insider Tip

Just a block off the trail – before the Fairview Walkway – is Grand Central Bakery’s Eastlake Café. Their scrumptious menu features pastries, sandwiches, and more. Very dog-friendly, there is a plethora of outdoor seating and you’ll often find a water bowl near the front door.

Across the Blue Bridge

With a water clearance of roughly 30 feet, the Fremont Bridge is the most opened drawbridge in the US. A double-leaf bascule bridge, it spans the Fremont Cut, connecting Fremont and Queen Anne. In its earliest days, only trolley cars were permitted to cross. However, as traffic increased, the bridge’s use transitioned into a car and pedestrian passage. In 1985, Fremont’s bohemian community voted to paint the bridge blue – making it an eye-catching site.

Fremont Brewing Seattle

Insider Tip

Between the Fremont Bridge and your return to Gas Works, you’ll pass the Fremont Brewing Company’s Urban Beer Garden. The large, outdoor patio is dog-friendly. And while the policy is ‘Bring Your Own Food,’ the on-tap selection features both the brewery’s classic pours and its latest seasonal varieties. Not sure what to get? Ask one of the brewers or servers. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. In all likelihood, they’ll recommend a taster flight (my personal fav.), as it allows you to sample a variety.

Schedule Your Seattle Scenic Flight Tour

More Seattle Walking Adventures

Urban Hiking in Seattle on North Capitol Hill

Seattle’s complicated topography has made our city home to some of the most beautiful urban hikes in the country.

Urban Hiking in Seattle: Lake Union – Kerry Park Loop

The Lake Union – Kerry Park Loop features big climbs, long descents, and a veritable feast of views. I like to begin this urban trek at Kenmore Air’s Lake Union terminal.

October 17, 2017/by Mikaela Judd

History of Seaplanes on Lake Union

Blog, History

Sep 6, 2017 Mikaela Cowles

An iconic fixture of the Seattle skyline, seaplanes have been landing and taking off from Lake Union since 1914.

Adventure beats through the veins of Seattle like the sound of a piston Beaver ripples across Lake Union. The call of the mountains, the beckoning of the San Juans, and the roar of the Alaskan wilderness makes those in the Emerald City natural born explorers.

For more than 100 years, Seattle seaplane pilots have been answering that call from the tranquil waters of Seattle’s downtown lake. They still do today.

Initial Flight From Lake Union

The lake welcomed its first seaplane in 1914. Hired to fly exhibition flights over the city, Silas Christofferson displayed the military value of an aircraft. The initial flight was a leisurely cruise, during which Christofferson took Seattle Mayor Hiram Gill (1866-1919) on his first plane ride.

From there, Christofferson’s flights took a daring turn. He flew by night with roman candles attached to the underside of his plane. And, he flour bombed the city with 21 three-ounce flour sacks.

Boeing Makes its Mark

View this post on Instagram

100 years of aerospace history started with our first flight on June 15th, 1916, with our founder Bill Boeing in the pilot seat of the first Boeing B & W airplane, “Bluebill”. After a short taxi along the smooth surface of Lake Union, Boeing gunned the engine and lifted into the air for a brief quarter-mile flight. One month later, Bill Boeing incorporated Pacific Aero Products Co., which would soon become The Boeing Airplane Co. Boeing was convinced that constant innovation and technological advancements would be key to making The Boeing Company a success; 100 years later that belief remains at the core of The Boeing Company. Follow #Boeing100 and journey with us as we share 100 Boeing milestones in a countdown to Founders Day on July 15, 2016. #BoeingLovers, #instagramaviation and #avgeeks: We want to see your Boeing and #aerospace memories. Join the celebration with #Boeing100 for a chance to be featured.

A post shared by The Boeing Company (@boeing) on Jun 15, 2016 at 7:14am PDT

In 1915, Bill Boeing built a three-bay hangar at the base of Roanoke. The hangar was used for pilot training in preparation for WWI. It was at this location Bill Boeing completed the final assembly of his first B&W Seaplane (aka Boeing Model 1).

The plane was nicknamed Bluebill. It made its initial flight in June of 1916 with Boeing holding the controls. By November, Mallard (Bluebill’s brother) had been completed. Both seaplanes called the Roanoke hangar home until they were sold to New Zealand in 1918.

(You can see a model of the B&W hanging at the Museum of Flight. The hangar built in 1915 no longer remains, but the site is marked by s plaque located at the Roanoke Street Mini Park.)

The United States Begins International Airmail Delivery

View this post on Instagram

On March 3, 1919, Bill Boeing and pilot Eddie Hubbard took flight from Vancouver, British Columbia headed towards Seattle with 60 letters in tow. As part of the Canadian Exposition, their flight marked the first international airmail to reach the U.S. The route was flown in the final Model C seaplane, which had been built for Bill Boeing himself. He named it the C-700 because the last Navy (@usnavy) Model C seaplane had the serial number 699. Follow #Boeing100 and journey with us as we share 100 Boeing milestones in a countdown to Founders Day on July 15, 2016. #BoeingLovers and #avgeeks: We want to see your Boeing, #instagramaviation and #aerospace memories. Join the celebration with #Boeing100 for a chance to be featured.

A post shared by The Boeing Company (@boeing) on Jun 15, 2016 at 6:22pm PDT

March 3, 1919, Lake Union became the first international airmail destination in the United States. Flying a Boeing C-700 seaplane, Eddie Hubbard and Bill Boeing carried 60 letters over the border from Vancouver, British Columbia to Seattle.

Following the initial flight, Hubbard purchased a Boeing B-1 seaplane. He began regular delivery between Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia. Over the following eight years, Hubbard flew more than 350,000 miles between the two cities.

The B-1 returned to Lake Union in 2012 when the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) relocated to the former Naval Reserve Armory. Located at the southern-most tip of Lake Union, the B-1 is now suspended from the lofty ceilings as though primed to land.

South Lake Union’s Seaplane Base Established

In 1931, Lana Kurtzer relocated his business, Kurtzer Flying Service, to the southern side of South Lake Union. (Eventually, he renamed the business Kurtzen Marine and Flying Service School.) Kurtzer Flying Service was initially located at Terry Avenue North and Valley Street. The business was housed in a hangar that had originally been stationed at Pier 3 on the Elliott Bay waterfront.

Ed Davies and Steve Ellis reported in Seattle’s Commercial Aviation 1908-1941 that the hangar had been towed through the locks by Vern Gorst and was eventually purchased by Kurtzer.

Kurtzer’s flying school was among the largest in the country. He trained thousands of pilots and provided transportation to remote destinations.

Sixteen years later, Kurtzer relocated to the west side of South Lake Union. Constructing a new facility, Kurtzer Marine and Flying Service School continued to operate at 950 Westlake Ave. N seaplane terminal until Kurtzer passed in 1988.

Following Kurtzer’s death, the terminal was purchased by Lake Union Air. A mainstay in the seaplane community, Lake Union Air operated from 950 Westlake until it was acquired by Kenmore Air in 1933.

Seaplanes on Lake Union Today

Otters on Lake Union

Today, seaplanes remain a vital part of our city’s unique character. Sharing the water with boaters and kayakers, skilled seaplane pilots take off and land from on Lake Union daily. Seattle Scenic Tours offer once-in-a-lifetime views. International flights to Victoria and the B.C. Islands allow for easy border crossing. And, quick trips to the San Juan Islands let visitors and residents get out of town in just 45 minutes.

The two most common seaplanes you’ll see on the lake are the six-passenger de Havilland Beaver and the 10-passenger de Havilland Otter. Pilots choose their landing zones based on a variety of factors, including wind and water obstructions. However, mid-day you’ll often find them approaching from the south after they’ve passed the Space Needle – creating the iconic skyline view we’ve come to love.

Interested in More Seaplane History?

The Origins of the de Havilland Beaver

Known to some as the Harley Davidson of the sky, the de Havilland Beaver’s squat-nosed appearance has a rugged handsomeness.

Six Six Zulu

It wasn’t the first seaplane Kenmore Air ever purchased. It wasn’t even the first de Havilland Beaver. But Six-Six-Zulu is definitely the best-loved member of Kenmore’s fleet.

September 6, 2017/by Mikaela Judd

Michelle Cowan, Captain and Chief Flight Instructor

Blog, Kenmore Family

Sep 1, 2017 Mikaela Cowles Judd

Michelle Cowan, Captain and Chief Flight Instructor

She’s a woman, but when Michelle Cowan climbs into a seaplane, she is a pilot first. As Kenmore Air’s first, full-time female pilot certified to fly the entire fleet, she gets some curious looks from passengers. But she simply smiles and says, “The stripes don’t mean flight attendant.”

Outside of the cockpit, Michelle loves to teach. In October of last year, she combined her two passions by accepting the role as not only a Captain, but Kenmore Air’s Chief Flight Instructor.

Kenmore Fizz at the Resort at Port Ludlow

Blog, Charter Destinations

Jul 26, 2017 Mikaela Cowles

Kenmore Fizz at the Resort at Port Ludlow

Tucked beside the quiet shores of Ludlow Bay, on the majestic Olympic Peninsula, the Resort at Port Ludlow offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle.

Though resort feels like it’s located in the middle of nowhere, it’s just a 15-minute flight from downtown Seattle.

This tranquil location is a favorite for dinners. Guests are treated to The Fireside Restaurant’s casually elegant Northwest cuisine. The menu features the local bounty from both the land and sea. Its windows offer views of a small seaplane dock at the edge of the restaurant’s Marina.

It is this vantage point that the inspired the resorts Food and Beverage Manager Thomas Skipper and Beverage Manager Amy Taylor to develop the Kenmore Fizz. Putting a bright spin on the Aviation cocktail – the duo created a beautiful tall-glass cocktail perfect for sipping on the restaurant’s porch.

With a mix of gin, muddled cherries, lemon, and Crème Yvette, this lovely libation is topped with a bit of soda water and adorned with a playful toy monkey.

Doesn’t summer just taste grand?

Talk to our Charter department about visiting!

July 26, 2017/by Mikaela Judd

Director of Operations, Ken VanWinkle

Blog, Kenmore Family

Jul 13, 2017 Mikaela Cowles

It’s said, one of the secrets to happiness is making your vocation your avocation. For Ken VanWinkle, Director of Operations and Pilot at Kenmore Air Express, this couldn’t be truer. Flying is more than Ken’s job – it’s his passion.

Ken spends the majority of his free time formation flying with the Northwest Beech Boys. This group of highly talented pilots fly Beechcraft Bonanzas in tight formation. Often the wings of these six-seater aircraft are just a few feet apart!

“It’s very precise. We discuss the flight in advance and then typically only communicate with hand signals while in the air,” Ken explained.

It’s that precision which Ken loves, whether he’s flying his Bonanza or a Kenmore Air Cessna Caravan. “Landing and knowing you did your job right. That you did it well – especially when there are people aboard – is incredibly satisfying,” Ken told me as we sat in his office at Boeing Field.

It takes a lot of experience to be that precise. And experience he has.

Just beyond the window of his office, we could see a retired Boeing 727. It was parked for maintenance in anticipation of its final flight – a trip to the National Airline History Museum in Kansas City, Mo.

“The first position I took [with American Airlines] was the Flight Engineer position on the 727. I actually have that airplane in my logbook,” Ken said as he pointed outside.

After retiring briefly as a commercial pilot, Ken joined the Kenmore Air family in 2013. And he loves it. Whether he’s flying to the San Juans or taking a group on our Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens Volcano Tour, he always has a smile on his face.

BONUS: Ken’s Insider Tips

Kenmore Air Express pilots regularly spend layovers on Orcas Island and San Juan Island. Over the years, the crew has developed some go-to spots to grab a bite. These are Ken’s recommendations.

Island Skillet (Eastsound, Orcas) – “I’ve had the entire menu and everything is good.”

Haley’s Sports Bar & Grill (Friday Harbor, San Juan Island) – “They have good food and great service. They’re just incredibly friendly.”

July 13, 2017/by Mikaela Judd

Hiking Cascade Falls on Orcas Island

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Minimal effort and maximum reward make Cascade Falls one of the best hikes in all of the San Juan Islands. The ‘trek’ can be as short as a half-mile round trip if you depart from the clearly labeled parking lot just off Mt. Constitution Road. Simply follow the well-maintained trails past a series of falls. Word to the wise though, the vertical ascent can be daunting. Consider taking breaks at the various viewpoints to catch your breath.

See Seattle From the Land at Sky View Observatory

Blog, Things to do in Seattle

Jun 22, 2017 Mikaela Cowles

See Seattle From the Land at Sky View Observatory

Located on the 73^rd floor of the Columbia Center, the Sky View Observatory’s 902-foot-perch offers a view you’ll want to savor.

From the window seat of a de Havilland Beaver, you’re treated to an unparalleled view of Seattle. But it’s a moving view, which is why we’re also quite fond of the Sky View Observatory. It makes the perfect sequel to a Seattle Scenic Flight Tour.

Perched above Seattle’s original skyscraper – the Smith Tower – the Observatory’s 360-degree view is the tallest public observatory in the Pacific Northwest.

Mount Rainier from the Sky View Observatory

Stoll the loop and you’ll be treated to views of Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, Bellevue, the Cascades, Mount Baker, the Olympic Mountains, and the Space Needle!

On game days, be sure to bring binoculars. The southern windows offer peak-a-boo views of the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders.

Home of the Mariners, Seahawks and Sounders from the Sky View Observatory

Along the northern facing windows, the Space Needle and Lake Union lay below. Keep an eye out. Seaplanes can often be seen coming in for landing at Lake Union.

To the west, ferries frequently make their way into and out of Elliott Bay. The green and white boats pass by the Great Wheel. At night, the Wheel’s lights change frequently, helping to light up the pier.

Elliott Bay from the Sky View Observatory

Throughout the observation floor you’ll find snippets about the city’s history and details about the building. For instance, the 1.5 million square foot tower boasts 8,800 windows and utilizes 2,100 hydraulic heat pumps!

The Observatory is also home to a small café. The menu features seasonal bites, house-baked pastries, and a collection of local draft beers and wines. Talk about an amazing spot for a pre-dinner cocktail!

Want to experience it for yourself? Don’t miss out on the Sky View Observatory’s current giveaway!

June 22, 2017/by Mikaela Judd

Father-Daughter Upholstery Duo

Blog, Kenmore Family

Jun 18, 2017 Mikaela Cowles

Some fathers teach their daughters to ride a bike. Others teach their girls to fish. Clarence Kappes taught his daughter to sew. And he still is teaching.

In the Kenmore Air upholstery shop, the father-daughter duo work side by side. Surrounded by rolls of leather and a chandelier of metal seat frames, Clarence teaches Elizabeth (Kappes) Beedle the art of upholstery.

Father and Daughter in the upholstry shop at Kenmore Air

It is a craft in the truest sense. The interior of each de Havilland Beaver and Otter is handmade. Unlike modern planes that come off a machine-operated assembly line, these birds haven’t been manufactured since the 1960s and 70s. Each seat frame and instrument panel is unique.

Creating the upholstery from scratch is no small feat, but Elizabeth has embraced the challenge.

“I ask a lot of questions. Often I ask the same one multiple times, just to make sure I get things right,” she explained.

Elizabeth Beedle sewing new seats

Lucky for her, she happens to have a very experienced teacher. Clarence began dabbling in aircraft upholstery in 1998. Originally from Minnesota, he was working as a carpenter at the time and was commissioned to build cabinets for an airplane.

In need of his expertise, Kenmore Air recruited him in November of 2007. “I’ve been here ever since,” he said. The entire Kappes family, including Elizabeth, soon followed.

Prior to the move, Clarence had begun teaching Elizabeth about upholstery. Their first project was refinishing furniture. That was in 2006. Since then, she’s spent her summers helping in the upholstery shop.

And with 10 years of experience under her belt, she has now joined the Kenmore Air crew full time. “I love getting to work with my hands. It can be incredibly challenging and physical work, but seeing the finished product is so fulfilling,” Elizabeth said.

She also loves that working together means more time with her father. “We’ve always had a good relationship,” Elizabeth told me one afternoon as she worked on the seat for a de Havilland Beaver. “Being in the upholstery shop and learning from him lets us spend more time with each other.”

Outside of work, both Clarence and Elizabeth are avid cyclists and canoeing aficionados. “Dad, my husband, and I like to ride together. We’ve even done the STP before,” Elizabeth said.

Over the years, Clarence has accumulated eight canoes. “He has enough room for the entire family, including my sister and her daughter, to be out on the water. It’s really fun,” said Elizabeth as she double-checked the stitching on a new seatback.

Next time you fly with Kenmore, pause for a second. Run your hand over the seat. You might be admiring the craftsmanship of Clarence and his daughter Elizabeth.

June 18, 2017/by Mikaela Judd

Dent Island Lodge – Salmon Fishing in British Columbia

Blog, Things to do in Canada

Jun 12, 2017

Dent Island Lodge - Salmon Fishing in British Columbia

Located just Northeast of Campbell River’s world famous fishing grounds, Dent Island Lodge is a droplet of luxury among British Columbia’s wilderness.

A resort-like lodge. Customized fishing adventures. Exceptional restaurant cuisine. Dent Island Lodge is salmon fishing magnificence.

The lodge’s Stuart Island location is tucked between Vancouver Island and British Columbia’s mainland. It overlooks Cordero Strait and the Canoe Rapids. Here, the narrow tidal cut changes directions four times a day. The white water brilliance is massive as currents hit one another among a backdrop of lush old growth forests.

Fishing
Spend the day casting on fresh water for salmon and trout on the British Columbia’s pristine rivers. Wake up the following day and go trolling for salmon. This is charter fishing at its finest. You pick the adventure. Dent Island Lodge’s expert guides make it happen.

Cuisine
Dining in the wilderness is a unique endeavor. Farm-to-table, or in this case sea-to-table, dining isn’t just a fad when your kitchen is accessible by only boat or seaplane. It’s a necessity. The results at Dent Island Lodge are astounding.

Their dining room has earned such a reputation among the yachting community that it’s a destination. Dinners are treated to five-course extravaganzas that begin with hors d’oeuvres and mingling in the lounge. It’s the perfect, informal opportunity to enjoy a cocktail and swap stories with friends and family. Entrees vary from day to day, depending on what’s fresh and available. You might have wild salmon one night and roasted leg of lamb the next. The chef frequently prepares fresh local Dungeness crab, halibut, and duck. Regardless of what’s on the menu, dining here is an event – a meal meant to be savored, lingered over, and maybe even extended with a post-dinner liqueur.

Lodging
Near the main lodge, cabins are tucked into the landscape. Each features a private deck with views of the surrounding straights and channels. It’s so peaceful you might contemplate giving your old rod a day to rest will you sit outside, read and breathe in the fresh air.

June 12, 2017/by kenmoreairstg