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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Coastal Areas

Perfect 3 days in Olympic National Park itinerary from Seattle

November 2, 2020 by Matthew

A beautiful beach scene combines bright blue skies with some puffy white clouds and rock stacks indicative of the Washington Coast. The surf is crashing waves onto the rocky beach revealed by low tide.

To truly see Olympic National Park, one or two days may not be enough. But don’t fret! This Olympic National Park itinerary will deliver the best of Olympic National Park in three days. Don’t miss the highlights by following this detailed guide (written by a local!), starting in Seattle before exploring the ultimate playground: the Olympic Peninsula.Matthew Kessi … [Read more...] about Perfect 3 days in Olympic National Park itinerary from Seattle

Bloedel Reserve — the best of Bainbridge Island day trip bliss

October 29, 2020 by Matthew

The Japanese Guest House at Bloedel Reserve is iconic with the geometric structure of wood beams filled with glass and sits amongst a formal mature garden with flowing green lawns and well trimmed shrubbery.

The Bloedel Reserve, just minutes away from Seattle on scenic Bainbridge Island, is cotton candy for even the untrained nature enthusiast. Recognized as one of the best gardens in North America, the experience is that of a magic carpet ride of green hues and textures — any time of year. Let the botanical adventure unfold while following the winding trail of wood chips. The two … [Read more...] about Bloedel Reserve — the best of Bainbridge Island day trip bliss

Captain Whidbey — all you need to know to enjoy the island hotel in peaceful Penn Cove

October 19, 2020 by Matthew

Matthew Kessi peers from a window on the second floor of Captain Whidbey, which is a historic log cabin lodge on the banks of Penn Cove. The sun is shining through some fir trees in the distance.

It's amazing that such a place like Whidbey Island exists mere minutes away from a sprawling Seattle metropolis, and the twenty minute Mukilteo to Clinton Ferry is all that's needed to refresh the canvas to begin a new adventure. The long and narrow stretch of land takes command in the Puget Sound, spanning 55 miles -- from the Clinton Ferry Terminal (on the south) to dramatic … [Read more...] about Captain Whidbey — all you need to know to enjoy the island hotel in peaceful Penn Cove

Tokeland Hotel — spiritual oasis of the Washington Coast

September 17, 2020 by Matthew

The front view of the Tokeland Hotel, which is Washignton State's oldest continuous operating hotel. The wood siding is a blueish green color and the windows on each of three stories have eight panes each with white trim. There is a strong of lights running across a gathering area on the lawn in front of the hotel with four rustic picnic tables. The sky is blue with white puffy clouds.

In order to write a review of the Tokeland Hotel, a gem that hugs a tiny spit of sandy land surrounded by Shoalwater Bay on the Washington Coast, it is first important to point out that my filter for any lodging location is first and foremost about the heart. I look for a  feeling of home that comes from the joy of carefully curated aesthetic, combined with thoughtful … [Read more...] about Tokeland Hotel — spiritual oasis of the Washington Coast

Lake Crescent Lodge — let the soul float in nature’s magic

September 9, 2020 by Matthew

Two brown rocking chairs sit peacefully on a small entry porch outside a cabin at Lake Crescent Lodge. Three large fronds of Sword Fern rise up to the deck as a hanging begonia pot clings to the rafter. The double hung windows reflect the hundred year old charm of this cabin.

The blue depths of Lake Crescent cleanse the soul. The lake that formed millions of years ago as glaciers sliced through the terrain continues to inspire freedom to wander -- in mind body and spirit. Fir trees cascade from steep peaks all the way to the gravely banks that welcome the slow laps of pristine glacial melt off. The 12 mile long lake is perhaps the flagship … [Read more...] about Lake Crescent Lodge — let the soul float in nature’s magic

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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