Explore the imaginative works of Seattle's famous glass-blowing artist, Dale Chihuly, with admission to his expansive gallery. Examine drawing walls filled with sketches of future designs, check out the massive hanging sculptures in the glasshouse, and watch how past masterpieces have come to life in the theater.

Make your way to the Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass gallery at the base of the Space Needle, and start your day in the Glasshouse, where swirls of massive red-and-yellow blown flowers hang, waiting to catch the day's light as if caught on a light breeze.

Continue through exhibits that feature drawings of future works, listen to audio commentary on Chihuly's background and creative process, and step into the theater to watch the master himself at work. Outside, stroll through gardens punctuated by more of Chihuly's grand designs, whose floral forms mimic nature's patterns in both color and shape.

Experience breathtaking territorial views from Seattle’s iconic Space Needle. Enjoy a quick, 41-second elevator ride to the Space Needle’s Observation Deck and soak up this spectacular city from 520 feet (159 m) above the ground.

Built for the World's Fair in 1962, the Needle, along with its outside deck, provides 360-degree views of the Seattle area's outstanding natural features. Soak up views of Puget Sound to the west, framed by the snowy peaks of the Olympic Mountains. Look for stadiums home to the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners to the south, catch glimpses of the Cascade Mountains to the east, and look for the peaks of Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier as you explore every possible viewing angle.

Learn about the Needle's construction, unique architectural features, and fun facts, like its ability to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour (322 km/h). When you're ready to head back down, take the smooth glass-paneled elevator back down and consider adding onto your day at Seattle Center with admission to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition, full of unbelievable blown-glass works of art.

The exhilaration of flight has long sparked the imagination of people everywhere. With over 150 different exhibits dedicated to air and space, the Museum of Flight celebrates the greatest achievements of aviation.

The history of aviation, from the first flying contraptions to modern military jets (like the M21 Blackbird), is on full display for you in this family-friendly, interactive museum.

Begin with The Birth of Aviation exhibit to experience the journey the Wright Brothers took to create their flying machine; learn through historical documents and interactive displays. Visits to the World War I and World War II galleries provide a glimpse into some of the aircraft that were instrumental in helping the US and its allies prevail in these global conflicts.

Commercial aviation is explored in The Boeing Story. Boeing's original manufacturing plant is part of the museum grounds and has been fully restored to tell the story of Boeing's rise to prominence. The Great Gallery houses many of the magnificent aircraft that comprise the museum's vast collection. Early model Boeing planes are mixed with modern military jets like the F-14 Tomcat and F-4 Phantom.

Complete your day by exploring the famous aircraft in the nearby Airpark. Walk through the first presidential jet, a Boeing 707, which was used by presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. You can also explore a Concorde (the only supersonic passenger jet ever used in service) as well as the first 747 ever built.

Jump on the ferry in downtown Mukilteo and head over to explore Whidbey Island! My favorite town is Coupeville, the second oldest incorporated town in Washington. (Whidney is where Penn Cove Muscles are from!)

A wide variety of interests are met in exploring the Island County Historical Society Museum, Admiralty Lighthouse, Meerkerk Gardens, antique shops, art galleries, heritage farms, working studios, wineries, and farmers markets.

Replete with awesome views, quaint shops, and exquisite restaurants, Coupeville is a favored vacation destination. Ditch the crowds, the congestion, and the hectic pace of the big city. Enjoy a slower pace with fresh air and friendly people, with solitude a few steps away.