Ghostfish Brewery: Seattle, Washington

SO GOOD, WE WENT TWICE.

I've been going to breweries since before I could actually drink anything there. I started learning the beer brewing process at the young age of six or seven when my dad started bringing me to New England breweries, mostly in Vermont.

At the time I can't say I loved it... I found it generally quite boring. Those trips had a bit of an "aaauuughhhhh why am I even here right now" air to it for me. It did instill an early love of beer and breweries in me that would be unearthed like a shiny diamond as an adult.

Visiting breweries post-21st-birthday became one of my favorite things. UNTAPPD was one of my most used apps through most of my twenties, with over 250 unique brews logged.

Then I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease... sayonara beer, breweries, and happiness.

Okay, that's a bit melodramatic; but I do tell everyone, if I could just have ONE thing back, it would be beer. Mostly because I miss visiting the breweries with friends, my partner, and my family. Cideries are cool, but the really good ones are few and far between.

Last week I was in Seattle seeing my sister, and she introduced me to something that has easily made my entire year: Ghostfish Brewing Company. To sum it up: it was SO good, we went twice. Two days in a row. I was only out there for about four days.

Seattle is generally a super gluten-free-friendly city. This gem of an option took the cake, though. I recommend both gluten free and non-gluten free individuals alike visit this one. Our non-GF significant others both raved about the beer, saying how delicious it really is.

AS IF GOOD BEER WASN'T ENOUGH... it's a brew pub. PUB. Know what that means? Gluten free beer-battered food. Amazing fish and chips, beer-battered butternut squash planks, NACHOS.

Let's just say I'm a little in love, and I'm hoping and praying that they will someday distribute to the east coast.

Daydreaming about Washington...

As I mentally gear up for my trip to Washington in late July/August, I'm revisiting old photos and writings on my past visits.

My older sister lives outside of Seattle and I pack up and fly out once or twice a year to visit!

I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments out west!

First up: Orcas Island.

Orcas Island is part of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington and Canada. The water is rich in blues and greens, the sky is beautiful and vast, and the trees tower like giants.

Last year on my 25th birthday trip out there, we spent a full four or five days... I honestly can't think of any other word than "paradise" to describe it. Orcas Island was like the perfect balance between what I imagine the island-life of Hawaii to be, mixed and mashed with what I know  Vermont to be.

A must-visit on the island is the incredible Orcas Island Pottery. My absolute favorite mug and bowl came from there! Not to mention some adorable bumble bee and lady bug friends for my plants.

While I won't be heading back on this trip, I have such fond memories of my time there. I can't wait to revisit again someday!

Next up: Snoqualmie, Washington's Salish Lodge And Spa... specifically their brunch with coffee service.

...and one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had!

The food was so delicious, I dug right in without taking a single picture. You know that's something special.

Finally (for now) is Issaquah Brew House. Owned by Rogue Ales (headquartered in Oregon), they offer a real Rogue brewery experience without the hike down to Ashland. Amazing beers, delicious rum, and tasty barfood makes for a delightful evening with friends and family!

If you're interested in Washington adventures, I'll have more memories to share soon enough, and new stories to tell in the late summer!

Have you visited/do you live in Washington? If so, what would you consider a few of the must-sees?