Needles & Grooves

A great time of year to visit. Let us know if you are looking for specific recommendations - more than happy to provide ideas on a range of topics. I'd be down for a N&G meetup over a pint, and I'm sure we can find some worthy live music to pair it with.

We're thinking of swinging up that way this summer too!

It's everyone on our trip's first time to both cities. Everything kind of up in the air except for seeing a Guardians/Mariners game either on the 13th, 14th, or 15th. I'm going to be hitting as many of the breweries as possible. Would LOVE to catch a show too, but probably not in the cards due to being with the family.

Their plan is probably just the standard spots so far - Portland (Mt. Hood, not sure what else they had ideas for) Seattle (space needle, market, Olympic NP, etc.) They're also pretty set on going to Leavenworth for a day and another in San Juan Islands. Thoughts on those?

I think Leavenworth is kinda overrated (certainly overpriced) but it's a cute vibe. Probably best for families, like in your case

I'm a diehard Guardians fan, and will be at 1-2 of those games with the family (Sunday/Father's Day for sure).

For Portland breweries: Great Notion, Ruse, Von Ebert, and Breakside would be my strongest recommendations. You can visit John's Marketplace to stock up on cans. It's an entire grocery store dedicated to beer/wine/cider. Incredible selection.

For things to do near Portland: there are a lot of great (and kid-friendly) hikes in the Columbia Gorge. Hood River is a fun town to visit, and you could have lunch at pFriem (great brewpub down on the riverfront park, with some of the best beer in Oregon).

The Oregon coast is also amazing, and worthy of a day trip or overnight. The Manzanita/Cannon Beach area is easy to get to. If you pass through Astoria, you should definitely stop at Fort George (another highly recommended brewpub).

If you like soccer, catching a Timbers or Thorns match at Providence Park is always fun, great atmosphere and family-friendly (depending on where you sit). Happy to do a deeper dive on anything if you have other questions.

I wasn't the most keen on the Leavenworth idea, so that's good to know - Thanks @Rip_City! @hatfieldpdx - Go Guards! We will probably see you there! Von Ebert was def on my list! *note to self - check on best ways to ship beer back on a plane* I would love love love to see a Timbers match, but looks like they're away while we're in town.

Will definitely circle back for more info once we get to the heavy planning stages!!

The Olympics National Park and Leavenworth are great but they are a bit of a trek. If you’re staying in Seattle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island to save some time heading to The Olympics with great views of the city.

The Olympics, you will wanna check out Hurricane Ridge where you can drive all the way up to an amazing lookout area. An easy trip with kids in tow. There is a lot to do over there.The Rain Forest, hot springs, and Beach are all really cool.

Mount Rainier is pretty amazing too.

Also, depending on on how you decide to head to Portland there are two different detours worth checking out depending. If you go east you could check out Mt St Helen or if you head west you could check out Astoria setting of Goonies and Kindergarten Cop.

If you wanna get a beer or something while in the area hit me up.

June should be alright weather wise but the dry season usually doesn’t start until July so you might end up a bit soggy. And remember the coast can be 20° to 30° cooler than Seattle so bring a jacket ideally one good in the rain.

@TenderLovingKiller® Awesome suggestions! Definitely will check out Hurricane Ridge; I'm all for a great lookout area. And absolutely, beverages shall be had with as many of y'all as I can.

My in laws really want to stay in Tacoma and drive into Seattle (4 days of this). I am assuming traffic and parking would make this a nightmare?