That’s right. This Getaway has a small number…because it’s walking distance from my house.

 Sunday, I was walking with my Post-Valentine’s Valentine (ok, my roommate, so magical) and we had the best and cheapest Sunday morning getaway. So here we go, Seattle Golightly Girls, this one is for you:

Wallingford (Seattle) Getaway

11:02am Coffee. (Um, Hi. It’s a necessary first stop on any Seattle adventure.)

Hands down my fave caffeine fix in Wallingford: Fuel Coffee (1705 North 45th Street)

I dare say it: some of my favorite baristas reside here. They are always looking so hip it hurts…and they are just so friendly. I covet the bangs on one gal.

Enjoy local artwork on the wall, and the chairs outside for lounging and people/dog watching. That will be a double soy latte for me, single non-fat latte for the lady.

++++

11:24am Brunch.

Molly Moon's, baby! (1622 ½ N 45th St) It’s the hottest thing in Wallingford since Trophy came to town. The best thing is, they are doing Sunday brunch! Oatmeal and ice cream? Yes, please. (Hurry though! My Molly Moon's source says they are only doing brunch through February!)

If it’s a nice day like this weekend, I suggest taking your goodies and posting up on the corner of 45^th and Wallingford. Nice big bench, and there's always room for more people watching.

++++

11:57am The Main Event.

World Wide Books & Maps (4411 Wallingford Ave N)

There is the best hidden treat right off of Wallingford, Wide World Books & Maps. Don’t let the Rick Steve-esque bags in the window deter you…you can get lost in this place. So, sneak in your coffee (rightly so, they give me a bit of a stink-eye when I take mine in). They have international novels, any travel book you can think of, random accessories (I’m a fan of the Gorilla Pod myself).

Like a good mullet, there is world music and books in the front, huge maps in the back. So yes, I’ve been here once or twice with girlfriends when we have been plotting our next big adventure (or to just see where Namibia is. I just can’t find that on the mental map in my head).

Best of all, this place has lots of great talks and book readings. My roomie went to check out what they had to say about trekking to Machu Picchu. Better yet, the Gutsy Women are meeting Feb 21^st at 9am. Bring your coffee and go meet some amazing ladies that could inspire your next big trip.

Here is their list of events that are coming up!

If this Getaway isn’t in your immediate neighborhood…here are a few other travel stores around the country that could be a nice substitute. I just can’t vouch for their nearby coffee shops:

San Francisco: Get Lost Travel Books  (I their word for it.)

Boston: Globe Corner Bookstore (My Sources Say)

New York City: Idlewild Books (Survey Says)

Any other great ones out there?

 

I heart Valentine’s Day. Maybe that stems from going to the all-women’s college and not having a beau to celebrate with. But DETAILS. For me, Valentine’s is a day that I appreciate all of the lovely friends in my life. While people are off in restaurants in pairs…here are a few ideas of what you can do with your laayyydies:

1. Be wholesome! Have a card marking party. Do you know the origins of Valentine’s was Saint Valentine cutting out his heart and sending it to his mistress that rejected him? His still beating heart was a token of his undying love. Don’t do that. Rather, party elementary school style. Pull out the doilies, paper, and Sweethearts and go to town! Think of friends or family that will appreciate a sweet handmade card sent via snail mail.
   
   My Heart Pants for You? I don't say that to friends much...but I just couldn't help putting it up
2. Do a Girl Mixer! Email some of your single gals, and have them bring a fun, single friend of theirs! It is a great way to meet some new ladies around the area. Have everyone bring a ‘white elephant’ Valentines Day gift, and have an exchange. A cupcake from the Erotic Bakery or a bad Romance Novel would be so clutch for that.
3. Round up the troops: He’s Just Not That Into You is playing. Come on, that’s just perfect. Make sure to fandango ahead of time!
4. Grab your gals. Draw names a few days before Valentines. Whoever you draw, treat them as your Valentine. Send them flowers; bake them some cookies, whatevs. Extra points for sending them something at work and being their secret admirer for the day.

So there you have it. Live it up! Saint Valentine and his dead, beating heart would not want it any other way.  If you have any Valentine’s ideas to add to the list…do tell.

 

 

 

Welllll hello.

I’m proud to be a newest addition to the Holiday GoLightly crew! And though I like to dream about having copious amounts of money and time to travel with girlfriends to amazing places….I am always the one searching for cheap flights, hotels, places to see and do close to home. I like to make my meager budget stretch as far as I can.

Thus, ‘Thrifty is the New Black’ is born. I hope to share some Golightly worthy trips, travels, outings, and restaurants that will suit my young-professional budget (oh and let’s face it, isn’t getting a deal just so much more satisfying?)

So please, if you have any questions about cheap, fun, most-current places or suggestions, by all means, send them my way! Comment below or shoot me an email (I’m jonesing to try it out: kara@holidaygolightly.com) I will be happy to serve up suggestions and ideas for weekends staying in the city, or places to see on a cheaper budget.

Ta!