What makes a trip to Washington a must this year is all it has to offer. Washington is home to a vast collection of boutique wineries, hipster coffee shops, top-rated restaurants and breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, icy blue water and thick forests filled with big-leaf maples and Douglas firs. No matter where you venture here, you'll be welcomed with open arms, a plate of amazing food and views you only see on postcards.
Did you say coffee?
You can't go to Washington without making a pit stop in Seattle, the birthplace of Starbucks. Although there are Stabucks shops on every corner in most of America, there's something so inspiring about grabbing a cup at the first Starbucks in the country at 1912 Pike Place. If you'd like some donuts with your joe, head to Top Pot, another Seattle institution with 12 cafes in the greater Washington area.
For something a little less mainstream, stop at Bauhaus in Pike Place. This cozy little shop is decorated like a library with towering shelves of books. On the other side are floor to ceiling windows so you can watch passers-by while you enjoy one of their homemade espressos. For another Seattle favorite, stop by Cupcake Royale in West Seattle. After a few visits the baristas will know your name and you can pair your joe with locally made cupcakes.
Best breakfasts in the state
For an authentic country breakfast, get out of Seattle and head to Snoqualmie Falls and stop at the Salish Lodge. This luxury resort's restaurant not only has breathtaking views of the falls from almost every seat, their country breakfast is top-notch with four courses. You begin with fresh Seattle coffee, a baker's basket complete with their homemade honey and juice. Then they bring you a big, fluffy stack of buttermilk pancakes with Devonshire cream and maple syrup. Next you get a bowl of their fresh-made steel cut oats and for the finale, you get a giant plate of scrambled eggs made with Tillamook cheese, bacon, sausage and a biscuit the size of your coffee cup. Even though it's a lot, you'll want to try everything.
Another popular breakfast place is the Oak Table Cafe in Sequim, Washington. Not only is all the food made from scratch and to order, you'll get sweeping views of the peninsula and Olympic National Park. According to reviewers on Urban Spoon, the porridge is a must-have and their quiche changes daily with seasonal, fresh ingredients. You also can't go wrong with a big stack of their buckwheat or fresh potato pancakes.
Up next: More places to eat in Washington >>
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World's best market fare
If you're more of an "eat on the go" type of person, you'll love the amazing selection of bite-size edibles at Pike's Place Market in Seattle. Since you could easily spend hours foraging for grub inside the bustling square, we've picked out a few places you have to go. Start with Beechers handmade mac and cheese. It's gooey, decadent and tastes they way mac and cheese should taste. After that, stop by Le Panier for a fresh-baked croissant or French baguette. Once you've had your fill of pastry, get a few hearty sausages at Uli's Famous Sausage. Get the German Bratwurst; it's one of the best we've had this side of the pond. For some fun visit the Pike Place Fish counter and watch the butchers toss 50 pound wild salmons over patrons’ heads.
Happy hours & wine tastings
For some of the best wine in the state, head to Lake Chelan, which is about four hours Northeast of Seattle and home to 18 wineries. Start off your tour with a trip to Nefarious Cellars. This winery sits on top of a slight hill so you get a sweeping view of the mountains and lake. Grab a bottle of the Viognier, which is a little fruity with hints of peach. Another winery you must check out is Tildio. Winemaker Katy Perry has caused quite the stir with her wines . Lastly, stop by Chelan Ridge Winery, which offers the best views of Lake Chelan from the porch. Not only that, winemaker Lynn Munneke is an absolute joy. You feel like you're chatting with your mom over a few glasses of wine. We loved the 2010 Chardonnay.
A little farther South is another top wine producing region, the Yakima Valley. The valley is home to a whopping 43 wineries, all a little different than the next. One of our first stops in the valley is Gilbert Cellars, which has a stunning new tasting room, a lineup of award-winning vintages and a great vibe. Another must-stop is the Bonair Winery in Zillah. They've been making wines since 1985 and their new tasting chateau is absolutely stunning. We love the White Port. Finish your tour with a trip to Willow Crest, where winemaker Dave has been making wine for more than a decade. Try the Mourvedre, which has hints of black and white pepper.
Decadent dinners & local hot spots
If you're near Lake Chelan, don't leave without eating dinner at the quaint and cozy Cafè Manson. The small restaurant seats only a handful of people, so you need to make reservations ahead of time. The staff of three is made up of the owners and a chef, and sometimes, another staffer during high season. The food is seasonal, local and healthy, with a selection of gluten-free and vegan options. Start your meal with the fried green tomatoes , which are out of this world.
If you're in Seattle, go to the SeaStar restaurant located in the posh Pan Pacific hotel. The food is fresh and local. When you are there, order from the Raw Bar. They have an incredibly fresh selection of shucked oysters, ceviche and sushi. Another top Seattle restaurant is Wild Ginger, which has won a James Beard award and is the No. 1 Zagat restaurant in the area. The food is Asian inspired and the fragrant duck is a must-have. You also have to dine at one of restaurant empire Tom Douglas' places, like the Bravehorse Tavern, which serves low-key but delicious dishes like homemade pretzels and peanut butter bacon sauce and juicy burgers.
If you're lucky enough to visit the stunning San Juan Islands, grab a bite at The Bluff, which is located inside the Friday Harbor House hotel. The food is innovative and comforting, with dishes like fresh caught salmon with a sea salt foam and heavenly rosemary apple pie. Another place you must eat on the San Juans is the Duck Soup Inn. Rated a "must see" by Rachael Ray, this cozy restaurant about 10 minutes from the harbor has incredible options, like crispy duck confit, sea scallops with ceviche and Lopez island pork meatballs.
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