Samantha Joy Blair, the owner of Wander Joy Vacation Advisory contacted me about her vacation services. She says quite a few homeschoolers use her services.
Samantha states that Wander Joy aims to accomplish 3 main goals:
#1 Create itineraries that are uniquely personalized to our clients, creative and one-of-a-kind. There will never be two itineraries that are exactly the same from Wander Joy. Using a travel agency- they will find the top attractions of a location for the general public, but those attractions might not fit with YOUR wants or needs. This is why Wander Joy created a detailed form that each client fills out so that we can get as many details as possible and appropriate to make the itineraries JUST for you. We encourage our advisors to be creative in finding the best attractions, restaurants, etc. to fit our clients wants, needs and personality quirks.
#2 Provide information not readily available to the public. Our advisors are not just inventive, they are well-traveled and extremely knowledgeable about the tourism and hospitality business. Personally, being in the event planning and corporate world for over a decade – I have contacts and resources all over the world. At Wander Joy we firmly believe that there is no better way to learn about a destination than through the locals and we heavily rely on our personal experiences and the personal relationships we have cultivated with our contacts. This knowledge and philosophy guarantees a much more personal and unique itinerary compared to a travel agents generic, generated itinerary.
#3 Save you time AND money. We take the research and planning out of your vacation, as we will shop the best prices, compare reviews and use the resources named above to stay in your stated budget without compromising on the quality of your itinerary. We agree that time is money, so let us take care of both! At Wander Joy, we want to encourage travel, discovering new places and experiencing new cultures. There is no easier way to plan your next dream vacation than with Wander Joy!
The Itinerary
I asked Samantha to come up with a 3-4 day itinerary, for the Olympic Range, in the state of Washington. I chose random dates – they just happen to be in August. Although, in WA, a summer tour and a winter tour might be very different (due to storms/wind/etc). Anyway, I specifically asked the vacation to be nature oriented (to avoid the cities of Olympia and Seattle), and not to include any camping – I prefer hotels.
Here’s the itinerary she sent – and it’s a good one! 🙂 You can use it if you’re ever in Washington.
And if you’d like Samantha to write an itinerary for your next vacay – her prices are certainly reasonable ($99 for a 3-4 day custom itinerary).
OLYMPIC RANGE VACATION
AUGUST 1/2 – QUINAULT, WA |
Hotel Recommendations:
- Lake Quinault Lodge ($250-$350/night) – PICTURED AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/lodging/lake-quinault-lodge/
- Rainforest Resort Village ($180-$250/night) http://www.rainforestresort.com/index.htm
- Nature Tour – Lake Quinault: This is a 4-hour tour that will take you to the best photo spots in the rain forest and all from the comfort of a 14-passenger bus. This is the best way to get a comprehensive understanding of the flora and fauna of rain forest as well as the best chance to see wildlife! ($37/adults, $17/12 + under) Tickets can be purchased at Lake Quinault Lodge. http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/things-to-do/tours-of-lake-quinault-rainforest/
- Valley of the Giants: “These giants only have the redwoods and sequoias to look up to.” https://www.quinaultrainforest.com/Lake-Quinault/valley-of-the-giants.html
- Lake Quinault: A gorgeous lake known for its crystal, clear water – perfect for relaxing, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more! Water sport rentals are available at the lodge or the Fairholme Store. RentalS are $20/hour. http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/things-to-do/shopping/fairholme-store/
- Lake Quinault Museum: Housed in the former Lake Quinault post office – this is a great place to learn about the early pioneers and native Quinaults. The museum is walking distance from Lake Quinault Lodge and FREE! Located at 354 South Shore Road Quinault, Washington 98575. http://www.lakequinaultmuseum.org/
- Salmon House Restaurant: The best place for an amazing salmon dinner! (They serve many other dishes too!) Located at the Rain Forest Resort Village – not only is the food good, but the view is gorgeous too! http://www.rainforestresort.com/salmon-house-restaurant.htm
- Quinault Mercantile: A cute, little store that has souvenirs and delicious food! Located at 352 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575.
- Dino’s Pizza and Grill: A great stop for a quick bite of pizza. Located at 8 River Dr., Amanda Park, WA 98526. https://www.quinaultrainforest.com/dinos-pizza-grill.html
- Roosevelt Room: Named after President Roosevelt who visited the lodge in 1937, this is an especially well-known restaurant for a wonderful breakfast. http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/lodging/dining/lake-quinault-lodge/?utm_source=TripAdvisor.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=nonpaidlisting
AUGUST 2/3/4 – PORT ANGELES, WA |
Hotel Recommendations:
- Sol Duc Hot Springs ($210-$350/night) http://www.olympicnationalparks.com/lodging/sol-duc-hot-springs-resort/
- Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles ($215-$330/night) https://www.redlion.com/port-angeles
- Olympic National Park Visitor Center: “Visitor information, exhibits about Olympic’s natural and cultural history, hands-on “Discovery Room” for kids, award-winning orientation film “Mosaic of Diversity” (25 minutes) shown upon request, bookstore, two short nature trails.” Located at 3002 Mount Angeles Road, Port Angeles, WA 98362. https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
- Salt Creek Recreation Area: There is something for everyone in this area. There are playgrounds, hiking trails, and camp sites. The most unique aspect comes at low tide when the tidepools are full of sea creatures and beautiful shells! http://www.clallam.net/Parks/SaltCreek.html
- Dream Playground: Located at Erickson Park on South Race Street across from Civic Field – Dream Playground is a child’s daydream come to life! The playground was built by over 2000 volunteers with funds from more than 10,000 individual contributors! http://www.padreamplayground.org/
- Arthur D. Feiro Marine Life Center: A small but well done Marine Center with tickets that are only $3-$5! The exhibits are interesting for all ages and give a wonderful perspective of the ocean life in Port Angeles. Located at 315 N Lincoln St Port Angeles, WA 98362. http://feiromarinelifecenter.org/
- Webster’s Woods Art Park: “A five-acre “museum without walls” featuring over 125 sculptures and site works along rustic trails in a unique sylvan setting that is a microcosm of nearby Olympic National Park.” Located at 1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd. Port Angeles, WA, 98362- this is a must-see! http://www.olympicpeninsula.org/things-to-do/port-angeles-fine-arts-center-websters-woods-art-park
- Port Angeles Whale Watch Company: A 4-5-hour whale watching tour with 9:30am and 3pm departures. Tickets are $109 for adults and $69 for children. However, there are always discounts available! (Military, AAA, AARP, Seniors, etc.) Check-in at 115 Railroad Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362. http://pawhalewatch.com/
- Washington Lavender Farm: A beautiful, oceanfront lavender farm. Located at 965 Finn Hall Road Port Angeles, WA 98362- there is no place to get more gorgeous pictures. http://www.walavender.com/home.html
- Port Angeles City Pier: A perfect spot for a stroll with the family. Located at 308 E 4th St, Port Angeles, WA 98362-3218.
- Bella Italia: Delicious Italian food – made from scratch! Reservations are a necessity if planning to go at a peak dining time. Located at 118 East First Street Port Angeles, WA 98362. http://www.bellaitaliapa.com/
- First Street Haven: The restaurant that makes everyone wish they lived in Port Angeles so they could eat breakfast here every morning! Located at 107 E 1st St Port Angeles, Washington. https://www.facebook.com/First-Street-Haven-100171846704740/
- Chestnut Cottage Restaurant: A wonderful place to fill up before a hike or activity! They are known for their homemade pastries for breakfast and unique salads for lunch! Located at 929 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362. http://chestnutcottagerestaurant.com/
- Café Garden: A cozy restaurant with amazing seafood options. Located at 1506 East First Street Port Angeles, Washington 98362. http://cafegardenpa.com/index.php
- Little Devil’s Lunchbox: Voted best lunch numerous times – this place is known for their affordable food and giant burritos! Located at 324 a West First, Port Angeles, WA. https://devilslunch.com/
- Country Aire Deli: “Take out that you’ll actually enjoy!” This spot is great to pick up delicious sandwiches for a picnic or to pack up for a day of adventures! Located at 200 West First Street Port Angeles, WA 98362 – this stop also has healthy snacks and supplements available too! http://www.countryairemarket.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=EDD4AECAC6704BF69062AD9DDF6DA13A
- Downrigger’s Restaurant: Arguably the best place to eat with a view of the harbor – Located at 115 East Railroad Ave. Port Angeles, WA 98362. http://www.downriggerspa.com/
- Coyote BBQ Pub: The owners are from Texas and know how to do BBQ the right way! This place is not to be missed! Located at 201 East Front Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362. http://www.coyotebbqpub.com/index.html
- Cock-A-Doodle Doughnuts: An independent doughnut shop serving up some unique flavors! Located at 105 East Front Street Port Angeles, WA 98362. http://cockadoodledoughnuts.com/
- La Belle Creperie: The #1 dessert in Port Angeles! Located at 222 North Lincoln Street Port Angeles, WA 98362. https://www.facebook.com/LaBelleCreperie?sw_fnr_id=4257404946&fnr_t=0
AUGUST 4/5 – FORKS, WA |
Hotel Recommendations:
- Kalaloch Lodge ($250-$300/night) https://www.thekalalochlodge.com/
- Miller Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast ($175-$275/night) http://millertreeinn.com/
- Quileute Indian Nation: “First Beach offers ocean-view accommodations ranging from rustic to luxurious. Those who visit La Push come for whale watching in the spring; surfing, fishing, and hiking in the summer; and storm watching in the fall and winter.” https://quileutenation.org/
- Forks Timber Museum: A small, quaint museum about logging in Forks, WA. Admission is only $3 and so worth the quick visit. Located at 1421 S Forks Avenue/Hwy 101 Forks, WA. http://www.forkstimbermuseum.org/index.html
- Tree Root Cave: A cool piece of nature that will make for some excellent pictures! The attraction is accessible on the beach at Kalaloch campground. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g58476-d10201982-Reviews-Tree_Root_Cave-Forks_Washington.html
- Rainforest Arts Center: A museum that recently put in a “Twilight” exhibit that is getting rave reviews. A lot of the “Twilight” series was filmed in Forks, WA so this is a must-see! Located at 35 N Forks Ave Forks, WA 98331. http://forkswa.com/listing/rainforest-arts-center-city-of-forks/
- One Square Inch: If there is time – head over to Hoh Rainforest at Olympic Park to revel in this beauty. “One Square Inch of Silencewas designated on Earth Day 2005 to protect and manage the natural soundscape in Olympic Park’s backcountry wilderness.” This is the quietest place in the USA! http://onesquareinch.org/
- Forks Outfitters Thriftway Food Store: This place has everything – EVERYTHING! Located at 950 South Forks Avenue Forks, WA 98331. http://www.forksoutfitters.com/
- Creekside Restaurant: Located at Kalaloch Lodge – This is great food with a great view! They are especially known for their chowder! https://www.thekalalochlodge.com/dine-and-shop/creekside-restaurant
- Taqueria Santa Ana: A very small Mexican restaurant but if you can get in it is SO worth it! Located at 80 Calaway Way Forks, WA 98331. https://www.facebook.com/Taqueria-Santa-Ana-1391055644267872/?sw_fnr_id=3623147536&fnr_t=0&rf=145659868863963
- Pacific Pizza: Pizza, Sandwiches and all things Italian! Located at 870 S Fork Ave. Forks, WA 98331 – this is a staple in Forks!
- Mocha Motion: If you are a coffee lover, like me, you have to try this drive-thru coffee dream! Located at 260 S Forks Ave. Forks, WA 98331.
SAFE TRAVELS!
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