Welcome to Treat House Vacation Rental in Ballard, Seattle. Telephone (206)255-9770

The Loyal Suite

Treat House Vacation Rental is a Vacation Rental in Seattle’s northern neighborhood of Ballard.  We have two Vacation Rental units in our historic home which was once owned by “Harry Whitney Treat” a land speculator.

Please find more information and availability on VRBO.com at the following links:

http://www.vrbo.com/282472   http://www.vrbo.com/314716

Please find a Google map with our location in Ballard:

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Important travel information about Seattle, “The Emerald City”, and Ballard.

Seattle Weather, and Whale Watching are two very popular questions we get quite frequently.  We have written two articles on these topics and you can access them below:

* The Climate of Seattle

* A Whale of a Time: Whale Watching in British Columbia and Washington State

Have a great trip and we look forward to talking with you.

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The Climate of Seattle

Story by Darrell Kirk.  Copyright 2011

Seattle has a temperate, maritime climate due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The weather is also strongly influenced by the nearby mountain ranges. Washington State is generally moist and mild on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, where Seattle is located, and dry and less temperate on the east side. Mild temperatures are prevalent year around in Seattle. Temperatures rarely get very cold in the winter or very hot in the summer. During the fall and winter, powerful storms often blow in off the ocean, bringing strong winds and drenching rains to the Puget Sound region. The mountains, especially the Olympics to the west of Seattle, receive the brunt of these storms; some rain forests on the southwestern side of the Olympics get over 200 inches of rain every year. The rain shadow effect is pronounced on the eastern slopes of the Olympics. Sequim, on the northeastern edge of the range only receives about 16 inches of rain a year.

Seattle is known for being a rainy city, and the reputation is well earned. Even though the yearly precipitation totals are not very impressive compared to many other cities, Seattle has a higher number of rainy days every year than any other major city in the continental United States. Annual precipitation is 36.2 inches; in comparison, New York City receives 40.3 inches. Often the rain is barely more than a drizzle, but will last for much of the day. Seattle also endures more overcast days than any other major city in the U.S.

The rainy season often begins around mid-October. Any day from Halloween to Easter, it’s a good idea to carry an umbrella. Even with all of the precipitation in the winter months, Seattle gets very little snow. During a typical year, accumulating snow will fall less than three times. The temperature fails to reach freezing about two days a year on average. Every few years, a cold snap will plunge Western Washington below freezing for several days in a row, but such freezes rarely last for more than three of four days.

Spring in Seattle tends to be balmy, with considerably less storminess than winter. Rain is still a common occurrence, but the cloudiness is less oppressive as the sun usually returns before too long. Many flowers begin blooming as early as late February or early March.

If there is any time to be in Seattle, it is definitely the summertime. The city enjoys one of the most pleasant climates in the U.S. from June through September. Sunshine is the rule, with most days between 70 and 85 degrees. If an onshore sea breeze is blowing, the morning may start off foggy, but the sky usually clears by early afternoon at the latest. On the other hand, if a light offshore wind is blowing from the east, not a cloud may be seen and temperatures may ascend well into the 80s. Occasionally, a strong high pressure system causes temperatures to reach the 90s, but this usually only happens once a summer.

A Whale of a Time: Whale Watching in British Columbia and Washington State

Orca Whale photographed off the coast of Seattle in the neighborhood of Ballard. Photo by Darrell Kirk 2011

Story by Darrell Kirk.  Copyright 2011

Travelers to the north Pacific coast can be forgiven for comparing it to the African Serengeti in the abundance and splendor of its viewable wildlife.  Whales—especially orcas—are a very common sight along the north Pacific coast; any traveler who puts forth the effort is almost certain to see a whale.  Whale cruises, private boats, and ferries all reliably provide tourists with a chance to see whales.  Whale watching season lasts from March through early October, but tourists may see dolphins, sea lions, otters, and other marine mammals any time of the year.

Visitors are most likely to see a whale on a whale cruise.  Since whales generally frequent certain areas, tour operators need only take visitors to the appropriate spot and wait for the whales to come to the surface for air.  Whale tours normally last for three to five hours.

Orcas—sometimes called killer whales—are especially popular with tourists.  To live, orcas must follow their prey, and therefore can be found in areas with fish, sea lions, seals, and even other whales, which orcas have been known to hunt.  This makes the orca a wonderful whale to try and see, because visitors are often treated to a view of their prey.  Orcas are very active swimmers and visitors frequently see them dive and leap from the water.  Adorable baby orcas are a common sight.

Whale watchers are also very likely to see humpback whales.  Humpback whales sometimes hunt alone but can also be seen in spectacular groups of up to fifteen.  They swim very actively and often slap the water, breach completely, or blow water high into the air—sometimes dousing tourists.  This can be a spectacular, unforgettable sight, as humpback whales can be 16 or more meters in length.

Whale watchers can also hope to see grey whales, humpback whales and right whales.  Each whale is spectacular in its own right.  Grey whales, for example, are covered in barnacles and move along the water slowly and regally, as if they were royalty.  Tourists may see several species of whale on a single whale watching cruise.

However, whale watchers should not count on seen a Minke whale. The Minke whale is shaped like a torpedo and is a rare but exhilarating sight.  At about the same size as a killer whale, the Minke whale is a very fast swimmer at more than 20 mph and can remain underwater for long lengths of time.  Whale watchers are likeliest to spot these long, sleek whales animals when they come up to feed on fish.  Because they are difficult to spot, Minke whales are little understood, and even those scientists that watch whales professionally have yet to decipher their migratory patterns.

If you decide to whale watch along the north Pacific coast, a paid whale tour is the surest way to see a whale.  However, whale cruises are not the only way to see whales.  British Columbia and Washington State operate an extensive network of ferries that offer visitors the chance watch whales while traveling to destinations such as Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, and the San Juan Islands. Whale watchers may also rent a kayak or other small vessel and see whales, though it is best to exercise caution in approaching the animals.  Finally, many spots along the wild and rugged coastline of the North Pacific offer excellent whale watching.

Whales are among the most magnificent animals in the world, and a highlight of any trip to the north Pacific coastline.

You miss Seattle, Ballard and Larsens Bakery….

The wonderful Larsen's Danish Kringel

You miss Seattle, Ballard, Treat House Vacation Rental, and Larsen’s Bakery….  as for all the delicious pastries, you can have Larsen’s ship them to your home town!  Give them a call.  For those who missed Larsen’s, or are on their way, here’s a link:

http://www.larsensbakery.com

Larsen’s is just a 5 minute walk from Treat House Vacation Rental and a wonderful place to visit.

Snoqualmie Falls, about an hour’s drive from Treat House Vacation Rental

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year.

At the Falls, you will find a two-acre park, observation deck, gift shop, and the famous 270 foot waterfall.

Located about an hour’s drive from Treat House Vacation Rental.

Christmas Ship Schedule for Seattle

Here’s the schedule for Christmas Ships in Seattle.   Look for the ships near our Seattle Vacation Rental here in Ballard:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 – FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Seattle Girls’ Choir – Allegra
Departure: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
Stops: 4:10-4:30 Medina, 5:10-5:30 Houghton Beach
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 – SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: The Dicken’s Carolers
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
Stops: 8:45-9:05 Chism Beach, 9:25-9:45 Madrona
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
CHOIR: Northwest Boychoir – Intermediate Choir
Depart: Leschi 5:00pm, Return: 7:20pm
Stops: 5:40-6:00 Ferdinand Street, 6:15-6:35 Stan Sayres, 6:45-7:05 Mt. Baker Beach
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6
CHOIR: Snohomish County Windjammers
Depart: Leschi 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
Stops: 7:50-8:10 Pritchard Beach, 8:25-8:45 Seward Park
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
CHOIR: The Everett Chorale
Depart: Edmonds 7:00pm, Return: 9:10pm
Stops: 7:10-7:30 Edmonds, 8:20-8:40 Richmond Beach
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
CHOIR: The Dicken’s Carolers
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:35pm
Stops: 7:55-8:15 Brown’s Point, 8:50-9:10 Redondo Beach
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
CHOIR: St. Martin’s University Chorale
Depart: Tacoma 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
Stops: 6:45-7:00pm Opening Ceremony at the Museum of Glass
7:10-7:30 Foss Waterway Seaport Museum, 8:20-8:40 Gig Harbor
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
CHOIR: Canterbury Belles
Depart: Pier 55 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
Stops: 8:05-8:25 Manchester City Park, 9:15-9:35 Olympic Sculpture Park
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 – FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Northwest Girlchoir – Vivace
Depart: Pier 55 4:00pm, Return: 6:00pm
Stops: 4:10-4:30 Pier 66, 5:15-5:35 Seacrest Marina
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 – SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: The Dicken’s Carolers
Depart: Pier 55 8:00pm, Return: 10:20pm
Stops: 8:50-9:10 Lowman Beach, 9:40-10:00 Alki Beach
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12
CHOIR: Emerald City Voices
Depart: Pier 55 5:00pm, Return: 7:50pm
Stops: 6:00-6:20 Carkeek Park, 6:30-6:50 Blue Ridge
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13
CHOIR: Soundwave
Depart: Pier 55 6:30pm, Return: 9:20pm
Stops: 7:30-7:50 Winslow Waterfront Beach, 8:40-9:00 Don Armeni
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14
CHOIR: North Kitsap Northern Lights
Depart: Poulsbo 6:30pm, Return: 8:35pm
Stops: 6:30-6:50 Poulsbo, 7:15-7:35 Keyport, 7:50-8:10 Lemolo
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
CHOIR: Northwest Girlchoir – Amore
Depart: Shilshole 7:00pm, Return: 9:45pm
Stops: 8:10-8:30 Ballard Locks, 9:05-9:25 Golden Gardens
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16
CHOIR: The Dicken’s Carolers
Depart: Des Moines 7:00pm, Return: 9:15pm
Stops: 7:10-7:30 Des Moines, 8:10-8:30 Dash Point
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
CHOIR: Voices Northwest
Depart: Kirkland 7:00pm, Return: 9:30pm
Stops: 7:50-8:10 Luther Burbank, 8:50-9:10 Yarrow Point Park
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 – FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Vivace! Cathedrals Choir
Depart: Kirkland 3:45pm, Return: 5:55pm
Stops: 3:55-4:15 Kirkland Marina Park, 4:55-5:15 Madison Park
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 – SECOND SAILING
CHOIR: Rainier Youth Choir – Conosare
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 10:30pm
Stops: 8:55-9:15 Sheridan Beach Club, 9:45-10:05 Matthews Beach
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
CHOIR: Lake Washington Singers
Depart: Kirkland 5:00pm, Return: 7:40pm
Stops: 6:00-6:20 Tracy Owen Station, 7:00-7:20 Juanita Beach Park
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
CHOIR: Bellevue Chamber Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 6:30pm, Return: 8:45pm
Stops: 7:00-7:20 OO Denny, 8:00-8:20 Laurelhurst
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
CHOIR: Master Chorus Eastside
Depart: Kirkland 6:30pm, Return: 8:55pm
Stops: 6:45-7:05 Carillon Point, 7:45-8:05 Meydenbauer Bay
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
CHOIR: Choir of the Sound
Depart: Kirkland 6:30pm, Return: 9:00pm
Stops: 7:25-7:45 Lake Forest Civic Club (private), 8:20-8:40 Magnuson Beach
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 – FIRST SAILING
CHOIR: Pacific Sound Chorus
Depart: Kirkland 3:30pm, Return: 5:40pm
Stops: 4:00-4:20 Matthews Beach, 5:00-5:20 Houghton Beach
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 – SECOND SAILING – PARADE FINALE
CHOIR: Seattle Girls’ Choir – Prime Voci
Depart: Kirkland 8:00pm, Return: 11:05pm
Stops: 8:45-9:05 Portage Bay (W. Montlake Park), 9:45-10:05 Gasworks Park Grand Finale

“Yulefest” in Ballard.

Yulefest

YULEFEST
November 20 – 21, 2010

The Nordic Heritage Museum invites everyone to begin the holiday season at this year’s YULEFEST on Saturday and Sunday, November 20 and 21, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This popular Nordic Christmas celebration offers hundreds of hand-crafted gifts, a jubilee of Scandinavian musical performances, and traditional Nordic cuisine that will inspire holiday cheer. Santa will also be visiting the Museum for YULEFEST.

Traditional Scandinavian entertainment will feature fiddlers, singers, folk dancers and more. Shop hand-crafted gifts from our many Nordic-inspired vendors, and enjoy Scandinavian food and drink available at several locations in the Museum. The Nordic Café offers open-faced Scandinavian sandwiches, Æbleskiver, krumkake, and lefse, among many other exciting traditional foods. And don’t miss Goodies to Go where you can purchase Scandinavian treats by the dozen! In the Bodega, enjoy special Scandinavian beverages such as glögg—hot spiced wine, a traditional beverage of the holiday season—and a selection of Nordic beers. The Kaffestuga offers coffee, cookies, and pastries for sale. FREE children’s crafts and activities as well as Santa photos will also be found at YULEFEST. Appropriate for all ages. No reservations needed.

Cost: Suggested donation: $3 adults, $1 children under 12, children under 5 free, limited parking available: suggested donation $2. A donation of a non-perishable food item for the Ballard Food Bank is welcome.

Picasso in Seattle

Picasso has arrived!

The Seattle Art Museum is excited to present a landmark exhibition of the work of Pablo Picasso, the most radical and influential artist of the 20th century. The exhibition presents iconic works from virtually every phase of Picasso’s legendary career, documenting the full range of his unceasing inventiveness and prodigious creative process.

Visit the official site here:

http://www.picassoinseattle.org/

Places we love: “Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge”

Right on the Columbia River and very affordable.

We head for the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge whenever we get the chance, even if it is only for 24 hours!  This is the only place “on” the Columbia river for 50 miles, or so and is in the nicest town in the world–Stevenson, Washington.  The rooms are themed and we love the “Far East” and “Outback” rooms.  We just can’t say enough about this place that is very affordable and located in an area with spectacular geography, and sightseeing opportunities.