Getting to the Workshop & Where to Stay
The class is being held at the Memoria Technica workshop in the Seattle area on Vashon Island just South of the high street.
It’s a quick trip on the car ferry from West Seattle or you can take the 15 minute passenger ferry from downtown Seattle. Once on the island, the workshop is a short jaunt up the main highway. You can take the bus into town if you’re taking the walk-on ferry or if you take the car ferry from West Seattle it’s an easy drive.
If you’re traveling in from out of town, the shop is just as reachable from Tacoma as Seattle. There are several places to stay on Vashon, Seattle, or Tacoma convenient to ferries.
Getting to Vashon
Getting to Vashon requires a ferry, but there are several options. Travel by car, foot, or bike via West Seattle, Downtown Seattle, Tacoma, or Southworth.
Use the link below from the amazingly helpful Explore Vashon website to look at the current car ferry schedule, which includes all available routes to Vashon, and plan your trip!
The Seattle water taxi is a great option for a weekday class. It’s a high speed commuter ferry, so once aboard you’re on Vashon in under 20 minutes. Check out the route and schedule below to plan your trip. The earliest ferry departs at 5:30am from Pier 50 downtown and the latest return departs Vashon at 6:58pm, allowing for a full class day on island if you’re staying in Seattle.
Staying on Vashon
If you’re traveling in from out of town, I suggest checking out the beautiful island of Vashon. It has a lot of offer from pristine beaches and forest walks to a wonderful art center and amazing coffee. Choosing where to stay on Vashon might be a challenge with so many great options! Several local listings for cute cabins and cottage getaways can be found on both Vrbo & Airbnb. You can even stay in the lighthouse keepers quarters at Point Robinson. For convenience to the workshop, I suggest staying near downtown Vashon or right off the main highway on the North end of the island. I’ve collected most of the local spots and their offerings below.
Staying in Downtown or West Seattle
Both Downtown Seattle and West Seattle have a lot to offer. If you’re registered for a weekday class, I recommend staying downtown in the Pioneer Square neighborhood for Seattle visitors. If you’re taking a weekend class I recommend staying close to the ferry in West Seattle. I’ve linked a couple of convenient spots below. I’ve selected places that are within walking distance to the ferry dock for either Downtown or West Seattle. You can also check out the Seattle Hotels Map here for other places to stay.
Staying in Tacoma
For convenience to the Point Defiance Ferry I recommend staying at Silver Cloud hotel on the Ruston Waterfront within walking distance to the ferry. If you’re looking for a wonderful neighborhood charm, check out the Proctor District Neighborhood, a short drive or slightly longer walk to the ferry.
Getting Around on Island
There are a few services for folks who won’t have access to a car on island. There is a great bus route in addition to shuttle or car rentals.
For folks traveling in with family/friends, the area has a lot to offer! From hiking trails to vineyards, museums, and more.
Vashon
With stunning beaches, lush forest hikes, a happening downtown, farm stands, local wineries and more, Vashon is an amazing place to visit. Some of my favorite spots on Vashon include The Snap Dragon (a delicious vegetarian restaurant and bakery with a whimsical and comfy atmosphere), The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie and Minglement (The best coffee on the island and a boutique local grocery store), Pacific Crest Farm Stand (offering local produce, bread, and coffee ), and The Ruby Brink (local and fresh fare).
Seattle
Some of my favorite Seattle spots include MoM (The Museum of Museums), Vitos (a wonderful old school Italian restaurant), Bathtub Gin (a tiny boutique cocktail bar downtown), The Agua Verde Paddle Club (a delicious restaurant serving Mexican fare with kayaks you can rent and take out on lake Union), Vivaci Coffee (the best coffee around), Orcas Paley (a one off gem of a local gift shop), events at In the Shed (thoughtfully curated handmade offerings, ceramics, dinners and more), Harvest Beat (5 course dinner club using all fresh and local produce) & the Fremont Sunday Market and the Ballard Farmers Market.