Land of Loops Revisited: Urban Basecamp

You can think of it as a place to land and get your bearings, a place to lodge. It offers a slightly different experience than Seattle proper, but it’s within striking distance of the Space Needle, the Pike Place Market and other Seattle bucket list experiences.

But, more positively, it’s a place full of modern amenities like the Paine Field Airport (PAE) and an international dining scene.

The Paine Field passenger terminal is a place with designer furniture, a smaller terminal that takes minutes to get through, modern amenities, private single bathrooms, and luxury dining options. The building has stone fireplaces and top-tier architectural design.

Lodging

Lynnwood is within a twenty-minute drive of Paine Field and close to Seattle. Lynnwood is a favored spot for business travelers as well as Pacific Northwest explorers who want to save a few bucks while being within striking distance of mountains and the sea.

Spend a day in the Aviation District

Experience up-close vintage airplanes a-plenty at the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum (FHCAM). Into P-52 Mustangs? You can see a real-life tank roll around or a fully-refurbished vintage fighter plane take to the sky once more.

High Trek Adventures is also in the Aviation District. An all-in-one recreation destination, it offers laser tag, high ropes courses (good for team building or for families looking for fun).

Shopping/Dining

Alderwood Mall is home to 164 shops. It’s a regional draw for shoppers looking for luxury goods and products.

Here are our best three favorite places to eat in Urban Basecamp:

• Katsu Burger, home of panko-breaded veggie burgers, nori french fries, and green tea milkshakes.
• 9 Delicacies, which offers remarkable Korean treats in a completely non-remarkable strip mall.
• Ono Poke, at which the owners source and employ the freshest tuna and organic ingredients into their craft.

Launch pad

From Urban Basecamp you can access the sea, the countryside in mountain river valleys, mountains, and big city culture.

1. Wine country/McMenamins

The city of Bothell is the gateway to wine country. Bike from the Bothell Landing along the Sammamish River to taste vintages at a number of wineries in Woodinville. Or, stay local and enjoy the pool, theater, outdoor dining of the McMenamins Anderson School.

2. Day trip to Seattle

From Urban Basecamp, Seattle is a short drive to the south. Spend a day in the Emerald City and cross some items off your bucket list.

3. Enjoy the Salish Sea

Enjoy the salt water of the Puget Sound by chartering a local boat to go fishing. Or, if the season’s right, hop aboard a whale watching vessel to perchance glimpse some breathtaking cetaceans.

4. Excursion to a nearby mountain

Enjoy a day of hiking, walking, taking photos, etc. The Cascade Mountains are only a short drive away from the urban core of the Greater Seattle Area.

Visit us

If nothing else, come to the region for the culture: the world-famous coffee scene, the rain, and the mountains. Urban Basecamp is waiting for you to explore. Open up to adventure. You won’t be disappointed.