Eight to 10 days in the Pacific Northwest: Suggestions needed
 

We're planning a visit to the Pacific Northwest, starting in Vancouver, then moving on to Seattle, and ending up with three or four days at the Inn at Langley, which is outside Seattle. We will be leaving from New York and will need to allow for the travel time en route. Our plan is to begin with the cities and then relax in the quieter surroundings at Langley. With that said, however, we need help with deciding how much time to spend in each and what to do while there. We're looking for samples of highlights, not comprehensive touring, in each of the cities. We're thinking of eight to 10 days altogether in early to mid August. All suggestions greatly appreciated.

How many are the "we"? I'm thinking it is easier and cheaper to fly to Seattle from NY than to Vancouver.
I advise against taking a rental car across the border.
It is easy to take an Amtrak bus or train between Seattle and Vancouver. You don't need a rental car inside either city.
Were you planning on seeing Mt. Rainier or Olympic NP?
You probably don't have time for both if you go to Vancouver.
Can you make the time to come into Oregon at least as far as the Columbia Gorge and the waterfalls east of Portland?

We are two. Planning to take the short flight from Vancouver to Seattle. Not planning to see the Olympic NP or Mt. Rainier and don't have enuf time to go farther south. It's our first trip to the area. Just want to get a taste, not explore in-depth.

Do you have a good fare to Vancouver compared with flying to Seattle? There are 4 Amtrak buses and 2 Amtrak Cascade trains daily from Vancouver to Seattle. The fares for 2 ranges from $82 (train) to $90 (bus). Crossing the border on land is easier than the airport Customs & Immigration IMO.
In Vancouver there is a good hop on hop off bus that goes through Stanley Park.
You can do a search on Fodor's for places to see in Seattle.

Yes, we have a good fare. Border crossing isn't a problem either. What we're trying to estimate is how to apportion our available time. We're guessing two, two, and three, but that's totally arbitrary.

Correction: two, two, and four, plus travel time.

I would give more time to Vancouver and Seattle over Langely. I love Langely but unless you plan on sitting and truly relaxing and not doing much, a day is plenty. Even with 2 days, you will have relaxed a lot, even if you drive around see everything on Whidbey Island. I know this sounds like I don't like the area, which is not true at all. It is just a very quiet area. BTW, when you go, definitely go to Prima Bistro right on the main road by the water. It is very good!

We specialize in relaxing. After "running around" in Vancouver and Seattle, Langley will give us a few days to decompress, something we usually don't get much time to do.

nrwayne--Then you found the perfect spot:) Enjoy!