I'm not a big fan of Victoria either, but I suspect if she's into gardening, no matter what else you do on this entire trip, her highlight will be the trip to Butchard Gardens.

I still think you can go to Vancouver for a night and spend a full day going from there to Seattle via Victoria, including the gardens.

Patrick - so you suggest not staying overnight in Victoria, staying overnight in Vancouver? Just one night?

I am doing some research on the San Juans and it looks like Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas looks really nice?

How about Orcas to Vancouver back to Seattle?
Or Seattle 4 nights then drive to Vancouver for one night and then end in Orcas for 2 nights and fly out of SEA?

How does those 2 itineraries sound? Or should I cut out Vancouver/Victoria? Is that too much driving?

Am I getting annoying yet? Thanks for the advice!!! :D

Let's just say I've lived in Seattle 20 years and went to Victoria exactly 1 time... when my parents came to visit! Victoria is just not my thing (too darn dute), but Buchart Gardens might make it worth while.

That said, since gardening is big for your Mom, while in Seattle you might want to include some of the old Olmstead (architects) designed parks, like the Arboretum including the Japanese Garden, Volunteer Park including the old conservatory.

No, I do not consider the San Juans a must at all. Again, I've been there 1 time when a girlfriend was visiting from back east.

Whidbey Island which is only 1 hour from Seattle can give you a taste of the same feel a lot easier! Stay at Captain Whidbey Inn for a night.

As far as the Victoria vs. Vancouver debate. Victoria is tiny, once you are there you are there pretty much. Vancouver is a large urban area and would need much more of a plan IMO.

I should learn to be more clear; long lines of cars waiting to get on a ferry = hassles. Maybe I've just been at the wrong time though.

There is a daily ferry between Seattle and Victoria scheduled so that with an overnight, you'd have almost 1.5 days in Victoria. Plenty of time. If you're not including the San Juans, this is most convenient.

If you're including the San Juans and Victoria, I think you'll need to catch the ferry in Anacortes which stops in the San Juans on its way to Sidney (Vancouver island). I'm suggesting including Victoria remembering your earlier comment that Seattle would be the one "city" experience on this trip.

But, by all means, if all that's too confusing, you could easily spend a nice week in Portland and on the Oregon coast!

Oops... "cute" not dute

Rosario Resort has an excellent reputation (once again afraid I haven't been there myself!).

Sure, any of your most recent itinerary ideas would be great!

And no you aren't annoying me yet!!