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5 Local Weekend Trips to Take While Your Personal Assistant Holds Down the Fort

January 30, 2017  |  
SEA

As the dreary winter months seem to drag on, you may find yourself dreaming of taking a break, even if only for a few days on local trips near Seattle. Sure, you could take some time off work or go away for the weekend, but how can you swing it with so many commitments waiting for you at home?

With a trusty personal assistant, you won’t need to fret over tasks going unfinished. A PA is so much more than a housesitter. They’re your right hand. When you can’t be home to run errands, do the laundry, schedule appointments, work with contractors or repair people, take your car in for service, or prep the week’s meals, we’re there to tackle everything so you’re free to recharge without falling behind on the daily grind.

Hand off your home responsibilities and relish your freedom by heading for the hills — or a nearby city, mountain, or island. Allow Pepper’s Personal Assistants to hold down the fort while you take a personal, romantic, or family retreat. Here are five local destinations whose proximity to the Seattle area makes for the perfect weekend getaway.

Port Townsend

This charming Victorian community, located on the coast along the Olympic Peninsula, is quite the change of scenery from nearby metropolitan hubs. It’s just over two hours of travel time from Seattle, including a quick and scenic ferry ride. Maritime enthusiasts will feel right at home in the boating scene, and many flock to Port Townsend each year for the long-running Wooden Boat Festival. The town is also home to numerous parks and hiking and walking destinations, so there’s something for visitors looking to relax as well as those looking to get active.

Leavenworth

Just over two hours east of Seattle by car, this Bavarian-style town is known for throwing a killer party each year at Oktoberfest. It is also the place to be during the holidays, with many winter activities in town or nearby, including a popular Christmas tree lighting ceremony. No matter the time of year, you can enjoy any of several town tours, authentic German cuisine, wine tastings, or even the quirky Nutcracker Museum! Get your fill of hiking, biking, skiing, and many more outdoor activities within the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest and Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Leavenworth is truly a slice of Europe… without the expensive plane ticket.

Whistler, BC

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re fortunate to have easy access to international travel. All you need is a passport, a full tank of gas, a train or plane ticket, and time (which won’t be an issue!) and you’re across the border to Canada in no time. Expect a 4-hour trip to Whistler if you’re driving from Seattle. Hike among patches of leftover snow in the summertime or see what makes Whistler a legendary destination for skiers, snowboarders, and other winter athletes (after all, the town hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics for a reason!). Year-round activities include a gondola tour with must-see views, numerous luxury spas, and shopping or dining at Whistler Village.

San Juan Islands

If you’re looking for local trips near Seattle on an island, hopping a ferry to reach these destinations can be half the fun. Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and San Juan Island are some of the most-loved local travel spots. Perhaps this is because island life tends to move at a relaxed pace compared to city life. Adventurous spirits can enjoy hiking, kayaking, zip lining, paddle boating, horseback riding, and so much more. If you would rather sit back and take in the majestic surroundings, go for a ride on a whale watching boat, read your favorite book at the beach, indulge at a winery or spa, or mosey through museums where local history is on display.

Portland, OR

We’re only a three- to four-hour trip to Portland’s flourishing food scene. Try Voodoo Doughnuts and sip on Stumptown Coffee, then marvel at the Rose Garden or Japanese Garden before getting lost inside multi-level Powell’s Books. There really is a little bit of everything to do in Portland, especially for arts and culture enthusiasts.

So go ahead and treat yourself one or two local trips near Seattle while your personal assistant from Pepper’s handles the rest!

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Pepper’s Personal Assistant Reviews

See what it’s really like to work with a Pepper’s personal assistant!

PA to the Rescue

“I am very satisfied with my personal assistant. The biggest relief is knowing that when things get hectic with work my PA is there to help us from lighting on fire, especially when one of us is traveling.”

Ana V.

Dream PA Experience

“I am very satisfied; My PA has everything dialed in and the schedule works really well and is flexible when needed. Honestly: My PA and I click very well, I love it, it’s a dream!”

Jodi K.

Stress-Free Travel

“One of the massive benefits of having a PA is during travel disruptions. When flights are delayed, the kids are upset, and you’re stuck in customs, coming home to a stocked fridge and a prepared meal eliminates the need for a late-night milk run. You don’t realize the stress these tasks add until you have someone to handle them for you.”

A.S.

Deep Gratitude!

“The first week with Vincent has gone exceptionally well! I have no questions or concerns, only deep, deep gratitude for the difference he has already made.”

W.W.

11/10!

“My PA is incredible—an 11 out of 10—really thoughtful, thorough, intuitive. She is professional but friendly; she has just been great. A couple of times because of things going on with her calendar, Kandis has been flexible—coming 15 minutes later to drop the dog off at puppy play. She has been really great.”

Libby

Thoughtful and Detail-Oriented

“My PA is a thoughtful and discerning assistant. She pays attention to details in our home and makes great suggestions for how to improve and optimize our lives. We trust her judgment, and she communicates proactively and frequently. She is always on-site on time and patient with my unpredictable schedule. We communicate frequently, but she’s also very efficient in how we communicate. Great work!”

Client

Super Happy!

“[I] really do think Kandis is setting the bar! Having a new person come into your house can go either way. [I’m] very grateful for the time and energy and people that Pepper’s has. It’s a big step; no suggestions around onboarding. [I’m] really happy that we were able to board Kandis quickly; super happy for the West Seattle support.”

Libby

Organizing Superhero

“My PA is really good at organizing; it’s one of her superpowers. Some of the simple reorganizing things that she has done have made a big impact. She organized all the cat stuff in the garage and took the initiative on her own. She’s bright and cheery—no moaning, whining. Very great.”

Emma

One of the Best Decisions I’ve Made

“I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how much I have appreciated working with all of the Pepper’s staff. My assistant is so generous and thoughtful — she brings value to every interaction. I can’t remember a time when I’ve hired anyone with such a professional and high standard of customer service. Working with you all has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in a very long time!”

Libby

10/10 for Sure!

“Missa is a 10/10 for sure! She has been wonderful, and we check in regularly. I’m comfortable communicating with her about questions or requests, and she’s always been very responsive and also seems comfortable checking in if she has any questions for me. [The] biggest help remains pet care and household chores support, plus the help with one-off projects that come up. Missa has all kinds of skills she brings, (e.g., she’s currently putting together a ‘cat highway’ for the living room rafters).”

Homeowner

My Quality of Life Has Improved

“I used to spend every weekend and every evening doing chores and running errands. Now, I’m able to spend the time that I need to on my business, and then I get to enjoy my home and my life and the precious unstructured time that I have. The truth is, my quality of life has improved by having a Pepper’s household assistant here.”

Libby

Takes Initiative

“I want to mention what a fantastic personal assistant Billie is to me. We were on vacation last week, and she managed my household and vendors flawlessly. I even had her redecorate my office, and I gave her very little direction other than just to make it nice and functional, and, my goodness, did she ever! She takes initiative in my house in so many other ways but does not overstep or overspend. To strike that balance is really something unique and special. I feel really lucky to have her.”

Anura

I’m Blown Away

“[I’m] blown away by how much better the house looks already :)”

Graham

Kind, Caring, and Proactive

“My PA is a very caring person. I was incredibly ill last year, and my PA connected the dots that the washing machine had a lot of mold and thought the black specs on my clothes were from that. On her own time, my PA sent me an article about the impact of mold/washing machines. It was so kind of her.”

Emma

Goes Above and Beyond

“My PA has gone above and beyond. She’s organized my laundry room while keeping on top of laundry, which made it much easier to stay on top of stuff. She’s always ready to jump in and tackle items. It made this holiday season way less stressful.”

Andrea

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