To the north of Seattle lies Everett, synonymous with Boeing’s monumental factory – a plane-spotter’s dream. Before diving deep into Seattle’s multitude of enticements, set aside time to immerse yourself in the magnificence of Boeing.  40km north of Seattle, the Boeing Factory tour lets you loose inside the world’s largest building by volume– so big that it often creates its own weather system inside. Before embarking on the Future of Flight Tour, the visitor’s centre features a wealth of exhibits on the inner workings of navigation and hydraulic systems, cutaways of plane fuselages, Rolls Royce and General Electric engines, flight simulators and so forth.

As unseasonal snowflakes started falling, I headed out on the rooftop Strato Deck. In addition to the impressive views of Puget Sound and surrounding mountains, you’re treated to test flights of aircraft taking off and landing on Paine Field. An added bonus was the up-close spectacle of two Dreamlifters. These modified 747s are used to shuttle 787 fuselage parts from around the world to Everett where they are assembled in the Boeing factory. They boast largest cargo hold area of any aircraft in the world.

It was a remarkable sight to see these Dreamlifters disgorging enormous aircraft panels from within their respective bellies. But the real deal is the Future of Flight factory tour, a 90 minute production which is managed with meticulous efficiency, not unlike a backlot tour at Universal Studios. Boeing is particularly insistent that no cellphones or cameras are allowed to be taken on the tour. I assumed that the camera ban was in place to protect Boeing from the snooping, pillaging eyes of wannabe Russian spies, but it turns out that the ban was implemented two years ago, for far more benign reasons.

A dopey tourist accidentally dropped their smartphone, while trying to take a photo from one of the high viewing balconies inside the plant. The plummeting phone smashed into an aircraft wing, causing substantial damage – and the rest is history. How would you feel! Back at the visitors centre, you can stand in front of a green screen and get some great complimentary selfies, which Boeing will email you, dressed in ravishing on-site backdrops from the factory floor.

After watching an introductory, uplifting short movie on Boeing’s proud history, we were ushered to our waiting bus that zipped us across the runway to the colossal assembly building. On the short ride, we passed a vast fleet of newly minted aircraft, proudly clad in their fresh and resplendent livery and airline logos, cleared for handover. It was like admiring the airline tails of the world. Oh, the places they will go!

On arrival at the assembly building, a freight elevator whisked us up to the viewing balcony where our first stop was the assembly line for the Queen of the Skies, the 747. Yes, they are still making them, particularly as air freighters. Given the advances in fuel-efficiency with more recent aircraft models, it was an absolute joy to see some gleaming new jumbos being assembled – the plane that still best embodies the quest for adventure and long-haul travel. 1500 747s are still operating today.

Many airlines have replaced the 747 for the 777 as their long-haul workhorse, and our next stop was in the 777 assembly area. First launched in 1995, and netting roughly 2000 orders, it’s the most successful wide-body aircraft ever produced. Our Boeing guide pointed out that part of the assembly area is now being prepared for the newest version, the 777X, which is scheduled to enter commercial service in two years time.

For our finale, our tour ended at the Boeing 787 Dreamliner assembly line. Like a giant Meccano set, with various components produced around the world, the final assembly taking place at Boeing is a far quicker process than assembling a 777. 7 Dreamliners are pumped out each month. With roughly 1300 orders on the books, Boeing will be rolling out the 787 for many years to come. Let’s fly! www.visitseattle.org

For a complete change of scenery, board a Washington State Ferry from Pier 52 on the Seattle Waterfront, for the 35 minute cruise across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. Admiring the ferries chugging out of Elliot Bay will be a familiar spectacle to Grey’s Anatomy fans.  Its close proximity to the city makes it a popular enclave for commuters, but much of the island exudes a semi-rural, small-town ethos, brimming with resident craftspeople and artisans. And you’ll love soaking up those mountain and sound vistas.

The ferry disgorges you in the charismatic village of Winslow, downtown Bainbridge Island. It’s historic and compact main street, Winslow Way, is instantly engaging, spilling with antiques shops, art galleries, boutique shopping and eateries. You’ll adore Eagle Harbor Book Company, home to a carefully curated book selection and Pelindaba Lavender, for blissfully scented products from its fields on San Juan Island.  Harbour Public House is steeped in British traditions, with classic Sunday roasts, while also embracing Friday oyster specials and Canadian inspirations like their poutine options.

 Then there’s the Madison Diner, occupying a 1948 dining car, serving up classic comfort fare. Don’t miss Puget Sound’s best ice cream, at Mora Ice Creamery, located in Madrone Lane, just off Winslow Way. One of the newest island attractions is the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, where the free galleries throng with vibrant regional art. The Bainbridge Island Historical Society and Museum, is a pint-sized gem, housed partly in a little red 1908 schoolhouse, if you want to dip into the island’s back-story, long home to Suquamish Indians and first charted by Captain George Vancouver. Opened just a few years ago, the Suquamish Museum is located on the Port Madison Indian Reservation.

It preserves and displays relics and records related to the Suquamish Tribe, including artifacts from the Old Man House, the winter home to Chief Seattle before it was destroyed by the US government in 1870. Another flavourful stop is Fletcher Bay Winery, which specialises in crafting limited release, full bodied, red wines. The grapes are harvested from the finest vineyards in Eastern Washington, like the Yakima and Walla Walla valley. You can even stay the night at the winemaker's waterfront cottage, which previously served as the original tasting room for the fabulous little winery. www.fletcherbaywinery.com

Botanical aficionados should also make a beeline to Bloedel Reserve, a private estate-turned public park. This 150-acre internationally recognised preserve is a sublime mix of natural woodlands and majestically landscaped gardens—including a moss garden, Japanese garden, a reflection pool, and the impressive former Bloedel estate home. Dazzling rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in spring, and Japanese maples vividly herald the arrival of autumn. Whether you’re looking for a flavour-filled day-trip or sweet overnighter, Bainbridge Island is well worth a frolic.  http://bainbridgedowntown.org/

Hawaiian Airlines offers one-stop flights between New Zealand and Seattle via Honolulu. For just NZ$145 per person, per sector, Extra Comfort Seating is a great-value way to accentuate the experience, particularly on the haul between Auckland and Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines has expanded its New Zealand schedule, now flying five times a week from Auckland. Bag a great fare and seat to suit. www.hawaiianairlines.co.nz

Planning a great American adventure? Check-in on the official website for a world of trip inspiration. www.visitusa.com.au

Mike Yardley is our Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.