Seattle
Seattle brings to mind the rain, grunge rock and Starbucks - but there’s so much to explore in the Emerald City that’s within 30 minutes of downtown that makes this a Pacific Northwest destination that’s got culture, natural beauty and unique adventures…so here are my top places to explore in and around Seattle!
This view from Kerry Park features two of Seattle’s iconic landmarks - the Space Needle and Mount Rainier - go on a clear day.
Pike Place Market
If it’s your first time visiting Seattle, I would recommend heading straight for Pike Place Market. Not only it is walkable from anywhere downtown, you can hit a few of the top spots in one outing. Walk to the neon sign and from there, you can explore the stalls at the market - the fishmongers tossing fish is really fun to watch - and there are a few observation decks overlooking Puget Sound. Almost directly opposite the neon sign is the original Starbucks location. Wait in the line, it’s usually pretty quick, and grab a coffee to go to continue exploring. From there, you can head down to the waterfront to catch a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel!
Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is one of the best outdoor cultural attractions in any city I’ve been to. Not only does it have some world-class sculpture, but it also connects to running / biking paths, has some chairs to stop and enjoy the view, and is totally free. It’s downtown Seattle’s largest green space, and here are some of the outstanding works. This place is tops!
Space Needle and Chihuly Glass Museum
Built in 1962 for the World Fair, this landmark rises 605 feet above Seattle, providing 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The pro tip here is to take the Seattle Monorail from downtown to Seattle Center…it’s only a few bucks roundtrip and the approach to the needle is pretty cool. The best part of the attraction is the Chihuly Glass Museum - so buy the combined ticket and do not miss this stunning collection of glass art…the best in the world, outside of Murano itself. Check out the views and the art!
Seattle Speakeasy
Hidden behind a bookshelf in the lobby of the Fairmount Olympic Hotel is an absolutely stunning bar—the Founders Club. This cool speakeasy is the perfect classic cocktail bar place to chill. While the secret is out now, there is something fun about gaining access to your private bar within a bar by swinging open a massive bookshelf! The service (and the prices) are outstanding - I even got a handwritten recipe for their house special Old Fashioned.
30 Minute Adventures Outside the City
Bainbridge Island
Only 30 minutes by boat from downtown Seattle lies Bainbridge Island, where you can walk along oceanside paths, check out the small town, and enjoy a meal overlooking quaint harbors of sailboats. The ferry ride gives you incredible views of the city, the busy harbor, and the surrounding mountains. Explore at your leisure and catch the return ferry whenever you want…a great mini adventure!
Snoqualmie Falls and Salish Lodge and Spa
Just 30 mintues by car takes you to an epic waterfall - the Snoqualmie Falls - and the lux Salish Lodge and Spa. The path to the falls is very easily accessible and there’s a 3/4 mile path down to other cool vantage points. Famous for the opening credits of the 90s cult classic TV show Twin Peaks, for all you David Lynch fans, the Falls are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green pine forests. Stop in - or better yet, stay over - at the Lodge and enjoy their top-notch spa. Weaver was a top masseur, and the hot pools and steam and sauna rooms were just terrific - lots of natural light and privacy to soak your cares away.
Museum of Flight
30 minutes south of the city are the Boeing Headquarters and the Museum of Flight - dedicated to the long history of aviation in the Pacific Northwest. I loved seeing the original aircraft from WWII, early mail carrier planes from the Westward Expansion and the ability to walk thru the Concorde, Air Force One and the Beoing 777 and Dreamliners. There was also a cool space exhibit from the Apollo missions with lots of interactive / video content. Aviation geeks will love this museum!
Chateau St. Michelle
30 mintues northwest of Seattle is Chateau St. Michelle and the great Woodlinville suburb. Washington State has been producing great wines for decades, and the most famous brand is Chateau St. Michelle - their winery has a great tasting hall and tours of the property with an in-depth look at the winemaking process. Check out the Vineyard and then head to one of the many farm-to-table restaurants in Woodinville - I like Herbfarm and Barking Frog. Cheers!
Belleview Botanical Garden
Just on the east side of Seattle is Belleview Botanical Garden—a great outdoor garden with interesting planting, pathways and tons of indigenous flora. I visited at the tail end of winter, so there were a lot of rock gardens, fir trees and really interesting mosses. I’m sure it's amazing when it’s in full bloom. Best of all, it's free with ample parking…so it’s worth a visit!
The Amazon Spheres - Architecture Highlight
Just because I think they’re really cool - here are some pics of the Amazon Spheres!
Parting Shot - dear college friends Sean and Belinda in Seattle
