Travel Seattle

EXPLORE SEATTLE LIKE A LOCAL

Traveling is one of the joys of my life. It makes me feel liberated and empowered. I also feel as though it opens my mind up to new ideas and new possibilities. Most recently, I traveled to Seattle, WA after about a year of not traveling due to a family emergency. Thank goodness I took sometime out to enjoy myself while dealing with our family emergency because I would have been a complete mess had I not. Seattle is a beautiful city that I’ve been to more times than I can count. I lived in Walla Walla, WA for many years as well as Portland, OR for a couple of years so I got to visit there often. In addition, my oldest brother lives there so I get the perks of exploring Seattle like a local. I’m really into lists so I’m going to list some of my favorite to do’s in Seattle like a local. Scroll down for more...

What to do?

BEST LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

Pikes Place Market (even locals frequent the world famous farmers market)
Smith Tower (tour this historic building and get a 360 degree view of the city and an amazing view of Mt. Rainier)
Bainbridge Island (take an afternoon trip on the ferry to this island just across the Puget Sound and experience the incredible view of downtown Seattle from the water)
Seattle Public Library (explore this beautiful modern library nestled in the heart of Downtown Seattle)
International District (Walk the streets of this historic neighborhood that’s under epic revitalization)
Amazon Spheres (know someone who works at Amazon? Join them as their guest as you tour the incredible giant greenhouse)
Ballard Locks (officially the Hiram Chittenden locks but worth a beautiful afternoon walk)
Fremont Troll (Head under the Fremont Bridge to visit this famous attraction)

BEST TOURIST ATRACTIONS:

Space Needle (it is actually quite epic and worth the money)
Chihuly Garden and Glass (world famous glassmaker Chihuly displays his incredible works of art in what I deem an epic experience)
Boeing Factory Tour (located north of Seattle, most valuable experience at the Boeing factory exploring their airplanes)
Seattle Center (It is actually a beautiful escape with incredible things to see if anything) S
Seattle Great Wheel (this is a breathtaking ride that overlooks the Puget Sound and gives the most incredible up close view of the port)
Catch a Mariners game at Tmobile Park or a concert or Seahawks game at Century Link Stadium (I saw Beyoncé in concert for the first time in Seattle- unforgettable)

BEST LOCAL PARKS:

Kerry Park (get the best view of the city from the heights of this local park)
Olympic Sculpture Park (beautiful, serene, and modern)
Discovery Park (largest park in Seattle with too much to offer)
Seasonal- The Cherry Blossoms at the University of Washington (in late March and early April, explore the beautiful courtyard on the UW campus littered with beautiful cherry blossoms)
Alki Beach (located in West Seattle and perfect in city beach getaway)
Mt. Rainer National Park (I am here for a good hike, although quite a drive outside of Seattle, it is totally worth the experience to head there and get an up close view of the mountain.

What to Eat?

BEST LOCAL RESTAURANTS:

Pasta Casalinga (absolutely the best pasta in Seattle located inside Pikes Place Market with a five item menu ranging from $11-$16/plate)
Pho Bac (located in the International District, simple menu, delicious and reliable pho)
Cafe Flora (vegetarian restaurant with an excellent brunch menu; delicious scrambled tofu I’m still dreaming of)
The Jerk Shack (epic jerk fried chicken and pistachio rice)
The Fat Hen (ever had Shakshuka or baked eggs? Help yourself and head there for this dish)
Tacos Chukis (the best tacos in Seattle located in Capitol Hill- inexpensive and hidden away location)
Poquitos (best Mexican sit down in Capitol Hill)

BEST LOCAL DESSERT:

Shugs Soda Fountain (champagne floats and spiked hot chocolate- count me in)
Le Panier (I’m always here for French pastries)
Piroshky Piroshky (Although I’m obssessed with the savory pies, the sweet pastries have my heart)
Bambū Dessert and Drinks (located in the International District, this place brings fun and festive desserts)
Wann Yen (located in the humble U-district, this small Place brings delicious bubble waffles to Seattle and more)

BEST LOCAL BARS:

The Nest (Rooftop bar with an epic view of the Puget Sound. This place feels like you are living the celebrity life)
Rachel’s Ginger Beer (If you a looking for a non-alcoholic, totally great vibes, in a perfect location, you found your spot!)

Where to Shop?

BEST SPECIALTY STORES:

Uwajimaya (best Japanese mega grocery store located in the international district)
Daiso (Best Japanese “dollar store” located across from Uwajimaya in the international district)
Beechers Handmade Cheese (sample a wide array of cheese at Pikes Place)
Totem Smokehouse Smoked Salmon (salmon jerky is so so tasty and this brand is the best)

BEST LOCAL STORES:

CrossRoads Trading Co (I’ve been obsessed with this consignment like store for years- I always find absolutely the best things)
Moorea Seal (if you have not heard of Moorea Seal, you are not living. There is so much goodness to this brand I don’t even know where to start)
Elliot Bay Book Company (nestled in in fun and festive Capitol Hill, this store is for you)
Nordstrom Downtown Seattle (Truly an epic experience as Seattle is the birthplace of the major retail conglomerate Nordstrom)

As I tackle these lists, I realized that I am obsessed with Seattle and really look at that city as a land of opportunity. There are a lot of tech startups springing up all over the area with tech giants Amazon and Microsoft being headquartered there. There is an emerging creatives/entrepreneur community I would be absolutely ecstatic to be a part of. Seattle is hands down one of my favorite cities in America and I can’t explain adequately in pictures or words how amazing the city is! I would definitely urge you to catch the wanderlust bug and head to the Pacific Northwest for an adventure of a lifetime. Have you ever been to Seattle? If so, what is your favorite memory from there? If not, what is your favorite city in Seattle? Until next time loves, big bisous!