First, Happy Birthday to my dear husband!
Last week my husband and I took a wonderful trip to Seattle for a friend’s wedding. We stayed downtown at the W Seattle which so centrally located we could walk to everything! Getting to the hotel from the airport was simple too, just hopped on the light-rail and we were a block from our hotel in 30 minutes.
Beside the wedding, we purposely left our schedule open to just explore the city. I did consult a couple guides for general direction:
- The Glitter Guide – City Guide Seattle Washington
- Design Sponge – Seattle Design Guide
- Anthony Bourdain – The Layover, Seattle
With ideas from the guides and few places on our own list, we had a great casual itinerary. Here’s a list of all the wonderful places we dined and visited.
The Original Nordstrom, located at the corner of 5th and Pine. Yes I lost all control when we wandered over to this flagship. If you didn’t know, I love Nordstrom, and to see it’s first location with the corporate office above was exciting. Best part? The amazing Nordstrom Rack across the street that had everything. Yes, I did some unplanned shopping :)
The Fairmont Hotel, located on 4th and University. Even you aren’t a guest this downtown beauty is worth visiting. There are lots of designer shops and cafe’s in and around the hotel.
Anthropologie, located on 5th near Pine. I have to mention this location because it is the best Anthropologie I’ve ever visited. Not only is it two story, but it has all the shoes, more furniture and such an expansive layout. My husband dragged me out of here…
Starbucks, Starbucks and more Starbucks, located on every block. You can’t help but pop into this Seattle coffee shop when you’re here. They are literally everywhere and it’s fun to try in it’s hometown.
Chateau St. Michelle Winery, located in Woodinville. If you have access to a rental car, then definitely take a little trip up to this famous riesling winery. The estate is absolutely gorgeous and tours are offered every half hour. We kept busy in the tasting room and walked away a few bottles for home.
Pioneer Square, walk to 1st and Yessler and you’re in the district. The area is filled with local businesses to explore. We picked up a locally made coffee and baked goods as we strolled the morning away. And there’s quite a history for area, a little too risque to share here, but there are underground tours available for the curious.
Watson Kennedy, located on 1st and Spring. This store is amazing! Seriously visit and you’ll find all kinds of French products and decor. Again another place where my husband had to drag me out.
Pike Place Market, located near 1st and Pike St. Of course we had to visit the market, the trip wouldn’t be complete without it. Browsing through polish pottery, staring at the giant fish and finding gorgeous affordable flowers were the highlights. It’s bit crowded, but worth the experience.
The Original Starbucks, located on Pike Place across from the market. Because we are Starbucks fans, we had to pop in to the original location. There is a line, but the workers inside are so efficient and friendly. Bonus, that have a selection of merchandise sold exclusively at the store.
Le Pichet, located on 1st and Virginia. My husband is great a finding little gems and this restaurant is no different. Order a small pitcher of wine, or a demi-pichet, and sample the charcuterie, cheeses and wonderful selection of fresh food. A little taste of Paris in the emerald city.
Ballard Neighborhood. We kept hearing wonderful things about this neighborhood so hopped on a bus and headed up. Walk along Ballard Ave. and you’ll find wonderful local shops, great bars and my new dessert favorite, Cupcake Royale. They have locations all over Seattle, but it’s nice to stroll down the sidewalk with one of these sweets in hand.
Etta’s, located at Western Ave and Virginia. We couldn’t leave Seattle without trying a Tom Douglas restaurant. This one proved to have a wonderful seafood menu and my husband even go the chef to prepare an off-menu entree. Yeah, we’re fancy huh :)
Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum, located in Seattle Center. All color lovers must visit this beautiful place. If you can’t tell from the photo above, this museum is filled with vibrant glass in all shapes, emulating the beauty of nature. Dale Chihuly has numerous masterpieces on display that are mystifying and inspiring alike. And, if you plan to visit the Space Needle, you can purchase a discounted ticket package here at the museum. And don’t skip the Collection’s Cafe for cocktails and small bites.
So there you have it, a run through of our trip. I hope it helps with planning your next trip to the Emerald City. Visiting Seattle was a resolution of mine this year, and I’m happy to check it off my list!
