For more than twenty years, Jess has been visiting Seattle, Washington. Her love/hate relationship with Seattle started when her best friend moved to Bothell (a suburb just 30 minutes from the city) early in their childhood. And for the record, Jess still wants to be a Bothell Cougar! Although Jessica has visited several times, and Dave stopped here for a quick two-day trip on the front end of an Alaskan cruise while he was in college... this was our first trip to Seattle together.
We must add that this quick trip wasn't exactly our usual traveling experience. Our visit to Seattle was due to Jess's best friend's wedding in Plain, Washington.
While we didn't have much time in the city, and most of it was accompanied by friends and family - we tried to make the most of this experience for our first time in Seattle together. We'll be back for more exploring, but here are a few things that should be a must on your visit.
While we didn't have much time in the city, and most of it was accompanied by friends and family - we tried to make the most of this experience for our first time in Seattle together. We'll be back for more exploring, but here are a few things that should be a must on your visit.
85 Pike Street, Room 500
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-7453
Pike Place Market is right downtown on the water and overlooks Elliott Bay. The Market has been around since the early 1900's and is one of the oldest continuously operated public
farmers' markets in the United States. It is simply awesome... and makes us extremely jealous of all of the people living in and around Seattle that get to shop here on the regular.
We recommend that you pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers, watch the fishmongers throw fresh orders (even try to catch one), stop by and grab a picture with Rachel the Piggybank and enjoy taking in all of the sights and smells. You can find all kinds of cool crafts, souvenirs and specialty foods at The Market. You can't beat it!
Make sure that you allow yourself enough time to visit Pike Place as you could spend hours walking through all of the vendors. Also, check out their website while planning your visit - it is kept up to date and will let you know of any special events taking place at The Market.
While you are near the waterfront checking out The Market, you will be close to the original Starbucks - 1912 Pike Place. As coffee lovers, and avid supporters of Starbucks - this place was one of our favorites.
If you are looking for a nice relaxing place to grab a good cup of coffee, this isn't your stop. However, it is a must for the appreciation and experience of where it all began for Starbucks. Be warned, the line is long and this stop will take time (and patience) but do it.
If you are looking for a nice relaxing place to grab a good cup of coffee, this isn't your stop. However, it is a must for the appreciation and experience of where it all began for Starbucks. Be warned, the line is long and this stop will take time (and patience) but do it.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room is located just nine blocks from the original Pike Place Market Store and if we would have had the time - this would have certainly been a stop on our coffee loving agenda. We've heard neat things about the experience and have put it on our list for the next trip to Seattle.
One thing that we appreciate about Seattle as a coffee loving couple is that there really isn't a bad place to drop in and pick up a cup of joe. Top Pot is a great local spot for coffee (if you don't consider Starbucks to be local in Seattle) and you have got to pick up a doughnut while you are there! They have several cafe locations downtown and in surrounding areas.
Anytime we visit a city during baseball season, if we have time for a game (or even the majority of the innings) we find a way to fit it in. Dave is a baseball loving fanatic and enjoys watching the sport, even if the St.Louis Cardinals aren't one of the teams playing. And besides, who doesn't love to visit new baseball parks... and baseball concession stands!
1201 First Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 682-3377
Safeco Field is a pretty park nestled downtown and features a retractable roof. If you didn't know, rain is a pretty regular occurrence in Seattle... even though Jess admits that the sun is Seattle's best kept secret. Seriously, when the weather is cooperating there - it just doesn't get much better.
There are several bars and restaurants near the park if you want to grab food or drinks before or after the game. It provides a fun tailgate-like experience for game watchers (and goers).
We checked out Pyramid Alehouse as it was recommended by several of our local friends. Soccer is a big deal in Washington, and if you're visiting while the Seattle Sounders are in town - you should definitely check it out.
There are several bars and restaurants near the park if you want to grab food or drinks before or after the game. It provides a fun tailgate-like experience for game watchers (and goers).
We checked out Pyramid Alehouse as it was recommended by several of our local friends. Soccer is a big deal in Washington, and if you're visiting while the Seattle Sounders are in town - you should definitely check it out.
This is a special place for Jess and we can't wait to visit again. Until next time, Seattle.
Seattle is known for its craft beer options so even when you're at the ballpark, go for a local brew over the big name beers. Definitely visit a local brewery if you can - they have some great options!
While the Space Needle is what Seattle is known for, going up to the top if overrated and expensive. We recommend spending your money elsewhere, unless it's your first time visiting Seattle and you really enjoy views. A duckboard tour where you get to cruise the streets and the water might be a better option, especially if you aren't into heights.
You can have fresh fish shipped from Pike Place. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers while you're there, too!
While the Space Needle is what Seattle is known for, going up to the top if overrated and expensive. We recommend spending your money elsewhere, unless it's your first time visiting Seattle and you really enjoy views. A duckboard tour where you get to cruise the streets and the water might be a better option, especially if you aren't into heights.
You can have fresh fish shipped from Pike Place. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers while you're there, too!
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