The Food Portland may have us beat for food carts, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a number of our own tasty experiences. Delicious Mexican even a Texan would love (we have friends from the Lone Star State that can attest to this), Italian, more Vietnamese Pho shops than you could ever need, spectacular Thai, Chinese, Sushi, Japanese, Puerto Rican, burgers that made me want to eat hamburger meat again after a 14 year hiatus, salmon in every way, shape and form, and of course good old fashioned fish and chips. And this doesn’t even cover breakfast! (Hint: head to West Seattle to sample the twice-baked almond croissant or a crumpet from the crumpet shop in Pike Place Market. You won’t be sorry!) My favorite dessert spots include Molly Moon’s ice cream, Cupcake Royale (those are fighting words around these parts if you are a Trophy Cupcake fan) and Hot Cakes, my latest delicious obsession.
- Discovery Park is the perfect escape in the city with its meadows, and steps through a forest leading down to a sandy shoreline filled with driftwood and an old lighthouse.
- Kubota Garden puts my mind at ease with its quiet Japanese inspired design that incorporates water, bridges, stunning maples and beautiful cherry blossoms. No matter what time of year you visit you will always see something new. Even better, kids are welcome to explore every nook and cranny they find.
- Washington Arboretum is home to several paths that lead you through showing off brilliant Japanese maples in the fall, and saturated oranges, yellows and reds on Azalea Way. The Arboretum is free, but if you want a real treat head to the Japanese Garden to see a true masterpiece in landscape design.
The World Class Artists and Museums Seattle is home to more museums than I care to count. Want to check out the interior of a plane? Head over to the Museum of Flight; Boeing is based here after all. We do know our planes. Leaning more towards the classics? The Seattle Art Museum hosts exhibits from around the world in a scale that is easy to manage, with a permanent collection that is impressive in its own right.
- Glass artist Dale Chihuly has made Seattle his home and the city finally opened a museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, dedicated to his work this past spring.
- The Pacific Science Center is home to a beautiful butterfly house and is hosting the last stop on the King Tut exhibit in the USA.
- The Olympic Sculpture Park is free and open to the public all day. Walk along side massive sculptures by renowned artists Richard Serra and Alexander Calder. You will never feel so small.
The Proximity to More Amazing Places Seattle is an amazing city in it’s own right, but you can easily escape to do a little camping in the mountains, splash around in some beach towns, or just leave the country in under 3 hours drive. Our favorite escapes include Portland and Cannon Beach in Oregon. We love to head north to Vancouver and Whistler a few times a year, or hop on a ferry to Victoria, BC to breathe in the fragrant scent of Butchart Gardens and a little afternoon tea (yes, even with a toddler) at the Fairmont Empress.
I’m sold! Thanks Keryn! I am in love with the pacific northwest. It’s gorgeous- even the weather (especially the weather, escape the nasty heat!). So beautiful!
An attraction that has become synonymous with Seattle’s rebound is Pike Place Market. The Market has been around since 1907 but pretty much died in the 1960’s.
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I would live in Seattle. We flew out last year to hop on a ship and catch a cruise to Alaska and the minute I got off the plane and felt the lack of humidity in August, I was sold.
I’d also shop at the Public Market downtown- the one with the fish mongers. Although maybe it’s too touristy for the locals?
I’ve heard so many great things about Seattle–this post included–and can’t wait to finally make it there one day! Regardless of the weather!