They don’t call Seattle the Emerald City for nothing – it is surrounded by lush green forests that beckon locals and visitors alike to venture beyond the city limits and explore the region, after you have experienced all the bustling city has to offer, of course. Seattle is a city of hills, hipster neighborhoods, a thriving arts and culture community and home to the third most popular Pride Parade in the US. It has something for everyone from the fun-filled nightlife of Capitol Hill to lazy Sunday mornings along the beach in West Seattle.
Food and Drink
Food is serious business in Seattle, it ranks 5th in the most restaurant- and bar-dense cities in the country, with almost 25 restaurants per 10,000 residents so narrowing the list is quite the challenge but here are some of my faves.
Brunch is the highlight of any Seattleite’s weekend and we alternate; gotta spread the wealth, you know. Check out Cactus on West Seattle’s Alki Beach for a southwest take on eggs benedict and my favorite, the Quintessential Santa Fe Enchilada with duck, just ask, they’ll happily add it. Café Presse on Capitol Hill makes Oeufs Plats to rival any I’ve tasted in Paris; the coffee and baguette complete the experience and they also make a mean bowl of fries.
Seattle’s diverse population is reflected in its wide range of cuisine – head to the International District for lunch at Tamarind Tree for Vietnamese or One Pot for Korean. Be sure to swing by Uwajimaya, the huge Asian food market at 600 5th Ave – a delightful experience for any foodie.
The sun has set and it’s time for dinner; what are you in the mood for? You don’t have to choose immediately, after all, you’re on vacation and how best to celebrate but with Happy Hour? Head to Deadline, Pioneer Square, open 3-6pm daily for great food and cocktails, including the yummy Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita, before making your next meal decision. Do you prefer classy? Get dressed up and visit the iconic Canlis, Belltown and order the house salad if you like bacon! If you want cheap and cheerful, visit Fogon (Mexican) on Capitol Hill or Un Bien (Caribbean Food)in Phinney Ridge for their deservedly famous Caribbean Roast.
Of course, you can’t talk about food in Seattle without mentioning Tom Douglas, our homegrown hero and chef/owner of 19 eateries, including Serious Pie (pizza), Brave Horse Tavern (craft beer & more) and Etta’s (seafood.)
Entertainment
If you have only one day in the city, begin at Pike’s Place Market and watch the flying fish, walk the mile to Chihuly Garden and Glass to view the stunning glass-blown sculptures by local artist, Dale Chihuly before ending your day at the Space Needle to indulge in a sunset cocktail and dinner in the sky-high revolving restaurant.
Staying longer? Head south of downtown to Pioneer Square for a one-hour underground tour of Seattle and wander the once grimy, now hip neighborhood and discover great cafes, antiques and eclectic bookstores. Catch a bus and tour Ballard Locks to watch the salmon climb the ladder. And take the SLUT (South Lake Union Trolley) and pick a stop, any stop, to find loads of cafés, bars and restaurants. (Great for a pub crawl – hit a different venue at each SLUT stop.)
Arts & Culture
There are several big museums; pick one or all, depending on your interests and time. Most offer free entry on certain days. Seattle Art Museum (SAM), in downtown, with its wide variety of exhibits is well worth the effort as is the MoPOP – Museum of Pop Culture (formerly EMP) at the Seattle Center. MOHAI (Museum of History & Industry) tells the story of Seattle from its early beginnings to today and The Pacific Science Center has some really cool exhibits.
Smaller options? The Frye Art Museum (always free) has a wonderful collection of art as does The Burke, anatural history museum on the UW campus and, in keeping with the area’s reputation as a leader in aerospace, there is The Museum of Flight, 5 milessouth of Seattle.
Seattle is also home to a plethora of theater options. The Paramount and Fifth Ave host Broadway shows, concerts and original pieces. Other mainstream venues include Seattle Repertory Theatre, Benaroya Hall, ACT and McCaw Hall. For edgier shows, check out shows at The Moore, Reboot, 14/48 and Café Nordo.
Outdoors
One of the best reasons to visit Seattle and the Pacific Northwest is the huge selection of outdoor activities. Without leaving the city you can spend time on the water – with Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard Tours you will spend time in The Puget Soundwhile you’ll splash around on Lake Washington with Cascade Canoe & Kayak Center. Top city beaches include Madison Park, Alki Beach and Discovery Park.
If you’re willing to venture further afield, you will be well rewarded. Mt Rainier National Park (2hrs) has a wide range of hikes for all skill levels, Snoqualmie Falls (1hr) is an easy walk with great views. Want to see a rainforest? Head over to Olympic National Park (3hrs) for surreal beauty and deep silence. (It’s also a great place to camp.) Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy July’s lavender festivals in Sequim (2hrs), Oktoberfest in Leavenworth (2hrs) or April’s tulip festival in Mt Vernon (1hr).