So, here’s the truth: Seattle hasn’t always been my favourite city. It still isn’t my favourite, but it’s grown on me over the past year or so and since my last three visits have been really, really good.
Last year, we took a good, old-fashioned road trip. The first two days of our four stop tour were in Seattle. We watched some baseball, explored some grunge era historic sites and just generally had a good time.
Next, we went down to see Happier Live, a live taping of the Happier podcast with Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Craft. Again, lots of fun even in spite of the fact that it was raining cats and dogs. (I’m born and raised on the west coast, makes no difference to me.)
Now, this weekend’s trip has been a great success and I’m starting to see that Seattle can be really fun to visit.
So, as I always love to talk about travel, I thought I’d recap my most recent favourite things to do and places to visit in The Emerald City. (For whatever reason, it endears Seattle to me even more to refer to it that way.) There are, of course, your standard Seattle attractions like MoPOP, the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, but my recommendations are a little off the beaten path.
A Sound Garden & NOAA Art Walk – This famous space where Soundgarden found their name is actually on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration site. You’ll need to go through security to get to it and you’ll have to provide ID to do so. A Sound Garden is just one of several art pieces in the immediate area and your stop at security will provide you with a map. Check out all the sights, the gorgeous views of Lake Washington and even a walking trail to explore. I’m sure it’s beautiful on a sunny day, but hope for a little wind while you’re there because then you’ll actually get to hear the sound.
Black Hole Sun – This is where Soundgarden came up with the name for what was likely their most well known song. It’s a sculpture in Volunteer Park, in front of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The sculpture is lovely, but even more remarkable is the view of the city that serves as its backdrop.
McMenamins – You can choose from two locations within the city – Queen Anne and Six Arms. We’ve been to both and each are in line with the McMenamins vibe, super comfy and cool places to hang out. Both are in funky neighbourhoods that are worth some exploration. Stop in for a beer flight and make sure you get an order of cajun tots.
Starbucks Roastery & Tasting Room – Bear with me here. Even if you’re not a fan of Starbucks coffee, there is plenty to see here. Lots of company history, merchandise and exclusive coffee and tea blends. Their Citrus Lavender Sage tea is extraordinary.
Here’s one more that is pretty popular, but has become one of my favourites in recent history.
A Mariners game – I’m not really into baseball, but we went to three games last season and all of them were a lot of fun. Safeco Field is a cool place to hang out, there’s a diverse selection of food, free wifi and if all else fails, you can even watch the game. 😉
What are your favourite Seattle stops?
