Seattle
by Ashley Weeks Cart
Seattle, as many of you likely know, is a crazy beautiful city. I’ve been told most of my adult life that I would adore the Pacific Northwest, and I finally got to see firsthand the accuracy of that suggestion. I lucked out, as my one full free day in the city happened to be a total stunner. Sunny, clear skies and views for days.
I arrived late at night on Wednesday, and while I knew that my room was right on the water (I stayed at The Edgewater, and HIGHLY recommend. I nearly took up residence in the bathtub in my room. I am not exaggerating when I say that I took 10 baths over the course of my four night stay), I was not prepared for the view upon opening my shades on Thursday morning. That entire day was spent scraping my jaw off the floor while I gapped at the Olympic Mountain range and Mt. Rainier. I even hopped on the Bainbridge Island ferry just to ride out and get a better view of the volcano.
After Thursday, the days grew foggy and gray (more of what I’d anticipated, as my only reservation about life in the Northwest is all that regular grey adding to my S.A.D. I’d need a sunwall, rather than just a lamp). I am so very grateful that I had at least one day of clear views to experience how truly jaw-dropping the city is. I didn’t bring my SLR camera, and so below are some fuzzier iPhone snaps.
I was supposed to fly home Sunday through Chicago, but Linus was causing major delays and cancellations. Had I not made a last minute decision to hop on a red-eye to Boston on Saturday night and rent a car and drive the three hours home, I’d still be in Seattle until Wednesday night. While I adored the city, I wanted to get home to my babies, and get out of Seahawks country for the Superbowl (RAH RAH PATS!). I made it home smoothly – albeit wiped out from the crazy travel, and I eager to do a more adventurous tour of the Pacific Northwest with my whole family in tow.
Here are a few recommendations from my inaugural trip:
– Stay at The Edgewater and spring for a water front room. Beyond worth it.
– Ferry ride to Bainbridge island. It was $8 round trip. 35 minutes out, 35 minutes back. And on a clear day, such a gorgeous trip. I didn’t have time to get off the ferry and explore the island. But I hear that’s pretty darn spectacular, too.
– Explore Pike Place Market. I ate the World’s Best Macaroni and Cheese, although the tomato soup is what truly stole my heart. I also grabbed juice, coffee, samosas, and egg rolls at various vendors along the way for breakfast one morning. Lots of good eats and nice local crafts/products.
– Coffee (and a piece of lavender shortcake) at Zeitgeist (although there are a million and one great spots to grab coffee in this city).
– Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Holy wow! Plus, you’ll be right next to the Space Needle, such a classic Seattle icon, however touristy it may be.
– Chocolate tour of Theo Chocolate. An extensive tour of this local chocolatier with lots of yummy tastings and some chocolate to bring home. While in the Fremont neighborhood, you can peep the troll under the bridge. And I would have liked to visit the Fremont Brewery but didn’t have time.
– If I’d known in advance, I would have loved to rent a wooden sailboat from The Center for Wooden Boats. Such a unique livery, but I didn’t have time to do my “sailing check out” to prove that I am a capable sailor. Definitely something I’ll do next time I’m in the city.
– Visit the glassybaby studio. There’s a unique connection to this Seattle-based small biz and Williams, so we actually hosted an outrageous dinner in their hot shop on Saturday night (as I was traveling with many a Williams alum), but it’s worth checking out this Seattle phenom rooted in giving and hope. I now have an assortment of three glassbaby’s on our wood stove mantel (Chatham, Eggplant & Friendship) and I look forward to growing our own family’s collection.
^^Selfies in a ferris wheel. While this is a bit touristy and cheesy, it was nice on such a clear, sunny day to get 360 degree views of the city.^^
