Only have one weekend in Seattle?
On a quick turnaround weekend, we only had one day to explore the city. Even with such a short timeframe, we still got a flavor of Seattle and came back with a bucket list of things to do when we go back.
If it’s your first time in Seattle or even your second or third, I love going to the Pike Place Market to walk through the shops, watch the boats on the bay, pet the lucky gold pig and watch the guys at Pike Place Fish Market toss the fish while interacting with potential customers. They are famous for their fun attitudes while hocking their wares. If you haven’t seen the Fish philosophy training video, it’s really good and is used for many management trainings but really applies to maintaining a great attitude in your own life. You can watch it at http://www.fishphilosophy.com
Next to their booth and diagonally behind the pig is the MarketSpice. Their Cinnamon-Orange Tea is legendary. It’s delicious and you can sample a taste while you are there. I like because it’s sweet on its own without sugar. We bought a big bagful and gave some to my brother who then mail ordered more. Just don’t store it in a baggie because the oil will eat the plastic.
Next we headed out to Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. Parts of Seattle used to be set low enough that the tides would wash all the way up to the business district of the city. At that time, in the 1800s, the area’s main industry was logging. The loggers used the sawdust to try to raise the level of the ground, trying to keep the tide from reaching their buildings. It didn’t work. They also ran their sewage pipes out to sea but when the tide came, the water would literally back up into the sewage system pushing the effluent back up the toilet and run out into the street mixing with the sawdust that would act like a sponge. Truly nasty!
For this reason and the occurrence of a fire in 1889 that leveled the town, the city was rebuilt and eventually, the streets where raise up leaving the first stories of the buildings underground. It’s a fascinating story and really cool to walk on the underground sidewalks that are now covered with the raised sidewalks. You can see people walking overhead. What’s also interesting is how they funded it. I let you learn that when you take the tour. Hint. It’s a profession that employs women and has been around forever.
We then walked over to see what is supposed to be the original Starbucks. The line was huge and later we learned that it’s not really the original. That actually burned down years ago. So I guess it’s the second original.
Seattle is a foodies dream. There are small, non-chain restaurants everywhere. The focus is in farm-to-market, all natural, fresh food. Many of the restaurants source from their own farms. And, the variety of cuisines is endless. We when on a food tour that my daughter recommended hosted by Savior Seattle. We selected the Booze ‘n Bites tour, a little pricey for $64 but worth it. We around 13 samples at 6 restaurants/stores, got to talk with one of the chefs and the owners of various restaurants along with trying new alcoholic drinks.
The finale was the chocolates at Fran’s Chocolates who provided Obama White House guests with salted caramels. On our return list is Steelhead Diner for the lobster tater tots. The restaurants included in the tour are always changing so you might end up at places we haven’t been to yet.
Our last stop of the night was Hamilton Viewpoint Park overlooking the skyline. From here you can see the Seattle skyline. The ending to a perfect day.
Additional Sights!
Recently, we had the chance to go back to Seattle and experience more of the local tourist sites. There are a few here that you might enjoy.
The Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit
This is a must do if you love color and its been on my bucket list for a while. Dale Chihuly has been working with glass since 1965 and is one of the best. His glass work is exquisite, bright and shiny. I could sit for hours just staring. The exhibit is next to the Space Needle and you can buy them on line or that day.
Just a FYI. If you like his work, he also has pieces at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona.
Tickets are:
4 to 12: $17 for the Exhibit and $26 for the Exhibit and the Observation Deck at the Space Needle.
4 to 12: $26 for the Exhibit and $49 for the Exhibit and the Observation Deck at the Space Needle.
Additionally, senior (65+ discounts are available.)
Space Needle Observation DeckWe also went to the top of the Space Needle. It was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. The floor inside rotates and is made of glass so you can see all the way down. Additionally, you can walk out on the observation deck and see for miles. We had a lot of fun goofing around taking photos. If you’re traveling without kids, there is a bar in the Needle too.
Buying tickets through the Space Needle website.
I would either get there early or try getting there at dusk. We were there early and it was getting busy when we left. Also, there was a ton of school kids arriving when we left, so probably a school field trip destination.
Located in the same area is a pretty cool playground for kids, Pacific Science Center, and interactive art exhibits. We loved making music with the Sonic Bloom flowers. It’s an overside flower exhibit by Dan Corson that makes music when you get next to the flower.