a summer saturday in Seattle

The Pacific Northwest is known for it's dreary days and rainy seasons.  There are only 152 sunny days in Seattle per year, which is far less than the national average of 205 (according to bestplaces.net).  But...every time I visit Seattle, I only see sunshine.  Plan your trip for the heart of summer and your chances of rain are less likely.  Here are the touristy sights I'd frequent on a sunny Saturday in Seattle.

The Space Needle

Hit up the most well known icon early in the morning to avoid the long lines and see the city as she wakes.  The Space Needle was opened in April 1962 for The World's Fair, "The Age of Space".  From the top, you can see the entire city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.  The views are incredible, but just walking around the famous landmark is pretty spectacular as well.

Top Pot Doughnuts

There is just something about Top Pot.  The doughnuts have that old time taste (1920 recipe to be specific) that melts in your mouth.  For me, it's impossible to eat just one :)  My favorite is the classic glazed old fashioned and Matt prefers the maple (or chocolate) bars.  You can't go wrong with any flavor as Top Pot is top notch!

Pike Place Market

Farmer's Markets are one of my favorite stops when traveling.  You get a taste for the city, quite literally and figuratively!  I like to see what grows in the region, both floral and vegetable.  In a seaside city like Seattle, you can also learn about the local seafood and taste the wines and coffee.  In a foodie city like Seattle, the market is the best place to get the local flare and Pike Place Market is one of the most famous markets in the US.  In addition to the farmer's market, there is a craft market and specialty foods market.  The area surrounding the market includes numerous restaurants and the original Starbucks.  I always walk out of there with fresh fruits and flowers for my hotel room!

The Gum Wall

One of the most unique pieces of art in the city, is the infamous Gum Wall.  The history is quite funny but the tradition stuck and now, you can become a piece of art history by placing your chewed gum on the wall outside the UP Improv Theater.   

Pike Place Chowder

If you're not too grossed out by the gum wall, grab a chowder at Pike Place Chowder and relax along the water.  Seafood is king along the Washington coasts and there is no time for pre-packed snacks in this town.  Grab a traditional chowder or branch out to one of the specialty options, but either way, your snack will tide your over nicely until you next meal!  

Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Speaking of coastal towns, one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to see Seattle is on the water.  We like to take the Bainbridge Island Ferry, even if we don't spend any time on this Island.  If you have the day to spend, explore the island, eat at the restaurants, lounge at the beaches.  If you're after an afternoon activity only, take the 35 minute ferry ride (each way) and just enjoy the scenery.  The city skyline is viewed best by boat and on a clear day you can easily see Mt. Rainier.  There is just something so relaxing about being on the water!

The Waterfront

Once safely back on shore, you're ready to eat and of course your stomach is telling you that it only wants seafood.  If there are at least two of you, we recommend the Seafeast at The Crab Pot.  The restaurant is casual and in a touristy location, but that doesn't mean it's not delicious.  They dump a bucket of seafood on your table and you're only job is to get cracking :)  

The Sculpture Garden

After all that food, it's time to get walking!  Keeping with our waterfront theme, continue walking along the water and you'll end up in the Olympic Sculpture Park.  This is one of my favorite places to explore since there are water views to one side and modern art sculpture on the other.  The combination is visually stunning!  The park is part of the Seattle Art Museum and is completely integrated into the landscape, making it become part of the waterfront, instead of blocking the views.  (The landscape architecture firm, Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism, that designed the sculpture garden, also designed Hunter's Point South Waterfront Park near our apartment in Queens!) The trails continue for quite a distance, so make sure you're wearing your Fitbit!  

The Edgewater Hotel

We've been exploring all day and haven't even had a drink yet!  As the afternoon starts to wind down, stop at The Edgewater Hotel on Pier 67.  Also built for the World's Fair of 1962, the hotel has hosted countless musicians and features daily live music.  Visit the restaurant Six/Seven and have a cocktail and appetizers overlooking the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.  Happy hour is until 6 and the cocktails have names like the Bruce Lee Lemon Drop or Hell on Wheels.  

Carl S English Botanical Garden

 

Botanic Gardens are my happy place and we were lucky enough to attend a wedding in the Carl S English Botanical Garden in Seattle.  Obviously you don't have a attend a wedding to enjoy the beautiful English style garden.  The garden encompasses 7 acres and each section is more pretty than the next.  There are 1500 types of plants but my favorites are the roses. 

Din Tai Fung 

 Want to know the city where we fell in love with Din Tai Fung?  Surprise, surprise, it was in Seattle.  Matt lived in Seattle one summer and we ate here every chance we could get.  The lines are long and the wait can take hours, but it's totally worth it.  Don't visit a city with a Din Tai Fung and not visit.  Make the time; it's totally worth it!  We love the pork soup dumplings, BBQ baos and the spicy hand-pulled noodles (and so many other menu options too).  This is the perfect place to end your summer Saturday in Seattle.  Happy eating!