Stay Longer: A Travel Blog
by Blaine Leal
Seattle: Seafood, Coffee and the Sea
From the bustling waterfront,to the shops and restaurants of Capitol Hill neighborhood, Seattle has everything that a traveler could ask for. Let’s explore the SEA.
Washington state, located in the verdant Pacific Northwest, offers an array of cities, landscapes and mountains to traverse. One of the standout locations in all of the PNW is the Greater Seattle Area. New residents flock to the Emerald City to enjoy its close access to nature, food and thriving arts culture.
If you’re visiting Seattle for vacation, then you will likely start exploring at Pike Place Market. Located in the Belltown-Downtown neighborhood, the Market offers iconic signage and views of the Salish Sea. My advice is to arrive around 11:00 am. Enjoy the hand-crafted goods and flowers first, then make your way into the inner bowels of the market for fare and more shopping. After building up your hunger, brave the long lines at Pike Place Chowder and order a lobster roll, chowder in a bread bowl—or both.
Near Pike Place, you can venture downstairs to the official Seattle Waterfront, recently redesigned and updated with a brand-new Seattle Aquarium and Ocean Pavilion. The waterfront includes ample walkways to take in the sea breeze and waterfront attractions, like the Feris Wheel and gleaming towers in the distance. You will have plenty of seafood options along water, including Ivar's, Elliott's and Athony's.
Along with visiting the center of Seattle, venture out to neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Central District and Upper Queen Anne. Capitol Hill is a hip, vibrant neighborhood located east of downtown. You will find the best restaurants and bars in all of the Emerald City in this neighborhood, including the famous Seattle Dog that street vendors sell after dark: Peppers, onions and cream cheese on a hot dog. Upper Queen Anne features stunning views of the cityscape and some of the most magnificent mansions in Seattle, such as those featured on the film, 10 Things I Hate About You.
After experiencing the city of Seattle, adventure to Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie, Wash., twenty minutes east of the city. The stunning lodge was the setting of Twins Peaks, and it sits on the edge of the raging Snoqualmie Falls. Even though it requires a short drive from Seattle, it’s worth it to experience this small park and bistro accompanyinmg a natural landmark.
Seattle is a verdant city with amazing shopping, fare and artistic neighborhoods. When traveling to the gem of the Pacific Northwest, get lost in the trendy neighborhoods and seafood options. As a longtime Seattle resident, I continuously discovered enchanting destinations in and around Seattle, Wash.
