Seattle, the Emerald City, conjures up visions of The Wizard of Oz. But the real reason for this nickname is because of all of the greenery that exists in and around Seattle. It does rain here quite a bit (although Atlanta, GA gets more rain!) The first time one rolls into the city of Seattle and lays eyes on the iconic Space Needle as part of the Seattle skyline off in the distance, one immediately gets the sense that this town will be unlike any other.
And it's true!
Seattle is a sprawling utopia of unique neighborhoods, with rolling hills that drop sharply as you approach sea level into Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. There are so many nooks and crannies that makeup Seattle, so much to explore and discover that you won’t find in any guide-book or blog post. Most people who come only visit the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle), Pike Place Market and the waterfront. You really must find out what your Seattle is and embrace it!
My Seattle...
I tell people to take the Underground Tour in Pioneer Square, just south of downtown. The tour guides are entertaining and informative and will lead you through the interesting historical underbelly of old Seattle. A tale of love, loss, and rebuilding, the Seattle Underground Tour is a “history with punch lines.” You start the tour off at the meeting place of Doc Maynard’s, where you can catch a bite and a pint until your tour starts.
Carve out a few hours to leisurely explore Seattle’s waterfront. One of the unique things I love about Seattle is that you can breathe in the wonderful sea air with the expanse of the Seattle skyline right behind you. It’s cosmopolitan and shipyard rugged all at once! The views over Puget Sound are stunning, and there is a ton of stuff to do (and eat!) that could easily fill a day or two. Just watching the ferry and container ships crisscross the harbor is one of my favorite activities.
Ye Ole Curiosity Shop. Probably the best thing on the waterfront, and famous worldwide, it is a part gift shop, part oddity museum. Along with the kitschy Seattle souvenirs, there are a couple of real, life-sized mummified bodies on display under glass. So, if you are particularly squeamish about such things, just avoid the back of the store!
Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Ferris Wheel. The aquarium is an awesome place to take the family. Visit sea otters, seals, a variety of marine birds, and engaging exhibits that will entertain adults and kids alike. The Ferris wheel on Pier 57 is the newest addition to the waterfront. With individual cars seating up to six people each, the 15-minute ride gives you great views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound.
Pike Place Market. The nations’ longest continually running public market is iconic for a reason! It is a super-sensory extravaganza, with craft decor, food and flower vendors that have been touting their wares for generations. I dare you to leave the market empty-handed! My favorite thing to do is buy some seafood, fresh from the waters of Puget Sound, then stroll over to the mini-donut cart for some hot-off-the-oil-vat gem donuts with a sprinkling of cinnamon. A cup of iced coffee to wash it all down and your afternoon is complete!
The Belltown neighborhood. This is the place for all things after hours. There are great restaurants, cocktail bars, and live music venues to explore.
Queen Anne District. North of downtown and the Seattle Center, Queen Anne is a picturesque neighborhood set high atop a hill. If you have ever watched the TV show Frasier, the main character, Dr. Crane lived in this neighborhood (not in real life, of course!) There are many stately homes, along with great shopping and restaurants to discover. A favorite breakfast hangout, the 5 Spot, is here, where a hearty diner-style breakfast will last you most of the day.
West Seattle. Actually, located southwest of downtown on a short peninsula, Alki Beach is where it’s at on the west side. With a jogging/biking path, kayaking and other watersports, you’d be remiss to miss this part of town. Many tourists don’t even realize it's here. There are also a ton of indie bars, unique restaurants, and cute boutiques in this up-and-coming neighborhood. It’s a great place to go to avoid the crowds, but this is slowly changing as more people are discovering this section of the city.
First Hill. Just east of downtown Seattle, along the I-5 corridor, is an older neighborhood teeming with eclectic shops and funky cafes with a relaxed and groovy vibe. Also called Pill Hill because of the high concentration of medical facilities, it’s a great place to walk around for an afternoon.
It’s a little touristy, but you really must take a ferry tour around Puget Sound. You will get a breathtaking view of the Seattle skyline from the water as your ferry cuts through the waves and seagulls fly right alongside you. Let the breeze of the Sound whip through your hair as an informative narrating crew member offers notable facts about the area.
The islands of Puget Sound
Take a Washington State Ferry to one of the islands in Puget Sound for the perfect day trip. If you have a rental car, you can easily take it on the ferry (for a fee). There are a handful of islands to visit, but the largest and most entertaining is Whidbey Island. Deception Pass State Park is a favorite, with beaches, camping, and hiking. Vashon Island’s main street is great for gift shops and art galleries or taking a walk along the rugged coastline.
Fidalgo Island to the north hosts several festivals, including a spring wine festival and Bier on the Peer in the fall. Anacortes is a major port for taking the ferry into Canada and has a cute downtown area with restaurants, shops, and galleries.
If you’re interested in visiting Seattle and want to go off the beaten path, it is easy to do! Dare to venture where the tourists won’t and get a taste of the real Seattle!
There are so many other things to do in the city if you have time or different tastes. A few of the things I've found on my trips there include:
- The Beneath the streets tour
- Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour
- Seattle Barista Tour
- Marination Ma Kai
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
- Seattle Art Museum
- Triple Door
- Ballard Locks
Great hotels in the City:
- The Four Seasons, Seattle, WA You can't go wrong with any of these three hotels but The Four Seasons is a 6 out of 5 stars.
- The Fairmont Hotel in Seattle
- The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 