For those living in Vancity, a road trip to Seattle is a great way to get away, relax and change your scenery. While I love going down to Seattle to shop my little heart out, over the past three years, my boyfriend has really opened my eyes up to a ton of other stuff to check out while in the emerald city. After all, he claims there is more to Seattle than the premium outlets and having unlimited soup and bread sticks at the Olive Garden. Here’s a look at my favourite places in Seattle to shop, eat and stay, including a neighbourhood that I can’t stop telling people about every time they tell me they’ll be in Seattle.
Museums
Olympic Sculpture Park… This is a gem that I visited for the first time last February. A beautiful expansive park by the water, large-scale sculptures and lots of open space make this a great place to take a stroll on a sunny and bright day.
Chihuly Garden and Glass… If you’ve ever been wowed by the ceiling of glass blown flowers at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, then the Chihuly Glass Museum is a must-see. This small museum (you can tackle it in about an hour) features gorgeous show stopping glass blown pieces in an explosion of bright, saturated colour by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly. Located right by the space needle, it’s an easy visit on the way in or out of downtown.
Image via SeattleArtMuseum on Instagram
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)... I always keep my eye out for new and exciting exhibitions at the SAM. Starting October 1 is their Intimate Impressionism exhibit featuring the works of Degas, Renoir and Manet. And, look out in fall 2016 for an Yves Saint Laurent exhibit called The Perfection of Style.
Image via VisitSeattle on Instagram
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)… If art museums are not your thing, I highly recommend the MOHAI. Learn about Seattle’s history as well as all the innovation and industry that originates in Seattle. With a ton of hands-on and interactive exhibits, I came out equipped with a few fun facts. Did you know? Costco originated in Seattle (The Kirkland brand name makes so much sense now) and that Sonicare technology for the electric toothbrush and our beloved Clairsonic skincare brush was created by a Seattle engineer.
Shopping
Image via Pinterest
University Village Mall… I love this outdoor mall located just outside of downtown near the University of Washington. Shop till you drop at stores including Madewell, Sephora, Zara, Jonathan Adler, Calypso St. Barth and Room & Board. It’s a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon.
What to eat… Grab a healthy salad, wrap or green juice at Evolution Fresh (a Starbucks company) or if you’re craving soup dumplings and hot and sour soup, Din Tai Fung is the place to be (just go early as there’s always a lineup).
The Bellevue Collection… One of my favourite shopping malls to visit because it has a wide mix of stores like Intermix, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Vince and now Uniqlo. To fuel up after tirelessly shopping (and buying), stop at gourmet donut shop, Top Pot Donuts for a delicious and indulgent snack. Yum.
What to eat… While you won’t go hungry with all the chain-sy restaurants like Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Changs and Maggiano’s Little Italy around Bellevue Collection, I urge you to take a turn off the beaten path and check out 99 Park Restaurant. It’s about 5 minutes by car from Bellevue Collection and features New American cuisine using the freshest ingredients from nearby farms. The restaurant is warm and inviting and the perfect spot for a nice dinner out with your guy. Try the pulled pork tacos. They’re delicious.
Bravern Mall… The Bravern is a high end mall near Bellevue Square Mall and has the Pacific Northwest’s only Neiman Marcus. You’ll also find other shops there like Tory Burch and Moncler.
What to eat… Try Wild Ginger. It’s one of my favourite spots for a leisurely bite and fresh food with a twist from the Pacific Rim. For dessert, make sure to check out Trophy’s Cupcakes, the cutest little cupcake shop which also stocks a variety of cards and party decorations for a Pintererst-worthy party.
My (now not so) secret favourite spot: Ballard Avenue
Ballard Avenue has some of the coolest restaurants, neatest clothing and gift shops and the nicest boutique hotel I’ve ever stayed at. Seriously, it’s awesome food, unique restaurant decor, and signature cocktail overload. It’s got a cool hipster vibe and there are no Olive Gardens and Red Lobsters in sight. It’s just a 15 minute drive outside of downtown Seattle and you don’t even have to get on the highway again. Take a walk down Ballard Avenue and take a browse through the numerous clothing, artisan and vintage shops. Make sure to check out Lucca Great Finds for Mariage Frère tea, stationery, candles and other unique gifts, shoe store Dolce Vita and Ketch for clothing labels such as Paper Crown, Rory Beca and Joie.
What to eat… Where to begin? There are so many dining options! The Walrus and the Carpenter is a great spot for dinner and super fun if you’re with a group of friends. It’s a small restaurant (get there early as they don’t take reservations) but the intimate space is cozy and the atmosphere is lively. Paying homage to Ballard’s fishing and maritime roots, the menu changes daily to take advantage of seasonal ingredients but expect fresh raw oysters, delicious salads, and lots of fresh fish, served tapas style.
If you love French bistro style food, Bastille Cafe & Bar is another great spot for solid french food (and really anything with frites).
A great place for unique cocktails featuring home grown herbs and fresh ingredients, try Percy & Co for an apothecary style cocktail and indulge in their Southern/Creole menu.
Craving pulled pork? Bitteroot BBQ is a must try. Pair your pulled pork sandwich with their extensive list of American craft beers and bourbon.
Where to stay
Hotel Ballard… A super cute boutique hotel in the middle of Ballard Avenue. If you want to skip out on that sterile and generic business travel feel, then indulge in this little gem just outside downtown Seattle. Tall cushioned headboards, mirrored furniture and Molton Brown products in the bathroom make this an ideal home away from home. Book in advance as this place books fast.
Hyatt Olive 8 or Grand Hyatt Seattle… You really can’t go wrong with the Hyatt chain. Located in the heart of downtown, both of these hotels are within a short walking distance to Pacific Place Mall (you’ll find a Barney’s NYC there) and Nordstrom.
Pan Pacific Seattle… The Pan in Seattle has a lovely boutique hotel vibe. Just a short walking distance from all the shops at 5th and Pine, you’ll also find a large West Elm across the street and an expansive Whole Foods just downstairs if you want a quick and casual bite. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and you might even get a view of the Seattle Space Needle.
Bellevue Westin or Hyatt Regency Bellevue… Both hotels are great options if you’re staying in the Bellevue area. It’s also often cheaper than staying in a downtown hotel, parking is typically free on the weekends and you’re close to all the shopping (the best part!)