It was a pleasure to visit Seattle for the first time. I’ve always wanted to visit this cosmopolitan city since I saw the movie “Sleepless in Seattle” many years ago. My niece had also been stationed there by the Coast Guard aboard the Polar Star a year before this post. We arrived around noon after an early flight from Denver. We stopped at a small Pho restaurant for a delicious lunch. The elderly owner, of Asian descent, greeted us with a prayer that set the tone for the rest of our vacation.
Our first scheduled visit was Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. We made that our first stop after lunch since we wouldn’t check into the hotel until 4. This is a subterranean walk along ruined storefronts and sidewalks which were buried by a fire in 1889. It’s a must-see. Our tour lasted approximately an hour, followed by a check-in at the hotel.
The following morning, we walked over to Pike Place Market where we found many shops offering books, gifts, collectibles, art, and much more. Outside the market, there are many restaurants with fresh seafood and charming cafes serving delicious food from all over the world. The Pike Place Market is one of the oldest operating farmers markets in the country, and it’s a great place to visit.
As our next attraction approached, we walked to a sandwich shop called Mammoth Sandwiches. Their turkey, cranberry, and cream cheese sandwich on a crispy baguette paired perfectly with their seasonal pumpkin beer.
The next stop was the Space Needle, a Seattle landmark and city icon. Because it is quite popular, I recommend purchasing tickets in advance. You will have to wait a long time to reach the elevator that takes you to the top, so wear comfortable shoes. Before you reach the elevator, you will be asked to take a picture (optional) with your choice of Space Needle background. I was blown away by the views of the city. From a distance, I could even see the Polar Star. Observing the city views from the tower’s revolving glass door is a thrilling experience. There is no sensation of it moving at all! While watching the scenery change with each turn, we enjoyed a couple of cocktails.
We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a wine tasting on our third day. After the wine tasting, we enjoyed a seafood dinner at Pikes Place Market.
I visited some local crystal shops on our last day, while my husband attended a work event. Small but very cute, the Vajra had a friendly owner and a welcoming atmosphere. There was a wide variety of art, jewelry, and health and beauty products available at Sankofa Boutique.
Our last stop was to see the Fremont Troll, a large public sculpture in the Fremont neighborhood under the George Washington Memorial Bridge. While impressive and slightly creepy, I do not think it is a must-see. During my husband’s business dinner that evening, I enjoyed pizza and a movie back at the hotel. It would have been great to explore some of the outdoor activities and national parks, but that will have to wait until my next visit. Seattle is worth a visit. There is a lot to do and see, however, depending on what attractions you’re aiming for, you might need more than a weekend visit.