Weekend Wanderings: Seattle Guide
Seattle is one of our favorite places to spend a long weekend. Despite the fact that Seattle has a reputation for rain and more rain, it's not quite as bad as people make it seem. Summers are often warm and dry in Seattle. And the dry weather often starts in the spring.
Where To Stay
Thompson Seattle: The 158 room Thompson Seattle, twelve story boutique hotel opened in the summer of 2016. The Thompson features floor to ceiling windows with incredible views of Pike’s Place Market and the waterfront. The first floor of the hotel is home to restaurant Scout PNW and the hotel has a rooftop bar and lounge, the Nest.
See our complete review of the Thompson Seattle.
Some of our other favorite hotels include the Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8. Plus the soon to open The Charter Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel.
Where To Eat
Biscuit Bitch: This funky Seattle biscuit shop known for gravy-drenched, cheese-topped hangover cures is a must stop for breakfast, for a snack in general for any biscuit lovers. Be prepared for crudeness followed up by delicious biscuits. In fact when you order, they'll likely ask "Bitch, what would you like to order".
Il Corvo: Il Corvo is located in the Pioneer Square area of Seattle where Chef Mike Easton prepares fresh pasta using artisanal techniques and the finest ingredients. They are only open for lunch and you'll wait in a line even if you get there when they open at 11 AM. And you can't grab a table until you've ordered, it's a strictly enforced rule. But they do serve some of the best pasta we've ever eaten and we would wait for their delicious pasta each and every day.
The Pink Door: The Pink Door is an independently owned restaurant that has been quietly dedicated to fresh & local Italian food since 1981. The Pink Door serves delicious, uncomplicated Italian-American food during lunch and dinner with many offerings derived from long-lasting family recipes.
And with the recent expansion, The Pink Door's new space has incredible views overlooking Pike Place Market.
Where To Get Coffee
Seattle has a world class coffee scene. And you'll find coffee shops on nearly every corner. Here are just a few of our favorite places to get caffeinated when we are spending a weekend in Seattle.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is the Starbucks immersive, dramatic, theatrical expression of coffee craft and the ongoing pursuit of the world's rarest small-lot coffees. Plus the Reserve Roastery is housed in an iconic building that was originally a car dealership that opened in the 1920s. The Reserve Roastery in Seattle is a great chance to try Starbucks coffee drinks you won't find anywhere else.
And as a bonus the Reserve Roastery serves up Seattle's famous Beecher's grilled cheese. So enjoy a cup of delicious, small-lot coffee and a tasty grilled cheese.
See our complete review of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Caffè Vita: Caffè Vita was founded in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood in 1995. And Caffè Vita has been named one of the top ten places "to get the best coffee in America. Rightfully so, because they serve up some of our all-time favorite coffee.
Moore Coffee Shop: Moore Coffee has two coffee shops near Pike Place Market in Seattle. And while the coffee and espresso at Moore Coffee is good, the latte art is even better. Plus the family owned coffee shop with a loungey vibe serves up delicious sweet and savory waffles.
Where To Go For Dessert
Indi Chocolate: Experience a whole new world of Chocolate at Seattle's Indi Chocolate located near Pike Place Market. Indi Chocolate is a bean to bar chocolate shop. They source cacao beans directly from farmers and cooperatives to make small batch, single origin, dark chocolate.
In addition to their delicious chocolate, you'll find a wide range of cacao based products including teas, spice rubs, and body care products made from cocoa butter. And they also serve up delicious coffee drinks including mochas made with their small batch chocolate.
Top Pot Doughnuts: Doughnuts aren't just for breakfast. And we don't ever need a reason to eat a donut. But they do make a good snack or dessert. Luckily Seattle has some incredible doughnuts shops. One of our favorites is Top Pot Doughnuts. And they do things the old-fashioned way with their hand-forged gourmet doughnuts.
What To Do
Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market is Seattle's epicenter of fresh produce, specialty foods and independent businesses. Within the nine-acre historic district you'll discover dozens of farmers, a bustling crafts market, and more than 200 unique owner-operated shops.
Pike Place Market has more than 80 restaurants to tempt you, from take-out counters specializing in donuts to fine dining establishments. So you'll definitely want to bring your appetite when you are exploring Pike Place Market and savor some of the delicious food options.
Seattle Space Needle: Built in 1962, the Seattle Space Needle has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Space Needle has an observation deck at 520 feet and the rotating SkyCity restaurant at 500 ft.
The downtown Seattle skyline, as well as the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands can be viewed from the top of the Needle.
Smith Tower: Smith Tower is a historic, iconic skyscraper in Pioneer Square. Completed in 1914, the 38-story, 484 ft tower is the oldest skyscraper in the city, and was among the tallest skyscrapers outside New York City at the time of its completion.
The great thing about the Smith Tower is not only does it offer stunning 360-degree views of the Seattle Skyline but you also have an opportunity to capture great views of the Seattle Space Needle.
Conclusion
Seattle is a vibrant, culturally rich city with an incredible food scene. On sunny days, there is plenty to do in Seattle including catching great views from the Seattle Space Needle or Smith Tower. On those rainy days, grab a cup of coffee at one of Seattle's craft coffee shops. And if coffee isn't your scene, Seattle is also known for amazing craft beer and cider.
