The tickets have been purchased, and I am ecstatic! Tripping it to Seattle this summer!!In nerdy fashion, I've already started to make a Google map of places of interest, so I can whip it out wherever I am and be, like, "Oh, there's a bakery four blocks over. Pastry, go!"
Since I've never been to Seattle, I would welcome any suggestions on places to check out. Of course, I'm looking for y'all to steer me in the direction of good food, but I'm am also all ears about parks, gardens, hikes, museums, wineries, and anything else that's awesome. Maybe even a trip down to Portland?
So, please flood the comments with your favorite tourist must-sees and local secrets in and around Seattle.
19 comments:
You might want to give The Tofu Hunter (tofuhunter.blogspot.com) a read. Oddly enough, I live in northeastern BC but have been reading your blog and her blog for years now. I'm originally from the Seattle area and just thinking about Seattle food has me drooling. :)
As for non-food things, go to Pike Place Market (everyone will tell you that), if you like zoos, Woodland Park Zoo is pretty sweet. The Space Needle might seem touristy, but it's worth it if it's a nice day. If it's cloudy, I'd skip it. Enjoy your trip!! I was just there last month..wish I was going in the summer, though..it rained the entire time we were there. :)
Ooh, please make this map public! We're heading there in September (and thinking about a side trip to Vancouver), and I'd love to piggyback on your research. :)
You might want to take a day trip to the Maryhill Museum to see the Theatre de la Mode exhibit. It is one of the most amazing fashion exhibits I've seen.
http://www.maryhillmuseum.org/exhibits.html#theatre
If you are a Twin Peaks fan... you've got to go to diner of the famous Cherry Pie.
http://www.twedescafe.com/
Check out the awesome train museum... a vintage train ride to the famous Waterfalls !
http://www.trainmuseum.org/
Great vegetarian/vegan snacks at Toads Coffee.
Was there for 4 months in 2000. One of my favorites was http://www.silenceheartnest.com It's a vegetarian resturant near U of Wash. run by devotees of Sri Chimnoy a late guru. You can taste the love in the food and the servers wear bright colored robes and are very sweet. It sounds trippy, it is--and the food is awesome. They didn't push any materials or even mention their spiritual life.
re. silence heart nest. Just saw that they moved to Fremont neighborhood. No longer near U of Wash.
http://weburbanist.com/2010/08/29/stuck-on-you-seattles-gum-wall-is-pretty-gross/
I've been before but was on business and just stuck to the downtown area. Nothing really jumps out in my mind. However, if you would be willing to share some of those recommendations, it would be much appreciated. My husband and I are doing SEA/PDX in June.
My husband and I spent 2.5 weeks in the Pacific Northwest for our honeymoon and based our whole trip around food and wine. It ruled. Here are my favorites:
1. The Herbfarm - probably one of the best meals of my life. It's pricey and not technically in Seattle (Woodinville), but is SOOOOO worth it.
2. Elliots Oyster House - seriously incred, but totally full of tourists. The hubs and I decided it was worth it
3. Go to a Mariners game - so fun, great stadium
4. GO TO PORTLAND and more specifically, go the Willamette. Our favorite vineyards were Sokoll Blosser, Elk Cove (most beautiful), Ponzi, and so many more.
Thanks for all the recommendations so far!
Nichol - We're going to Seattle the last week of June, so you'll probably get there before we do, but I'm sure I'll be posting about my trip when I get back.
I was out there recently and had some amazing vegetarian food. Let me highly recommend 2 places:
The Highline Bar - a very nice, large bar, with an awesome 100% vegan menu in Capital Hill. Went there for dinner one night, then returned the next day for brunch. And Wayward Cafe - had an amazing brunch there, and about a block away is the Sidecar for Pigs Peace 100% vegan grocery store, definitely worth checking out.
I love Seattle and I love reading your blog! I'm also a Southerner living in Philly.
One of my favorite spots in Seattle is Salumi. It's Mario Batali's dad and sister's restaurant. They are only open for lunch and there is usually a standing line outside. I know you're vegetarian and they do they specialize in cured meats, but they usually have a wonderful pasta or soup special everyday. I also love Macrina Bakery, it's right close to Pike's Place and a wonderful stop for brunch or a light lunch. Below, Pike's Place and on the water, is World Spice and right across the street is the Spanish Table, two wonderful cooking stops. If you're looking for a nice dinner out, Restaurant Zoe is a hot spot.
Olympic Sculpture Park is also close to Pike's Place and just a beautiful place to visit on a nice day. It overlooks the water and it's nice to walk through the sculptures. Seattle also has a wonderful public library downtown, the architecture is amazing.
Also, if you have some time, a visit to the San Juan Islands might be worth it. It's about a two hour drive to the ferry from Seattle and then about an hour ferry ride to Lopez Island, my favorite. Definitely worth it if you have some time and beautiful in June. Have fun!
As a Philly native turned Seattle-resident for the past 4 years (and vegetarian) I would recommend:
Restaurants:
Georgetown Liquor Company
Carmelita
Cafe Flora
Jhanjay Thai
Cafe Flora
The Ridgeback Cafe
Cafes:
Cafe Besalu
Lighthouse Coffee
Stumptown Coffee
Just found your site looking for a lime cupcakes and see you are coming to Seattle - if you are near Eastlake in Seattle you should check out Nettletown - great local northwest-y food, with a good emphasis on vegetarian options! We go at least once a week for lunch.
Oh, I just saw your post about pickle peanut butter sandwiches... Nettletown does one! All their sandwiches are served on baguettes - I think it's a peanutbutter bacon pickle sandwich, but she also offers it without the bacon. Delish!
I found your blog before due to your amazing thai iced tea ice cream. But I grew up in Seattle and now have a vegan husband, so we are always visiting Seattle and checking out veg options. I second the Cafe Flora recommendation.
I also highly recommend enjoying the Burke Gilman trail and Gas Works Park, on the North side of Lake Union. If it's nice out, it has a fantastic view of downtown. You can walk along the lakes and over to the Ballard Locks which are also interesting. A nice one-way walk could be from UW to Ballard. There are probably buses that could take you back as well.
I'll agree with Elizabeth and suggest that you take the time to see the San Juans. Lopez is my favourite, too - my grandpa grew up there and we spent lots of time there as kids. Lovely little island. :)
Serious Pie - Best pizza I've tasted. Highly recommend the Chantrelle mushroom/truffle cheese pizza.
Theo's chocolate (if you like chocolate): Located in Fremont. I recommend the tour; plenty of chocolate is provided.
The Pink Door: Accessed from a side alley near Pikes Place (through a pink door, of course). Entertainment indoors but a great waterside view outdoors.
If you like views and walking up hills, take a walk to the upper Queen Anne area. You can see a great view of all of Seattle.
The Crocodile in Belltown is a good place to see live music.
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