Weekend In Seattle

Ahhh…a long weekend in Seattle the coffee capitol of the country is just what we needed!

We arrived at our hotel Saturday morning just in time for breakfast at Hook & Plow.  Breakfast was delicious, but of course I had to order the coffee.  I won’t give you the name of the coffee because although it was strong we found it to be a bit bitter…

It’s been a few years since we were in Seattle and we found that many things have changed.  The first thing we noticed is they now have a Ferris wheel called the Great Wheel.  There are also many new buildings, lofts, restaurants, coffee shops, and brewery’s. 

We spent our first day roaming Pikes Place Market.  We bought pastries, admired the beautiful flowers, and had clam chowder at Pike’s Place Chowder…it was sooooooooo good!  We continued on and later had some macaroni and cheese from Beecher’s.  You’ve got to try it when you have a chance.  There are many nice vendors selling great products.  I bought some beautiful handmade jewelry.

While at the market we decided to take a tour of the city.  That was a good decision.  Our tour guide was very knowledgeable.  We went to Queen Anne Hill, went across the floating bridge, visited Discovery Park/Fort Lawton Military Reserve, Kerry Park, Pioneer Square, Mercer Island, Freemont, Fisherman’s Terminal and back to the pier.  I was able to take some very nice photos check out the photos above.

After the tour we walked back to our hotel and noticed all of the sail boats docked across the street.  We walked over and found out that the Clipper Round the World Race had made its way to Seattle.  We were told that the Seattle sail boat arrived last…two days behind everyone else.  The Derry-Londonderry-Doire Clipper yacht was the first to arrive.  We walked around the dock and admired the gorgeous boats, and finished our day with a lovely seafood dinner.

Our second day started early.  We had breakfast at Etta’s.  Yummy!  Breakfast is my favorite meal.  Had the coffee...it was ok.  Or maybe it’s me…I may be spoiled by Weekend’s fresh, smooth, rich coffee (especially the Sumatra Medium Roast).  Anyway, we walked to the downtown mall and took the monorail to the Space Needle.  But, before we visited the Space Needle we stopped by the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.  WOW!  If you’re ever in Seattle it’s a must do!  The artwork is stunning.  I walked around the corner to the first display and gasped!  And it just kept getting better.  Please take a look at some of my photos, while they’re beautiful…they just don’t do the art justice.

How in the world do you top that beautiful display of art?  Why you go to the observation deck of the Space Needle and observe Seattle’s natural beauty.  Awesome!

We ended our night with dinner gathered from restaurants on our route back to the hotel.  We were very tired after spending all day on our feet.

Sunday!  Finally a little sun!  We had to ride the Great Wheel.  Each glass enclosed compartment has a heater to keep you warm.  You have beautiful city and Puget Sound views.  We went around 3 times.  The ride was about 20 minutes and we didn’t want to get off.  Next time we’ll ride at night and see the city lights.

After our Wheel ride we decided to explore the pier.  We stopped at an interesting little shop called
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.  There were many interesting items there, but my favorites were the spinning globes.  They are powered by light and placed on a clear pedestal.  I couldn’t spend $150 on a small globe for my sister…even though I know she’d love one.  She has a weird thing for globes…  But, if she wants one she can order it herself! }:O)

We decided to take a cruise around the Puget Sound.  We took the Argosy tour.  The tour guide was great and the views were breathtaking.  I learned a lot about the city and the shipping industry.  I also learned there are giant octopuses in those waters.   We ran into a few California Sea Lions…those big mouth barkers were there to eat the salmon, grow fat and then return to the bay area to get a chance at becoming the sea lion king.  Sigh…  Again we ended our day with a nice dinner at Cutter’s Crab House.  Good stuff!

During our last day in Seattle we roamed Pikes Place Market again, strolled around downtown, shopped at Nordstrom’s, and had lunch at the Hook & Plow.  Their Angus burger is very good!!!  And if you try the mudslide you won’t be disappointed. 

We had a great time!  Seattle has so much to see and do.  It’s beautiful, green and rich with history.  Until next time…

Enjoy your Weekend!!!