We all have “Bucket List Travel Destinations” and one of ours this year was to take a cruise to Alaska. Part of our travel plans included an overnight stay in Seattle, Washington. Now, not knowing a ton about Seattle, I was not overly interested in doing any research on landmarks or travels spots to visit while we were there for the day. Luckily for us, the couple we were traveling with, did know a few things about this extremely interesting city and I am pleased to report that I have some great spots to share with you in todays blog!
For those of you that know anything about me, know that I am a coffee addict (and that is stating it lightly)! More so, I am a Starbucks connoisseur. I have been visiting Starbucks in my travels for just about as long as I can recall! I am sharing this important detail because Seattle just so happens to be the birthplace of Starbucks! The original Starbucks is located right there! I could not have been more excited to see, visit and enjoy this landmark! We actually walked there from our hotel, as it was only a few blocks away in the Market District. The staff there was beyond delightful and courteous in sharing the history of the establishment. I highly recommend this stop, especially if you are a Starbucks Lover!
This is an original beam and the countertops are original wood as well. They have kept many of the original pieces used to build the establishment.
We needed something to eat along with our freshly brewed coffee and what could be better than a freshly baked good? I can’t think of anything! Just a short walk up the street is the Piroshky Bakery. If you can imagine it, you can literally smell the fresh baked aromas all the way down the block coming from this bakery! You know it is a good spot when there is a line out the door. They make all of their pastries fresh daily right there in the bakery and you can actually see from the windows street side. I ordered an apple cinnamon roll twist. It did not disappoint! I could not finish it, but not for lack of trying. As you can see from the photo below, their pastries are an abundant size and just as delicious as they look!
While in the Market District, we walked through many of the open air shops and I have to say I was amazed. There were fresh fish markets of every kind to be had, from shrimp, to crab, to lobster and more! There were also floral shops of the likes I have never seen before! I told my Hubby if I could have packaged up all the flowers and had them sent home, I totally would! The flowers were absolutely gorgeous and the prizes were nothing short of amazing! We just do not have anything like it back home. I was truly impressed with all of the shops and the quality of the merchandise. I only wish we could have spent more time there! This area is a definite must see and experience when visiting Seattle. As a side note, we did notice a couple of tours going through the Market while we were there, so I do believe that someone offers them there in town.
After walking the markets, we went down to the famous “gum wall”. I’m sure you are thinking, what? It is exactly what it is called. There is a whole wall that is covered in gum and it is a famous landmark that is world known in Seattle. People from all over the world go to this wall and stick their gum on it, in addition to photos, business cards, poems and letters. It is an extraordinary sight! I had to get pictures! Otherwise, none of you would believe it!
We decided to visit the Aquarium because we had a little time to spare before boarding our boat. If you have never been to the Aquarium in Seattle, you are definitely in for a treat. For starters, they have a massive aquarium inside where divers put on a live show that includes dancing to music! There are several displays throughout the aquarium that are hands on, which is extremely cool. Being able to interact with aquatic organisms is a unique and learning experience that you won’t likely forget!
We finished our afternoon in Seattle eating at the Fisherman’s Restaurant. We sat by the window so we have a beautiful view of the harbor. The food was exceptional, as was the service. The serving sizes were well worth the price as well as the ambiance. An added bonus is that the restaurant is on the pier, right beside the large Ferris wheel ride.
Seattle was an unexpected surprise to the start of our vacation and I am really glad that we got to experience it. I would definitely like to go back and visit on a separate trip to spend a little bit more time exploring the city. I hope this blog was helpful to anyone that plans on visiting in the near future or that is interested in visiting. I would love to hear about your travels there, so please fell free to comment below with your favorite spots in the city. As always, much love and safe travels! XOXO – Sheshe
Have you ever been to a Starbucks in Asia? They make an amazing drink called a Hojicha Latte, made with charcoal-roasted green tea. It’s so good!
No, but that sounds amazing and I would certainly love to go there and try it!