Seattle, Washington

July 19, 2013

Seattle, Washington is located on the west coast and fondly named “The Emerald City.” Sights such as Mt. Rainier, the Space Needle and Pike Place Market will make your stay that much more authentic when visiting. There are museums that cater to the music lover, art lover and children alike; sure to please everybody! If you’re a “foodie” at heart, check out Pike Place Market located in the heart of downtown featuring fresh seafood, chocolates and the first ever Starbucks! If that’s not enough, check out the unique breweries that Seattle has to offer, not to mention the extensive wine country.

Lay of the Land

Seattle is a port city situated in the Northwest of Washington state. Seattle has many hills and features one of the country’s tallest volcanoes, Mt. Rainier. Since Seattle is on the coastline there is a lot of water activities to take part in; so soak up some sun and prepare to ride the waves! Try activities like sea kayaking, water skiing, sailing and yachting. If water is not your thing, try other outdoor adventures like biking, hiking or cruising along the gorgeous Alki Beach.

Must-sees, Must-dos

Pike Place Market

This all-year round market is one of Seattle’s most iconic tourist attractions and is filled with food and drinks! Bring your walking shoes because this attraction is over nine acres across with 500 farmers, bakers, craftspeople and fishmongers who receive the fresh fish in from the sea each morning! You might want to visit early in the day because it does tend to get a little crowded; Pike Place Market boasts a staggering 10 million visitors per year. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, fresh cut flowers, locally made clothing and jewelry and more. The Pike Place Market is truly a one-stop-shop and an experience that you will never forget

Seattle Center

With four museums, six fountains, five gardens, a skate park, an events arena and too many theaters to count; you are sure to find something to do. Culture is bursting at the seams at this one-of-a-kind location; not to mention that the space needle is in the center of the mix. Designed by Edward E. Carlson in 1959, the Space Needle is the dominant structure for the Seattle World’s Fair. It’s structure is one of the most prevalent structures in the vast Seattle skyline. Be sure to check out the observation deck after your ultimate dining experience atop the Space Needle, which rotates a full 360 degrees.

Woodland Park Zoo

If nature is more your style, check out one of the most amazing zoo’s in the United States. Located just ten minutes north of downtown, this 92-acre zoo is a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Woodland Park-Zoo is home to creatures like the kookaburra, sloth bear, and wallaroo, and chuckwalla. Don’t know what those are? Here is your chance to find out! The zoo is open every day except Christmas and is open later in the summertime. While you visit be sure to check out the 2.5 acre rose garden that is in the park; with over 280 varieties of roses and over 5,000 individual plants. Feel good about visiting the zoo because a portion of every dollar spent on admission goes to animal conservation projects in the Northwest and around the world.

Where to stay

The Alexis Hotel

This exclusive hotel is part of the Kimpton hotels and restaurants and has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s “500 Best Hotels in the World” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 20 Hotels in the Pacific Northwest.” The luxury honeymoon suite is filled with tons of amenities including a jet tub, four-poster bed, specialty bath supplies and an extensive book and music collection. Room service is also available with the touch of a button; perfect for the honeymooning couple. Other amenities include towel warmer, two-person shower and “his” and “her” slippers; not to mention the comfy robes! If you want to get even more relaxed, try the Chroma Salon.Spa featuring massages, body wraps and facials (also available in-room!).

Inn at the Market

Choose from city view rooms that offer a look over Seattle’s bustling downtown to water view rooms that overlook Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Top-notch amenities include luxury Hypnos beds, plush bathrobes, floor to ceiling bay windows and custom linens. Room service is also available and each room is outfitted with a coffee maker with Seattle’s Best Coffee and Tazo Teas.

The hotel offers many packages that can fit the needs of your individual tastes. The Sight package features two tickets to the Seattle Art Museum. The Sound package gets you into one of Seattle’s best entertainment venues, The Triple Door. The Touch package is all about relaxation and features an in-room one hour massage. The Taste package highlights the three top restaurants within the hotel – two French restaurants and a Korean restaurant. Last, but not least, fresh market flowers and a $50 gift certificate to the courtyard shops greet you with the Scent package.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown this stunning Italian Renaissance style hotel is home to more than 450 rooms. Situated just steps from the finest shopping and entertainment, there isn’t much more you can ask for from a hotel. Check out the in-room spa treatments courtesy of Penelope & The Beauty Bar and then take a trip to The Georgian restaurant for the latest sampling of afternoon tea. If you hold your wedding at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel you will receive 5% back for your honeymoon at any Fairmont Hotel and Resort location. Lastly, check out the house made chocolate honey truffles; the honey is made from the rooftop beehives!

Where to Eat

Serious Pie

For starters, check out the burrata, bosc pears, Oregon hazelnut and truffle appetizer. Next, try one of their seven signature pizzas like their buffalo mozzarella, red sauce and fresh basil pizza. Finish it off with a serious root beer float. In addition to their killer pizza menu, they have signature sodas, wine, and local beer.

Chandler’s Crabhouse

Specializing in the “World’s Best” Dungeness Crab Cake, this crabhouse is perfect for lunch, dinner and anything in between. Starting at 3pm, Chandler’s serves a bar menu complete with beer, specialty cocktails, and full bar. Be sure to check out the specialty bar items including the Dungeness crab leg Rockefeller, Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese or even the Garlic Prawns. Happy hour also serves a number of different types of sushi. The full dinner menu features soups, salads and an abundance of other seafood.

Sky City Restaurant

Take the elevator all the way to the top of the Space Needle and prepare for a night along the clouds as you see unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. Dress code is casual attire but must be clean, neat and presentable. Sky City restaurant offers brunch, lunch and a dinner menu; a wine list and kid’s menu as well. The appetizers range from Dungeness crab fritters to smoked tenderloin carpaccio and everything in between.