The Guide | A Weekend in Seattle

Jun 30

Jun 30 The Guide | A Weekend in Seattle

— A PLACE TO REST —

Situated conveniently in downtown, Hotel Sorrento is a comfortable stay in the charming Capital Hill neighborhood and offers lively music and fire pits for their happy hour on the outdoor patio.

— GOOD EATS —

A few savvy friends shared their recommendations with me ahead of this summer trip. Our favorite dinner had to be at Sitka & Spruce, where we dined on squid ink potatoes, fresh-caught wild king salmon, and deconstructed Eton mess. The Whale Wins was another delicious spot for farm- and sea-to-table Northwest cuisine. If it's your first time in Seattle—like it was for us—the much photographed Pike Place Market is worth a quick stroll to see the fish mongers hurling salmon across the crowds. "Ice cream makes you happy" reads Molly Moon's sign—ain't that the truth! The sweet smell of homemade waffle cones wafts from this cute ice cream shop popping up all over town. With flavors like Earl Grey and Stumptown coffee, you'll be lucky if the line doesn't wrap around the block.

— AROUND TOWN —

If it's sculpture and an escape from the city streets you're after, head to Seattle's scenic Sculpture Garden. You'll have a meandering stroll along an easy family-friendly path with great views of the water and Seattle's space needle to boot.

— SHOPPING —

I didn't spend much time shopping in Seattle this time around but did enjoy the food scene at Pike's Place, the incredible warehouse of treasures at Big Daddy Antiques, and the extensive collection of outdoor gear at Seattle-born Filson.

— A DAY ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND —

Hop aboard a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island for the day. The trip affords views of Seattle's beautiful skyline and is just under an hour for travelers. For those who are keen to make the most of their time on the island, you can travel with your car on the ferry. If you arrive in the morning on Bainbridge, make your first stop at the Blackbird Bakery for granola and citrus morning buns. Yarn and Teas is just around the corner and worth a browse of their specialty tea collection and cute knit gifts. Along Winslow Way, the Salt House Mercantile is a beautifully curated home store, full of delicious-smelling soaps and specialty goods you'll want to buy right up. Check out Petit Olson—across the street from the Salt House—for shabby chic furniture and women's apparel and accessories. The crown jewel of Bainbridge Island is the 150-acre Bloedel Reserve. The view from the historic home through the doors to Pudget Sound in the distance is just one of the picture-perfect views on the lush estate.

— NEXT TIME —

Next time, we'll be checking out The Walrus & The Carpenter for dinner, The London Plane for brunch and hope to sneak in a trip to every foodie's dreamland, The Willows on Lummi Island.