Insider’s Guide to Seattle

• Pike Place Market - Seattle’s original farmers market, established in 1907. While the market is well-known amongst tourist, especially the fish mongers who made “flying fish” a Seattle art form (it’s all in the wrist!), rarely do they explore further depths of the market. While crowds hover around the brass pig and the fish markets, it’s easy to escape in the 10 level, nine-acre market maze. In addition to the farmers, there are hundreds of small, independent businesses, including an incredible variety of specialty shops, restaurants/cafes, breweries, artists and craftspeople. There’s even a secret garden and a tucked-away panoramic view deck. When you book with me, I’m happy to share favorite market tips.

• Olympic Sculpture Park - North of the market and the Seattle Aquarium, located on an industrial site at the water’s edge, The Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre green space for art. Locals enjoy the opportunity to experience a variety of sculpture in an outdoor setting. The park includes an exhibition pavilion with performances. During the summer months there are outdoor music concerts and ths is a lovely time to stretch out with a picnic on the grassy area and enjoy the sunset views of the water and Olympic Mountains.

• The Seattle Art Museum is an easy, central location downtown. The permanent and rotating exhibits are good. But a big draw for locals is the museum café. It’s famous for seafood rolls (lobster, crab, shrimp…) and wine. If you want to score a good deal be sure to go during their happy hours.

• If you want to avoid the crowds and lines during tourist season, instead visit the fabulous Frye Art Museum and enjoy their free admission. Established in 1952 with late 19th and early 20th century European art, it is now houses and hosts exhibits covering a wide range of international and national artworks. If you time it right, you can join in on a tour or one the mindfulness meditation offerings. The onsite café has decent drinks and food for a break before your next adventure.

• Be sure not to miss the Seattle Asian Art Museum, located in beautiful Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. The 1933 Art Deco building holds a vast Asian art collection. Additionally, this large neighborhood park has sprawling green lawns and mature cedar and pine trees, and it is a wonderful space to picnic or take a relaxing nap. Another highlight is the Conservatory, a glass house filled with beautiful plants. You can climb up to the Water Tower Observation Deck for views of the surrounding area and see the Space Needle in the distance.

• For one of the best views of the downtown skyline, especially at sunset, go to the top of the central hill in Gas Works Park, which is located at the north tip of Lake Union. Looking south are dramatic views of the city, the Aurora Bridge and the Olympic Mountains. Large grassy areas are perfect for kites and frisbees. For history buffs, the “gas works” and ugly structure in the middle is the old coal gasification plant.

• A hidden gem park is the Washington Park Arboretum. It’s worth the short drive out of downtown, north towards the University of Washington. There’s a visitors center for this 230-acre park near Lake Washington. Join a free daily tour, or wander the trails on your own with a cup of coffee through the myriads of trees and plants. It feels like a world away enveloped in PNW flora. Included within the park at the south end is the 3.5 acre Japanese Garden. Japanese Gardens thrive in the PNW climate. Inside the gardens is a tea house where you can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

• Chihuly Garden and Glass is gorgeous. It sits in the middle of Seattle Center, where the famous Space Needle resides. As a local, when the announcement that the Seattle Center would be changed, some areas removed and replaced by this art and garden palace, I wasn’t thrilled. But once the project was complete and I visited, I fell in love with it! Yes, it is in the midst of a center frequented by both locals and tourists, especially in the summer. Yet I would still encourage a visit if you appreciate art and gardens or just wish to be “wowed.” The beauty in photos doesn’t capture how you will feel when you see it yourself. It’s unique and not something you’ll find elsewhere and holds over 25 of Dale Chihuly’s personal collection. There is an audio tour, a bookstore and The Bar. If you have the time available, I encourage you to enjoy food and drinks at The Bar. Creative cocktails and food plates, wines and beers, are all locally sourced and seasonal. And the artsy environment is incredible. There are 36 signature Dale Chihuly drawings and plants surrounding you.

• If you are a booklover like me, please don’t miss a visit to Elliot Bay Book Company on Capitol Hill. Includes a café in the back. Seattle’s best bookstore will provide all the vibes, down to the wooden floorboards and full event schedule. Independently owned since 1973, located on Capitol Hill since 2010. If books are you jam, please support this woman and queer owned business.

• Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley is a treasure! It’s located in north downtown. There are music performances most nights, all year, with many traveling groups and singers. You can also enjoy dinner at this club at tables close to the stage, or just enjoy the bar and snacks. The food is delicious, local and mostly organic, but it’s the club experience and music that makes this place a special treat.

Day Trips

There’s a plethora of options. Here’s one:

• If you have the time, take the ferry across to Bainbridge Island, one the many islands in the Puget Sound and Salish Sea. It is easy to walk on this ferry from the downtown waterfront dock. I recommend going early and returning by sunset to enjoy the glorious views. Keep your eyes out for herons, seals, porpoises, and orca whales. On the island side you can walk right into the main village. I lived on this island for many years and am happy to provide more details, but for a brief one day experience here are places not to miss: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, behind it is the Kids Discovery Museum, Restaurant Marche for excellent farm to table menu, Amelia Wynn Winery Bistro, Eleven Winery Tasting Room, Coquette Bake Shop to stop for a quick baguette sandwich, coffee, or baked goods, Mora Ice Creamery, Eagle Harbor Book Company (another perfect bookstore!) Bainbridge Apothecary and Tea Shop, Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, and if you make arrangements ahead of time you can visit the Bainbridge Island Japanese Exclusion Memorial.

There are many more options of terrific adventures to enjoy in Seattle and the surrounding area. It's impossible to list them all. Please reach out to me to learn more when you're ready to book your trip.

• Place Pigalle – In the Pike Place Market, behind the fish stalls. Great for dinner with a view. French style food with locally sourced ingredients. Known for local seafood and oysters.

• Il Bistro – one of my favorite Italian romantic trattorias. It’s subterranean, candlelit and the service is excellent and unintrusive. Great for happy hour, dinner or late-night menu.

• Andaluca – Often overlooked by downtown tourists, this gem is a must. Northwest-Mediterranean style food. One of the best breakfast places in the city. Also great for dinner and cocktails. Wonderful atmosphere.

• Maximilien Restaurant in Pike Place Market is a cozy, French restaurant with a water view and checked tablecloths. Perfect for a romantic weekend brunch/lunch or evening dinner.

• Barrio – Capitol Hill – Modern Mexican cuisine and their popular craft cocktails. Also many vegetarian and vegan options. Known also for fresh salsas, handmade tortillas and slow-smoked pork.

• Café Campagne – Want to feel you are in France for a meal? Tucked away in the charming Post Alley in the heart of Pike Place Market. Intimate French bistro with outstanding food.

• La Fontana Siciliana – a truly hidden gem! Always my first choice for Italian night out with friends and family or for romance. If the weather permits you must enjoy the courtyard seating near the water fountain. Inside is equally lovely and cozy, but with separate spaces for large festive family gatherings. Every food choice here is delicious. The risotto is divine. Sicilian food, all locally sourced. Great selection of wines. Fantastic service. After your first visit you become regulars and family.

• Osteria La Spiga - Great Italian on Capitol Hill. Can you tell I love Italian food?

• Fogon Cocina Mexicana – Capitol Hill. Festive and delicious food. Fabulous happy hour both for great deals and for the vibe. Casual with top quality food and great service. Complimentary tostadas upon arrival. Their mole is out of this world delicious. Generous sized margaritas.

• Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar in Pike Place Market – terrific, casual, budget-friendly spot to enjoy oysters and beer. They also serve a delectable spicy salmon soup, fish and chips and include an outdoor seating area.

• Caffe Vita - Forget Starbucks which you can get everywhere. Try this Pacific Northwest-born chain with their house-roasted coffees and hip, local vibe.

• Storyville - Another wonderful local coffee café with a few locations. Also serves fresh baked pastries. The Pike Place Market location even has a fireplace to enjoy on a cozy day. And if you enjoy cold brew, this is your place.

• Fran’s Chocolates – Local company founded by Fran Bigelow. A favorite of mine for decades. You can’t go wrong with anything you indulge in here, but they are well known for their salted chocolate covered caramels. They also have special seasonal creations with limited availability.

• Indi Chocolate – A chocolate factory in the lower section of Pike Place Market. Artisan crafted bean to bar chocolate café. Through glass you can peek into their kitchen and roastery to observe the chocolate making. All their chocolate concoctions are small batch and carefully prepared. Staff and owners happily educate and help with your selections. The café side offers a wide assortment of drinks and espresso. The ones that include their chocolate are a highlight. On a chilly day my favorite is their homemade peppermint hot chocolate.

• Pie Bar - Capitol Hill – the one and only genuine pie bar is perfect for that late night delight. Savory and sweet pies, and pie themed cocktails.

• Cupcake Royale – a local favorite for cupcakes, ice cream and coffee with several locations.

• Best ice cream - Salt & Straw, Molly Moon’s, and Frankie and Jo’s vegan, plant-based ice cream where locals line up and wait in long lines that flow around the corner.

• Breweries – Too many to list them all! Freemont Brewing is well known for good reason. Ghostfish Brewing produces the best gluten-free beer you can imagine. Old Stove Brewing in Pike Place Market with water views. Rooftop for rooftop views. Reach out if you want a full brewery itinerary.

After living in Seattle and on surrounding islands and the peninsula for 30 years, I’m certain that no matter where I live or travel, a big portion of my heart will remain here. I would love to help you discover this destination and find places that will engage your heart as well.