Soaking up Seattle: What To Do and Where To Stay in the Emerald City

Kelly Fay

Most recognize that Seattle is famous for its extensive list of coffee shops and infamous for its rainy weather; however, most do not associate the thriving Emerald City as a top summer destination. The summertime weather in Seattle is nothing short of perfect, seducing Seattleites and out-of-towners alike to come out and play.

DO:
Pike Place Market is perhaps the most popular destination within the Seattle city limits. The market is a mecca of all things lovely, situated Downtown and dotted with vendors displaying their specialty items; you’ll want to make sure that you bring a tote to fill up on all of the treats offered at the world famous market. Farm-fresh produce, artisan delights, fish stands, bakeries, and coffee shops galore are among the items you will find at the marketplace. While meandering your way through the market, you must seek out the famous fish throwers at the Pike Place Fish Company as they are a sight to be seen. Join the mob on August 16 for the annual celebration of the Market’s Birthday, featuring a Sunset Supper complete with tantalizing cuisine, wine, and brews from local vendors all while grooving to live music at sunset for summertime perfection.

Being a musically-flourishing city, Seattle is naturally home to one of the most intriguing museums, musically unique from the inside out. If the EMP Museum building itself made of 21,000 individually cut and shaped stainless steel and painted aluminum shingles doesn’t lure you inside, then the matchless exhibits will do the trick.

Capitol Hill is one of the most densely populated regions within Seattle for good reason. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, the prominent gay-friendly district is home to many trendy nightclubs, restaurants and shopping areas. Arguably the heart of the community, Volunteer Park serves as a must-see attraction in North Capitol Hill; however, Broadway, Fifteenth, and the Pike-Pine corridor all deserve an honorable nod.

In its fourth decade of producing three days of non-stop excitement, Bumbershoot has entertainment down to a science. The annual art and music festival spans over Labor Day weekend drawing in thousands of locals and foreigners alike. The festive weekend is comprised of a pile of reputable musical acts, including names like The Weekend, Ellie Goulding, Hozier, Jhené Aiko, Nikki Lane, Social Distortion, Fitz & the Tantrums and Børns. The festival fills up the 74-acre Seattle Center at the base of the legendary Space Needle each year with live music, comedy, visual arts, film, local craft markets, and children’s programming.

EAT:
You won’t find a more hospitable dining experience in Emerald City as you will at Canlis. It’s fitting that the restaurant is owned and operated by family blood, as it hosts a familial welcoming the moment your dress shoes step through the door. Still holding firm its reputation that was birthed over half a century ago as the swankiest fine dine around, Canlis is as unique as it is delectable. The 60-year-old eatery prides itself in its dress code requirements (gentlemen, dig out those suits!) and their aim to “nourish community, and nourish stomach.” With a true Northwestern cuisine menu, the feasting items have evolved over the years to offer diners dishes that will make taste buds dance. Although the menu is spotted with a collection of vegetarian options, vegan requests will be catered to when you give a minimum of 48 hours notice.

The Walrus and the Carpenter is a top grub spot in a city known for its foodie inhabitants. The seafood-rich restaurant is celebrated for its heaps of oysters, allowing eaters to choose the origin of their dinner. They are creatively labeled for the body of water in which they were caught, giving diners options such as “baywater sweet” and “effinham inlet.” The French-style oyster bar serves a dose of classiness with all cuisines whilst providing comfort to all who elect to dine in this neighborhood café.

DRINK:
Known to dabble in a micro beer or two, the Pacific North Westerners find solace between the walls of Brouwer’s Café, where dabbling may be exaggerated with nearly 400 brews. With 64 draft beers, over 300 bottled brews, and upwards of 60 different scotches, sippers work hard to quench their thirst at this fine establishment. 

As the self-proclaimed “Second best bar in Seattle,” Tini Big’s Lounge offers guests anything but a runner-up experience. The retro-infused environment that has kept their doors open every day for over 20 years allows mixing specialist to hold their heads high with distinct confidence while they shake their specialty ‘tinis.’ Displaying a unique twist on gin and vodka martinis, bartenders are not only crafty in their mixing skills but knowledgeable in all things spirits. 

STAY:
Nestled in the ever-so-popular neighborhood of Capitol Hill, the Bacon Mansion is a historic bed and breakfast that offers rooms at fair prices without compromising the Seattle experience. The bed and breakfast is stacked with 11 rooms, personally named to add to the charm of the inn. Whether you choose to stay in The Venetian Room or The Capitol Suite, you can expect décor as flavorful as the city surrounding it. 

The Crown Plaza Downtown Seattle is the ideal location blended with simplistically elegant style to form a perfectly contented stay during your holiday. During peak season and weekends prices are higher, but if your travel days land between Sunday and Thursday you are eligible for their special Stimulus Seattle Hotel Package. The special not only drops your rate down but also includes complimentary valet, breakfast, wireless internet, and one in-room movie per day.

In the heart of downtown Seattle you will discover where creativity, style, and comfort come together. The Alexis Hotel is a place sought out by those ready to succumb to a tasteful Seattle experience. The niceties of the hotel include a complimentary private steam room (reservations must be made at the front desk), wine hour between 5pm and 6pm, a pet-friendly environment and a full service spa.