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Seattle and the Chateau just outside

Have you wanted to venture out in Seattle but not sure where to visit? I’ve been fortunate to spend the last few weeks living outside Seattle and have gone on a few adventures to enjoy the city, along with the outskirts away from the hustle and bustle. I have a few recommendations for those that want a bit of adventure and a bit of solace while visiting Seattle and the surrounding area.

Seattle has so many options for the first time visitor or the repeat wonder luster. Seattle is a bustling city, yet has a mellow vibe to it, unlike other cities I’ve been to. 

For example there is no comparison to a place like Chicago or New York city as the ‘upper left’ of the United States has its own mellow culture. I like the vibe Seattle has as the pressure of a typical city is just not felt when visiting Seattle. I will say though, the traffic is almost as bad as Los Angeles, as the city layout and development of the streets were not planned for the influx of residents that now call Seattle home.  The traffic is one part of Seattle that I do not enjoy when visiting the city, but putting that aside I am here to share the parts of Seattle I do enjoy. 

I hadn’t been into Seattle in a few years and decided to do a quick exploration of Pike’s Place. (see photo below) It was the same as I remembered it. A bustling farmer’s market, with food stalls, art, flying fish and a lot of people. I think this visit to downtown Seattle was busier than I had remembered. I attribute the busy market to the fact most travelers are staying within the United States right now due to the current pandemic (August 2021; at time of publishing).

In addition to the famous area of Pike’s place in downtown Seattle, you will find the original Starbucks from March 31, 1971 right outside the bustling market.  I was shocked when the staff member told me it was a one hour wait to go inside the store. So for those collecting the famous collector series of Starbucks mugs, or who want an overpriced coffee be prepared for a wait, unless of course you know a secret inside the store without the wait. 

In addition to the bustling market Seattle has the option of underground tours, which I have yet to go on, but I have heard great things. Nearby the market you can find lots of shopping, views of Puget Sound, and even take a boat tour around the harbor if you fancy that.

Seattle is also a child friendly city.  Just a few things you can do with your kids, but not limited to are the Aquarium, zoo and lots of places to enjoy the views on the water. If you are a fan of seafood there are a myriad of places to enjoy a good seafood meal, but know the closer you are to Pike’s peak, the more you will pay as they are definitely looking for the tourists in town.

Another fun monument that you can find within the city limits is the Fremont troll, which can be found under the George Washington bridge also known as the Aurora bridge. This is a monument that was built as an art competition to rehabilitate the area surrounding the bridge, which was a dumping ground and a haven for drug dealers. Now you will this really cool sculpture versus the latter.

If you are looking for a sweet treat or even just a coffee, one of my favorites bakeries can be found in West Seattle known as Flying Apron bakery.

This bakery is one I visited years back and is the perfect place to grab a drink, donut, salted chocolate chip cookie or one of their delicious cinnamon rolls. They cater to gluten free and plant based visitors so if that is your jam, then definitely go for a visit, you won’t be sorry.

Outside of bustling downtown you can even find a Chateau (pictured below) or some wine to accompany it. Maybe it is not the French Chateau you are thinking of, but you can certainly visit the well known wine brand Chateau St. Michelle, which has their tasting room and beautiful grounds nearby Seattle and outside of Kirkland, Washington. To ensure you get to experience this wine adventure, make sure you call ahead to arrange a reservation or go online and email them, as they respond quite promptly. 

I was able to enjoy a tasting of some reds and white wines and they were delicious. The tasting fee is a bit higher for the average price of wine tasting, but knowing there is not a lot of wineries in the Seattle area creates the supply and demand for the higher priced tasting.  Now, if you want to venture outside of Seattle, a few hours, you will have the pick of the grape bunch in Walla, Walla Washington. That is one place that is certainly on my adventure list, next time I return to the area.