Rain or shine, the Emerald City of Seattle will dazzle you with its majestic beauty, coffee culture, and numerous sites. Don’t let the more than two-hundred cloudy days per year put a damper on your reason to visit this incredible city in the great Northwest.
If nature is your thing, there’s not many cities more impressive than Seattle. On a clear day, you can see the mighty Mount Rainier looming in the distance and can practically feel its power over the city. At 14,409 feet, it is the beast that greets you when arriving into Seattle. The great thing about the city is that it has got a bit of something for everyone. If museums are your thing, waste no time in heading to the incredibly complex and colorful Chihuly Garden and Glass museum that features eight rooms of blown-glass creations. Another fascinating museum worthy of a visit is The Museum of Flight, located just to the Southeast of the city.
A trip to Seattle is not compete without visiting the world famous Pike Place Market. Home to fishmongers tossing full-sized salmon across the countertops, beautiful views of the bay, and shoppers delight, this busy and bustling spot may be a tourist trap, but it’s still a must see. If you’re fortunate enough to have a place to do some cooking, be sure to pick up some of the freshest fish in the city. Straight off of the boat, and into the stalls for you to purchase!
Seattle is such a dynamic city, and with its rolling hills and abundance of lakes and waterways, the city is broken up into 13 distinct districts that range from hipster to chic, hippy to gritty, and college students to the richest of the rich. Take in an incredible view that will cost you nothing but gas money, and head up to Kerry Park to take in some brilliant views of the downtown area, and then go get your grub on in areas such as: Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, and Ballard. Then of course, due to its large international population, it’s a must to make your way over to the International District to discover some incredibly delicious and authentic food from a variety of Asian cultures.
How can one visit Seattle and not think about coffee? After all, it’s the home to the gigantic Starbucks corporation, so as expected, you will find the green and white logos on many street corners throughout the city. However, be sure to branch out and discover some of the mom and pop types of establishments to get your daily dose of caffeine. Some recommended places to visit include: Seattle Coffee Works, Fremont Coffee Company, and Espresso Vivace.
Seattle and its surrounding areas are the ideal place for everyone from museum enthusiasts to mountain climbers. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities, so if you’re fortunate enough to visit during a time where the sun has graced you with its presence, it’s best to take advantage and get outside to do some exploring. When confronted with rain, it’s no issue because you can stop into an art museum, a coffee shop, or café and enjoy the splendid and majestic Emerald City.