We started with lunch at Serious Pie, a stylish pizzeria where cooks made fresh dough near the center of the restaurant. We had indescribably good  bruschetta that was brushed with smoked lard and topped with marinated artichokes with a goat ricotta. Their tap beer menu was filled with local breweries and was spot on for the type of pizza being served. Serious Pie is a must for anyone looking for top notch pizza.

The best brewery we visited was Cloudburst Brewing.  All their beers are one-offs that only exist once and only for a moment in time, something unheard of in the brewing industry. I tried and shared a few of their brews and they were all quite frankly amazing. If I could live near any brewery it would be this one; they seem to have an ever changing supply of amazing beers.

Fremont Brewing had the best biergarten I have ever enjoyed on a sunny day. Their brews were solid and diverse, with a great Gose and Wheat beer. One of my favorite aspects was how Fremont Brewing was very dog and kid friendly with bowls of fresh water and a large play area with games.

Japonessa had the best happy hour by far featuring cheap Sapporo, great Sake for a steal, and one of the best sake cocktails I have ever had. They had a surprisingly large number of rolls and appetizers for way less than I expected and each one we had was phenomenal. The best part was a Green Tea Tiramisu which was a sublime dessert that was simply delicious.

While beach destinations seem to be the destination of choice during summer vacation I recommend exploring the cooler and much more wild North West. Seattle is an amazing experience with some of the best food and beer there is.

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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.

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