I was feeling a little lost on what this post would be about, so I thought it was the right time to move my blog in another direction: a more US-centric bucket list. And first up is Seattle, WA. This seems a little random compared to the rest of my list, but I’ve watched too many things set in this rainy city from a young age (Grey’s Anatomy and iCarly anyone?). Yes, I know the actual filming didn’t take place here, but Seattle seems like a beautiful place that I would love to visit in the near future. Coffee capital, the arts and nature. What more do you need?
When you think of Seattle, you probably only know of the Space Needle. This 605 ft tall tower has become an icon for the city since its opening during the 1962 World’s fair. I, for the longest time, assumed that it was just an observatory deck to see the cityscape, so I was shocked when I learned there’s actually a cocktail lounge. Although you have to be 21+ for the the lounge, anyone can experience the world’s first revolving glass floor with unobstructed views of downtown Seattle, the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges and so much more.
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To all my coffee fans, did you know that Seattle is actually home to Starbucks’ headquarters. What’s even more shocking is that the multinational coffee chain’s founders opened the original shop in Pike Place Market, a public farmers’ market downtown, in 1971. Although the location changed, the store has kept its historic charm (complete with the old logo) from day one, which is definitely something we don’t see in Starbucks franchises near us.
And if you think that’s cool, there is also a Starbucks Reserve Roastery a mile away, offering rare and high-quality coffee and Italian food. You can even join a tour of the multi-story building and get a deeper glimpse into the art of roastery.
Speaking of history, Seattle’s Pioneer Square has a rich background, especially since it was once the heart of the city when the city founders settled here in 1852.
Now, it’s home to art galleries, boutiques and an amazing night life. But, something I’ve never seen anywhere else has to be the Beneath the Streets tours. It’s exactly what it sounds like: tour guides take you into underground passageways and give you a glimpse into how a indigenous encampment became one of the largest cities in the US.
Nature is also a big part of Seattle earning the nickname “Emerald City.” The mountain ranges and walking trails in and out of the city are a major part of the breathtaking views you get wherever you go in Seattle. My personal favorite is Mount Rainier, which is approximately 2.5 hours away.
The drive is far, but so worth it; you get to experience witnessing an active volcano and hiking trails for beginners and pros alike. Olympic National Park is another amazing destination that combines alpine, rainforest and meadows into one of the largest wilderness areas of Washington state.
Probably one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a guaranteed “good time” with adventure, site-seeing and LOTS of coffee!
I never knew that iCarly was filmed in Seattle; I probably should have but the connection just was never made. I love how your blog incorporates pictures into its posts. When I read a travel blog, I often can look at the words and hear about the destination, but it never truly interests me until I see a picture. The incorporation of these pictures helps to tie everything together for me and brings out the beauty in Seattle (despite Seahawks fans living there). Mount Rainier National Park looks beautiful, and I hope to visit it one day. Keep up the good work!
I would love to go to Seattle someday. The Space Needle is a fascinating work of architecture, and it seems like there must be a great view up there. The surrounding scenery in Washington is also very beautiful, and the National Parks aren’t too far away for a day trip. I love to ski, and I’ve heard that Mt. Rainier and its surroundings have some great slopes. I hope to visit eventually!
Seattle seems like such a great city to visit! As a Starbucks aficionado, I never knew that Seattle was home to the headquarters of the famous coffee brand. I have never been to Seattle, WA before, but it seems like such a beautiful city. With the dichotomy of the urbanization while preserving nature, Seattle, WA is the perfect city for city-goers and nature lovers. Whenever I have seen Seattle on tv shows, I have always seen the Space Needle as the framing shot for the city. I never knew that there was a bar at the top. The view must be gorgeous. I am so glad you did this city and am excited to see where you take us next.
I have never been to Seattle, buy my grandparents have. My Nana always talks about how beautiful the city is and how she wishes to take me and my family back there. The city is also home to grunge, with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam coming from Seattle. I’m sure the city is fantastic but I also wouldn’t want to miss out on Olympic National Park, it looks incredible!
While I had not thought much about visiting Seattle before, with how you described it visiting Seattle definitely jumped up many places on my bucket list. The thing I want to see most is definitely the Space Needle as a revolving glass floor with an incredible view of Seattle just seems too good to pass up. I also am interested in hiking the mountain ranges and all the great views that would give me as it already looks incredibly aesthetic in the pictures in your blog.
To be honest, I have never really considered visiting Seattle before. You pretty much nailed it when it came to my impression of the city before reading your post. I have always associated Seattle with the Space Needle and rainy days. It was so cool to learn about other activities available and the history behind the city. I had no idea that Starbucks originated in Seattle! Your use of pictures was great and the pictures themselves were all very pretty. Good job putting this post together!!