What makes people swoon over Seattle? Ask any denizen—many of whom have relocated–and they all smile, as they tell you their story of how they fell in love with the city and hope we will not spread the word. Despite the lack of sunshine, Seattle is uber-livable year-round and an almost 24/7 energy magnet, as any ride share driver will tell you. On the weekends, they are busiest after midnight, when the partying crowd is just getting started. But for those of us visitors who prefer to be sleeping in Seattle, there is still plenty to keep us enthralled.
While vising Seattle, stay at the Kimpton Alexis Hotel where location meets luxury in a historic setting. Just a short walk from Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, Pioneer Square and the Seattle Waterfront, you are in the middle of the action.
Yet, once you enter the lobby of the Alexis Hotel, a quiet, calm space and an accommodating staff sets the tone for the refined experience that awaits you. Newly renovated, the rooms exude a hip, contemporary sophistication. Some of the notable inclusions for all guests are the Atelier Bloem bath amenities, Frette linens, complimentary coffee and tea in the morning, complimentary bicycles and daily evening wine reception.
In addition the Alexis Hotel has two 24 hour fitness areas: a Functional Fitness Area with a rock climbing wall and a Cardio Area.
If you select a suite, you will find spacious areas for work and relaxation along with additional features including in-room coffee service, Marshall Bluetooth Speaker, and depending on the type, a fireplace or soaking tub.
Enjoy the food and libations at this popular favorite, Bookstore Bar & Café, their lobby-level bar and all- day dining venue. Their salmon preparation, including a secret rub, makes for some of the most succulent eating around. Take in the evening classic film shown nightly in the lobby before retiring to a sweet Seattle slumber.
If you happen to be here on a Sunday, plan to take in the scene in Ballard. The Sunday market is not to be missed. Besides Pike Place, this is the only year-round market in Seattle. This neighborhood gathering is one of the most comprehensive we’ve ever experienced with produce, crafts and creative cuisine fit for a foodie. Enjoy the unique, boutique shops up and down Ballard Ave.
Take in the views from the Hiram Chittenden-Ballard Locks and stroll the adjacent Botanical Garden.
In Ballard you can also spend a spell at the thoroughly engaging Nordic Museum.
As dinner time approaches there are many enticing choices to consider but none more compelling than Sawyer, perhaps the most notable for its eclectic global comfort food.
With so many enticing menu options, we chose the house salad with rotisserie chicken, dates, goat cheese, nuts and the cheesy bread with pimento cheese to start.
Our favorite mains were the rotisserie duck and the mole grilled prawns, bay scallop mango dishes.Tops for dessert were the S’MoreChoco Tacos with graham waffle cone, peanut butter ice cream and meringue. Their beverages by the glass offered plenty of complementary pairings including local wines, beers and cider.
Dining in Seattle is one of the seductions of the city. Consider Conversation, a new, intriguing entry into the fine dining scene that is located at the Thompson Hotel.
The space is open, airy, and inviting with conversation made even easier by the suggested topics cards tucked into every menu folder. If that isn’t enough to get you going, sit at the bar/chef’s table where you can converse with the cooks and bar staff as they prepare their eclectic array of food and drink. The bar manager, Josh Haddock, an award-winning mixologist, will impress you with his knowledge and his creative concoctions. Executive chef, Derek Simcik has crafted a menu that reflects his international influences.
The Carrots with red lentils, chimichurri and kumquats and the Foraged Mushrooms with pecan chutney were favorite starters. Our mains included the Trout with capers, caramelized onion and smoked aioli and the Lamb en Croute with spring peas,sunomono, and crispy prosciutto.
Another great choice is The Carlile Room. This popular pre and post theater spot has a lively bar scene and features a DJ on weekend nights. The menu is eclectic and the stars of the show are the innovative veggie preparations. Chef Desi is inspired by the local produce and allows the seasonal selections to dictate his culinary creations.
We selected the Rainbow Plate of five veggie preparations. Cauliflower & Kale Salad, Our Farm’s Sugar Snap Peas, Puyallup Strawberries and Beets, Grilled Rainbow Carrots, Charred Newaukum Cabbage, each more delicious than the last. We then enjoyed the Alaskan Cod and the Morel Mushroom dishes. The strawberry donut holes drizzled with chocolate sauce and whipped cream topped off the tasteful dinner.
Belltown is filled with dining options and one of the most endearing is the Palace Kitchen, which is a lively, atmospheric spot, and is a favorite for locals and tourists.
The wood fired oven items including their charred house made bread are a perennial draw. The tempura asparagus is legendary. We also enjoyed the ravioli stuffed with pork and sage, the beet salad, and the wood fired whole trout that is deboned by your server. For dessert, the coconut pie is legendary.
Sightseeing in Seattle is easy to organize with the help of the Visit Seattle online comprehensive guide. CityPass Seattle offers one of the most efficient and value-oriented packages to ensure that you take in the major sights. The iconic Space Needle has revamped and upped its viewing options. The Chihuly Garden and Glass Center offers stunning installations, tours and glass blowing demos that enthrall visitors of all ages.
The Seattle Art Museum offers an extensive Pacific Northwest collection.
The Museum of Pop Culture will captivate any music lover with its engaging and immersive exhibits. The Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour complements they waterfront skyline vistas by adding informative and entertaining commentary.
Before leaving the city, book a Savor Seattle Food Tour. Not only do you sip and savor some of the best bites in the city but your guide will give you the inside scoop on everything a foodie needs to know to taste Seattle. While your visit may be over, your memories of all that makes Seattle sizzle will spur you on to return for more
