5 Ways to Explore Seattle Like a Local
Guest Post by Vicki Ferguson // Vicki is an Arizona native who has called Seattle home for the past 7 years. I’ve had the privilege of photographing Vicki’s wedding along with a rad adventure session exploring the Olympic National Forest. Vicki and her husband love to explore, hike, and eat their way through Seattle. She’s a Seattle expert and I’m stoked to have her share the best ways to explore Seattle like a local!
Making the Most of Your Seattle Trip
Limited on time? Here are some must do’s.
Seattle is one of the most popular tourist destination cities in the U.S. Its home to coffee mogul Starbucks, the legendary Pike Place Market and the infamous Space Needle, to name a few of its charms. It also happens to be my home of the past seven years.
It is a city that keeps surprising me in the most splendid ways. I constantly find myself discovering new culinary cuisines, uncovering new local musicians, and encountering stunning scenery just around every corner. It is safe to say that Seattle isn’t a city that can be seen in a matter of days. Yet, for most tourists, a few days – or in some cases a few hours – is all that they have.
It can be hard to plan and make the most of a new experience, especially when you have a limited amount of time to do so. Where do I start? What should I see? Where do I go? It can definitely be overwhelming.
So here is a quick guide that I hope will help those visiting Seattle in the future, whether as first-time visitors or recurring guests, create a unique and special trip:
1 // Food That Hits The Spot
Finding a place to enjoy a good meal is not hard to come by in Seattle. It is filled with delicious eateries and unique dishes. Yet, one establishment that I always find myself going back to is The 5 Spot located in Seattle’s Queen Anne district. It’s an American diner with a twist. Every few months they change their menu entirely – they do have a section that remains the same for those that like to stick to key diner favorites – to reflect on a specific region within the United States. One month you can go in and enjoy a dish inspired by New York City’s Little Italy while paying a visit a month later to discover a dish inspired by New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. The 5 Spot makes it so easy (and delicious!) to explore flavors and cuisines from regions all over the U.S. without having to ever step on a plane.
2 // Give Me Something Sweet
I am the type of person who needs to complete a meal with dessert. It is a staple to my eating habits. And though you are guaranteed to find a delicious treat at any Seattle restaurant, I encourage you to explore some of Seattle’s key dessert destinations. Needing something cold and refreshing? Try Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream. They have a number of locations scattered around Seattle. They have your standard favorites – Strawberry, Vanilla, Cookie Dough, and Chocolate, to name a few – but their flavor menu also changes by season. It is always an exciting experience to visit Molly Moon’s and try a new flavor each time. Plus, there is nothing like walking into Molly Moon’s and seeing (and smelling!) the tasty waffle cones being made. Rain or shine there is always a line outside a Molly Moon’s location (Yes, even in the rain Seattle lines up for some cold treats!). If ice cream isn’t what you are craving I recommend Cupcake Royale. Like Molly Moon’s, Cupcake Royale has a number of locations scattered around Seattle. In my opinion, they hands down have the best cupcakes. Ever. Don’t believe me? Try for yourself! Similar in fashion to Molly Moon’s, Cupcake Royale has their standard flavors such as Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, and Tiramisu available year round, but they also host seasonal flavors which vary depending on special events, holidays and promotions. My dad is not a sweets guy. He hates everything and anything with frosting. Yet, when he came to visit me a few summers ago I encouraged him to try one of Cupcake Royale’s cupcakes. He loved it! My dad ate the entire thing and to this day still tells me that was the best cupcake he ever had.
3 // Explore the Outdoors
The view of Puget Sound from Seattle’s piers is a beautiful sight and one you should see, but change it up and pay a visit to Discovery Park. Located in Seattle and just less than 20 minutes from downtown, this 534 acre park is a perfect spot for easy and quick hikes, scenic views, and a prime spot for those various outdoor activities. It’s a wonderful balance of enjoying the outdoors without having to travel too far out of the city. One of the premiere spots at Discovery Park is West Point Lighthouse. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and ferries and boats while sitting down some driftwood with the waves crashing at your feet.
4 // Every Cup has a Story
Seattle is every coffee lover’s dream! Though birthplace to the original Starbucks, the city is home to more than 1,000 other unique coffee shops and roasters. One of my favorites is Storyville Coffee. One of their locations is nestled just above Pike Place Market with a view of the iconic red neon “Public Market Center” clock-sign. The atmosphere is cozy, fresh and artsy. With delicious coffee creations and mouthwatering pastries, it is a perfect introduction to Seattle’s coffee scene.
5 // Fly Among the Clouds
There is always something unique to see and do in Seattle. It’s a very lively city. The streets and sidewalks are constantly bustling with people. When you are in the midst of it all it sometimes can be hard to appreciate. So, see it from above. One of my favorite experiences ever has been flying in a seaplane over Seattle. There are a few seaplane companies in the area, but the one I tried and loved was Seattle Seaplanes. This 35-40 minute plane ride takes you over Seattle where you can see all of Puget Sound, the Space Needle, the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, Mount Baker and Mount Rainier, Bill Gates mansion, and more. And yes, you take off and land on the water – hence the name seaplane. It is a magical experience and one that you won’t forget. Anytime would be a great time to explore Seattle in this new way, but I recommend sunrise or sunset.
These experiences can easily fit into a weekend trip, or a 24-hour excursion. Be sure to plan ahead, grab a friend, and, above all, have fun!
Special thanks to Vicki for her rad Seattle info! Give her a follow on the gram!
5 Ways to Explore Seattle Like a Local
Guest Post by Vicki Ferguson // Vicki is an Arizona native who has called Seattle home for the past 7 years. I’ve had the privilege of photographing Vicki’s wedding along with a rad adventure session exploring the Olympic National Forest. Vicki and her husband love to explore, hike, and eat their way through Seattle. She’s a Seattle expert and I’m stoked to have her share the best ways to explore Seattle like a local!
Making the Most of Your Seattle Trip
Limited on time? Here are some must do’s.
Seattle is one of the most popular tourist destination cities in the U.S. Its home to coffee mogul Starbucks, the legendary Pike Place Market and the infamous Space Needle, to name a few of its charms. It also happens to be my home of the past seven years.
It is a city that keeps surprising me in the most splendid ways. I constantly find myself discovering new culinary cuisines, uncovering new local musicians, and encountering stunning scenery just around every corner. It is safe to say that Seattle isn’t a city that can be seen in a matter of days. Yet, for most tourists, a few days – or in some cases a few hours – is all that they have.
It can be hard to plan and make the most of a new experience, especially when you have a limited amount of time to do so. Where do I start? What should I see? Where do I go? It can definitely be overwhelming.
So here is a quick guide that I hope will help those visiting Seattle in the future, whether as first-time visitors or recurring guests, create a unique and special trip:
1 // Food That Hits The Spot
Finding a place to enjoy a good meal is not hard to come by in Seattle. It is filled with delicious eateries and unique dishes. Yet, one establishment that I always find myself going back to is The 5 Spot located in Seattle’s Queen Anne district. It’s an American diner with a twist. Every few months they change their menu entirely – they do have a section that remains the same for those that like to stick to key diner favorites – to reflect on a specific region within the United States. One month you can go in and enjoy a dish inspired by New York City’s Little Italy while paying a visit a month later to discover a dish inspired by New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. The 5 Spot makes it so easy (and delicious!) to explore flavors and cuisines from regions all over the U.S. without having to ever step on a plane.
2 // Give Me Something Sweet
I am the type of person who needs to complete a meal with dessert. It is a staple to my eating habits. And though you are guaranteed to find a delicious treat at any Seattle restaurant, I encourage you to explore some of Seattle’s key dessert destinations. Needing something cold and refreshing? Try Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream. They have a number of locations scattered around Seattle. They have your standard favorites – Strawberry, Vanilla, Cookie Dough, and Chocolate, to name a few – but their flavor menu also changes by season. It is always an exciting experience to visit Molly Moon’s and try a new flavor each time. Plus, there is nothing like walking into Molly Moon’s and seeing (and smelling!) the tasty waffle cones being made. Rain or shine there is always a line outside a Molly Moon’s location (Yes, even in the rain Seattle lines up for some cold treats!). If ice cream isn’t what you are craving I recommend Cupcake Royale. Like Molly Moon’s, Cupcake Royale has a number of locations scattered around Seattle. In my opinion, they hands down have the best cupcakes. Ever. Don’t believe me? Try for yourself! Similar in fashion to Molly Moon’s, Cupcake Royale has their standard flavors such as Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, and Tiramisu available year round, but they also host seasonal flavors which vary depending on special events, holidays and promotions. My dad is not a sweets guy. He hates everything and anything with frosting. Yet, when he came to visit me a few summers ago I encouraged him to try one of Cupcake Royale’s cupcakes. He loved it! My dad ate the entire thing and to this day still tells me that was the best cupcake he ever had.
3 // Explore the Outdoors
The view of Puget Sound from Seattle’s piers is a beautiful sight and one you should see, but change it up and pay a visit to Discovery Park. Located in Seattle and just less than 20 minutes from downtown, this 534 acre park is a perfect spot for easy and quick hikes, scenic views, and a prime spot for those various outdoor activities. It’s a wonderful balance of enjoying the outdoors without having to travel too far out of the city. One of the premiere spots at Discovery Park is West Point Lighthouse. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and ferries and boats while sitting down some driftwood with the waves crashing at your feet.
4 // Every Cup has a Story
Seattle is every coffee lover’s dream! Though birthplace to the original Starbucks, the city is home to more than 1,000 other unique coffee shops and roasters. One of my favorites is Storyville Coffee. One of their locations is nestled just above Pike Place Market with a view of the iconic red neon “Public Market Center” clock-sign. The atmosphere is cozy, fresh and artsy. With delicious coffee creations and mouthwatering pastries, it is a perfect introduction to Seattle’s coffee scene.
5 // Fly Among the Clouds
There is always something unique to see and do in Seattle. It’s a very lively city. The streets and sidewalks are constantly bustling with people. When you are in the midst of it all it sometimes can be hard to appreciate. So, see it from above. One of my favorite experiences ever has been flying in a seaplane over Seattle. There are a few seaplane companies in the area, but the one I tried and loved was Seattle Seaplanes. This 35-40 minute plane ride takes you over Seattle where you can see all of Puget Sound, the Space Needle, the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, Mount Baker and Mount Rainier, Bill Gates mansion, and more. And yes, you take off and land on the water – hence the name seaplane. It is a magical experience and one that you won’t forget. Anytime would be a great time to explore Seattle in this new way, but I recommend sunrise or sunset.
These experiences can easily fit into a weekend trip, or a 24-hour excursion. Be sure to plan ahead, grab a friend, and, above all, have fun!
Special thanks to Vicki for her rad Seattle info! Give her a follow on the gram!
