Seattle skyline

3 Days in Seattle: What to See, Do, Eat

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I should have known the Pacific Northwest would go and make a liar out of me. I’m always hemming and hawing over the weather on that side of the West Coast: how I could never live there, it’s too dreary and drizzling all the time, how though beautiful it’s just too chilly for my warmth-loving bones. And then three days in Seattle delivered 80 degrees consistently. And now I’d like to move there, please.

Seattle seagull

Don’t get me wrong: I was pleased at this revelation. But I didn’t pack for it. Not even remotely. Still, it couldn’t have been a more perfect four days. I arrived on Saturday and checked into my hotel room at the Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Seattle

Now, the Four Seasons is never a bad idea, but this one in particular was downright gorgeous.

Four Seasons Seattle

I’ve gotten to the point where I’m a hotel snob, and why sleep somewhere stuffy like a Ritz-Carlton when you can stay somewhere contemporary and stylish like a Four Seasons?

Four Seasons Seattle

When I opened my curtains and saw this was the view, I was kicking myself for not packing a suit. Who would have known I could have used one in Seattle in April?

Four Seasons Seattle

First, we had cocktails at ART in the hotel.

Four Seasons Seattle

Then, we moseyed down the street to Radiator Whiskey. Want to know how to win over my heart? Take me to a whiskey bar like that one.

Radiator Whiskey in Seattle

Preferably that serves tots like these.

Radiator Whiskey in Seattle

And dessert like this.

Dessert at Radiator Whiskey

And offer fun whiskey-ful drinks such as bourbon margaritas.

Radiator Whiskey in Seattle

The night was over all too soon, and we ended it with Moscow Mules at a fun dive-y bar on 1st Avenue.

NVR Guys in Seattle

Then, the next morning, I wandered around Pike Place and had a spot of breakfast at The Crumpet Shop.

The Crumpet Shop in Seattle

And stumbled into the world’s most perfect map store.

Metsker Maps in Seattle

And tried some Fran’s Chocolates, whose shop is attached to the Four Seasons. (Fran, it should be said, is the official chocolatier of the White House. I didn’t even know that was a thing, but now I’m even more impressed than I already was when I devoured that first sea salt caramel.)

Fran's Chocolates in Seattle

And that was just the first 18 hours. I would fall head-over-heels in love with Ballard in the coming days we were there. Three days in Seattle is never enough, but it’s always plenty to show you what you want to see when you inevitably return!

Pike Place Public Market in Seattle

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COMMENTS
  • May 2, 2014
    Katie

    When I first moved there I was thoroughly in love with the weather as well. It was an unusually dry winter and I had moved from Michigan, so that helped.

    Then the next two winters (and by winter I mean basically from October to May) it seemed to rain constantly. On those days when the sun was shining I could not have loved Seattle more, but the times when it did rain for days on end, it really got me down.

    But thanks for making me miss it! After 7 years away, I think it’s time for a visit.

    • May 19, 2014

      Yeah, that’s how I felt about my first year in SF. I got there during February—when it’s absolutely gorgeous if not a rainy year, when meanwhile the rest of the country is under snow—and for 10 months there was a drought. Although it was still a bit cold for my liking, I was in love with that city then. And then I experienced my first “rainy year” when it poured from November through April without pause and…yeah.

  • May 2, 2014

    That Four Seasons is gorgeous! The NVR Guys are two of my blog crushes–I can’t wait to meet them one day.

    • May 19, 2014

      They are even more fabulous in real life than you already hoped they would be. My next big trip is actually with the two of them, and I can’t wait!

      • May 19, 2014

        Ooh, how fun. I’m curious but know I’ll be seeing updates from you on social media.

  • May 2, 2014

    I do swoon a little every time I go to the Four Seasons. I haven’t stayed there yet, but I love ART and took a fab tour. I just want to jump in that pool this summer!!

    • May 19, 2014

      Well, you just need to plan a little staycation (*ugh, cringe*) there this summer–and leave the kids behind! =)

  • May 2, 2014

    Two times I went to Seattle with such gorgeous, gorgeous weather!! It almost makes me forget the other times I went where it was cloudy and rainy and cold and miserable. Almost. 🙂

    xox

  • May 5, 2014

    Seattle is the perfect compliment to Vancouver and Victoria in BC, Canada … I’ve been to these two, so I guess Seattle is in my near future!

    • May 19, 2014

      And I’ve been to both of them, as well, but need a return trip! Culturally, Seattle reminds me a lot of Vancouver, but aesthetically, the cities are very different.

  • May 8, 2014

    Nice pics!!!!!!!!!!! looking a delicious food and fantastic market.I will surely plan my upcoming vacation to this place.Thanks for posting nice views…

  • May 9, 2014

    I love how dramatic the clouds and weather are there. Looks like a great trip!

  • May 14, 2014

    I love your pictures, stunning! Thanks for sharing.

  • May 14, 2014

    Maybe I’m an unusual traveler, but I love rainy days. I can find the beauty in wet leaves, gentle winds and puffy clouds, especially in Seattle. A perfect example are those impressive looking clouds out on the terrace in your first photo.

    • May 19, 2014

      I don’t mind rainy days when I’m in the comfort of my own home but when I’m traveling and on a tight timeframe, I do hate when it messes up me exploring a new place.

  • May 18, 2014

    Seattleites are latent/forceful. This is to some degree amazing acknowledging the city’s transplant populace. On the East Coast, on the off chance that you piss somebody off, they holler at you and afterward they’re over it. In Seattle, in the event that you pester somebody, you will never think about it on the grounds that they are so pleasant it would be impossible go up against you. I love to travel in this place drink some eat delicious food a place were i can spend my vacation.

  • May 18, 2014

    I just love your photos of the city and nice boots btw.

    • May 19, 2014

      Thank you! I’m loving my new vintage boots!

  • May 21, 2014

    Seattle looks fab but a map store – I would be in my element. And well done for getting the great weather!

  • May 27, 2014

    wow.. nice pictures.. i love it. thanks for sharing. 🙂

  • May 28, 2014

    I love to travel . Now after reading your post I want to go that much more. Thanks for sharing all these great cool facts.

  • June 3, 2014

    I love Seattle! It is by far one of my favorite cities I’ve been to. Pikes Place Market is definitely on my favorite places to visit in Seattle. Some how I missed the Crumpet Shop though. Guess that just means I’ll have to visit again!

  • June 17, 2014

    Very nice place. I want to move on this place.

  • June 28, 2014

    Nice shots of Seattle, it’s definitely a beautiful city, especially when the sun is shining! For places in the Pacific Northwest, I find that Portland and Vancouver feel much more inviting and less corporate.

  • June 29, 2014

    I’ve been dreaming about spending at least a few days around Seattle for some time already, but this seals it. It’s a must!

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