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.
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.
Now, the Four Seasons is never a bad idea, but this one in particular was downright gorgeous.
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?
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?
First, we had cocktails at ART in the hotel.
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.
Preferably that serves tots like these.
And dessert like this.
And offer fun whiskey-ful drinks such as bourbon margaritas.
The night was over all too soon, and we ended it with Moscow Mules at a fun dive-y bar on 1st Avenue.
Then, the next morning, I wandered around Pike Place and had a spot of breakfast at The Crumpet Shop.
And stumbled into the world’s most perfect map store.
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.)
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!
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.
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.
That Four Seasons is gorgeous! The NVR Guys are two of my blog crushes–I can’t wait to meet them one day.
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!
Ooh, how fun. I’m curious but know I’ll be seeing updates from you on social media.
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!!
Well, you just need to plan a little staycation (*ugh, cringe*) there this summer–and leave the kids behind! =)
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
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!
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.
Nice pics!!!!!!!!!!! looking a delicious food and fantastic market.I will surely plan my upcoming vacation to this place.Thanks for posting nice views…
I love how dramatic the clouds and weather are there. Looks like a great trip!
I love your pictures, stunning! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Sook!
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.
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.
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.
I just love your photos of the city and nice boots btw.
Thank you! I’m loving my new vintage boots!
Seattle looks fab but a map store – I would be in my element. And well done for getting the great weather!
wow.. nice pictures.. i love it. thanks for sharing. 🙂
I love to travel . Now after reading your post I want to go that much more. Thanks for sharing all these great cool facts.
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!
Very nice place. I want to move on this place.
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.
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!