This year my husband and I got the opportunity to visit some friends in Seattle! We had a great time exploring the city and I went skiing for the first time in my 31 years of life. Seattle definitely lived up to it’s reputation of being the rainy city but we had a great time regardless! Just make sure to bring your umbrella and rain gear.
Getting There
We flew into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and had our friends pick us up. It was about a 45-minute drive, with traffic, back to their place near Bothell. Spokane International Airport is about a 4.5 hour drive from Seattle as well. Flight costs will vary depending on your departure airport. We typically fly out of Atlanta so flights are a little cheaper. We both have American Express credit cards, which give us points on purchases to put towards flight seats. We have have the companion pass option which comes in handy a lot!
The Itinerary
Day 1
Snoqualamie
We bought a two-day pass at Snoqualamie, known as Seattle’s “home mountain”. It’s about an hour from Seattle on Interstate-90. Apparently, it has the first chairlift ever constructed in Washington State! Since it was my first time skiing, we started in Summit Central, which has a little bit of everything for different skill levels. We mainly stayed on the green trails, which are considered the easiest, and did one blue trail, where I almost sh*t my pants LOL. I was a little too ambitious for day one and so sore the next day, but we had a good time!
*Tip: Download the Snoqualamie app ahead of time to buy your passes. We didn’t realize we needed to download an app and had to do it at the ticket office and service wasn’t that great.
Once you get to the park, you’ll check in and receive a small card to put into your coat pocket. This will give you access to the lifts and it’s super convenient because it scans right through your jacket and you don’t have to try to take it out with gloves on.
We bought the open-to-close ticket for both days, which allows you access to the park from 9am-close. *Note: They are date-specific. Always check operating hours in advance since opening is weather/condition-dependent.
Day 2
Pike Place Market
It may be considered “touristy”, but if you haven’t experienced it before, make sure to visit the famous Pike Place Market in Seattle. It is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States. The market offers a vibrant atmosphere with a wide variety of shops, food stalls, and local produce.
While you’re there, don’t forget to try the iconic fish and chips from one of the seafood vendors. The market is known for its fresh seafood, and indulging in some delicious fish and chips is a must-do experience. You can enjoy your meal while taking in the lively surroundings and watching the famous fishmongers throwing fish.
After satisfying your taste buds, take your time exploring the rest of Pike Place Market. You’ll find unique crafts, handmade goods, fresh flowers, and a plethora of local products. We bought some paintings from a local artist to hang in our home! Don’t forget to stop by the original Starbucks coffee shop, which is located nearby.
Pike Place Market is a vibrant and bustling place that truly captures the essence of Seattle. Make sure to bring your camera and spend some time immersing yourself in this iconic spot.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Since I’m a coffee fanatic, one of my favorite stops was the Starbuck’s Reserve Seattle Roastery. Let’s just say it’s Starbucks on steroids. The first Starbucks Reserve Roastery is located in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, and opened its’ doors in December 2014.
There’s a min bar, where you can get your traditional Starbucks classics; a scooping bar, where you can speak with a Coffee Master to choose which coffee suits your taste and scoop your own bag. There’s also a mixology bar, where I had the best espresso martini i’ve ever had! The atmosphere is beautiful and I highly recommend dropping in.
Final Thoughts
Although I’m a southern and sunshine girl at heart, the scenery in Seattle was absolutely breathtaking and I would love to go back and explore more of the hiking trails and everything the city has to offer. Have you visited Seattle? Share your experience below and let me know what other places you’d recommend going to!
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