Once we returned from our trip to Seattle we recapped our adventures with friends and family. They were so many times we said, “nope we didn’t get a chance for that.” Our days were full, plus we did have plenty of down time, but 5 days in Seattle is just not enough. The best part is that we can definitely look forward to a return trip in the near future, but in the mean time here are some of the fun things we did and some of the best food we ate!
As you’ve heard me say before, my husband is a professional civil engineer and land surveyor as well as a lover of all things historical, functional, and cool. If you like any of those things, visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks just outside downtown Seattle. Think Panama Canal but on a much smaller scale. The grounds has gorgeous English Gardens, a visitor’s center, two locks (large and small), and a fish ladder that is really unique. This is a family friendly place, it’s free, and there are free tours to get even more information. If you want to see the locks in action, check out my second slide on this Instagram post and press play, https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj5sE49B9lS/ (it’s REALLY cool). I have to admit I wasn’t jumping up and down excited, I went because my husband was interested. I left totally fascinated and had a million questions for my husband as we sat down for lunch. I love it when that happens!
After the locks, we decided on Mexican food for lunch. I know, we were in Seattle, but we love what we love! So we’re in Ballard, and we find this spot El Borracho that has scratch-made Mexican food so we stop in for a beer or two. There’s outdoor dining, but inside has character! 
The tacos were out of this world and waitress claims they have the best margaritas in the PNW! I get a tinga de pollo taco, but the Coca-Cola braised carnitas taco is where it’s at! My husband got the carnitas burrito and I helped him finish it off, and we’re happy to learn there’s another location in Pike Place Market near our hotel. We rarely eat at the same location twice when we’re exploring a new city, but this will sure tempt you!
Walking around the city from our hotel, we walked past Seattle Beer Company twice before we strolled in. We ordered a flight and my husband pulled a cold can of Rainier from the fridge. Two levels of seating with the lower level full of tvs, we just outside the lower level to enjoy some local brews. I’m still learning about beer so I love sampling flights. I chose Wander Irish it were Redder, Orlison Oragelicious, and Bad Jimmy’s Habenero Amber. The Amber was my favorite although there’s no way I could take more than a sip every five minutes. The spice from the chili was forward and present all the way down your throat. I love spicy food, but drinks are new. I craved more and more, and hoped it would settle down in the hot department but it never did. When the rain came down we moved inside and enjoyed our unlimited pretzels ($2 a bowl) around a table covered in a Seattle map.
Speaking of Rainier beer, it was $4 at Seattle Beer Co., when we went to the Seattle Mariners game a few days later, that same beer was $14 a can! That’s a dollar less than what we paid for each ticket thanks to Mariners’ Value Games. We sat in the View Level seats and what it view it was! We watched the sun go down somewhere close to 10pm and had the city skyline including the Space Needle in plain sight. I couldn’t imagine sitting anywhere else when we watched Nelson Cruz and Mike Trout hit two homeruns each that night. We’ve been to 5 major league ball parks on our quest to see the 30-some there are. If you’re a baseball fan, it’s worth the time and when staying downtown it’s easy to jump on the Link Light Rail to get to the stadium for under $4 per person.
There’s nothing I love more than wine tasting, except maybe wine and chocolate pairings! In Downtown Seattle we happened upon Chocolate Box, upon walking in your senses are overloaded with the alluring chocolate aroma and frankly you just can’t leave without some. There are wine and chocolate gift ideas from ceiling to floor and in the back of the store you’ll find a bar and some tables where you can enjoy a tasting. I chose the Spring Favorites flight that includes, Scarpetta Brut Rosé, Amity White Pinot Noir, and Airfield Sangiovese Rosé paired with Chocolate and Sea Salt Cashews, Vanilla Salted Milk Caramel, and Lemon Pepper in White Chocolate in that order. My husband tried the Washington Whites, Forgeron Cellars Chardonnay, Anne Amie Cuvee, and Lone Birch Riesling paired with Vanilla Salted Milk Caramel, Lavender Sea Salt Caramel, and Sea Salt in Milk Chocolate. I honestly could have enjoyed both flights to myself, they were all so delicious and it was a wonderful way to escape the rain for a few hours.
If you want to leave the city like we did, drive to Snoqualmie, Washington. The Snoqualmie Falls are so beautiful and peaceful, it’s a great way to take in some nature in the Pacific Northwest. Just about 30 miles from Seattle, the falls drop from 268 feet high with the width ranging from 50 to 150 feet, depending on water levels. It’s been said that they’re most beautiful in inclement weather, but we had a light drizzle and they were stunning just the same. Most parking is free aside from some premium spots near the gift shop. My husband hiked down to the lower observation deck, about 15 minute walk/hike down and 15 minutes back. We later drove down and parked (free) and I took this shot:
Again my husband loves the history and here’s what he found out…”In 1889, the town of Snoqualmie was platted by Charles Baker, a civil engineer. He also constructed an underground power plant at the falls in the 1890s (those original generators are still functioning today). The power plant resulted in electricity and jobs for locals, and soon a small company town was established at the falls. In 1911, a second powerhouse was constructed.”
Of course we had seafood in Seattle. Ivar’s at the waterfront was recommended to us by a few people and it was delicious! My husband loves clams, so the chowder sampler was perfect for him. Northwest-style White Clam Chowder, Salmon and Corn Chowder and NW Seafood Chowder came along-side a Space Needle Golden IPA and paired well. He enjoyed the flavor-forward salmon chowder the most while I ordered spicy cod tacos.
One morning walk took us to a French bakery called La Parisienne. The pastries available have your mouth watering immediately: croissant, pain au chocolat, tarte citron meringuée, tarte à l’abricot. I could decipher each delectable from their latin roots, but we ultimately passed on sugary choices and shared a baguette sandwich, boring right? Well it hit the spot, the Le Parisien included ham with a tang from the cornichons. I did include a freshly squeezed orange juice that was luscious but packed a hefty $5 price tag for a tiny glass.
Our last morning in Seattle found us at Pike Place Market’s Lowell’s Restaurant with three levels of dining overlooking Elliott Bay. On the first and third floors, you order first with the cashier/barista and then find a view seat and your food is brought to you with a number. The second floor “View Lounge” offers traditional “sit down” table service as well as a full bar selection of unique handmade cocktails, microbrews, and wine. It is here on the second floor guests may choose from either the above mentioned view of the waterfront seating or a booth overlooking the parade of people shopping below that is acknowledged as the best “people watching spot in Seattle.” 
We chose the second floor and ordered a Lowell’s classic bloody Mary and breakfast. My husband had the All American with sausage and eggs while I opted for the grilled sourdough sandwich with eggs, cheese, spinach, tomatoes and sausage. Oh so good, but way too much food, I don’t think we had lunch that day for sure! Next time we will share, but nonetheless check it out!
I had to have pizza, it’s my all-time weakness and favorite food. Serious Pie is a cool, unique spot to dine. The place is pretty tiny and they make up for it by seating everyone family-style at communal tables. Pizzas, salads, and desserts are what you can expect plus a good wine and beer selection. We shared a mixed lettuce and radish salad, and a sweet fennel sausage, roasted peppers, and provolone pizza and it was just enough. Most people around us were ordering the $18+ pizzas individually but we were pushing the scales this trip so we often choose to share our meals.
So what do you think? Ready to explore Seattle? Don’t forget, I wrote a full article on the Seattle CityPASS that you should look into as well, five iconic Seattle attractions for nearly 50% off! Also, I wrote about where to stay, Warwick Seattle and Hotel Andra (coming soon), so be sure to read those posts and consider their prime downtown Seattle locations. We can’t wait to visit again, feel free to add more ideas for our round 2 in the comments!
My hubby has been to Seattle recently and said he enjoyed some delicious food.