Simping for Seattle
Hi! Thank you for joining me today as I talk about the Emerald City, otherwise known as Seattle. If you read last week’s post, then you know I first traveled to Portland, Oregon.
After 4 days there, my friend Brigitte drove us about 2.5 hours away to Capitol Hill, a neighborhood in Seattle where my other friend Adam is currently living (I stayed with Adam for another 4 days before heading back to LA).
City Skyline from Gas Works Park
While the days in Portland were jam-packed, my time in Seattle was laid back and chill (not to mention I was also working remotely for a few hours each day).
That being said, I barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. I still, however, fell in love with it. Believe it or not, Seattle reminds me of Los Angeles.
The biggest difference is how surrounded by nature and greenery Seattle is. This is what made me gravitate towards the city in the first place and I’m already planning to go back! But, I digress, let’s get into what I did in the short time I spent in Seattle, Washington.
Like any other reasonable American, I love Starbucks. So much so that I had to check out the famous Seattle Roastery. I’m not an expert on what the difference is between a regular Starbucks and a reserve is, but ill explain the best I can.
Visiting a Starbucks Reserve is an experience and there’s a lot going on. Beans are being roasted and there’s even a tour. Their drink and food options also differ from what you can get at any old Starbucks. In other words, it’s pretty fancy (you can see the current menu here).
They also sell various cups, merch, and coffee, that are exclusive to the store.
Adam and I
Although this is a must-see in Seattle, it was pretty overwhelming! So keep that in mind (especially if you’re an anxious buddy like me).
P.S. there is a mini version in LA called the Starbucks Reserve Bar on Sunset Blvd that is essentially a high-end-looking Starbucks.
Twice Sold Tales isn’t your average used bookstore. They have live-in cats that you’ll see running around while you scour the endless shelves of books. My friends and I spent over an hour rummaging through the aisles; there are SO many books to go through.
Prices are incredibly reasonable and although I left with nothing, my friends left with a few books each.
I love bookstores and I love supporting small businesses. If you’re ever in Seattle, make sure to check this place out! The owner is very talkative and sweet. She said she was going to go to medical school but decided that was too much work and opened a bookstore instead (can you say goals?).
Gas Works Park is another must-see in Seattle! Built on the former site of a gas plant, this expansive park has beautiful views of the city and Lake Union. We only walked around for a short amount of time, but I will say that this is amazing location and I would love to come back and have picnic here one day.
I of course had to visit the iconic Pike Place Market! If you haven’t been or unsure what it is, the best way to describe the Pike Place Market would be as an indoor farmers market. There are fruit and fish vendors, as well as several small businesses and craftspeople.
Adam showed me around and we had a good ol’ time before heading to the gum wall (seen below!).
I somehow understand the appeal of the gum wall. It’s gross yet weirdly artistic. Nonetheless, it’s located underneath the Pike Place Market and is part of the package. Sadly, I did not have gum but I will make sure to add a piece next time. 😉
Ok guys, if you’re into weird history like me, you're gonna want to check this tour out! Back in 1889, there was a massive fire in Seattle, and the entire town burnt to the ground. Thus, when the city began to rebuild, it was raised up. The result was the underground, a series of streets and buildings that are, you know, underground.
This 75-minute walking tour takes your under Seattle’s streets to take you to old storefronts and businesses’. It’s only $20 and a great way to learn about Seattle’s colorful past. Our tour guide Jim was especially funny! You can purchase tickets and learn more about the tour here.
This was one of the last things I did in Seattle. This is a small garden that is beautiful but there is not much to it. Regardless, I enjoyed my visit and when you leave the garden, you will find hiking trails and a larger arboretum nearby. It’s $8 which is a steal considering many gardens charge up to $20 for a visit.
Me at the Japanese Garden
My trip to Seattle and my overall 8 days in the PNW were AMAZING. I had so much fun and it felt so good to spend an entire week with Adam. Although I had sen him in him in May, before that, I hadn’t seen him since December 2019.
A Seattle street
