24 Hours in Seattle

Ok, technically, we spent less than 24 hours in Seattle. Nonetheless, we had a blast and thought we should share some fun spots, some do's, and one don't.

Driving north from Portland, a good lunchtime town is Centralia, Washington. It offers a bit of wandering among antique stores to stretch your legs, as well as a worthy lunch spot: Berry Fields Cafe.

The sandwiches and salads are huge. You can definitely share one between two people. Tasty too. We were too full for dessert. Alas, next time!

After checking in at the W Seattle (centrally located, friendly staff), we wandered Pike's Place, because, well... you have to. Every time we come to Seattle, we visit Pike's Place. 

Now, for one of the "don't do" items... My mom opted to get a henna tattoo outside Pike's Place in the little greenspace overlooking the sound. Don't bother. While the design was cute, it wasn't at all dark after the henna was removed, and the sad/pale tattoo lasted all of a week. Luckily, it was only $5.



Late summer really is the best time to visit Seattle. Warm and sunny days, cool evenings. Happy vibe around town. We visited the Thursday before Labor Day, so it was definitely bustling and rooms were pricey (and even sold out in some hotels). 


As we wandered out of Pike Place, looking for a bite of dinner, the hubs noticed a sandwich board for Radiator Whiskey Bar. Sold! I know, he's an easy mark when it comes to whiskey and rye. 

Between my mom, the hubs, and I each ordering different things over the course of the evening, we were each able to try 6 whiskeys and cocktails. Yummo! Do order their Gold Rush: bourbon, lemon, honey, bitters! They also have a coffee drink that was tasty.

Radiator has an extensive booze menu. Whiskey lover's paradise. Since we were happily getting a snootful, we ordered a few eats off their happy hour menu and specials board. Everything was delicious, and it was no wonder the place was packed.

We toyed with the idea of a ride on the ferris wheel, but Mom wasn't up for it. We wandered about, found some good gelato, and settled in for the next day.

In the early morning, we hoofed it over to the Space Needle, arriving before it even opened for tours. (You gotta get up mighty early to walk 3 miles and arrive before 8am!) Oopsie.

We walked and walked, and intended to have breakfast at Lola but it was so darned packed with a 45-minute wait list, we passed. Instead, we went back to our standard Pike Place and noshed.

We also filled the cooler with myriad cheeses from Beechers, since we were about to spend the week up in Birch Bay, 20 minutes from foodie sources of civilization (e.g., Bellingham). Beechers was making cheese, which made for a nice source of morning, low-key entertainment.

After that, we packed up and headed for Woodinville, which will have to be the subject of another post. Whiskey and rye and wine, oh, my!