The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a place of pure beauty. We were lucky enough to live there for two years. I can tell you that making the decision to move to the East coast wasn’t easy. In fact if we were souly making the decision based off quality of social life and environment we never would have left.
That being said we have had some pretty cool experiences while there. I’d like to highlight a few here. Some are closely related to typical topics like going to visit Pike’s Place Market, but others are a touch under the radar. Let’s start with my favorite one.
The Seattle Underground Tour(s)
Did you know Chicago wasn’t the only city to burn and rebuild? No? Me either. This tour highlights the history of Seattle and the culture that sprung up after it was rebuilt. Ever been to Seattle and wonder what the purple glass on the side walk is about? Take this tour and they will bring you under the streets to the old store fronts, and bank vaults to tell you. They have a few different tours one being a haunted underground tour! This isn’t the one we did, but we had such a great time on the first tour I’d be happy to go on this one next time. The tour starts out in the basement of Doc Maynard’s Public House. We got into the city early and had some appetizers and beer before it started. Doc’s sells beer by the liter and we experienced exceptional service, too.
When you go down stairs you check in at the desk and continue down to a photo area. After you come to a bench pew setting area. This is where they give you a 15 minute introduction to the history and tour. The guides are hysterical and theatrical. I’m a firm believer that a tour guide can make or break the experience. You then zig zag above and below the sidewalks while being told the grayer history of the old Seattle. When the tour ends you are in a neat gift shop that has preserved relics and some more history to read about. This is also where you can opt to purchase the photo from before the tour. For me this photo is one of my favorites of my in-laws and us. It also hold an incredible amount of sentimental value to us (Jake’s father passed away a year later). Take the tour, buy the photo.
I recently had a co-worker who took a trip out to the area. I suggested this tour for her and her family (daughter is 21 and son is 15) and they loved it.
Be prepared for a lot to be going on and over a days worth of things and places to see. Walk down under to the gum wall and peer into all the nooks and crannies of the various shops. Sample sample sample the food. Watch big ass fish be thrown by men, and laugh at their banters and blunders. The energy here is a lively one. If you are not into crowded spaces I’d suggest making this an item to do during the weekday in mid morning. Parking can be tricky, but Seattle does have some affordable lots near it. My best tip is to find a place a few blocks away and walk. I guarantee you will find fun shops or cafes to stop by on your way, and they will be worth it.
Famous Market 
Pudget Sound
On that walk there is a solid chance you will pass by the best ginger beer you can get on planet Earth. It’s located on the corner of Post Alley and Pine Street. She also has two other locations in the city. Here you can find original or flavored cold pressed local ginger drinks. As a bonus they also have ginger beer cocktails on tap and to order. Jake and I will travel into the city for this alone, but we are ginger freaks, so… You should try it it’s unlike anything else.
Rachel’s doesn’t serve food, but welcomes you to purchase from the surrounding eateries and drink your alcoholic beverage. All other nonalcoholic drink you can order to go.
Moscow Mule and Storm Clouds pictured with lunch from Pike Place Chowder 
White Peach to go!
I’m not sure about you, but one of my favorite things about travel is the food. If you are like me one of my top suggestions is to take this delicious tour (Booze’n Bite Tour). It’s originally how we were introduced to Rachel’s. You are able to learn more about the culinary and prohibition history of the city while you sample top local eats and cocktails. It does cost a pretty penny, but personally I thought it was worth it. We ended up loving it so much we took another tour they offered the next day (Gourmet Seattle Tour). This one sampled the more upscale side of the dinning experience in the city. Unfortunately it was with a different tour guide than the previous day, and we remember what I said about how the guide can make or break it right?
Walk the city (Linked to cool maps of the Seattle)
Seattle is neat, and can be expensive. If you are on a budget I suggest walking around and sight seeing. Now I best recommend this during the day of course. I must say that just walking around when in a new place is a personal favorite. There is plenty of stuff in a city you would never see if you stuck to the beaten path. Architecture, mirals, and other great works of art can be displayed around every corner. For example if you didn’t walk south from the Pike Place Market towards the Diller Room you would never see the Hammering Man. A giant almost 4 story metal work that is swinging a hammer. Take a walk. Find your own places and report back here to the comment to share!
Hammering Man near Art Museum 
Light Fixtures behind the Market 
Light Fixtures behind the Market
See a Concert (Linked to some of the top venues)
I don’t mean to go and see a big concert. I mean you should find a smaller venue with a good artist. Seattle has an amazing music seen and even better radio stations. If you have a night to fill I defiantly suggest filling it with a show. The first time we went into the city was actually for this reason. My favorite artist (K.Flay) was playing at _____. Tickets were only $25 dollars and I was able to take a photo with her after the show. The venue was unique and intimate with good drinks for the price. Hands down on of my favorite memories. I still talk about how I ran into her before the show on a hunt for a public bathroom in the QFC two blocks from the venue (they didn’t have a restroom, and she was buying Jim Beam). She also mentioned us during the show. I died, and if you are K.Flay reading this, thank you.
Mountains (Linked to all about the 6 peaks around the city)
If you are in the city and look around from a decent vantage point (like the Space Needle) in every direction you will see a beautiful mountains. Go to them. Mount Rainier is about a two hour winding drive out of the city. It is well worth it and you will be over the moon with the views. Mountain air is so fresh and liberating. Going North of the city you can find Mount Baker and driving south west of the city towards the coast you can find the Olympics. If your are visiting at the right time go skiing or stay a night at a cozy lodge. Even if you aren’t there during winter find a hike.
Here are some of my favorite day hikes.
- Rattle Snake Ridge
- Annette Lake
- Around Snoqualamie Falls
- Hikes at Mount Rainier National Park
