Seattle

Ican finally say that I, like Tom Hanks, have been Sleepless in Seattle. And no, it's not because I was part of some dating scheme a la the corny early 1990s film. It's because I had just one week in Seattle, and I was determined to explore every cranny possible of this dynamic and quirky city in the Pacific Northwest. I'm happy to report that I not only fulfilled my mission but did so with a plethora of local cod, some delicious coffee, and many new acquaintances in this amiable city. If you follow some of my Seattle suggestions, I'm sure even Tom Hanks would be envious of your itinerary.

What To Do

Being my first time in Seattle, I knew that I had to hit all tourist recommendations. The best way to do this was with a Seattle CityPASS. The pass is perfect for tourists who want to experience some of the city's must-sees, such as Seattle's iconic Space Needle and The Seattle Aquarium, The Aquarium of the Pacific (plus a choice of a few more options!) at a discounted rate when booked all together. Pass users additionally have a choice of three other unique Seattle attractions: an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Woodland Park Zoo, and Chihuly Garden and Glass, an exhibit in the Seattle Center directly next to the Space Needle, showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly.

For me, The Space Needle attraction alone was enough reason to book CityPASS. Considered to be the most recognizable and iconic symbol for the city of Seattle, The Space Needle is not only a Seattle Landmark but a riveting piece of history (after all, it was built in the Seattle Center for the 1962 World's Fair, which drew over 2.3 million visitors!) Today, the newlyinstalled 500-foot glass floor allows visitors to see the tower's elevators glide up and down the structure and watch the mechanical apparatus that drives the floor's rotation. Pike Place Market is Seattle's original farmers market and the center of locally sourced, artisan and specialty foods. Be sure to see one of the dramatic and dynamic fish-throwing spectacles, which has helped put the market on the world stage. And Seattleites are undoubtedly proud of sharing a home with the first Starbucks ever, located parallel to Pike's Place Market. It has maintained its early appearance over time and is subject to design guidelines and historical significance.

Where To Eat

The Smith Tower not only serves delectable food, but it also serves some pretty iconic views overlooking Seattle as well. Completed in 1914, this 38-story stands at 484 feet, nearby the water and pier. Grand and imposing, this tower is the oldest skyscraper in the city and was among the tallest skyscrapers outside New York City at the time of its completion. While Seattle has blossomed into quite the metropolis with buildings much more elevated than Smith Tower, it is still a unique cocktail or dinner spot for any traveler to Seattle.

Diners enter through the ground floor, which doubles as a hands-on museum showcasing the history of The Smith Tower, especially during the flapper and prohibition days. An old-fashioned elevator then whisks guests up to floor 38, the presentday restaurant and bar. Though tables are assigned, there is no bad seat here: all have a unique view overlooking Seattle. On a clear day, one can spot the two sports stadiums, the iconic pier-side Ferris Wheel, and even the stoic Cascade mountain range in the distance. Lest we forget the menu offerings: a meld of Asian dishes and unique cocktails offer tantalizing tastes for dining guests looking for a high-end meal.

Where To Stay

If you're looking for a centrally located property that oozes history, Hotel Sorrento is the obvious choice. Seattle is a funky city, and I wanted to find a boutique hotel with a similar vibe. I knew Sorrento was the spot with rooms and suites that are all individually designed, including period features and furnishings. My suite was fit for royalty, decorated with two-period 9 paintings of…well…genuine royalty. It also included a separate living area and especially striking city views of downtown Seattle. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and bar, which ooze elegance and class.

Another unique lodging option is Cedarbrook Lodge and Spa, located just moments from Seattle's International Airport. Though one may be inclined to believe an "airport hotel" with 169 rooms is gritty and serves only the purpose of convenience, Cedarbrook does wonders at proving this misconception wrong. Seattle's nickname, Emerald City, is quite apparent when exploring the property's eighteen lush acres of natural restored wetlands. The property also boasts an incredibly cozy onsite restaurant and a full-service spa. Free transport service whisks guests to the local metro station, connecting them to downtown Seattle in less than 40 minutes.

If exploring Seattle for the first time, I recommend spending a few days in the bustling metropolis, followed by a few more days here, where Mother Nature shows off every season. If seclusion and luxury are paramount to your Seattle rendez-vous, consider Salish Lodge and Spa, perched right above one of Washington state's most natural wonders: Snoqualmie Falls. Be sure to enjoy breakfast at The Dining Room, with outstanding views of the Snoqualmie Falls and Snoqualmie River, and the locally-famous Country Breakfast, including the iconic Honey from Heaven, where honey from the local hive is poured onto buttery biscuits from above. Making something simple feels magical–funny enough, an apt metaphor for my entire time exploring Seattle.

https://visitseattle.org