|
|
 |
Friends and Family, we hope you will take some time during the busy weekend to experience some of Seattle’s best attractions. Below, we’ve outlined some of our favorite tourist destinations. We’ve also included a few of our favorite restaurants that are not to be missed during your Northwest weekend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. Pike Place Market Anne’s Note: This attraction is just a short 5 minute cab ride from the Wyndham hotel and is a must visit. While you’re there, be sure not to miss the world's first Starbucks opened in the Market in 1971. It’s is still brewing up beans at the site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Downtown Seattle Shopping Seattle's downtown shopping district is a compact square of several blocks with brand names like Urban Outfitters, Gap and Nordstorm. Fashion boutiques like Betsy Johnson and Isadora's Antique Clothing dot the urban landscape and offer Seattle shoppers more eclectic options. Downtown Seattle shopping can feel like Fifth Avenue, especially as you stroll by fashion stars like Banana Republic or Nike occupying their own buildings. Westlake Center Plaza, a nearby mall, features local and international home designers as well as a top floor food consortium. If the Seattle rain catches you, shoppers can duck into Pacific Place and shop at Ann Taylor and J. Crew or catch an afternoon flick on the top floor movie theatre. Anne’s note: This is just a short 10 minute walk from the Wyndham hotel. I don’t need to advertise this very much. Let’s just say this area is home to the original and largest Nordstrom in the nation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Tasting Room - Wines of Washington The Tasting Room, Washington's first cooperative tasting cellar, features some of our State's best artisan and hard-to-find wines. For a small fee, wine lovers may taste from these boutique
wineries while enjoying the ambience of a European-style wine cave in
Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market. The tasting menu reflects current
releases and a few library wines. A one ounce taste ranges from $2-$3
and glasses start at $4. Also offered are a selection of gourmet meat
and cheeses to enjoy while wine tasting. All of the wines may be purchased
on site, or shipped to your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Space Needle Revolving restaurant, observation deck, banquet level and
gift shop. Elevator ride complimentary when dining. Valet parking available
or ride the Monorail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Experience Music Project The brainchild of Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen and designed by architect Frank Gehry, who is known for pushing the envelope of architectural design, this rock 'n' roll museum is a massive multicolored blob at the foot of the Space Needle. Originally planned as a memorial to Seattle native Jimi Hendrix, the museum grew to encompass not only Hendrix, but all of the Northwest rock scene (from "Louie Louie" to grunge) and the general history of American popular music. The most popular exhibits here (after the Jimi Hendrix room) are the interactive rooms. In one room you can play guitars, drums, keyboards, or even DJ turntables. In another, you can experience what it's like to be onstage performing in front of adoring fans. Anne’s note: This museum is definitely the coolest in Seattle. It is worth a visit despite it’s steep entrance fee, $26.95 for adults, $19.95 for military, youth and seniors. Adjoining the EMP is the Science Fiction museum which is worth a visit for the futuristic at heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ride the Ducks of Seattle Tour Seattle by land and sea in a WWII amphibious craft! Voted one of the top five "must-do attractions" in Seattle! Anne’s note: This is a very fun attraction if not a little goofy at times. This “boat with wheels” will give you a fun tour of Seattle both by land and by sea. If you’re bringing kids, this is your activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Washington's most prestigious winery. Complimentary tours
and wine tasting, 10am-5pm daily. Picnic areas, wine shop, concerts, corporate
events and more. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spirit of Washington Dinner Train Experience the nostalgia of a bygone era as the train travel along the shores of Lake Washington to the beautiful Columbia Winery in Woodinville. Enjoy Northwest cuisine as you dine in comfort aboard our luxurious, vintage rail cars. Departing year round from the Renton Depot, just 20 minutes from Seattle.
It’s not hard to find a fabulous restaurant in Seattle.
The city is full of them. Here is the crème de la crème
and our favorite “not to miss” in Seattle. Note that all of
these restaurants are within walking distance or just a short cab ride
away from your hotel. Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant & Satay Bar This Pan-Asian restaurant has long been a Seattle favorite. Pull up a comfortable stool around the large satay grill and watch the cooks grill little skewers of anything from chicken to scallops to pork to prawns to lamb. Dinners runs from $13-$25. John’s note: Dude – this is one of my all-time favorite restaurant experiences worldwide. The Sea Bass with Fresh Herbs is absolutely life-changing, as are the sechwan green beans (a bit spicy). Enjoy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teatro Zinzanni Teatro ZinZanni is a big night out unlike any other, a three-hour whirlwind of cirque, comedy and cabaret all served up with a five-course feast designed by celebrated Northwest chef Tom Douglas. An ever-evolving and constantly changing production, “Dinner & Dreams” combines improv comedy, vaudeville revue, music, dance, cirque and sensuality into a dizzying and colorful new form that is never quite the same from evening to evening. The fast-paced action of the show unfolds above, around and even alongside the audience as they dine on a gourmet meal. Dinners Thursday, Friday and Sunday run $89. Dinners Saturday run $109. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ristorante Machiavelli It doesn't look like much--a small, nondescript dining room with red vinyl tablecloths and white paper napkins--but Machiavelli's Italian food is the real thing, and it is served up at pleasingly moderate prices. Enjoy a glass of Chianti and start things off with an atypical antipasto that includes a positively addictive eggplant salad and a yummy combination of lima beans, peas, and artichoke hearts. The tuna carpaccio with balsamic Dijon dressing is also quite fine, as is the tapenade with fresh mozzarella. At first glance, the entree descriptions may look ordinary, but they certainly are not. The use of chicken livers in both the lasagna and the Bolognese sauce clearly denotes a chef who knows his stuff. The marinara has a nice kick to it, the veal saltimbocca is benchmark, and even something as mundane as eggplant parmigiana is several steps above the ordinary. There are a number of worthy desserts from which to choose, and the coffee is good and strong. Come casual... and come early, as reservations are not accepted and, as you might expect, the restaurant is immensely popular. Dinners $12-$24. Anne's Note: This restaurant is so close to the Wyndham that it would be a shame not to experience it once during your Seattle weekend. Walk a couple of blocks and your at Machiavelli's doorstep and about to experience some fab Italian food. Thanks to iron chef, Joe Olegario, who turned us on to this place! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flying Fish Long a favorite among Seattleites, Flying Fish is a seafood
lover’s paradise. Seamlessly pairing innovative Northwest seafood
& an award winning wine list, served in a friendly vibrant environment.
Our daily changing menu features the freshest seafood and seasonal organic
produce grown for the restaurant on our own local farm. Have the Flying
Fish all to yourself in our fabulous private dining room that seats 36.
Seasonal outdoor dining and late night dining until 1am. Life may have
changed, but relaxing is the same at Flying Fish. Dinners run $18-27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Crab Pot Located on Seattle's Historic Waterfront, the Crab Pot Restaurant & Bar features fresh local seafood. The Seafeast is what makes them unique! They take a variety of crab, clams, mussels, shrimp in the shell, salmon, halibut, oysters, potatoes, corn on the cob and andouille sausage steamed with mouth watering spices and pour it right on your table! Then, no need for silverware, we give you a bib and a mallet and let you go at it! Dinners run $10-$30. John’s note: Another early date for John & Anne. The first time we ate here, Anne looked upon the pile of steamed seafood that was dumped on our table, with tremendous trepidation. If you’re looking for a unique seafood experience, the Crab Pot is a must. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Pink Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. The Pike Pub and Brewery Located just steps south of the world famous Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. Awarded One of the Top Ten Breweries in the World at the World Beer Championships, voted Seattle’s Best Pub by readers of Where Magazine, voted ‘Best Pub’ Seattle Citysearch users poll. Eclectic and traditional Pub fare, award winning micro brews and Seattle’s best import beer list. Large party dining facilities. Full spirits bar, ventilated cigar room, billiards and activity room, nonsmoking dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivar’s Acres of Clams Since 1938, the spectacular waterfront view and fresh seafood have made this one of Seattle’s favorite traditions. Lunch & dinner, outdoor fish bar. Lunch runs $5-10 Anne's Note: This place rocks! My Mom used to take my brother and I here when were little. Great memories of their famous clam chowder and fish and chips. This is right on the waterfront and if you sit outside to eat you can feed the seagulls your leftovers. Doesn't matter what, they'll eat it all. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salumi For many folks, salami is a guilty pleasure. We all know it's got way too much fat, but it tastes too good to resist. Now, raise the bar on salami, and you have the artisan-cured meats of this closet-size eatery near Pioneer Square. The owner makes all his own salami (as well as traditional Italian-cured beef tongue). Order up a meat plate with a side of cheese and some roasted red bell peppers, pour yourself a glass of wine from the big bottle on the table, and you have a perfect lunchtime repast in the classic Italian style. Did I mention the great breads and tapenades? Wow! If you're down in the Pioneer Square area at lunch, don't miss this place. Lunch runs $6-$10. Anne's Note: I've never been to this place, only heard rave reviews. How could it not be good, though, it's owned by Mario Battali's dad! This place is only open for lunch Tuesday-Friday 11am-4pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. This seafood house also serves a wicked good Saturday and Sunday brunch. Amazingly good. Market Brunch begins at 9am on Saturdays & Sundays. Brunch runs between $8-$15. John’s note: For months after moving to Seattle, Anne and I were desperately seeking a great breakfast venue. Our quest ended with Ettas. After breakfast, you can stroll less than a block and take in the sights & sounds of Seattle’s legendary Pike Place Market (details above). Ettas also offers great lunch & dinner. |
|
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
