There’s so much to see and do in Seattle, that when my brother and sister-in-law flew in from the East Coast for a few days, I wondered where best to start. Of course, weather is always a consideration in the Emerald City, so we decided to hang loose and play it by ear while they were here.
Their hotel, the Seattle Waterfront Marriott, turned out to be the ideal location for our city wanderings. We dropped our family members off to freshen up after their cross country flight and later met across the street at Anthony’s Pier 66 and Bell Street Diner for dinner. With so many boaters and tourists among the patrons, it’s easy to see why casual dress is the norm at this eatery. The atmosphere is relaxed, enhanced by the sailboats and Washington State Ferries that pass by the windows in the dining area. It was the perfect way for all of us to unwind after a long day and catch up with each other.
As a special bonus, their visit coincided with Classic Weekend at the pier, a collection of classic yacht vessels, open to the public with free admission. Our waterfront view of Elliott Bay included the Japanese training ship, Kashima, where a hosted reception for navy and coast guard officers was underway.
We eased into the next day, catching up together at lunch, which we found again across the street of the hotel at Anthony’s Fish & Chips walk-up service. With a balmy Seattle day before us, we hopped aboard an Argosy Cruise for a one-hour tour of the harbor. For Seattleites, too, it’s a refreshing way to see the city, one that highlights the commercial waterfront community and downtown architecture from a unique perspective.
When the sun shines in Seattle, you want to savor every moment so we capped off our day by dining al fresco at Maggie’s Bluff at the Magnolia Marina. By the time our entrees arrived, the winds had picked up and the clouds were rolling in, but we stayed the course and finished our dinner on the patio in true Seattleite fashion – bundled up in layers of fleece and jackets!
How do you show visitors the town in your locale, WanderBoomers? Must-see sights, activities & dining?
A tour at Theo Chocolates in Fremont! $6, free chocolate, a Willy-Wonka-esque experience…what’s not to like?
Indeed! Sign me up, Beth – STAT!
You had me at Anthony’s Fish & Chips!
Oh, yeah, Shelley! Yummy food fare for sure – Mmm . . . ~
I used to live in Seattle and you’ve made me nostalgic for it. Of course, a lot has changed, but one of my favorite spots was taking visitors to the locks in Ballard, or breakfast at Julia’s in Wallingford, though I don’t know if it’s still there. How about the science museum in Seattle Center? That museum was amazing.
Hi, Monica! You’ll be happy to know that both places – Julia’s in Wallingford and The Pacific Science Museum at Seattle Center – are still here in Seattle. Both are two of my favorite spots as well. The Ballard Locks is also a wonderful place to take out-of-town guests. Thanks for mentioning those! Come back and visit us anytime ~
I lived in Seattle for a few years as well – your posts are making me homesick for a place that was only briefly my home!
You know I have been to Seattle a half dozen times in recent years and I’ve had the good fortune of never being there when it rained and only enjoyed sunshine and cloud free skies. Each trip I had amazing meals, even in the out of the way places, then again you can go wrong with all that amazing fresh fish. I’ve not had the opportunity to explore the City because I’ve only been there on business, but it’s on my list to spend more time. Like my fellow commentors above, you make Seattle alluring.