How To Spend One Day In Seattle

Seattle, Washington is synonymous with relentless rain, which probably inspired the apathetic sound the flannel-clad band Nirvana made so notoriously famous in the 90's. It's also the home of the life force, Starbucks, which has helped Americans get through Monday morning meetings since 1971. You might probably also remember it as the setting for one of my favorite tearjerker rom coms starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, Sleepless in Seattle. Anyone who doesn't shed at least one tear when Tom Hanks describes what it was like when he first met his wife is a robot sent by Skynet to destroy all mankind. "I knew it the first time I saw her. It was like coming home, only to no home I'd ever known. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was...magic." Excuse me while I wipe up my tear stained laptop. Now that I've thoroughly enticed you to keep reading, I've compiled a life altering list of things to do in this drizzly city if you only have one day.

Okay so first things first. You gotta fuel up the tank to keep trucking all day, so I recommend hitting up the continental breakfast at your hotel. I say this because you'll want to make room for all the amazing food you'll eat the rest of the day. Plus it helps you save a little moolah.  

Wowza! Look at that view of Seattle!

Now let's get this show on the road! 

I recommend starting your 24 hours in Seattle by taking a ferry ride. It's a great way to see the city from a distance, so you can get those sweet insta-worthy wide shots. Plus, boats are awesome as demonstrated by Dale and Brennan in their "Boats and Hoes" Prestige Worldwide video from Step Brothers. I'm not sure if they serve nachos and lemon heads, but it'll no doubt be a good time. As for where you should take the ferry is up to you. I took it to Bainbridge Island. This is home to Bainbridge Organic Distillers, whom makes Yama, the 2016 winner of the World Whiskies award. I found out about this snazzy spot right as I was leaving, so I never made it there. I'm clueing you in, so you don't make the same mistake I made. If you prefer vino to fancy whiskey, then there are multiple wineries to choose from along the main strip. If you're not into starting off the party right with day drinking, then there's also quaint little shops to pique your interest.

Allow Beecher's cheesiness to take over you

After you've had your fill of this adorable little island, I recommend you mosey on over to Beecher's Handmade Cheese. It's walkable from the pier you'll be pulling into. It's located right next to Pike Place Market. This amazing cheeseopolis has the best macaroni and cheese I've had, so it absolutely lives put to its name... World's Best Mac & Cheese. It's made with a blend of their mega savory Flagship and Just Jack cheeses.

Beecher's delightful menu

This creamy classic also comes in a spicy version called the Mariachi Mac & Cheese, which features roasted Anaheim chilies and fresh veggies. They also serve up a slew of grilled sammies and fresh curds, which are simply divine! Get your free-sample-Saturday-at-Costco on by heading straight to back of the shop for a nibble of their cheeses. 

Crab, fish, and octopus...oh my!

Once your done getting your fill of lactose, head over to Pike Place to watch the fish guys toss some of their fresh catch! If you're nice to the fellas, they'll even let you sample some crab. There's a ton of food stands in there, including one which slangs mini donuts. Suffice it to say, you can make a meal out of trying a little of this and a little of that.

While you're here, check out the many vendors selling jewelry, art, leather goods, etc. There's an upper and lower level, so there's lot to see.

   

It's now time to get cultured! If you can still walk from stuffing your face at Beecher's and Pike Place, hoof it about five blocks to the monorail, and take it to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. A one-way adult ticket for the monorail is $2.25. I also recommend getting the double your fun ticket for the museum and Space Needle, which is $36 per adult. These two are located next door to each other and are open pretty late, so you'll have plenty of time to get through both. The Chihuly houses the work of glassblowing artist Dale Chihuly. It's kind of magical, like you've followed the white rabbit down the hole. All it needs is a smoking caterpillar in the outside garden. Here are some of my favorite pieces.

It'll take you about 2 to 3 hours to get through this Alice in Wonderland-like museum.

View from the Space Needle

Once you've taken enough pictures to almost fill your phone, head next door to the Space Needle. Here you can put the final nail in your phone's memory coffin by taking breathtaking pics of Seattle from 605 feet in the air. A digital photo of yourself against a background of your choice is included with the ticket price. Be sure to email it to yourself at the touch screens by the elevator. It's not super obvious this is where you retrieve your photo, so be on the lookout.

The Stages Of Good Steak

Now that you've take in some snazzy sights, it's time to refuel! Eat well for your final meal in Seattle at the Brouwer's Cafe. It's located in the hipstery Fremont neighborhood, which is home to a bunch of quirky shops and cafes. This restaurant's belgian-inspired menu features Stoofvlees, which is a traditional Belgian stew served over pommes frites. Other highlights include a grass-fed lamb burger and a fried local oyster po' boy sandwich. I also highly recommend the Steak and Frites. You have two choices for cuts of meat. We opted for the 12 oz New York strip, which was super tender and juicy! It comes with Belgian Grand Cru reduction sauce, and we topped it off with the Bleu cheese. Magnifique! Seriously look at my face?!

This spot is also known for their large selection of whiskey and craft beer. I'll allow my craft beer connoisseur husband to educate you on what's what.

"With over 60 brews on tap and a bottle list bursting with over 400 bottles, Brouwer's Cafe should be at the top of any craft beer fan's dining options in Seattle. I basked in the decadence of Fremont Brewing's Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Star: Spice Wars. This velvety imperial stout comes loaded up with vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and an array of other spices. Pairing this divine beverage with the Steak and Frites was my favorite meal of the trip. In addition to Brouwer's Cafe, be sure to visit Fremont Brewing, Holy Mountain Brewing, and Cloudburst Brewing."

Once you are done, run next door and pick up some Theo Chocolate. You'll find these organic and fair trade chocolates throughout the city, but the artisan chocolatier offers samples at their retail store. Why not try before you buy? You might want to swing by here first because you may not have room after indulging at the Brouwer's Cafe. They have fresh innovative flavors like cinnamon horchata and fig, fennel and almond.

The mystical Fremont Troll

Before you head out, swing by and take a picture with the Fremont Troll. It's about a half mile from the Brouwer's Cafe, so you can easily walk it. This wondrous troll is located under the Aurora Bridge, and was commissioned to be built in the late 80's to liven up the space under the bridge. It's a cool hidden gem that's in the middle a suburban neighborhood. It has a unique charm that's worth checking out.

Now get going! Those sweet travel pics aren't going to take themselves!