Seattle’s Night Life Scene: Capitol Hill

Seattle has a eclectic night life culture that moves from club scene to jazz bars to gay clubs and just about everything in between.  We invite you to a few of our favorites on Capitol Hill. These are either walking distance or a short Lyft ride a way from ALL of our properties, so enjoy! 

Q Nightclub:

With more of a lounge vibe on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and a nightclub atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays, Q Nightclub in Capitol Hill never disappoints.

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you, Q Nightclub has an absolutely beautiful interior. Q Nightclub was designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the AIA award-winning architects behind such projects as the iconic Apple Cube on New York’s Fifth Avenue, Pixar Studios Headquarters, and Seattle City Hall, to name a few.

With local, national, and international acts booked 4 nights a week every night is different at Q. The last performer for their Haute Sauce series was acclaimed producer/DJ Metro Boomin’ who has produced Platinum selling hits for a long list of artists including Drake, Future, Kanye West, Big Sean, Post Malone, The Weeknd, and Future.

Sugar Hill:

Located in Capitol Hill, Sugar Hill combines Thai street food with a Hip Hop lounge atmosphere. Inspiration for the name Sugar Hill came from a song by rapper AZ and you’ll find musical influences everywhere. Menu items, interior decorations, and walls of vinyl records all paying tribute to hip hop. Co-owner Ahn Nguyen, who used to bartend at local favorite Momiji, occasionally makes guest appearances behind the bar serving up themed drinks like the Diddy Roc, Pusha T, and Teq Lime.

The Thai street food is just as good as the music and drinks at Sugar Hill. My personal favorite is the Moo Ping which is marinated pork sirloin skewers served with spicy tamarind sauce. With everything from Thai tea ice cream, to winter melon soup, fried chicken skin, fried tofu, and sticky rice, delicious food is all over the menu.

With a DJ spinning classic hip hop and R&B ever night of the week Sugar Hill is always a great choice for a fun night out.

Rockbox:

Located next to Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill, Rockbox is a Japanese-style karaoke bar with a full bar and a variety of snack options for food. Japanese style karaoke is a bit different than your standard American karaoke. Rather than a big open room with a small stage in one corner, damp binders with pages of songs and splashes of booze, and random strangers taking turns butchering your favorite songs, Japanese style karaoke is sung in karaoke box.

Rockbox has 11 private karaoke boxes of varying sizes and a party room for up to 35 people making it the perfect spot to work on your Bon Jovi vocals. On Tuesday to Sunday from 4 pm to 1 am a small plate menu from Cure is served. There isn’t anything that would be considered a full size meal, but crostini’s, soup, sandwiches, and charcuterie plates with baguette from Le Panier are all delicious snack options. The duck fat popcorn and sriracha chex are great items on the everyday snack menu as well.

The karaoke boxes are paid for with an hourly per person fee, and there is free karaoke in the bar area. Each karaoke has a screen for lyrics, and a digtal controller to queue up songs for you and your group. You can also use an app to browse the entire library of music and add songs to your list. Although you don’t need to book a karaoke box in advance, its best to call ahead of time and make a reservation as rooms can fill up fast on weekends.

The best karaoke is a perfect mix of alcohol and actual vocal talent. If you’re lacking in the vocal talent category Rockbox has some great drinks to boost your karaoke skills. The sake sangria is a nice light fusion of Japanese and Spanish drinks. If you are looking for something stronger try the salaryman, a mixed drink with midori, vodka, gin, rum, sour, and a splash of sprite.

A Seahawks Game Makes an Excellent Excuse to Visit Seattle this Fall.

Looking to make a trip to a game this year?  Excellent division match-ups with the 49ers, Rams, and Cards beckon,  along with home games versus Andrew Luck and the Colts, as well as the Texans, Washington, and the Eagles. Football at the Clink is an experience unique in football, and should be on every fans bucket list.  What makes it great, if you are coming in from locally, or across the country, a football weekend in Seattle can be so much more than just football.

First Off, Let’s Talk Football!

If your reading this, I assume your priority is the football game.  Great news!  All of our properties are walking distance or a short Lyft away from the stadium.  Parking around the Clink is jaw-dropping expensive, so this will easily save you $50 or more.  Public transportation is also an option.  SoundTransit will take your from Westlake Station or University Street station right to Centurylink.  In addition, just about any bus heading south on Third Avenue will get you close.  Just as the bus driver as you board to confirm.

You will NOT be able to buy tickets at the box office.  Seahawk games sold out in April,  Your best vbet for after-market tickets is  NFL Ticket Exchange. Plan to pay more than face value, I am sorry to say.

Once inside, there is plenty to do and eat.  Check out Touchdown City, right under the stadium on the southend.Itopens three hours before each home game and features contests, games, skill tests, a beer garden and the possibility of getting an autograph from a former player. Blue Thunder will play outside Touchdown City as “mood music” to get the crowd jazzed and ready to go!

Keep in mind that CenturyLink is the LOUDEST stadium in the NFL. Be ready to yell and it’s not a bad idea to bring earplugs. They actually sell them at some of the concession stands, if you forgot your own, or underestimated the noise. You can actually feel the sound in your chest!

Photo credit Beechers

You Won’t Go Hungry!

The food at Centurylink is amazing as well.  Check out Great State Burger, local and national fave Beecher’s Mac and Cheese, Elysian Brewing, Pike Place Market’s own Uli’s Famous Sausage and more.  Besides the usual stadium fare of hot dogs and beer, there is a Northwest wine bar, craft brews, Taiwainese dumplings, barbeque, seafood and pizza.

Before or After the Game.

Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy the Emerald City.  Crowds have died down, the weather is at the very least comfortable, and many times glorious with clear skies.  The Pike Place Market is a pleasure with vendors having more time to enjoy interaction with visitors.

Earshot Jazz Festival runs October 8-November 12, which makes it easy to piggyback a game with some world-class jazz from local, national and international acts.

There is a great concert line-up this fall as well.  Leslie Odom Jr plays the Moore on September 17, which coinsides nicely with the 49ers game.

Good food is always a reason to enjoy your time in Seattle, and some new and fantastic choices are out there.  For carnvores, I highly recommend Flint Creek Cattle Co..  This is located in the Greenwood neighborhood of north Seattle, so a small trek of about 20 minutes or so from downtown Seattle, but SOOOO worth it.  Close to the stadium is a fantastic, modern take on Indian food that I recommend to everyone, Nirmal’s.

Join us for one, or many, of the Seahawk home games this year.  We are off to a blistering start, with a perfect pre-seaon, and the team is looking sharp and hungry.  Locals are excited for the new season, and I think this will be one of those years that you’ll want to say “I was there when…”

Seattle’s Pike Place: The City’s Underrated Treasure

Are you planning for an upcoming Seattle trip and you are looking to build the perfect itinerary? While Seattle is overflowing with adventure opportunities, do yourself a favor and make Seattle’s Pike Place one of the cornerstones of your vacation.

Visiting Seattle’s Pike Place is a fun and exciting way for you to spend your entire vacation time together with your loved ones—regardless of their age, or yours. With an atmosphere so welcoming that you’ll hesitate to leave when your vacation is over, Pike’s Place truly does have it all. Though it is only one aspect, you will be eager to go shopping through the district to see the city’s freshest flowers, custom jewelry, artisan breads, gourmet cheeses and spreads, and anything else you might like to find. Pike’s Place is the peak of variety and character in Seattle, so if you’re planning on coming to the city and not visiting Pike Place, you’ll more than likely need to extend your vacation to make sure you can squeeze it in.

Below are just a few of Pike Place’s most popular offerings for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

• Watching Cheese Makers
Seattle Pike Place is the perfect spot for all cheese aficionados out there. Even if you’re not an expert on cheese, it is worth the time to watch. Simply keep an eye open right as you walk into Beecher’s, on the corner of Pine Street and Pike Place, and you will be greeted with a front-row view of enthusiastic cheese makers working through an elegant glass-walled kitchen that will take your breath away. You’ve probably eaten plenty of cheese in your life, but watching it being made is an entirely different experience, and a much more fulfilling one than many individuals consider.

• Following the Hoof Prints
Do not just walk around Pike Place aimlessly and without direction! If you avert your gaze to the ground, you’ll likely see a plethora of bronze hoofprints touting some of the city’s most famous businesses and establishments. Follow the hoofprints and enjoy one of the quirkier aspects of Pike Place—their embracing of their community through art and bronze.

• Taking Selfies at the Original Starbucks
If you are taking a trip anywhere near Seattle, it is likely that you have at least a passing interest in coffee and/or Starbucks. So, why not visit the original Starbucks and take a selfie that might very well be a part of history. While the very first Starbucks was located at 2000 Western Avenue, the original building was repurposed and aspects of the original building—including the original logo—were used to create the landmark standing now. Regardless, indulge in photographing yourself at the original Starbucks and imagine how much things have changed since the company first started. One thing that hasn’t changed though? The authentic allure of Seattle, and more importantly, Pike Place.

• Smelling the Fresh Cut Blooms
Flowers! Flowers! Flowers! Seattle’s Pike Place is an extremely underrated hotspot for florists and flower enthusiasts. Nowhere in Seattle (or Washington for that matter) can provide the combination of quality and value that Pike Place can. Tulips, roses, various bloom bouquets, and even regional specialties are all available at Pike Place. Even if you aren’t interested in purchasing any flowers, the aesthetic created by the walls of bouquets throughout the market provides quite the sensory explosion for those keen on nature and its beauty.

• Watching Fishmongers
Watching the low-flying fish is considered to be one of the most popular activities in Seattle Pike Place—especially for individuals just looking to relax, unwind, or waste a bit of time. Whether it is your first time for your 50th, enjoying the playful-yet-busy attitudes of the fishmongers will always be a beneficial addition to your day. In fact, if you are really looking for a way to lengthen your Seattle vacation, why not sign on to begin work as a fishmonger?

• Watching the Street Performers
Ranging from living statues, to dancers, to acapella gospel singers, to clowns, and even famous performers like Jim Page and Artis the Spoonman, Seattle is considered a street-entertainment mecca. The diversity of Pike Place is perfectly on display as you navigate through streets of talented individuals looking to add to your experience (and perhaps earn a few bucks) any way they can.

Seattle’s Pike Place has so many different activities to offer that you may even need to plan multiple vacations to get through them all. As long you approach your trip with a friendly attitude, Seattle and Pike Place will gladly welcome you, accept you as one of their own, and work to make sure that you feel at home in their city—even if that means they have to share some of that delicious cheese they brag about.

“I never met a color I did not like.” Dale Chihuly

is one of the most amazing art centers Seattle has ever witnessed. Located in a Space Needle, this beautiful museum was opened in 2012. It is an amazing work of dynamic artist Dale Chihuly and is no doubt the finest collection of art you will ever witness. It shows off artists exquisite designs in a room before you head to an airy glass atrium and finally in a magnificent garden. Glassblowing demonstrations are a highlight of this amazing place. It has gorgeous and beautiful room after another, all filled with Chihuly’s work. Each room has themes of flowers or sea life. The rooms eventually allow the tourists a way to an oh-so-beautiful garden where glass sculptures were introduced into the landscaping.

Dale Chihuly is the famous name behind this amazing work. He is one of the well-known artists of Northwest. Chihuly took his glass art to another level in his own museum by introducing a garden straight out of Alice in Wonderland with greenhouse pavilion and big multicolored flowers. Once you get inside it, you will see artist’s popular sea creatures, hanging from a glass ceiling with some exceptional work. Chihuly is also a collector as it is evidenced by the knickknacks arranged in the attached collection café and Pendleton blankets beautifully draped in one area of a room.

While parents might worry about taking their kids to museum filled with breakable art, the exhibition has worked very hard to make it children-friendly too. Kids guide in the museum is more interested than its adult section. Children aged 3-5 will surely have best time in matching the exhibits with the brochure photos and drawing in the guides.

Kids who love colors, art and imagination will surely find so much here in Chihuly Garden and Glass museum to enjoy. The spires in neon Glass Forest are favorites of children aged 4-7. Chihuly specifically selected the tower in SeaLife Room because he was aware that children will surely get attracted to it as there are sea shells and golden glass shells which are favorites of every kid.

Parents who want some me time can leave their children in Glasshouse, a big conservatory with vines of beautiful orange glass flowers. Kids always get attracted to colors so they will have freedom walking through the garden which is filled with flowers of multi colors.

All things come to life with the stunning installation at this place. You walk from room to room taking in exquisite beauty of designs and colors. While you are inside this place, at every step, you can listen to Dale Chihuly through an audio streaming through your own mobile phones where he explains every installation done in this museum. Trust us, you will take 100s of photos and still you want to take more. This is what Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle is.

With tickets of $15 for King County residents and $12 for children, it is worth to visit Chihuly Garden and Glass. If you go there ensure you use the restrooms at the entrance as there are none in the museum. So buy your tickets today and witness the magnificent beauty of Seattle today. Have fun!!

PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER: SEATTLE’S BIGGEST SCIENCE CENTER

Located in the heart of Seattle, Pacific Science Center is a place for every age-group. This amazing place, which was founded in 1962’s Seattle World’s Fair have a look of old era from the outside but once you go inside the museum, you will be amazed to see some cutting-edge technology in it. There are so many things to see in this oh-so-beautiful place such as laser dome and planetarium, IMAX Theatre, Live Science Stage demonstrations. Pacific Science Center was the first science and technology attraction of United States that was built in the era of 60s.

This 400-square foot center is a favorite of visitors of every age group. You will be shocked to hear that one guy loved this place so much that he proposed his girlfriend right in the center’s tropical butterfly house.
If you are dinosaur lover then this is the perfect place for you. Here in Pacific Science Center, dinosaur exhibition features seven different animatronics and roaring dinos which take you back to the era of Mesozoic. You can also touch sea features in the saltwater tidepool exhibition.

In case you have children then this is the only place in Seattle where everyone will find something to enjoy. There are interactive exhibits like Adventures in 3-Dimensions for older kids. They can watch how 3D technology plays with our brain to create special effects which we must tell you are very entertaining.

Pacific Science Center also has exciting things for kids of young age. There is crawl and climb area for them in this science museum which has table-height stream for water play and a beautiful tree house. At the insect village, kids of all ages will be able to see the giant robotic insects and live animal displays.

As you walk in this amazing science center, prepare yourself for some engaging experience that is fun for the entire family. The program and exhibitions you will see in there are especially designed to pique your curiosity and will force you to think creatively. You will also find giant robotic insects inside this awesome place that entirely focus on the human body. Also watch the colorful butterflies flit between exotic plants in the humid Tropical Butterfly House.

Science lovers also find amazing attractions in this place. They will be able to explore educational exhibits to learn technology, mathematics and science in an entertaining and fun way. Also get yourself ready to uncover the secrets of atmosphere when you enter this building and discover some amazing parts of local wildlife at the Pollinator Garden. One thing that is guaranteed about this oh-so-amazing place is that you will never get bored over here. All the activities, exhibits, events are really enjoyable.

Outside this center, there is a science playground that has awesome bicycle-powered fountains, gyroscopes and other different kinds of fun for everyone. All in all, Pacific Science Center is a big playhouse that is dedicated to only science and technology. So plan your trip today to this beautiful place and have lots and lots of fun. You can check the schedules of different events and exhibits at https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/events-programs/.

The annual Bite of Seattle is back, sponsored by Groupon for the fifth year in a row! Running from July 21st through the 23rd and featuring local chefs, bakeries, restaurants, and breweries from all over Seattle, this is one food festival you don’t want to miss. And best of all – admission is free!

As Groupon points out, “You Can’t Spell Seattle Without Eat!” More than 60 restaurants and food companies will come together to offer tastes from their menus at bargain prices. Come taste meaty Philly sandwiches from Pat’s Philly Steak Sandwiches, or try fried spring rolls and soba noodles at Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen. Burgers, gyros, dumplings, pulled pork, fried chicken – even alligator on a stick! – are just a few of the many food offerings available at the festival.

If you’re looing a sweeter taste, there will be plenty of dessert vendors ready to fill your every craving. From Capuli Club artisanal fruit infusions to Scarlata speciality chocolates, Seattle Pops all-natural frozen popsicles to Puffleup’s varied and flavorful puffle varieties, Whipped Raw vegan soft-serve or Chocolate Delitez chocolate-dipped cheesecake, there’s something delicious, refreshing, and tasty for everyone.

No food festival is complete without the perfect drink to round out the meal. Sponsored by Delta Airlines, over 70 different drinks are available this year, from local breweries and nationally famous chains. Try Snowdrift Cider’s specialty ciders made from homegrown apples, or sample the beer options from Washington’s own Silver City Brewery, Left Hand Brewing, Northwest Brewing Company, and many, many more. Present your SkyMiles member card to get $5 off the tasting package.

Looking for an upscale VIP experience? This year, Bite of Seattle is opening The Bite Cooks! Lounge, where guests can eat and drink with the local chefs representing Seattle’s favorite restaurants. Seven celebrity chefs make their appearances during various hours of the festival for a meet-and-greet session, as well as offering tasty samples of their speciality dishes. This private rooftop bar area is only available for adults 21 and over, and includes drinks at the bar, the meet-and-greet, and plenty of food. Tickets cost between $35 and $50 and, with $5 of that going to benefit Food International, a local hunger-relief organization, it’s a terrific bargain for an unforgettable exclusive experience.

Join the audience for live cooking demonstrations at The Bite Cooks! for the chance to view local chefs share their cooking tips and techniques on stage. Thierry Rautureau, host of The Bite Cooks! for the tenth year running will be offering prizes and interactive games for the audience at various times during the demonstrations. Audience members get to watch their favorite chefs cooking their signature dishes, and receive a copy of the recipe to take home.

Food isn’t the only experience that’s available at the 2017 Bite of Seattle festival! Live music will be playing through the weekend on four different stages. Over a hundred musical guests are slotted to showcase their talent and provide the festival with great music to accompany the amazing food and drinks. Rock, reggae, R&B, oldies and pop hits – Bite of Seattle has it all! And don’t forget to join us at The Mural Lawn Stage at Seattle Center on Friday night for a free screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off under the stars!

Whatever your food or drink preference, 2017’s Bite of Seattle has something for everyone. We hope to see you there!

Safeco Field Dining is a Home Run Experience

Seattle’s Safeco Field isn’t just for baseball fans anymore. Built in 1999, the MLB stadium features plenty of food and drink options to satisfy everyone in your party, with menus that are always fresh, fun, and new. Whether you prefer traditional stadium-style foods like hot dogs and Cracker Jacks, or you want to try something a little different such as toasted grasshoppers, Safeco Field has it all.

The primary concession destination within the park itself is called The ‘Pen, where you can pick up a variety of new and familiar ballpark foods, snacks, and beers. The ‘Pen opens two and a half hours before each game for fans to grab a snack, a drink, or just sit around the cozy firepit at the center field entrance. Drink offerings include a full-service cocktail lounge called Caught Looking and Coor’s Light Rail Bar, with convenient happy hour times before each game.

Looking to something to eat? Taste the freshly-made pizza custom made with your choice of toppings at Ballard Pizza Co.. Feel free to opt for more nostalgic baseball fare with a classic Fletcher’s hot dog, a burger and fries from Great State Burger, and bag of CB’s slow-roasted nuts. Fried chicken and hot wings are a tasty treat from Ethan Stowell’s Dynamite Chicken; they also offer spicy tater tots and pickle fries on the side. Be sure to stop in at Edgar’s Cantina for authentic Mexican tacos, margaritas, and, yes, real Oaxacan chapulines – chili-lime seasoned grasshoppers.

Aside from The ‘Pen, there are numerous other dining and drink options located in other sections around the park. Uptown China has a full Asian menu available for purchase. Don’t forget to pick up their giant Mariner’s fortune cookie for dessert! The Natural offers healthy options including salads and gluten-free choices, and Sweet Iron Waffles sells delicious, freshly-made Belgium waffles with a range of syrups and toppings. Club Bistro, located on the lounge level, promises pastas, sandwiches, and wine for patrons looking for an upscale dining experience.

Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Rope Sandwich Company offer an impressive range of ices, gelato, milkshakes, and ice cream sandwiches if you’re looking to cool off during the game. Try Frozen Rope’s alcoholic root beer floats for an adult treat you won’t forget. BSB Lounge features an extensive array of Heritage Distilling’s area-famous spirits, while local beer stands boast a full line of beers from hometown brewers, such as Black Raven, Silver City Brewing, Diamond Knot, Machine House, and many, many more.

If you’re looking for places to go outside the stadium, there are a variety of tasty local restaurants and bars within a couple blocks of Safeco Field. Known for their large portion sizes, a generous supply of beer, and quality burgers, seafood, and sides, Pyramid Alehouse Restaurant is a great venue to hang out before or after games. Jimmy’s On First, another local eatery conveniently located nearby, offers a menu bursting with delicious options, a full cocktail bar, and great service.

So whether you’re a baseball fan or you just want to have a great time with friends or family, Seattle’s Safeco Field is the place to go for tasty food, excellent drinks, and an enjoyable experience for all.

Both beer and baseball were favorites of the earliest settlers in Seattle, but it was the vision and subsequent work of Emil Sick that made it all possible when he brought the two together while founding Seattle’s first baseball team. That team, the Seattle Rainiers, set the table for modern day Mariners and put Seattle firmly on the map as an entertainment powerhouse of a city.

Seattle is the Place for Baseball Experiences
Very few cities are able to provide the combination of experiences that Seattle can, and the atmosphere surrounding the Mariners (and baseball a whole) in the city is unlike many other sports experiences. So, after you’ve booked in to one of Seattle’s finest hotels, indulged in the city’s finest culinary offerings, and struck up a conversation with some of the locals, do yourself a favor and catch a Mariners game and continue the conversations there.

Despite not making the playoffs since 2001, the Seattle Mariners have been able to build excitement and put together competitive teams for the past few years. No longer is the team afraid to spend money on players, so you can be sure that you’re paying to watch a team worth the price of admission. In many situations when a team has been mired in a slump as long as the Mariners have, sadness will be present throughout the stadium. But it is nothing but positivity and hope for the future with the Mariners now, and your fandom will only add to that.

Even this season, the Mariners are averaging more than 24,000 fans per game—more than teams from busier cities such as Chicago (the White Sox) and Miami (the Marlins). The fans of the Mariners are some of the most loyal in Major League Baseball, and that only looks to improve moving forward as the team moves back towards the playoffs. Starting with the action-packed career of Ken Griffey Jr in the 1990s, then shifting with the excitement centered around Japanese-import Ichiro Suzuki in the mid-2000s, the Mariners have decades of proof of their competitiveness, and are eager to carry the torch forward for Seattle baseball.

If you are a baseball diehard or merely maintain a passing interest, Seattle is a perfect location for you to immerse yourself into the sport. Boasting one of the most popular stadiums in the league, Safeco Field has been a source of memories in Seattle for decades. Since it opened in 1999, countless home runs, walk off hits, and masterful pitching performances have happened within the stadium’s gates—with the future only promising even greater excitement.

The National Pastime in one of the Nation’ Greatest Cities
Baseball is undoubtedly a beloved sport around the world, and you need to look no further than the game’s increased globalization over the years as proof of that. If you’re in Seattle on vacation and have a bit of free time, why not squeeze in a Seattle Mariners game? With tickets available for every possible budget, there are no excuses why you shouldn’t catch a game at Safeco Field.

The city of Seattle offers tons of exploits and chances for indulgence, and the Seattle Mariners rank very high near the top of that list of attractions. After all, you don’t want to look back and think that you missed a game during the Mariners’ greatest season in their team history. Stop by Safeco Field, buy a ticket, a hot dog, and a few beers, and experience baseball like only Seattle can offer you.

See it Front and Center: Pike Place MarketFront Set for June 29th Grand Opening

After four-plus decades of deep thought, planning, and curation, the Pike Place Market expansion, dubbed the ‘MarketFront’ has been completed and is set to be debuted on June 29th.

Beginning with the district’s designation by the city as historically-integral in 1971, more than $70 million and 46 years of ideas have been injected into this aesthetically-phenomenal project. Created and crafted in response to the needs and tastes of the Market Historic District residents and Pike Place participants, the MarketFront is set to transform the area into an even-busier destination—ideal for tourists, farmers, vendors, and families alike.
Some of the highlights of the MarketFront project include:

• More than 300 parking spaces, as well as 33 designated bicycle parking spots.
• An expanded neighborhood center with wide-reaching social services offered.
• Open space (to the tune of 30k+ square feet) with an accompanying viewing deck.
• A variety of public art installations set to entertain, inspire, and add to the allure.
• More than three dozen senior-living units catering to low-income individuals.
• Rooftop day stall spaces—ideal for artists or famers alike.
• 11,000+ square feet of available retail space for vendors looking to join the atmosphere.

Above all else, the Pike Place MarketFront will add to the excitement that has been building around the area for the past handful of decades. The bustling crowds filled with individuals showing off overjoyed expressions are nothing new to Pike Place Market, but this newest expansion is set to cement the area as a must-visit portion of Seattle. Those involved with the project are understandably ecstatic about how everything came together to help add on to what was already recognized as an iconic landmark.

The MarketFront Grand Opening on June 29th won’t merely shine the spotlight on the expansion of the building, but will also highlight many of the most important moving pieces of the project—the shops and restaurants themselves that have helped (and will help) Pike Place Market grow into the current version of itself.
Some of those more noteworthy new additions to the MarketFront include (but are definitely not limited to):

• Old Stove Brewing — A new brewery complete with an 80-foot window wall that provides visitors with a breathtaking view of the Olympic Mountains. Choose from one of the 20 beers on tap and indulge in all the booze views available.

• Honest Biscuits — While many people never truly considered the possibility of their biscuit betraying them with falsehoods, Head Baker/Founder Art Stone will ensure that it isn’t a problem. With recipes curated back in the memories of his family kitchen, this biscuit spot is sure to provide deep flavors.

• Indi Chocolate — Homemade chocolate is a way of life for many people, and Indi Chocolate will bring that devotion into the hearts and taste buds of countless Seattle residents and visitors very soon. The high-quality products for sale include Belgian Waffles drizzled with your choice of sauce, as well as homemade fruit bars and more healthy delights.

While those three vendors provide just a small taste of what the MarketFront will be providing, it is obvious that things are growing.

If you’re looking for a weekend experience that will open your eyes to the wide variety of fares and flavors available in Seattle, the Pike Place Market is calling your name—and the June 29th grand opening of the MarketFront could very well make for the ideal introduction to the experience. Enjoy the views, smells, tastes, and the combination of it all.

Just one visit and you won’t be able to stop yourself from coming back to the MarketFront.

Seattle Bakeries: Taste the Seattle Flavor

If you love pastries, cakes, and sweets in general, then the variety offered by Seattle bakeries will never leave you hungry or disappointed. Whether you’d like to start your day by sipping your coffee paired with a fresh-baked breakfast, or you prefer an afternoon visit to a bakery, the city has you covered. With countless storied and respected bakeries within the city limits, the enticing aromas and tantalizing tastes never end in Seattle.
Ranging from popular landmarks to quirky holes-in-the-wall, planning a day around a Seattle bakery visit can add a unique angle to your trip. Indulge in your appetite’s greatest desires; eat as many freshly-baked cakes as you’d please as you begin to wrap yourself in the city of Seattle’s overall charm and penchant for influencing tasty adventures.

The simplest way to truly understand the effect of the city’s bakeries is to enjoy them firsthand—so let Seattle pull you in with the smell, keep you reeled in with the taste, and then top it all off with a friendly atmosphere.

Hello Robin
You will, without a doubt, be drawn by your taste buds to become a regular at the cookie and ice-cream sandwich destination that it is Hello Robin. Although its designation as a bakery can be a bit deceiving due to the fact that Hello Robin only serves cookies, the quality of their cookies will ensure that you don’t leave disappointed. The chewiness, quality ingredients, and overall atmosphere guarantee that whether you order a single cookie or a pair of decadent ice cream sandwiches, you will recognize a slight taste of heaven from this highly-underrated establishment.

Crumble & Flake
The first time that you visit Crumble & Flake—do yourself a favor—order the smoked cheddar and paprika croissant. This smoky, cheesy, expertly-baked product (with an undeniable extra boost of buttery flavor) can give you all the evidence you’d need to select it as perhaps the best croissant in Seattle. With the cheddar baked into the crispy, tantalizing shell, you won’t be disappointed with a coagulated glob—but rather an excellent breakfast addition to your life.

Macrina Bakery
If you ever stumble upon an apple turnover or some banana walnut bread from the Macrina Bakery, you would be doing yourself a giant disservice if you didn’t purchase it in bulk. Because of the popularity of the Macrina Bakery, you can easily find a variety of their products at different cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores in the Seattle area. This fan-favorite bakery has developed a tradition of treating their customers with respect and letting their voice be heard, and constantly provides delicacies such as quiche and artisan breads fresh throughout the week at affordable prices.

Bakery Nouveau
If you are looking for the ideal “see-and-be-seen” bakery in Seattle—Bakery Nouveau is the spot for you. Offering arguably the most expensive and highest-quality pastry selection in Seattle, this impressive establishment stocks cookies, stuffed breads, and plenty of custom baked goods upon request. Their specialties include macarons and kouign-amann—a rare find in the city of Seattle as far as bakeries go.

Dahlia Bakery
Have you been craving an egg sandwich in Seattle? If you have, the Dahlia Bakery is likely a godsend and a life-changing discovery. Thanks to a newly-booming custom cake business that has helped the bakery gain additional attention throughout the city, this shop is definitely on the rise. No trip to Seattle would be truly complete without a visit to their welcoming establishment.

Nuflours
Each consumer has different tastes, and for those hungry individuals looking for a bakery to satisfy their gluten-free needs, look no further than Nuflours. Invite a group of tasteful friends and let them all embrace the future of pastries—one that is welcoming of those with dietary restrictions. Gluten free and diet friendly don’t need to be terms automatically associated with tasteless, bland flavors, and Nuflours proves that.

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery
Many decades (or perhaps even centuries) ago, the thought of a business specializing in molten chocolate cake jars would have seemed odd, but if you take just one visit to Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery, you will sincerely understand the benefit(s) offered by this dessert hot spot. Hot Cakes offers you ‘cake jars’, complete with drinking chocolates, or a variety of other desserts like bread pudding, warm chocolate chip cookies a la mode, milkshakes, and more. Regardless of the direction of your craving, this modern bakery should have something for everybody in its tantalizing stock of snacks.
With lots of Seattle bakeries to visit, you will likely have an enjoyable overload of options to choose from while you’re planning your ideal trip. Baked goods (as well as the bakery smells) are plentiful within the city, and your taste buds will surely be in for a treat as you experience Seattle’s offerings. Take it easy and take a bite—Seattle is ready to serve you.

Must-Visit Seattle Water Adventures to Top Your Bucket List

Seattle, Washington is a city that is often viewed as an undeniable paradise to outdoor adventure enthusiasts. All it takes is a single trip for the city to enthrall you with its close-by offerings such as the beauty presented by the Cascades, the majestic Olympics, the quaint experience of Puget Sound, or the mesmerizing collection of winding hills and beautiful lakes.

If you are a visitor to Seattle (especially for the first time), it may be hard for you to know precisely where to begin your water adventures in the city. Because the selection of attractions is so plentiful, allow us this opportunity to compose a list highlighting some of the city’s most amazing water-based highlights to save you time and maximize your enjoyment of your Seattle vacation.

Kayak from Lake Washington to Puget Sound
Water is everywhere in Seattle; if you look around you will more than likely see some beautiful body of water reflecting the day’s natural light back at you. Very few activities provide the level of immersion and exercise that kayaking does, however, and as a result kayaking is regarded as one of the quintessential ways to navigate Seattle’s aquatic beauty. Kayaking from Lake Washington through the locks all the way to Puget Sound is the ideal way to experience the unique experiences made possible by the city’s location and juxtaposition to natural treasures.

All Around Alki
During a hot day in the middle of the summer, the Alki Beach in Seattle will likely present itself as more of a California entity than a Washington one. With a wide array of rollerbladers, beach volleyball players, kites, barbecues, and beautiful people, Alki Avenue has become a summer hotspot in the city. Bring your paddleboard if you’d like to dive right into the water and avoid the heaps of people in the general vicinity. Or visit the Alki Kayak Tour headquarters in West Seattle and find yourself directly in the middle of an amazing experience allowing you to follow the shoreline along the Duwamish Head—providing an unbeatable view of the skyline and Olympic range simultaneously.

Dive Right in for a Swim
Seattle ranks near the top of the United States when it comes to cities with great places to go for a swim. Regardless of your location within the area, you will likely have no trouble finding a local spot for you to indulge in your backstroke or your relaxation. Whether you decide to venture across the Greenlake or through the thumb-shaped Seward Park Peninsula, the city of Seattle has countless water attractions ideal for diving in for a swim and forgetting the rest of your troubles—at least for a day.

Why Not Whitewater Rafting?
While it might come across as imposing upon first glance, whitewater rafting (and accompanying raft floats) are one of Seattle’s greatest attractions. Feel free to choose from activities on a wide range of rivers, including: the Skykomish River, Wenatchee River, Skagit River, Sauk River, Methow River, Yakima River, Icicle River, Green River, and Suiattle River. With that many choices, there should be no reason why everybody can’t find their perfect whitewater rafting experience right in the friendly confines of Seattle.

Ferry Rides Always Feel Right
Ferry Riding in Seattle is one of the perfect ways for you to get on the waters without fear of something extreme or wild happening. Feel free to bring your family on the ferry, and they too can bask in the experience provided as the ferry passes through Seattle’s most beautiful scenic offerings. Both Bainbridge and Bremerton Island are serviced by Seattle’s ferries, and both make for ideal, day-long adventures for single individuals or large family groups.

Alki Beach Park
Considering that Los Angeles has Malibu, and New York has Coney Island, well, Seattle secretly has its own treasure: Alki Beach Park. Your weekend (or even month-long) escape in Seattle will not be complete without visiting Alki Beach Park at least once. With an inviting atmosphere that is less aesthetically-centered than Malibu, and less vulgar than Coney Island, Alki won’t have to do much at all to naturally win you over—it is that peaceful. Alki proudly boasts a spirit-reviving view of the city while also allowing visitors to remain their sense of peace and calm while the world bustles on around them.

With all these excellent choices broken down and served up for you, what are you waiting for now? Get on your feet and make Seattle your next destination. Very few cities are able to offer the combination of beauty and excitement that Seattle does—so before you kick the bucket, you’ve got to kick it in Seattle.

Your Perfect Place to Explore Food

Regardless of the chosen destination, a true vacation or road trip is incomplete without sampling some of the local food options that an area presents you. A variety of region-specific foods should always be on your vacation bucket list, as many locales will be able to offer specialty flavors and delicacies that may not exist in other places you have visited or lived. If you happen to be looking for an ideal place to feed your appetite in the Pacific Northwest, let the Seattle Fresh Food Market provide freshness like you’ve never experienced.

It is basic human nature for travelers to want to immerse themselves into as many different or foreign experiences as possible while on a trip. Although food acts as merely one single set of experiences for travelers, the culinary specialties provided by a city will usually offer a wide range of experiences, flavors, and tastes. The city of Seattle recognizes the importance of appeasing travelers and locals alike, and has created the Seattle Food Fresh Market to provide delicious sustenance to those in need.

Boasting an active market, friendly food sellers, and an inclusive atmosphere, the Seattle Fresh Food Market is a must-visit attraction for those in Seattle. If you are looking for an authentic indulgence into the flavors and freshness of Seattle, a trip will never be complete without spending a day at the Market, conversing with salesman, and soaking up the entirety of the experience.

Locally Produced Food Products
When you purchase food from Seattle Fresh Food Market, not only are you getting something guaranteed to be delicious, but you are also receiving the freshest products available. With an emphasis on nutrition, sustainability, and quality, the market holds itself to high standards. In a city full of food options, the Seattle Fresh Food Market might be the king of them all. While searching for locally-produced products can be often a time-consuming hassle, in Seattle the majority of the work has already been done for you—all you need to do is bring an appetite.

Variety of Food Selection
Regardless of your tastes or dinner desires, the Seattle Fresh Food Market can cater to a variety of needs. Whether you’re searching for quality cuts of red meat, high-quality poultry, or even looking to spoil yourself with some of the coast’s greatest seafood, you can find it all in one place. Perhaps you’re looking for the perfect beverage pairing for all those foods too, even then you will not have to wander far. With a selection that contains the region’s finest artisanal wines, craft beers, specialty ciders, and a plethora of non-alcoholic beverages, the Seattle Fresh Food Market could easily include something about their drink selection in their name and nobody would bat an eye.

It isn’t solely the food and beverage selection that will remain with a visitor in their mind after they exit the market, either. The entire Seattle Fresh Food Market blesses all those who visit with an undeniable experience and a day-long adventure that opens their eyes to recipes, ingredients, and people that will have a positive impact on their cooking and their living moving forward.

Variety of Markets
Perhaps most exciting is that it isn’t just one market or a single vendor available to browse with in Seattle. With selections ranging from Capitol Broadway Farmers Market, Ballard Farmer Market, West Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market, and even Magnolia Neighborhood Farmers Market you will have your free reign to choose which vendor you get your fruits, veggies, meats, and assorted beverages from.
The next time you find yourself in Seattle with time to spare, hunger to appease, thirst to quench, and a need to explore—give the variety of Seattle’s Farmer Markets a chance and see what you have been missing. A vacation isn’t a vacation without a bit of exploring and experimenting with what locals have to offer, after all.

Limitless Food Adventure
After decades of constant improvement and additions to the culinary industry in Seattle, it now exists as one of the best cities in which to take a food adventure. Not only does Seattle contain region-specific specialties like certain types of seafood and produce, but they also have the people capable of teaching you the best ways to use the ingredients you might find. Many cities find themselves with a pompous population to pair with their booming tourism sector, but Seattle pushes forward a genuinely kind sense of welcoming.

When you do visit Seattle, be sure to remain aware of all the tourist destinations and activities that the city has to offer. But before your trip to the city is done, do yourself a favor and visit the Seattle Fresh Food Market, and indulge in everything that it has to offer. You might not be hungry or thirsty every second you are in town, but the market is the perfect attraction even for those looking to explore and not eat. After all, with the amazing selection of fresh choices, it is likely you will find something you can’t wait to buy and save for later use.

Of course you’ll want to experience Seattle’s robust restaurant scene while you’re here, but there are times that you don’t want to eat out and would prefer a home cooked meal in your cozy vacation rental home. That’s where knowing the local grocery stores comes in handy.

For vacation rental homes located in downtown Seattle, there are few grocery stores perfect for your shopping needs.

Kress IGA Supermarket is a locally-owned grocery shop that is stocked with fresh produce, meats, and a standard selection of dry goods. It is located at 1427 3rd Ave, Seattle WA, 98101. Hours of operations are 7AM to 10PM seven days a week.

Pike Grocery offers a wide range of standard and gourmet goods that are nothing but delicious. Deli sandwiches, beer, and wine are also available for purchase. Pikes Grocery is located at 1011 Pike St, Seattle WA, 98101. Hours of operations are 7AM to 12AM Monday through Thursday, Fridays 7AM to 2AM, Saturday 8AM to 2AM, and Sunday 8AM to 12AM. Holiday hours may differ.

Going out to get groceries can be a bit of a hassle. Now there is an easier way to obtain groceries without even having to step foot in a grocery store! Instacart is a fun and fast way to shop via internet for groceries and personal items. The site is easy to navigate and Instacart has you sign up for an account free of charge. Just type in your email address and create a password and poof, you’re done!

Once signed in, you will be asked for the zip code of where you are staying. Once that is entered in, it will bring up a list of stores that offer delivery. Just click on the store that you would like to shop in and voila, let your shopping commence!

Many stores will have your goods available within an hour which makes this shopping solution wonderful for those with vacation or frantic business plans. An extra plus to using Instacart is that you can order goods from multiple stores without having to pay for them all separately. It will all be added to one bill and the receipt is easily emailed to you shortly after.

• Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
• Seattle Aquarium
• Space Needle

You can also choose two other attractions to visit.

• Woodland Park Zoo or Museum of Pop Culture
• Pacific Science Center or Chihuly Garden and Glass

With this Seattle City Pass, you don’t need to stand in the ticket line. You can head straight for the entrance and explore the venue right away! The City Pass comes with one-time admission tickets, coupons, a map and detailed booklet information about the venue. You can also visit the attractions whenever it is convenient for you. The City Pass is valid for 9 consecutive days from the first day of use.

What to Expect

Enjoy the view from the observation deck of the iconic Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is 605′ tall and 138′ wide. It weighs 9,550 tons and can endure winds of up to 200 miles per hour. The Needle has 25 lightning rods and the gyrating SkyCity restaurant. The nearby islands, downtown Seattle skyline, Mount Baker, Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier can be viewed from the top of the structure. You can visit in the morning and in the night to witness picturesque views of Seattle from 520′ in the air.

From moon jellies to giant Pacific octopuses and sea otters, there are a lot of things to look forward to at the Seattle Aquarium. Why don’t you visit the Window on Washington Waters? The 120,000-gallon exhibit showcases diver shows every day. You can see and touch live sea creatures in the tide pools. Don’t forget to drop by at the Pacific Coral Reef exhibit and experience the 360⁰ view of the Underwater Dome, an undersea dome that houses hundreds of Puget Sound fish.

The Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour will let you learn more about Seattle. It’s a one-hour, live-narrated tour of the Seattle Harbor and Elliott Bay. You will enjoy the scenic views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and Seattle’s busy shipyards, historic waterfront, stunning Alki Beach, dazzling skyline and spectacular natural beauty.

You can then choose from two other attractions according to your interests. Pick from the Woodland Park Zoo, an award-winning zoological garden around the city’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood or the Museum of Pop Culture, an interactive non-profit museum that showcases art pieces depicting contemporary popular culture.

You can also choose from the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the studio glass of American entrepreneur and glass sculptor Dale Chihuly or the Pacific Science Center, a science museum built for the 1962 World’s Fair. It was designed by Minoru Yamasaki. Aside from giving entrance to every attraction, the Seattle City Pass also contains transportation information, insider tips and hours of operation to help you navigate the city with ease and maximize your visit.

James Beard Foundation 2017 Restaurant and Chef Semi-Finalists

The James Beard Foundation awards have been called the Oscars of the North American food world. In February, the prestigious James Beard Foundation released their list of semi-finalists for the 2017 Restaurant and Chef Awards.

With nineteen 2017 James Beard Foundation semi-finalists, your downtown Seattle vacation rental home is perfectly located near a variety of stellar dining experiences. Here’s the official list of Seattle’s 2017 James Beard Award semi-finalists by category.

Best Chef, Northwest
These chefs have set new or consistent standards of excellent in their respective regions. Nominees may be from any kind of dining establishing and must have five years’ experience, with the three most recent years spent in their region.

Eric Donnelly is the executive chef at RockCreek Seafood & Spirits. This Freemont neighborhood restaurant and bar centers around globally-sourced seafood from well-managed fisheries.

Mike Easton is chef/owner of Il Corvo. Handmade pasta and daily specials make this downtown Seattle Italian restaurant perfect for lunch or dinner.

Edouardo Jordan is chef/owner of Salare, a chef-driven, Ravenna neighborhood restaurant blending exotic influences with classic American fare.

Kotaro Kumita is chef/general manager at Wataru, which focuses on Edomae-style sushi.

Nathan Lockwood is the chef/owner of Altura, an Italian fine dining restaurant in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Shaun McCrain is chef/owner of Copine, a contemporary American restaurant utilizing classic French techniques.

Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi are chef/owners of Joule. Here they blend Korean flavors and classic techniques.

Outstanding Chef
Nominees are North American chefs, with five years’ experience, whose careers have set national industry standards and who inspire other food professionals.

Matt Dillon is the busy chef of Sitka & Spruce in Capitol Hill, Corson Building in Georgetown, and Bar Sajor in Pioneer Square.

Blaine Wetzel is head chef of Willows Inn and Lummi Island which prides itself on a prix fixe menu that is seasonal and local.

Outstanding Baker
Nominees have at least five years’ baking or pastry chef experience and serve as a national standard-bearer of excellence.

Evan Andres bakes at Columbia City Bakery, which also supplies area farmer’s markets with their tasty baked goods.

Rising Star Chef of the Year
These chefs are 30 years old or younger, display impressive talent, and are likely to make a significant impact on the industry.

Jay Blackinton is chef, farmer, and co-owner of Hogstones Wood Oven on Orcas Island. They craft wood fired vegetable dishes and pizzas from locally-sourced ingredients. Menu changes weekly and often daily.

Best New Restaurant
Restaurants opened in 2016 that display excellence in food, beverage, and service and are likely to make a significant impact on the dining scene.

No Anchor in the Belltown neighborhood is a beer bar and Pacific Northwest restaurant focusing on fresh, local, sustainable ingredients.

Upper Bar Ferdinand in Capitol Hill’s Chophouse Row focuses on pairing small production wines and spirits with a simple food menu including dry aged and cured meats, local seafood, bread, and vegetables.

Outstanding Restauranteur
Working restauranteur with ten years’ in the restaurant business who sets high national standards in operations and entrepreneurship. Cannot have won a James Beard Foundation chef award in five years.

Ethan Stowell of Ethan Stowell Restaurants has a stable of over a dozen restaurants, including Staple & Fancy, Tavolata, and Anchovies & Olives.

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirts Professional
Professional making significant national impact on the industry.

Wayne Carpenter with Skagit Valley Malting is a custom malt house ushering in a new, modernized era of malt.

Outstanding Wine Program
Restaurant at least five years old serving as national standard bearer for excellence in wine service with a well-presented wine list, knowledgeable staff, and customer education focus.

Canlis was established in 1950 and has defined contemporary Northwest cuisine. They have one of the finest cellars in the world and feature 5 sommeliers, 2,5000 selections, and 18,000 bottles.

Wild Ginger has a temperature-controlled cellar with over 30,000 bottles. Their knowledgeable wine team oversees a wine program that consistently wins awards from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Washington Wine Commission, and more.

Outstanding Bar Program
Restaurant or bar demonstrating excellence in cocktail, spirits, and or beer service.

With over 3,500 labels and counting, Canon has the western hemisphere’s largest spirit collection. This Capitol Hill cocktail bar is also a restaurant serving upscale American cuisine.