Spooky Seattle

The modern Seattle scene, with its mellow vibes and coffee-scented air, has a macabre and mysterious dark side. Yes, folks, there’s a haunted tale to be told of misty Seattle. Does that peak your interest?

Good. Come to Seattle during the perfectly dreary fall months, book yourself a fantastic rental home near downtown, and take yourself for a few ghostly tours of supernatural Seattle.

Historic Pike Place Market
If you’re into wandering around somewhere that claims to be inhabited with apparitions, Pike Place is teeming with ghost stories. The market was established in 1907 as a result of Seattle City Council preventing price gouging on foods and sundries. It was so successful, even during the Great Depression, that it expanded and became a hub for all sorts of characters and businesses.

One of the most famous spirits is that of Princess Angeline, oldest daughter of Chief Seattle. While she made her living with her laundry service and selling hand woven baskets, she helped integrate the new settlers with the Kikisoblu Native tribes. She ignored the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, and that stubbornness held through to her afterlife. She has been seen all around Pike Market, most likely because it is built upon her former cabin site. People have described her as an elderly, hunched woman with a signature red handkerchief on her head, shuffling along as though her feet aren’t touching the ground. She looks so real that people are shocked when she just disappears into thin air.

Private Eye on Seattle Tours
Not that you’ll need a real guide to show you the ropes around downtown Seattle, but it sure is a fun way to learn the history of the most haunted areas around. Care to take a spooktacular tour of places like the Overlook, the Mortuary, or the Haunted Theatre? Let owner and operator, Jake from Private Eye on Seattle drive you and a dozen others all over the city to learn the myths and legends surrounding the most haunted areas of the city. With a 16-year history of giving tours, it’s Seattle’s longest running Ghost Tour.

Spooked in Seattle
Tours are nice if you’re wanting a relatively small chance of meeting a phantom yourself, but if trying to cajole a ghost into speaking or interacting with you is more your cup of tea, let Spooked in Seattle take you on a paranormal hunt. Taking a hunt of the Seattle Underground gets even creepier as tour guides in period costumes lead you deep into the spirited places, give you some pointers, and then let you roam to find out what the spirits are dying to tell you.

Save yourself from neighbors that go bump in the night with a home rental near downtown Seattle. Keeping your wits about you when all you can hear is footsteps moving and unfamiliar voices lurking in the halls will be very vexing. After being through a real paranormal ringer of a night, get some quality rest with a quiet rental house. Choosing one that is near the downtown will be a terrific option. It is central to all things fun to do late at night, just in case you need that nightcap to forget all the unearthly discoveries you made while exploring supernatural Seattle.

Fashion Forward Seattle

For those seeking a truly unique fashion experience, travel to Seattle for an immense sampling of the world’s greatest styles. Tour numerous boutiques as well as established fashion houses for inspiration in creating your own personal style.

Those looking to expand their knowledge not only of history but fashion should plan to visit the Seattle Art Museum this fall or winter. SAM will be hosting an exhibit which honors the contribution of one particular designer, Yves Saint Laurent.

Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style
The exhibit will be open to the public from October 11, 2016 until January 8, 2017, allowing plenty of time to truly absorb the significance of this one man in the world of couture. French designer Yves Saint Laurent lived from 1936 until 2008, and deserves to be honored for his ground breaking designs over his illustrious 44-year career. Although he dealt with depression, Laurent still managed to become the named successor for fashion designer Christian Dior. His first clothing line, titled “Trapeze,” expressed youth and glamour. Across his collections, Laurent included pantsuits in every single one because of his belief that it is a timeless look in women’s fashion.

This particular exhibition is also a nod to current fashion, hosting a unique competition for designers looking to make their mark on the clothing industry. Each of the designers is tasked with creating their own take on some of Yves Saint Laurent’s most famous pieces, for a chance to be a part of the exhibition. The iconic YSL looks they are re-creating are the 1965 Mondrian Dress, the Safari Dress, and the 1983 Evening Dress.

Downtown Seattle’s Retail District
If you want to leave history in the past, try the Downtown Seattle retail area. Property owners and brokers have been making vast efforts to increase the amount of variety in stores, thus increasing foot traffic. Stroll through the area and perhaps stop at Kuhlman Men’s and Women’s Clothing, which features leather goods with a modern twist as well as tailored clothing for the business traveler. If you need a souvenir with function and flair, the Bella Umbrella store will have the perfect keepsake to remember Seattle’s infamous weather. Each uniquely shaped umbrella will completely change how you feel about rain clouds. Another store to pop into is the Baby and Co. Don’t be fooled; while the name Baby and Co. might sound like a children’s store, it is home to some of Seattle’s most unique pieces for both men and women. Bright patterns, stylish leather goods, and organic clothing set this store apart from the rest.

Have a penchant for designer goods? Find your ideal shopping center with the Seattle Shopping page. This comprehensive list is separated into men’s and women’s clothing, and contains various shopping centers to everyone is bound to find what they are looking for.

Those who like to arrange their day down to the minute will appreciate how easy Seattle has made it to park the car. To easily plan your day of shopping, consult this all-inclusive map of various parking options for those looking to spend an hour or the entire day walking the downtown Seattle area.

Tip-Top Seattle

Downtown Seattle offers excitement at every turn. From Pike Place Market to city tours, you won’t walk a block without discovering something new. And of the most incredible experiences, the Seattle Great Wheel and the Space Needle top the list.

Seattle Great Wheel
The Great Wheel has only been around since 2012, yet its iconic presence is sure to make it a historic destination for decades to come. Extending beyond Pier 57, glass-enclosed gondolas on this larger-than-life Ferris Wheel make passengers feel as if they’re floating above the gorgeous waters of Elliott Bay.

At a height of 175 feet, a few rotations on the Wheel provide ample time to experience all that makes Seattle one of the most vibrant places in the world. You’ll see the lively markets and the interaction of thrilled tourists and friendly locals. You’ll marvel at fabulous views of the city. Your jaw will drop at the beautiful ocean blues and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Tickets and Parking
It’s recommended to purchase tickets online and in advance, though they can certainly be purchased in person. Tickets cost $13 + tax for adults and youth ages 12 and older, while kids under 12 may ride for $8.50 + tax. Little ones (up to age 3) ride for free, but they must still hold tickets. These can only be obtained in person, as is true for seniors, who ride for $11 + tax.

Parking is a piece of cake, thanks to Seattle’s user-friendly public parking map. Paid parking is also available along nearby Alaskan Way and on Western Avenue.

Restaurants Nearby
There are endless options for amazing meals within walking distance of the Great Wheel (and on your way to the Space Needle). Choose from sushi, pizza, European cuisine, or Asian fusion, to name a few. Of course, little could be better than dining on fresh seafood with an ocean view. Two fabulous seafood restaurants on Pier 57 are recommended by the Seattle Great Wheel: The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar and The Crab Pot Restaurant and Bar.

Space Needle
Just over a mile away is the magnificent Space Needle, a futuristic enigma of architecture originally designed for the 1962 World’s Fair. To this day, it remains one of the most mesmerizing structural visions on the continent. The Observation Deck, at a height of 520 feet, grants views that rival those from your wildest dreams. Indeed, there is little you can’t see from your 360-degree vantage point.

Tickets and Parking
Tickets purchased on the day of your visit may be limited, so it’s wise to plan ahead. General admission tickets start at $14 (ages 5-12), $19 (seniors at 65+), and $22 (ages 13-64); other packages are also available. Here, too, your hosts make parking as breezy as possible – valet costs little more than nearby parking garages. The following parking rates are valid for three hours: General Valet – $25. SkyCity Guests – $12. Observation Deck Guests – $16. Chihuly Garden & Glass Guests – $16. Each additional hour costs $3.

SkyCity Restaurant
If you’ve sampled the many options downtown, try the phenomenal restaurant inside the Space Needle. SkyCity is open for brunch Friday – Sunday, luncheon on Tuesday – Thursday, and dinner every day of the week. There may be no better view with your dinner in the entire Pacific Northwest.

And at the end of an amazing day, don’t fret. Your vacation rental home awaits you with open arms.

Seattle is Fabulous in Fall

Travelers in the know love to settle into the Emerald City after the summer crowds have parted. There are few sights more breathtaking than the golds, oranges, and reds of autumn, set against the grand backdrop of Mount Rainier. While Seattle boasts four incredible, action-packed seasons, fall is truly a spectacular time to visit.

Imagine the perfect vacation day. Crisp temperatures, a little sunshine, and a gorgeous locale set the stage for an adventure. You awaken to a cool breeze from an open window. You drink your morning coffee on the patio of your vacation home. There’s no rush – drink another cup, if you please. After breakfast, gather your group for a mid-morning visit to a local pumpkin patch. Later, wander to Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle for lunch, shopping, and a flying-fish extravaganza. Relax at a nearby park, where you can appreciate the stunning beauty of the foliage and the vibrancy of the city. Cap the evening at the Teatro ZinZanni Dinner Theatre, or reinvigorate your senses at the Seahawks night game.

Whether you prefer to plan or explore, the opportunities to experience Seattle’s best are endless.

Views for Days
Whale watching on Puget Sound or the San Juan Islands is arguably one of the most visually stunning experiences in all of nature. Indeed, it may be the quintessential outdoor adventure for Seattle. The rich blue ocean hues take a backseat only to the majestic creatures themselves. Browse a number of fantastic tour options through your search engine, and your family or business colleagues will soon be spending the day with orcas and humpback whales.

Similarly, Seattle’s remarkable fall foliage is not to be missed. Seward Park on Lake Washington offers a striking view of vivid autumn leaves, complemented by crystal waters. Olympic National Park covers endless miles of wooded wonderland, which, with mountains, blue-green lakes, and fields of flowers, feels more like movie magic than reality. Hike on Mount Rainier or Mount Baker at Snoqualmie National Forest, from which you can see the fabulous sites of Seattle and the incredible wonder that is the Pacific Northwest. Stop by Kerry Park in the idyllic Queen Anne Park area, which offers unbelievable views from one of the loveliest spots in the city.

Festivals
Fall was made for festivals, and no other city appreciates this quite like Seattle. Among others, September welcomes Bumbershoot, Seattle’s three-day smorgasbord of music, art, comedy, and culture. Earshot Jazz hosts performances on the daily, but the Earshot Jazz Festival, beginning in early October and lasting until mid-November, brings incredible musicians and ensembles from all over the world right to your vacation destination of Seattle. The annual Seattle International Comedy Competition takes place throughout the entire month of November, with shows offered almost nightly at various local haunts.

Get Your Tickets
For the organized vacationer or scheduling enthusiast, there are a multitude of options in the heart of Seattle. Experience the Chocolate Indulgence Tour (or one of many other delectable tours for foodies), a two-hour treat for chocolate lovers and learners alike. Forget Oompa Loompa serenades on this tour – you’ll be too busy savoring cupcakes, cheesecakes, bites of bliss, and chocolatey history lessons.

And, of course, it’s imperative to book a trip around the Seattle Great Wheel and a ticket to the Space Needle before journeying back to your fabulous vacation rental home. It’s been a good day in Seattle, my friend.

Falling for Seattle’s Kid Scene

Autumn is a wonderful time to get to know downtown Seattle’s family-oriented scene. From U-pick orchards to great indoor pools, there are an abundance of things to do. Pro tip: rent a home near the downtown area and you will have all the space, quiet, and amenities you love at your own home, but in a new city. Downtown is central to most everything, so that would be an ideal area to stay. Exploring a new area (or old stomping grounds) can be much more comfortable when you don’t have to worry about the 2 A.M. party in the next hotel room or maid service trying to clean around your morning routine. It makes the whole experience a lot more intimate, too.

Where to Go for Fall Outdoor Fun
Here’s a great synopsis of where to go for autumn activities around the Seattle downtown and immediately surrounding areas.

Fisherman’s Fall Fest
Live music, craft boat building, and great seafood – it’s what people think of when they think Seattle. Come with the entire family and celebrate with the locals. Located in Fisherman’s Terminal, there are a variety of restaurants and retail shops to make this a wonderful introduction to downtown Seattle. Best of all, it’s free.

The Gum Wall and the Great Wheel are located around the Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. These area attractions have been drawing families with amazing views from the Great Wheel and the wall’s, well, flavor. Two iconic sightseeing stops in the wonderful market area will be an unforgettable photo opportunity not to miss.

Check Out Low Tide
Watching sea life up close and personal is such a fun experience. Visit any of the area’s beaches at low tide and see a “pocket beach”. The kids will enjoy the creature show that’s right in front of their eyes.

Take an Argosy Locks Cruise
View Fisherman’s Terminal, floating homes, and Puget Sound from the water. Tours last an hour and there are ample bathrooms and snacks for purchase aboard. Traveling the city by boat is a lovely way to take all beautiful Seattle shoreline.

The Farm at Swan’s Trail in Snohomish
This U pick farm has a lot more going on than just homegrown produce. It’s an hour away from downtown Seattle, but once you get there, this place will keep the family busy with loads of fun things to do. There’s apple picking, free wagon rides, a 45-acre pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and even a 9-hole golf putting course.

Rain Happens in Seattle
Knowing the Washington area, you can rest assured there will be some rainy weather. Not to fear, there are so many fun things to do inside it could make your head spin.

Seattle’s Indoor Pools – Seattle Parks and Rec have the indoor waterpark down to an art. Sprinkled all around the Seattle area, they have giant slides, lazy rivers, and toddler splash pools so everyone can enjoy the water. Best part of playing in an indoor pool, no sunscreen needed.

Wunderkind – Got a Lego© lover in the family? Half of the 1,800 square foot space is loaded with all the beloved building blocks and the other half lets parents can keep an eye on the future architects and even grab a bite to eat or an espresso.

Children’s Festival – Multi-cultural families from all over Seattle come to celebrate the city’s diversity at this unique festival. Educational programs, live music, and hands on workshops all make this a great place to take the kiddos.

Seattle Aquarium – Lots of aquatic animals to see and special exhibits running throughout the year. There’s even a designated toddle time for the youngest members of the family to get involved in all the fun.

Baby Friendly Movie Theatres – A revolutionary idea for the kids that maybe aren’t so ready sit still for more than 10 minutes. Several area theaters offer special days of the week for toddler friendly viewing and some theatres offer a “cry room” for baby meltdown emergencies so parents don’t have miss any of the movie.

All this, not to mention all the delicious fresh seafood, friendly atmosphere, and the very first Starbucks. Seattle isn’t tailored only for cool adults, it’s for the cool kids too. When you visit Seattle, bring the kids, stay in a cozy vacation rental home, and take in all that the city has to offer. It will be a trip everyone will remember warmly.

Fremont Neighborhood in Downtown Seattle

Step outside your vacation rental home on your next vacation and visit Fremont in downtown Seattle. Proclaiming itself the “Center of the Universe,” Fremont is found on the north shore of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, where you’ll encounter a cornucopia of visual and savory delights.

Famous Fremont Events
As eccentric as it is bohemian, Fremont boasts an array of options to entertain any age group all day and night. Begin with a stroll along the Aurora Bridge, then take a trip to the Fremont Abbey Arts Center for a cultural experience like none other. This historic abbey welcomes all ages and incomes in order to bring music to the masses.

If an unusual flair is more of what you’re looking for, Fremont can accommodate with ease. Every year, the area dances with exuberance in celebration of the Solstice with a music festival, immense selection of savories, and even a networking event at the beginning to make the next great connection. Put on your birthday suit, because also featured in this unusual festival is a Solstice Parade, in which cyclists and walkers alike wear nothing but body paint.

Shopping Sprees
What great trip is complete without a shopping spree? Fremont won’t disappoint as it features numerous boutiques that present local designers as a focal point. Strut your stuff into The Show Pony Boutique and leave with clothes that are unique yet versatile, and maybe a deliciously scented candle. Need to complete the look? Les Amis is sure to please with a huge variety of prints, solids, and everything in between so you don’t get stuck in typical Seattle weather without a sophisticated scarf or hat.

When your trip includes more than just the girls, the Fremont Sunday Market has something for everyone. Not only does the market specialize in fresh produce, vintage collectibles and handmade art can be appreciated all while enjoying delicious street vendor food. Fresh tacos, crispy fried chicken, and even Japanese style hot dogs are fair game in this fragrant paradise.

Dine in Style
After enjoying the visual delights of Fremont, it’s essential to top any journey off with delicious food and drink. The Restaurant Roux was given the honor of being called one of the Best Bites of 2014 by the Seattle Times’ restaurant critic’s list, and for good reason. This French Cajun, creole inspired cuisine is sure to knock your socks off with its menu featuring aromatic spices and flavors. Its menu is sure to please, boasting everything from Louisiana Style Frog Legs to Jambalaya. For a piece of Korean fusion, The Revel is the ideal destination for you. Offering cooking classes for all levels, the chef is able to impart their knowledge while creating a world class dish in front of your eyes.

Don’t fill up too much to skip a rich, decadent dessert at Theo Chocolate. This Organic and Fair Trade certified company offers tours every day of the week for those who can’t get enough of chocolate. The enterprise believes in a “bean to bar” philosophy, using artisanal methods to craft a luxurious experience in each and every morsel.

Live the Downtown Seattle Life by Choosing a Vacation Rental Home

Whether you’re planning a Seattle trip exclusively for a couples’ getaway or an all-out family vacation, the best bet for your money and sanity is with a rental home in downtown Seattle. A vacation rental home means no noisy hallways or people in the rooms above and below you. Safely garaging your rental car and having all the amenities of home will make you never want to hassle with a hotel.

The Pike Place Market area is central to downtown Seattle and it is bustling with things to do. From the kid-friendly Savor Seattle Chocolate Tour to a slew of outdoor concerts in every genre that continue into the beginning of September, if you’re up for it, it’s going to be a great time. Best of all, you’ll only minutes away from your vacation rental.

Cook Like a Local
Not feeling like a hectic day on your vacation? One beauty of renting a home while you’re staying in Seattle is keeping it low key in the Emerald City. Grab provisions from the Pike Place Farmer’s Market, which is open 363 days a year, and create a fantastic meal in the comfort of your vacation rental home’s kitchen. All utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment are at your disposal.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and More in Downtown Seattle
If it isn’t a real vacation unless you don’t have to pick up a single pan to cook, then you are in for a real treat. Downtown Seattle has wonderful options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late night snack. Start your day at Biscuit Bitch (no misspelling here). Serving breakfast, brunch, and a coffee bar, you’re going to enjoy every bite and sip. Walk around downtown Seattle until it’s time for lunch. Cuck into Pike Place Chowder. Award-winning chowder, of course, is up for grabs as well as sandwiches and bisques. Open since 1991, and now with several locations, you’ll know you can dine like a true Seattle local. And if you absolutely love the soups there, shop online and ship it home when you’re feeling nostalgic. Locals recommend Radiator Whiskey for dinner. Opened in spring of 2103, it has quickly become a staple eatery in downtown Seattle. Operating hours are 4 to midnight, Monday through Saturday. Craft cocktails, a wide food menu, and even a happy hour specials on drinks from 4-6pm make this a must-try while you’re in downtown Seattle.

With so much to offer, Seattle is truly a city with something for everyone. You won’t be disappointed picking a vacation rental home in downtown Seattle instead of a chain hotel. Choosing a rental home near the hub of downtown Seattle combines all the amenities and attractions at your fingertips, and all the privacy and comfort of your own home, just with a different zip code. Start planning your Seattle getaway today.

Seattle Business Trip with Babies

Let’s say Seattle beckons your husband for business reasons and there’s an open invite for your family to join him. Sounds like a fun little vacation, right? All the new places you haven’t seen, it’s your infant’s first trip, and timing couldn’t be better to visit downtown Seattle.

Then, logistics settle in…two children under two in a city you’ve never navigated by yourself? Instead of thinking it’s overwhelming, just plan ahead and it’s completely manageable. Let’s start with your families’ residence for the next week.  

Vacation Rental Homes – It’s the Small Things

Hotels are nice, but here’s a list of reasons to choose a vacation rental home near downtown Seattle instead. First off, the noise factor. Kids make noise, you make noise because of your kids, and you need noise to stop at a certain time of the day for naps and bedtime. You just can’t fight noise in any hotel. There will always be some amount going on. A vacation rental home will have separate rooms, so baby can nap while you and the toddler jam out to Yo Gabba Gabba.  Secondly, when there are bottles to keep cold, food to make for a demanding child, and a favorite sippy cup to wash again and again, you’ll need a kitchen. Average hotel rooms aren’t usually equipped with a decent kitchen, but rental homes most certainly are. Lastly, kids have so much stuff that explodes all over. You will want room to walk around, maybe even an area you can designate for all fort making and tummy time actives. Homes have lots of room. Hotels, not so much.

Wear ‘Em Out

Now that you’re near Seattle’s bustling downtown, here’s what you do with your babies while he’s at boring meetings all day. Getting around downtown Seattle is a snap with the monorail. Children 4 and under are free, adults are $2.25 for a one-way ticket, and they are stroller friendly. Easier than a rental car, car seats, and you get to see the city. It’s a no-brainer. While you’re out, visit the Seattle Aquarium, ride the ducks at Westlake Park or check out indoor activities in Seattle’s community centers. There’s so much to do and see, even for the littlest of kiddos.

Dining for the Whole Family

Of course, what is a family vacation without trying out some of the local fare? It may be difficult to find something that everyone can enjoy equally, but here are a few suggestions. Highly recommended through Yelp, Chace’s Pancake Corral is open at 6 am and closes at 2:30 pm. There’s kid favorite breakfasts like waffles and buttermilk pancakes as well as adult versions, like red potato (interesting!) and crepes. A fantastic lunch option is Vios. Traditional Greek fare and a kid friendly menu with things like chicken kabobs and macaroni and cheese. Added bonus: there’s an indoor play area with toys and puzzles to pacify them while you eat your food while it’s still warm. Dinner at the fabulous Costal Kitchen will be enjoyed by all. The traditional kid’s menu is vast for even the pickiest eater (buttered noodles, check) and the adult palate will be pleased by the many American fare options, like delicious fresh oysters.

Enjoy all of downtown Seattle with your family and don’t miss a great opportunity to venture out. It’s a fantastic place and be sure to take full advantage of your vacation rental home while you’re there. You will not be disappointed.

What’s New in Downtown Seattle’s
Pike Place Market

A busker strums a sweet melody on an old blues guitar. A magician mesmerizes with a mind-boggling illusion. Fish soar in the air. The sights and sounds mingle with the aromas of freshly-baked cookies and caffe latte. Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is a veritable wonderland for the senses, and of the newest arrivals, a few of the most exciting are indulgences of taste.

Vacation Cheat Days + French Pastries = Yes, please
Hidden beneath the skybridge on Western Avenue, discover Choukette, the new home of the cream-filled and unbelievably delicious French éclair. The married owners of this modest pastry shop, who have recently returned from nearly two decades in France, call it éclair’art with good reason. These delectables are not only insanely tasty – they’re gorgeous, to boot. Choose from seasonal wonders (think: passion fruit and huckleberry mascarpone) and time-tested masterpieces (classic chocolate, salted caramel) – or don’t. After all, these perfectly proportioned pockets of dough beg for you to taste more than one. But there’s no reason to stop there. You’re on vacation, and your journey in Seattle’s Pike Place Market is just beginning.

Sweet Nostalgia
Stroll from the French bakery to 1st Avenue, where you’ll go back in time at Shug’s Soda Fountain. Nostalgic themes and flavors blend with a modern aesthetic just as beautifully as cream blends with sugar. The results are magnificent. Satisfy your sweet tooth with throwback sodas (cherry, chocolate, pineapple, or lime, to name a few), shakes, and ice cream sundaes with a menagerie of tasty toppings. Shug’s is more than just a treat for the taste buds, though. It’s a reminder of a simpler time. Shug’s provides the perfect space for you to cherish what’s important. Laugh with your family over a Pam Betty June sundae, or reminisce with old friends over a champagne float. (It’s a thing. You’re welcome.) Toss back a beer or sip a white wine while you contemplate your next move in the Market.

Seattle Loves Craft Beer
Meander down the block for happy hour at Old Stove Brewing Co., where spirits flow freely from stove-handle spouts. This extraordinarily cool brewery showcases a taproom with long, red oak community tables, the perfect setting to interact with new pals or to relax with family. That’s right – this place is remarkably family friendly. Little and big kids alike will marvel at the mural featuring hidden whatsits and thingamajigs, while nostalgia fanatics will delight in vintage treasures (beer treasures, that is). The nosh is just as impressive (locally-sourced roast turkey dip, anyone?). Mostly, though, this is a beer lover’s haven. The 16 taps of meticulously crafted beer elicit total brew euphoria. It’s the perfect ending to an incredible day.

Tried and True
Don’t leave the Market without stopping by the old favorite stomping grounds. Rachel the Piggy Bank is still there and well, and she’s raised more than $200,000 to support worthy causes. The Farmer’s Market, the original public market and foundation of Pike Place, is a time-honored tradition of local food and flower sourcing. Craft stores and jewelry shops continue to carry some of the most unique and fabulous pieces you’ll find anywhere. Pike Place Market isn’t just a stop for your Seattle vacation – it’s the stop. Take a look at our amazing vacation homes, and start planning a trip you’ll never forget.

This district is pretty split when it comes to the different areas of the neighborhood. On one side, it’s full of artists, musicians, and students. This side features tattoo parlors, coffeehouses, and plenty of music venues and bars. The other side is more upscale with tree-lined streets, 19th century mansions, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Within this side of Capitol Hill are parks aplenty and cute, quirky shops to browse.

If shopping is a must while away on your Seattle vacation, then Capitol Hill is right up your alley. Want some eco-friendly soaps and maybe a selection of unique clothing and jewelry? Melrose Market provides just that. Looking for more of a sleek and designer space with updated threads and footwear? Totokaelo carries it. Or do you want a good book to read while staying in your vacation rental home? The Elliott Bay Book Company has got your back.

Now let’s get down to what you really want to know about: food! If you’re looking for premium restaurants, bars, or cafes, Capitol Hill has it. This downtown Seattle neighborhood provides a range of delicious foods to be devoured. Annapurna Café offers traditional dishes from India, Nepal, and Tibet. Mamnoon features bold flavors of Syrian and Lebanese fare. If you are looking for more of a cozy and informal setting, Volunteer Park Café provides just that.

New and exciting food places are constantly popping up within Capitol Hill. An old building where a local favorite unfortunately closed is now being turned into a new restaurant called Sugar Hill. Sugar Hill is currently under construction with plans to open later in 2016. It will be a bar-focused eatery featuring Thai street-style food. Tigerly Ox is another restaurant located in Seattle that is expanding its brand into Capitol Hill.

Capitol Hill is a delight to explore and indulge in its scenery. With many shops, restaurants, and a few museums to check out, it is a must to see on your vacation. Be sure to plan a few days exploring this neighborhood because one day is just not going to cut it.

The Seattle Symphony

Add some culture and fun to your vacation adventures by attending the Seattle Symphony while you’re visiting Seattle with your family, significant other, or even a solo business trip. With live music that keeps you entertained, the Seattle Symphony will have you coming back during every Seattle stay.

The Seattle symphony is one of America’s leading symphony orchestras. They feature a range of shows from Hollywood’s Silver Screen to an immersive concert of sound and light. Each show is unique and runs from September to July.

Located in the heart of Seattle within Benaroya Hall, the Seattle Symphony is just a hop and skip away from your vacation rental home. The Hall is on 200 University Street, which is directly across from Second Ave and the Seattle Art Museum. Public transportation can get you there, or try taking a Lyft or Uber.

Not only does the Seattle Symphony perform their regular seasons at the Benaroya Hall, they’ve also made nearly 150 recordings, received 2 Grammy Awards, 21 Grammy nominations, and 2 Emmy Awards. The symphony also serves as the pit orchestra for most productions of the Seattle Opera. Among their regular shows, the symphony provides shows just for families with children younger than 5 years of age. Tickets for each show can be purchased at the Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle or online.

Not familiar with attending the symphony? It’s a lot like any other concert. When you purchase your tickets, you’ll be assigned a seat. Upgrading your seat is always available, check out seat assignments here. Dressing up isn’t required, at Benaroya Hall they want you to feel comfortable during your time there.

Instead of just arriving 30 minutes before your concert begins, show up a few hours early and make it a night by enjoying dinner and drinks at Benaroya Hall. Pre-concert dining at Muse is open to all ticket holders two hours prior to most Seattle Symphony performances. Reservations are encouraged and may be made here.

Full-service lobby bars offer cocktails, wine, and beer. They’re open 75 minutes prior to performances and through intermission. You can even pre-order beverage and desserts before the show and enjoy them during intermission. Simply stop by a lobby bar or the coffee and dessert island prior to the performance, place your order, and pre-pay.

No matter if you make a full night of your Seattle Symphony experience or just go for the show, you’re sure to be thoroughly entertained.

Seattle’s Hottest Chefs

The rock stars of cooking, these incredibly talented chefs are making headlines and creating new and exciting food that will ignite your taste buds with flavor.

While you’re visiting Seattle, be sure to check out one or all of the restaurants that contain these five rising stars. You’re sure to experience tasty food combinations that will have your taste buds soaring.

Chef Shannon Martincic is the Chef de Cuisine at Bar Noroeste
2051 7th Avenue

Featuring a culinary resume of an international proportion, Shannon Martinicic’s plates are sure to get your taste buds intrigued. Currently running a taco bar and Bar Noroeste, Shannon is far from serving standard Mexican food. Her tacos begin with venison crudo and are bristling with almond slivers and fizzled shallots. With hardly any citrus and no avocados, these tacos will delight your taste buds and have you singing Chef Martinicic’s praises.

Chef Kris Kim is the Chef de Cuisine at Trove
500 East Pike

Applying new techniques to age-old traditions, Chef Kris Kim showcases innovative dishes with flavor. Chef Kim’s petit tender is poached in tallow and then rubbed with smoky-sweet onion ash. A quick rise to Chef de Cuisine, Kim has opened opportunities for other chefs to show off and share their ideas with Trove Trials.

Chef James Saito is a Sushi Chef at Sushi Kashiba
86 Pine Street Suite 1

James Saito has learned the ways of traditional minimalist Edomae-style sushi. Working under Seattle’s own sushi legend, Shiro Kashiba, Chef Saito prepares omakase alongside Kashiba while other nights making nigiri and rolls for tables in the dining room. He loves to continue learning more of the sushi trade and has said that learning is the biggest joy of this job.

Chef Taylor Thornhill is Chef de Cuisine at Bateau
1040 E Union Street

Infusing animal steak house with classic French technique gives Taylor Thornhill unique dishes unlike anything else. Taylor Thornhill apprenticed with butchers in Spain and France, giving him a culinary advantage. With plates filled with milk-braised sweetbreads that mingle with a potent tang of pickled elderflowers, you just won’t find plates prettier than his.

Chef Dezi Bonow is a Chef at The Carlile Room
820 Pine Street

With 12 years across the Tom Douglas empire, Dezi Bonow has accomplished an, “interesting vegetables” theme to complement an original steak house concept. Sparkling innovation radiates from each dish like blistered sugar snap peas and pea sprouts in dill butter with a juniper-carrot “ginaigrette.” Bonow keeps his dishes fresh which pleases many consumers greatly.

Seattle Mariners 2016 Season Is Here!

The 2016 baseball season is upon us and the Seattle Mariners are of course a local favorite. It doesn’t matter if you are a baseball fan or not, going to a Mariners game is a fun way to spend time amongst Seattle locals and experience their outgoing baseball spirit.

The 2016 baseball season begins in March and ends near the beginning of October. For the Seattle Mariners, many home games happen in April, May, and August. Tickets for any Seattle Marine’s home game sell out quickly, so if your Seattle trip is happening this summer, be sure to check out the dates for a home game that fits your schedule.

Tickets go quickly so be sure to purchase them in advance. Online allows you to purchase family tickets, college student tickets, military tickets, and even senior citizen tickets.

The Safeco Insurance Grand Slam Family Pack includes a ticket, hot dog, and Pepsi. These tickets are available with seats within the Main, Terrace Club, and View Levels of seating. You must buy between 4 and 12 tickets to receive the family discount. Specific games allow College Night Ticket Specials. With this package, college students with a valid ID can get a ticket for as low as $12 in advance and $15 the day of the game.

The Mariners are proud of those who serve in the military. Any who serve the U.S. Military receive 10% off select Main, Terrace, and View level seats at all homes games. There is a limit of four tickets per ID. (Valid military ID is required; tickets are available in-person at Mainers team stores and Safeco field box office).

Being a Seattle Mariners fan lasts a lifetime. Those fans 60 and older receive 10% off select Main, Terrace, and View level seats at all homes games. There is a limit of one ticket per ID. (Valid ID required).
Tickets can be purchased here.

Going to a Mariners game can be an all-day event, and many fans make sure to embrace that tradition. Pioneer Square is the go-to area for good eats and local happenings when the Mariners play at home. Here’s a small list of good eats to get your baseball party started:

Pyramid Breweries: Provides craft beers and traditional American pub grub. A spacious restaurant with modern décor and garden seating.

Sluggers: Baseball focused bar and grill with traditional American grub.

Seattle’s Own Georgetown Carnival 2016

Seattle’s Georgetown Carnival is back for its 2016 run and here to showcase the historic and lively community of Georgetown. Located just minutes south of Downtown Seattle, the Georgetown Carnival is an eclectic event with music, art, and wondrous creative happenings.

The Georgetown Carnival is a one day event held June 11, 2016 from noon to 10pm. It is an all-ages festival and admission is free.

During this carnival you will see stilt walkers, marching bands, and the famous Georgetown power tool races. These races are fantastic to watch with the kids. You will see men burning foods with torches and grown-ups racing vehicles made out of power tools. The Acoustic Armageddon stage hosts live music and will be located in front of Smarty Pants. This stage will feature talented musicians like these:

1:30-2pm: Andrew Norsworthy
2:15-2:45pm: Hell Mary
3-3:45pm: Star Anna
4-4:45pm: South Sound Tug and Barge (TRIO)
5-5:45PM: Saint John & the Revelations
6-6:45pm Our Dead Fathers (DUO)
7-7:45pm: Patrick Galactic (TRIO)

Along with live music, this carnival brings interactive art making shows for you and the family to experience. The Iron Monkeys showcase blacksmithing and forging. Sam and crew offer Splatapaint and Syd and crew bring Raku firing.

Local Seattle area bars, restaurants, and food trucks provide meals, snacks, and beverages to keep you sustained through the day. While you are out finding grub, be sure to stop by the carnivals beer garden to relax with a pint before heading back out into the artistic wild.

An entire portion of this carnival is dedicated to vendors. Ready to sell their goods, many vendors are widely known in the local Seattle area. Be sure to bring money to purchase amazing works of art to take home as souvenirs.

More About Georgetown:
Georgetown is Seattle’s historic industrial business district. This art corridor is home to over 40 galleries, specialty boutiques, diners, nightclubs, coffee shops, art studios, bookstores, and more. A lively community, this neighborhood helps celebrate its creative diversity by holding the Georgetown Art Attack on the Second Saturday of each month. This Art Attack showcases more than 30 Georgetown enterprises that feature a lively array of visual, performing, and applied arts. It is an ongoing effort by area artists to celebrate creative diversity while favoring preservation of their wonderful Georgetown civic asset.

Georgetown is a beautiful and creative district ideal for exotic shopping, diverse dining, and spontaneous spectacles.

Tips and Tricks While Traveling
to Seattle with the Kids

Planning and executing your family vacation to Seattle may seem a little stressful, but can be easily managed by taking a deep breath and following these simple tips and tricks for travel.

Packing for Seattle:
Depending on the age of your child, you will most likely be packing their bag or at least overseeing the process. Be sure they pack clothing and footwear appropriate for rainy weather and for the activities you have planned throughout the trip. If your child is still in diapers, over pack said diapers and wipes. You never know when you may need an extra! Handy tip: keep a pack of diapers and wipes in your main bag and the rest in a bag that is readily available.

You know what your child needs as far as their essentials go (diapers, bottles, formula, and medication). All that will fit in your main and carry-on bag, no problem. A little trick to keep your child entertained during the flight is to pack a smaller bag just for them to carry that is full of fun activities to pass the time. Coloring books, reading materials, crayons, a disposable camera, and stickers are all kid-friendly activities that will entertain for hours. Plus, by giving them their own bag, it will make them feel responsible for their own belongings. Handy tip: be sure that you are the one packing this bag. Talk with your child about what small activity they would like to have to ensure over packing.

Boarding the Plane to Seattle:
Security can be a pain. When the time comes, be sure that everyone is wearing easily removed shoes for quicker process. Before you board the plane, be sure that everyone has used the bathroom or change diapers whether it seems to be clean. Also, it is best to find a spot near your terminal, but isn’t as crowed to let your little one(s) crawl and walk around. This allows them to burn off extra energy before your flight to Seattle.

Arriving in Seattle:
Depending on the adventures you have planned in Seattle for the family, packing healthy and non-sticky snacks for the kids is a must. Having individual bags of food for each child ensures less fighting between who gets what.

And last but not least, if you don’t like to use child leashes, invest in a child locater to easily find your child if they get loss. Along with that, you can always write your name and number on your child’s arm and spray water-proof sunscreen over it to help hold it in place.

The 11th Annual Washington Brewer’s Festival is the perfect kick-off to your Father’s Day weekend in Seattle. Located at Marymoor Park, this festival is a fun, all-ages festival where beer aficionados can sample more than 400 beers from 105 Washington breweries. Not only for beer lovers, this festival also offers wine and cider tasting so everyone (21+) can enjoy themselves.

Food and live music will also be present at this festival. A fantastic lineup of food trucks and food vendors will be there to pair with your favorite beers. A diverse mix of northwest bands will appear on the music stages throughout the weekend as well to keep your feet moving and grooving and everyone having a great time. The 2016 vendors are TBA so be on the lookout to find just who will be representing Seattle in this beer-lovers festival.

Not just for adults, this Washington Brewers Festivals provides plenty of entertainment for the kids, too. Open Saturday and Sunday only, this festival features a Kid’s Playground with inflatable toys, balloon animals, face painters, and a kids’ craft tent. Additional fees required. A Root beer Garden is also available for a family-friendly meal together. This Root beer Garden offers children’s menu and some even make their own root beer with the same care as world-class breweries make their beer. Taps rotate throughout the weekend so please be sure to ask the servers what they are serving.

Dates and Tickets:
Friday, June 17th – 4pm-9:30pm
Saturday, June 18th – 11am-9pm
Sunday, June 19th – 11:30am-5:30pm

Location: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052

Ticket pricing for all days are $25 in advance online until May 31st, $30 after May 31st and at the door. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass and eight (4oz) tasting tokens. If you would like additional drink tokens, they are $2 per or three for $5.

Designated Driver admission for all days is only $5 and is available at the door only. Designated Driver admission also includes soda and water. Each ticket is good for one day only and is non-refundable.

On-site parking will be available for $5 cash only. Lawn chairs, reusable water bottles, soft side coolers, and outside food is permitted within the festival. There are multiple water stations available inside to refill water bottles. No dogs/pets are permitted inside this event. Registered service dogs are ok. Please no tents or outside alcohol allowed.

in Pike Place Market caters to those who love cheap eats and strong drinks. Their happy hour is full of $1 tacos and $4 ‘El Cheapo’ margaritas. The pineapple habanero margarita is a must for those who love their sweet with a spicy kick. Their chicken and pork tacos will have you coming back for more. El Borracho is located at 1521 First Ave; 206-538-0440

Barrio in Capital Hill offers a large selection of tequila to try. Sit at the bar or tuck into round booths, Barrio pleases your taste buds with drinks ranging from bitter to spicy. Nightly taco specials area added to the menu’s variety. Their extensive happy hour is a blast and on Monday’s their tequila and mescal are half off. Barrio is located at 1420 12th Ave; 206-588-8105

Nacho Borracho is a fun and tasty spot for drinkers. The short and sweet menu offers sweet treats like the frozen avocado margarita and tachos (you read that right, Tater Tot nachos. Yum!). Spicy-sweet wings and house-made queso are a hit with guests. Served late, Nacho Borracho provides a memorable experience year round. Nacho Borracho is 21+ only and is located at 209 Broadway E; 206-466-2434

When you think of drinking during Cinco de Mayo, you probably think about tequila. Who doesn’t really? Tequila can be found in mixed drinks or taken as a shot (for those who really like to party). While you are out and about this Cinco de Mayo, be sure to try some of these tequilas for a smooth and distinctive taste.

1800 Silver Tequila – has sweet and thick notes of vanilla, candied pear, and roasted agave.
Tequila Avion Silver – clear aromas of fresh agave, an undercurrent of black pepper, and a hint of hot pepper.
Tequila Cabeza – perfect for mixing, offers soft, sweet agave notes that are perfectly balanced by pepper spice.
Casamigos Reposado Tequila – bright gold in color that features notes of caramel, fresh agave, plus soft and subtle white pepper and oak.

This outdoor, tented event is located at the South Lake Union Discovery Center Lawn on 101 Westlake Ave North in Seattle. As well as the craft beer partnerships, there will also be unique brews and flagship beers by participating breweries. The more the merrier!

Food trucks will be on site and will hand-pair fantastic bites with those tasty beers. Known food trucks attending are Bread & Circuses, Lumpia World, Nosh, and Woodshop BBQ.

Check out some of the collaboration brewery pairings:

Aslan Brewing + The North Fork Brewery
Backwoods Brewing + Ashtown Brewing
Brickyard Brewing + Spinnaker Bay Brewing
Chuckanut Brewery + Red Hook Brewery
Cloudburst Brewing + Stoup Brewing
Diamond Knot Craft Brewing + Scuttlebutt Craft Brewing
Elysian Brewing + Bluebird Microcreamery & Brewing
Georgetown Brewing + Two Beers Brewing
Ghostfish Brewing + Seattle Cider
Iron Goat Brewing + Everybody’s Brewing
Lazy Boy Brewing + Naked City Brewing
Maritime Pacific Brewing + Roslyn Brewing
Postdoc Brewing + Resonate Brewing
Rooftop Brewing + Lowercase Brewing
Three Magnets Brewing + Triceratops Brewing

The inaugural Washington Beer Collaboration Festival opens Friday, April 22nd at 4:30pm and runs until 8:30pm that night. Saturday, April 23rd, the doors open at noon with the last pour just before 6pm. Tickets are now on sale here and are just $30 ($35 at the door). Tickets are non-refundable. Separate tickets are required for each day attended. A designated driver entry is only $5 and includes soda and/or water. The Washington Beer Commission greatly encourages you to take public transportation or have a designated driver while attending the festival. Each ticket is good for 8, 4 oz. tastes. Additional tasting tokens are available for $2 each or three tokens for $5.

Take a day to enjoy local brews and experience Seattle’s community all in one spot at this tasting festival. Fall in love with a pairing and bring back a bottle to your vacation rental home. We’ll be doing the same.

The Seattle Center Festal starts off the month of May with an Asian Pacific Islander Heritage celebration. This fun cultural experience allows you to experience live performances, visual arts, delicious foods, and hands-on activities. This celebration is perfect for all ages and welcomes all to learn more about local heritage.

Opening on May 1st, the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration starts at 11:45am and runs until 5pm. This event is located at the Seattle Center on 305 Harrison Street in Seattle. Free and open to the public, this celebration makes a fantastic outing during your Seattle stay. The Seattle Center is easily accessible by local transportation, taxi, or Uber/Lyft.

During this festival you will get to see spectacular dances, youth drill teams, drumming, martial arts, and beautiful work from artists from around Washington state. A fan-favorite Hum eating contest starts at 1:30pm with local celebrity contestants. This all-day family event not only teaches about the local Seattle heritage but also allows you to buy local works of art throughout its lively marketplace.

Whether on business or vacationing with family, be sure to check out this event to experience a fun and lively event. Below is the schedule of performers during the celebration this year.

11:45am – Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team
12:00pm – Opening Remarks by Co-Emcees:
Marci Nakano, Kyle Theptee
Welcoming Remarks by:
Dorothy Wong, APDC Chairperson,
Michael Itti, Executive Director, CAPAA
Governor’s Proclamation
12:15pm – Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team
12:30pm – Lu Mienh Sieqv
12:45pm – Te Fare O Tamatoa-Tahitian Dance Troupe
1:00pm – Kinnaly
1:15pm – Natya
1:30pm – Hum Bow Eating Contest,
Celebrity Contestants,
Emcees: Joe Darza and Jody Fang
2:00pm – FACES Dance Troupe
2:15pm – Shiori
2:30pm – OBG Band
3:00pm – Fraggle Rock Crew
3:15pm – Seattle Thai Dancers
3:30pm – Vietnamese Traditional Dress Presentation
Vuu’s Beauty School and Friends,
Emcee Monique Le
3:45pm – Community API Authors
4:00pm – The Cruw
4:15pm – Kaze Daiko
4:30pm – Hula ‘Ohana O Ke’alaileiha’aha’a
4:45pm – Federal Way High School Samoan Club
5:00pm – Closing Remarks

This event takes place near the Seattle Children’s Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Space needle. While in the neighborhood, stay all day at the celebration or take a trip to one of the other Seattle hot spots to complete your day-long excursion.

Seattle Restaurant Week, April 2016

Seattle is a restaurant mecca so catching Restaurant Week fever when you’re in town is a great way to maximize your vacation time and stay on budget.

Nationally, Restaurant Week has become a popular way for people to experience stellar local restaurants at an affordable price. Restaurants get exposure and full tables on week days while patrons get to experience new hot spots and fine dining eateries that they reserve for special occasions – at a discount!

Seattle Restaurant Week is a 10-day celebration of dining out that happens in April and again in October. The spring Restaurant Week occurs April 10 through 14 and April 17 through 21. More than 165 local restaurants serve up to three-course dinners for only $30 and many offer two-course lunches for just $15. Prices are per person, don’t include drinks, tax, or tip, and are not available on Friday, Saturdays, or for Sunday brunch.

It’s a cinch to participate, you don’t need a pass, ticket, or coupon, simply visit any participating restaurant during the 10 days and enjoy the special prix fixe menus. Because it’s such a tasty deal and Restaurant Week has become so popular, it’s a great idea to make a reservation before you go. Make your reservations with the restaurant like you normally would.

With only so many meals in a day, there’s no way you can try out all of the restaurants on this list. So here’s a sampling of a few spots you’re not going to want to miss.

Lunch
Barolo Ristorante in downtown Seattle offers a delicious seafood menu. Located downtown, Carlile Room provides American food and features pre- and post-theater services. Monsoon, Seattle on Capitol Hill serves contemporary Vietnamese dishes such as its signature clay-pot catfish.

Dinner
Andaluca is a Mediterranean restaurant located downtown that specializes in Spanish small plates and paella. Maximilien is located in Pike Place Market offering classic French fare with views of the water. Omega Ouzeri on Capitol Hill serves classic Greek dishes with a modern spin.

Even better than delicious food (well, maybe not better but definitely up there), during the 10 days of Seattle Restaurant Week they hold a daily contest where winners receive $50 gift certificates to participating restaurants. Awesome food AND you could win a $50 gift certificate, yes please! Sign up here.