Seattle

Thursday 31 January 2013

After our lovely stay at Willows Lodge, we spent a couple of days getting to know Seattle.  We had fantastic weather - sunshine, not a drop of rain, and above 0 temperatures - which made for perfect conditions to take our time, wander streets, stop for coffee or beer and browse the shops.  We meandered through Pike Place Market one afternoon and returned for breakfast early one morning which was quiet with great views at sunrise.  We walked by the original Starbucks but I couldn't be bothered to wait with the crowds to get inside and order a coffee.  I found it fascinating to learn how many other major companies call the Seattle area home: Microsoft, Amazon, Nordstrom's, Eddie Bauer, Expedia, Allrecipes.com, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Jone's Soda - just to name a few.



We also toured the Boeing facility in Everett (another obligation of an engineer's wife.)  All Boeing 747, 767, 777 and the highly anticipated and recently plagued Dreamliner 787 are made at this facility in what is said to be the largest building in the world.  It was interesting to see these massive airplanes being put together in assembly line form.  The tour itself wasn't an ideal format - a large group of people bussed around the premises, no photos allowed and a very feisty woman who basically did an hour long commercial for Boeing even having us chant "If it's not Boeing, I'm not going" on the bus - but it was interesting nonetheless.

Seattle makes a great weekend trip - many great restaurants to try, a lot of craft brewing, shops and nice scenery.

Where we stayed:
-Alexis Hotel
     -reasonable prices, boutique feel, surprisingly large rooms, great location with Pike Place a mere 5 minute walk away and very pet friendly should you be traveling with your dog.  The concierge was really knowledgeable and helpful which was great for booking the Boeing tour as well as finding restaurants.

18 comments:

  1. i have never been to seattle but have a feeling i would love it-and could easily live there...although the rain puts me off.

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  2. Ever since I've been to Vancouver Island, I've wanted to visit Washington State as well... and once I will, I'll probably add a couple of days in Seattle as well! I knew that Microsoft came from Seattle, but had no idea that there also so many companies. Maybe the weather brings out the entrepreneur in people? ;)

    xx
    Melanie

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    1. There certainly must be an abundance of smart people in the Seattle area that's for sure!

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  3. I haven't been to Seattle in a very long time...and even then was just there for a day or two. Looks like you had good weather! I love that part of the US and Canada - Vancouver/Victoria were highlights.

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  4. I love Seattle... we head up there often since we're only 2.5 hours away in Portland. It's a great city!

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    1. I would love to get to Portland sometime - I hear it's pretty great too!

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  5. I love Seattle! My boyfriend took me to the Public Market there on Valentine's day and I went home with olive oil...well that doesn't sound too romantic but it was so much fun!

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  6. I haven't been to Seattle since high school but I'd love to go again! Such a great city.

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  7. One of my friends here in Malta is from Seattle and I'm completely sold on going there (/living there) someday. I figure it can't be much more rainy than Halifax :)

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  8. I've never been, but would LOVE to go! Great shots!!

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  9. Always wanted to visit Seattle, after all it is home to Nirvana ... and I LOVED nirvana. Maybe I still do? :)
    Great pictures! Looks like a great trip!
    Kristina x

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  10. when i get back to the states seattle is one of my first travel destinations. i can't believe i still haven't been

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  11. I really enjoyed the Boeing tour! it's amazing how much goes on in that factory - it's like its own little city.

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  12. I love Seattle. And truly, it's not that rainy. I won't deny that it does rain more than most US cities, but it's not the dark, dank, depression people believe it to be. I've been to Seattle at a few different times of the year and had gorgeous weather each time. In fact, when I was there two and a half years ago, it was 94 degrees and sweltering the day I left, in July.

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  13. Ah I want to visit there so badly - I think Grey's Anatomy inspired it but then I just keep hearing so many great things like this!

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  14. the way you talk about weather makes me SERIOUSLY cold! fantastic = above 0... yikes :)

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  15. This so makes me miss my west coast home! Thanks for the lovely picture reminder of home!

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