Not Sleepless in Seattle

Author: Caryn Erdberg
Date of Trip: April 2013

Our annual girls’ trip this year was to Seattle, WA for a weekend. None of us had ever been there before. We stayed at a hotel near the airport (Embassy Suites) that provided shuttle service. To get downtown we took the shuttle to the Light Rail and purchased round-trip tickets that are good to use all day no matter how many times you ride. The cost is $2 each way but seniors paid $0.75 each way. Parking in town is pricey and not very convenient. Seattle is easy to get around but wear comfy walking shoes.

We had reservations for brunch at the Space Needle restaurant in the sky. It was amazing. The service was 5-star as well as the views. The food was excellent and we were all stuffed. The cost of the meal includes the ride up and the observation deck. Otherwise, the ride to the observation deck only is $17 and ther are snack bars up there. The elevator ride took 82 seconds going up and a bit less coming down and were smooth and quiet. The views of the area were great. We also rode the monorail which saved us a bit of walking. The Chihuly Glass Museum was located near the needle; we didn’t go in but looked at the glass sculptures from the outside.

We took a one-hour harbor cruise with Argosy cruises. They provided a lot of information about the city. The boat was spotless and the guide was clear and knowledgeable. They also offer longer cruises that go a bit further and one wher you can see the houseboat used in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle”.

We went to Pike Place Market in the afternoon. We enjoyed seeing the fish stalls and the beautiful flowers for sale. You can purchase a beautiful bouquet for as little as $5.00. The original Starbucks is right across the street and has coffee you can’t purchase anywhere else. The building still has the original decor and was very popular. Seattle has 126 Starbucks in a 5-mile radius. That’s a lot of coffee!

If you like seafood, Seattle is the place to go. We ate at Duke’s Chowder House located at the Westfield Mall. The Dungeness clam chowder was rich and flavorful. I had crab cakes, grilled prawns and scallops that just melted in my mouth. They had outdoor sating as well as indoor. We also went to The Crab Pot located on the harbor at Pier 58. I had crab stuffed shrimp with potatoes and veggies. The most popular order was steamed clams, crab and other shellfish with potatoes and corn that was served in a large bowl and put on butcher paper. You were given a bib and wooden mallet. One way to get rid of frustrations and relax.

One thing we found in Seattle was the friendly people. We were welcomed everywhere we went. It is a beautiful city with a freshness about it. The air was clean and crisp. I can see why so many people call it home. We were sorry that we had only two days. We will go back someday.