I have a friend from out of town coming to stay at our house. I thought I would make her an insider's guide to Seattle. Whenever I visit a city I always like to hear a locals input to places I should visit. I started to type the information for her... and then I thought I should put it online so she can easily click on each place to get directions and information. AND I thought it would be great to have for other friends in the future to share :) Here it is, ENJOY!
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
When I first moved to Seattle my favorite part about the city was the neighborhoods! I had been to Seattle a number of times before, but had only been downtown and to Pike's Market. If you want a taste of "real" Seattle, I suggest exploring the neighborhoods. My perception of Seattle greatly changed when I stepped outside my tourist box :) I began to see her beauty and character - which I have grown to LOVE!
We live in View Ridge - North East Seattle. Here are some fun things to explore:
Shopping: University Village ( U- Village) - This is a fun outdoor mall that has shops for children, decorating, clothing, etc. The selection is wonderful. If you do spend some time here, I recommend checking out Menchies. This is a serve yourself yogurt bar... Yum!
Walk - My favorite neighborhood walk is going to the Washington Arboretum. You literally walk on small bridges to islands on Lake Washington. The views are beautiful with the lake and the mountains. The secret starting point is @ The Museum of History and Industry. Once you get to the parking lot walk east to the lake. Number 2 on my list is Green Lake. This walk is about 3 miles around the lake and it has small shops, restaurants and Starbucks along the perimeter. I love it because it's a small piece of nature amongst the business of the city.
Little Treat with Coffee - Looking for a bit of morning delight? Walk to Top Pot Doughnuts. It is right up the hill from our house. They have great donuts and a fun location. AND right across the street... If you want baked goods, check out Grateful Bread. They have an amazing yummy selection!
Grocery Stores - If you feel like eating in and love to cook, check out Metropolitan Market (Met Market). It is literally down the street. They have the best selection. The price is a little more spendy, but worth the quality for a nice treat :)
Restaurants- my friend mentioned she likes Italian food. Check out Casa D'italia Market & Cafe. If it's nice weather, you can eat outside. They have a wonderful outdoor porch, a sweet escape. It is more of a small scale mom and pop feel. I also LOVE Mamma Melina Ristorante. This location is fun because of the atmosphere, it is modern and very urban. It is also across from U-Village.
Trails - I have never rented bikes, but if this sounds fun check out the Burke-Gilman trail. I know there are many bike rental places around. The trail is beautiful and large, taking you all over the city and surrounding areas. I wish I could offer you bikes of ours... but we have to borrow bikes ourselves.
Outside the neighborhood {Seattle}
Restaurants - Italian: Buca Di Beppo - I've never been, but I have heard it is the "it" Italian place to go :) Non-Italian - Ray's Boathouse BAR. They have amazing views. I say eat in the bar, because the view is better and the price is too! If you are interested in just a small bar menu meal do try Six Seven Lounge. This is my favorite spot in all Seattle!!! It literally sits on the water of the Sound. You can watch the big boats float by, Adam's favorite part, and the decor and atmosphere is crazy cool. The bar appetizer menu is GREAT! Happy hour is 3-6 Sunday-Thursday.
Walk: Discovery Park - I love this place, so much so that I go by myself sometimes. It's that good! It has amazing cliff views of the sound and a wonderful trail through woods, which leads to the beach. Very calming and breathtaking.
West Seattle - Just an all around cool place. Makes you feel like you have stepped into So Cal. The views of downtown across the sound you will love. Go to Alci Beach and walk. I noticed there is a Menchies close too!
Touristy Things - I am always a fan of being a tourist! But... which ones to do? I recommend to Ride the Duck and the Underground Tour. Riding the Duck is a bus and a BOAT. It takes you on a tour around Seattle and even on to Lake Union. It has a bunch of fun facts about the city. The Underground tour is great if you like history, which I do.
That is all I have for now :) I know there are hundreds of other great places to visit. These are a few I have enjoyed. I hope you do too!!