Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Visiting Seattle Part 1 - Must-See Sights and a Little Bit of Style (Fashion Blog Post)

 

Back to blogging.


This is the longest I've stopped blogging since two years ago. Feels strange, like I've stopped talking to a good friend, so yeah, I'm happy to be back.

By the way, the break was because my husband's family visited for a week - and he has a large family. Lots of people to coordinate, and lots of showing them around. I feel exhausted, but am happy that everyone had a good time, and the first-timers left Seattle loving it.

Visiting Seattle for the first time : must-see sights.


The best time to visit Seattle is in the summer. August to be specific. Weather in August is warm and sunny, allowing ample opportunities to be outside.

You should still dress in layers though. You just never know.

Seattle has much to offer. A few days' time is not enough. Besides the well-known attractions, there are quirky neighborhoods, hidden beaches, and legendary eateries. It's a shame that our family had little time here, but we packed as much sightseeing as possible.

Pike's Place

 



Pike's Place is possibly one of the largest farmer's market in the world. What you've seen on travel shows is just a fraction of the real place. You can spend an entire day there, and still miss a lot.

I love the fresh foods at Pike's, but am more drawn to its aura: the raunchiness of Seattle's original settlers - the gold diggers, prostitutes, rough necks, rail workers, and random passer by's - seeps through Pike's rusty pipes and creaky floors. Its uniqueness can't be imitated.

If our 8-year old neice wasn't scared of dark hallways, I would have taken everyone to the fortune teller.


We saw the Gum Wall first. Literally, it's a wall of chewed-up gum. It looks quite disgusting, but definitely reflects Seattle's quirky personality. Who else would "land mark" this as a tourist attraction?



 

We then stopped by the fish-throwing place. To attract more business, the sales people dress up as fishermen, and throw fish to each other when someone makes a purchase. I never understood the hype, but the cute "fishermen" always attract a crowd.


 

Most tourists like Beechers Cheese. It was one of Oprah's Favorites. But I prefer the Polish Bakery that makes out-of-this-world apple struggles.


 

Of course, you can't leave Pike's Place without a drink from the original Starbucks. The shop's always crowded, and doesn't offer anything special except for a few souvenirs, but tourists still wait in line just for the novelty.


 

Seattle Water Front


Because Pike's Place Market is a few blocks from the Water Front - you can take an elevator if you want - we strolled the piers before a delicious lunch at Red Robin, another Seattle original.

In addition to the piers, the Water Front offers various activities, restaurants and shops for everyone. You're guaranteed a fresh meal at any of the seafood restaurants. (I recommend Crab Pot, by the way.)

Then, if you've the stomach for it, how about a ride on the Ferris wheel?


 

Style!


Like a true Pacific North Westerner, I wore moccasin flats with a very comfy outfit of button up tank and jeans. It was a nice choice for an active day.





Thanks for reading.

 

Hope you enjoyed today's fashion blog post, and my introduction of Seattle.


 

12 comments:

  1. Oh wow! I can't wait to visit farmers markets when I possibly go to the states in the coming years! But ew, the chewing gum wall is just yuck! Your outfit is lovely, perfect for a day out like that! I've been loving pretty tank tops and shorts!

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  2. Great photos! This makes me want to visit Seattle now. We actually watched a documentary about the fish market you mentioned at my job. They developed something called the "F.I.S.H" philosophy that apparently a lot of companies (mine included) use now to encourage teamwork and a more productive workplace.

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  3. what a great post! I would love to go to Seattle one day. Great outfit too!

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  4. The gum wall is wild! Wow!
    Debbie :)
    www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com

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  5. I love all things America and reading about them so tahnk you for sharing this.

    xoxo
    Ivy
    http://www.purrpleivy.com/

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  6. Would really like more of these touristy type posts :)

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  7. Great to see you back! I'm glad the family had a great time. I love to see the men in the fish market throw the fish. HAHAHA I saw it on television.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  8. Seattle is definitely on my list of places to go visit. Looks like you had a great time!

    cute & little

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  9. Yay for Pike Place! Lovely post, I agree 100% with your recommendations!

    Ellie | Ellalogy

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  10. Lovely blog! I follow you! I would like you to follow me back! Thanks!

    http://how2befashion.blogspot.com.es/

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  11. I took almost a whole month off- and you know what? It's good for the soul! Welcome back!

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  12. Lovely pictures!:)

    Great post, thanks for sharing!:)

    I am currently running a giveaway on my blog if you want tot check it out?..

    http://polkaanddots.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/100-followers-giveaway.html

    Hugs, Brittany, xx
    http://polkaanddots.blogspot.co.uk/

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