Traveling on a Delta companion fare made the hop over from
Utah a breeze, and we managed to pack a week’s worth of memories into just four
days (March 26–30).
The weather was the real MVP—mostly sunny and crisp, though
Seattle reminded us where we were with a little Sunday drizzle. If you're
looking for a blueprint for a perfect long weekend, here is how we did it.
The
Icons: Pike Place & The Flying Fish
You can’t go to Seattle and skip Pike PlaceMarket. We spent plenty of time wandering the stalls, and yes, we stopped to
watch the show at Pike Place Fish Market. There’s nothing like the energy of the
crowd when they start chanting and hurling a 15-pound salmon across the counter.
It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s a total blast.
Just a few doors down, we made
the mandatory pilgrimage to the Original Starbucks. Even if you aren't a coffee
fanatic, seeing that 1971 brown logo and the original storefront is a cool piece
of history.
Hidden Gems in Post Alley
Once we had our fill of the main stalls,
we headed for the "secret" spots in Post Alley. We grabbed a table at The PinkDoor—there’s no sign, just that iconic pink door—but inside it’s pure magic. The
lasagna is a religious experience, and the eclectic, "secret club" vibe is
unbeatable.
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| Non Descript and Non Pink Door |
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| The Pink Door's Squid Ink Tonnarelli |
For a completely different vibe, we hit Vons 1000 Spirits. If you
appreciate a deep liquor library and hearty comfort food, this is the spot. They
use a 75-year-old sourdough starter for their pizzas and pasta, and the
wall-to-floor spirits collection is a sight to behold.
The "Double-Dip" Chowder
& Waterfront Wildlife
Okay, let’s talk about the real MVP of our food tour: PikePlace Chowder. We didn’t just go once; we went twice! It was that good. Whether
it’s the New England Clam or the Scallop Chowder, every spoonful is worth the
wait.
After our second round of chowder, we took a stroll along the waterfront
to walk it off. We got a special treat when a Harbor Seal popped its head out of
the water just a few yards from the pier! It stared at us for a second—probably
checking for leftover fries—and then silently slipped back under the surface. We
also paid respects to the "Keep Clam" king at Ivar’s for some world-famous fish
and chips.
Dinner and a Show: Can Can Culinary Cabaret
For some high-energy
entertainment, we hit the Can Can. It’s a hidden gem tucked away in the market
that feels like a secret Parisian speakeasy. The performers were world-class,
but the highlight was the trapeze artist swinging right over the tables in such
an intimate space. It was loud, fun, and exactly the kind of "only in Seattle"
experience we were looking for. In writing this, I found out there is a Portland Location too - see you soon!
The Pub Crawl: Quick Sips in the City
Seattle is
a city built for ducking into a cozy bar. We popped into a few distinct spots
for a quick drink:
• Kells Irish Restaurant & Bar: A Post Alley institution with a perfectly poured Guinness and a great wood-and-stone atmosphere. Another location on Portland for Kells too!• Conversation: Located in the Thompson Hotel—sleek, modern, and great for a high-end cocktail.• The White Horse Tavern: An English-style pub in Post Alley that feels like a cozy, book-filled sanctuary.
Hunting Giants: The NW Trolls &
Snoqualmie Falls
One of the coolest parts of this trip was hunting for the
Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King. These massive sculptures by Thomas Dambo
are made from recycled materials, and we tracked down two of them:
• Pia the Peacekeeper: Tucked in the woods at Sakai Park on Bainbridge Island.• Jakob Two Trees: Located in Issaquah, sporting a massive ponytail and a necklace of birdhouses.
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| Can you tell which troll this is? |
While we were out exploring the landscape, we stopped at Snoqualmie Falls. The sheer power of that 268-foot drop is staggering, and the mist coming
off the falls was the perfect PNW "refreshment."
On our way back through Redmond, we had to do a drive-by of the Nintendo of America HQ. While the campus is closed to the public, just seeing the iconic red logo on the side of the building felt like a mandatory stop for any gamer.
Day Trips: Poulsbo & Bainbridge
Reflection
We took the ferry over for an afternoon in Poulsbo, known as "Little
Norway." It’s a charming historic district with gingerbread facades—be sure to
hit Sluys Poulsbo Bakery for a Viking Cup!
While on the islands, we also
visited the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. It’s a
sobering, beautiful place. Walking along the cedar wall—the exact length of the
number of residents forcibly removed in 1942—was incredibly moving.
Sunday
Tradition: Ballard Farmers Market
On Sunday, we headed to the
Ballard Farmers Market. Unlike some other markets, this one is open year-round,
rain or shine. It was bustling and local, filled with dozens of stalls for
farm-fresh produce and arts and crafts. There are also many shops along the street to enjoy.
The Verdict
Seattle in late March is underrated. The crowds aren't too bad yet,
the air is fresh, and even when it rained on Sunday, it just made the coffee
taste better.
Quick Tips for your next Seattle Run:
• Double Up: If the chowder is that good, go twice. You won't regret it.• Ferry Life: The ferry to Bainbridge is the best $10 "cruise" you’ll ever take.• Book Ahead: Both The Pink Door and Can Can fill up weeks in advance—don't wing it!
Until next time,
PNW! ✌️
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