Happy Friday! I’ve been working on this post for several days and I’m excited to share all the details from our Seattle trip. The first thing I will say is that it was by far one of my favorite trips ever! Seattle was so much more than I expected and I’m already planning another trip next fall.
We stayed right in the center of downtown at HotelÄndra. For a hotel that is located downtown, I love how homey and quaint the boutique hotel was. The lobby had a cozy fireplace for us to warm up while we waited for the valet or needed to relax. Something about being around a fireplace during the cold, sipping on hot chocolate always makes me happy. Downstairs is also where the restaurant Lola is located. If you’re ever in Seattle, you have to eat there! We ordered dinner from there and the food was so good! Liam devoured his chicken kebabs.
Our room was the perfect size for our family. We had two queen size beds and the hotel was kind enough to also provide a crib for Chloe. The room had a modern old time feel to it, it wasn’t just white on white like other hotels that I’ve stayed at. The beds were one of the comfiest beds that I’ve ever slept on. I’m not even exaggerating. We had a huge beautiful fall tree right outside our window and being from Texas, where fall foliage isn’t a thing, I was loving the view. There was an office space for me to work and a huge walk in closet. Even though the trip was for leisure, I’m constantly working on emails and creating content so the office space and closet was needed.
Whenever I’m visiting a new city, staying in a hotel that is close to everything makes it so much easier. Hotel Ändra is located right in the center of downtown Seattle. Being close to everything made it easy for us to constantly go back to the hotel for the babies to take a nap and to rest up. Shopping, attractions, and restaurants were in walking distance from the hotel. The furthest we ever had to drive was about only about 10 minutes. The foliage in Seattle is like no other city so I wanted to go sight seeing everyday.
SEATTLE TRAVEL GUIDE
We spent 4 nights/5 days in Seattle and I would say that it was the perfect amount of time for us. I do think that you can stay 3 nights/4 day and still do and see everything Seattle has to offer. I originally was going to only stay 3 nights but because I was traveling with a toddler and a newborn, I wanted to space everything out. I knew we’d be taking several breaks throughout the day. I planned this trip because I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle and I desperately needing to get away from Houston’s heat. My bestie, Michelle was a life saver on this trip. She helped me so much with the kids and was basically our tour guide the entire time. These are the type of people you keep in your life forever. The ones that adore your children just as much as you. In my opinion, Seattle isn’t a place everyone thinks to visit in the fall but it should be. The foliage there is so much prettier than foliage in Colorado. There was so much to see and do! I broke everything down by attractions, restaurants, and kid friendly spots.
ATTRACTIONS & PARKS:
Space Needle: We went during sunset and the views were beautiful! It was worth every penny. They recently renovated and the ground is now a rotating glass floor. It’s a huge attraction so buy your tickets early.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: This museum is a big Seattle attraction. I thought it was really pretty and unique. I wouldn’t say that it’s a place you “must visit”, but I’m glad I got to see it.
Pikes Place and the Gum Wall: Visit early in the morning when no one is there! We walked around Pikes Place for about 30 minutes and it was so cool. There are tons of stands to buy knick knacks, local fruits and veggies, cheap flower bouquets, and seafood. The gum wall is located here as well and it’s not as awesome as everyone thinks it is, lol. It’s actually a little gross and dirty. Liam thought it was the coolest thing but I felt like I wanted to bath after walking through it. It’s one of those places where you go see it for about 5 minutes then your done.
Starbucks Reserve: I’ve been wanting to go here ever since I found out they served coffee flights. It’s cool to see how everything is made and the perfect spot to chill and snack. They serve all sorts of food and pastries there.
Downtown Nordstrom: This location is one of the first Nordstroms ever! The selection is amazing, I felt that they carried everything that was online. It’s 5 stories and if you love Nordstrom, you have to shop here.
Curran Apple Orchard: Public apple orchard! Unfornuatley, we came to Seattle after apple picking season ended but this spot is open to the public and it was cool to see some of the apples that haven’t been picked. We went apple picking for the first time last year and Liam loves it!
Queen Anne, Ravenna, University District, and Cap Hill: These are the spots to visit for sight seeing. It’s fun to drive around to get a feel of the outer skirts of the city or to see the foliage.
KID FRIENDLY SPOTS:
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: We spent our last day in Tacoma and visited the zoo and aquarium. The aquarium was so cool and huge! The ticket is a 2 in 1 so you’re able to visit both the zoo and aquarium. It’s fun to visit zoos in different cities to see all the different animals.
Artist At Play: This park is located in the museum district and one of the coolest parks I’ve ever seen! They had climbing ropes, a huge slide, and awesome musical chimes. Liam was loving every second of this park. He did not want to leave. I would say that this park is best for 3+ years old
Green Lake Park: Such a beautiful park! It’s a huge park that has a big play area for children, trail around the lake for running, and the scenery is everything.
RESTAURANTS:
Din Tai Fun: If you’re craving Dim Sum, this is the place to go! It’s so good! Make sure to make a reservation.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer (university district): I’ve never had ginger beer before and now I’m obsessed with it! This place is good for a chill night. There isn’t a big food selection, tenders and sides…super low key.
Portage Bay: We went here for brunch and their eggs benedict dish is amazing. They even have a sampler entree.
Thackeray: Another great brunch spot! I got the biscuits and gravy and it was delicious too. It wasn’t a southern style, which caught me off guard but it felt a lot lighter and airy.
Ivar’s Salmon House: This restaurant is located on the waterfront and is a little more upscale and pricey. Great for a date night.
Lola: A really delicious low key place for drinks and dinner. It’s located inside Hotel Andra!
