visiting seattle

A few weeks ago my family and I traveled to Seattle for a long weekend. I was so happy be reminded that Seattle's a city filled with innovative parks and green space. Some parks are nestled in established neighborhoods, some are built on vacant city lots, and many provide luxurious views from windows of skyscrapers. Rooftop gardens are totally happening in Seattle! 

I love the way this lush metropolis embraces the beauty of nature, sculpture, art, food and, of course, amazing music at every turn. Right when we got off the plane, we were delighted with all the sculptures that are prominently displayed throughout the airport. 

We stayed at the Olive 8 Hotel in the heart of the city and just a short walk to the monorail, which takes you right to the  Space Needle.  The Olive 8, pictured above, gets its name from its location at Olive and 8th Streets. Great to remember when you are finding your way back to the hotel!

This is the view from one of our windows. There are probably hundreds of rooftop gardens throughout the city. It really makes the views so pretty!  
  

Although there were quite a few Starbucks within walking distance to our hotel, the hotel coffee shop, Urbane Market, had great coffee and baked goods and really quick service. It was fun to sit in here and watch the action on the streets.

Here’s the view from the monorail. The boarding area for the monorail is actually in the downtown shopping mall known as Westlake Center Mall. It only has two stops, the mall and the Space Needle Station, but that’s all you need, really! It’s quick affordable and a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

 

There are so many great restaurant choices!  Every meal we had in Seattle was great. Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (above) was a real treat after a long day of exploring.I was craving avocado toast, for some reason, and luckily they had that on their menu. After a few yummy appetizers, that was plenty for me!

Il Fornaio, the Rissotteria (above) was also walking distance from our hotel and did not disappoint!  Their focaccia bread is amazing and we ordered, Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare, Salmone Piccata, and a Seafood Risotto. Of course, we had to finish off with Tiramisù and Crème Brûlée.

I have to include our lunch at the Woodland Park Zoo in my favorites too.  They have an amazing homemade clam chowder they serve there at the Pacific Blue Café, which is located in the middle of the zoo. The chowder really hit the spot on that cool and misty day!    

Around the corner from our hotel, we found the Carlile Room. OMG, we had the most amazing pasta, homemade pappardelle with garden veggies, which we devoured before we could get a shot of it, but here is a photo of the squash blossoms filled with goat cheese and served with fresh herbs and rainier cherries. 

Wow!! The decor is really fun too. Try their spicy home brewed ginger ale and the amazing churros for dessert! The Carlile Room is right across from the iconic Paramount Theater, which is a great local concert hall. 

Yum!

I had to take a photo of the funny little gargoyles 

on this building which is right next to the Carlile Room.

I have lots more to share on Seattle! 

ciao! fabiana