Weekend Wanderings: Seattle Guide

Seattle is one of our favorite places to spend a long weekend. Despite the fact that Seattle has a reputation for rain and more rain, it's not quite as bad as people make it seem. Summers are often warm and dry in Seattle. And the dry weather often starts in the spring.

Where To Stay

Thompson Seattle: The 158 room Thompson Seattle, twelve story boutique hotel opened in the summer of 2016. The Thompson features floor to ceiling windows with incredible views of Pike’s Place Market and the waterfront. The first floor of the hotel is home to restaurant Scout PNW and the hotel has a rooftop bar and lounge, the Nest.

Some of our other favorite hotels include the Grand Hyatt Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8. Plus the soon to open The Charter Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel.

Where To Eat

Biscuit Bitch: This funky Seattle biscuit shop known for gravy-drenched, cheese-topped hangover cures is a must stop for breakfast, for a snack in general for any biscuit lovers. Be prepared for crudeness followed up by delicious biscuits. In fact when you order, they'll likely ask "Bitch, what would you like to order".

Il Corvo: Il Corvo is located in the Pioneer Square area of Seattle where Chef Mike Easton prepares fresh pasta using artisanal techniques and the finest ingredients. They are only open for lunch and you'll wait in a line even if you get there when they open at 11 AM. And you can't grab a table until you've ordered, it's a strictly enforced rule. But they do serve some of the best pasta we've ever eaten and we would wait for their delicious pasta each and every day.

The Pink Door: The Pink Door is an independently owned restaurant that has been quietly dedicated to fresh & local Italian food since 1981. The Pink Door serves delicious, uncomplicated Italian-American food during lunch and dinner with many offerings derived from long-lasting family recipes.

And with the recent expansion, The Pink Door's new space has incredible views overlooking Pike Place Market.

Where To Get Coffee

Seattle has a world class coffee scene. And you'll find coffee shops on nearly every corner. Here are just a few of our favorite places to get caffeinated when we are spending a weekend in Seattle.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is the Starbucks immersive, dramatic, theatrical expression of coffee craft and the ongoing pursuit of the world's rarest small-lot coffees. Plus the Reserve Roastery is housed in an iconic building that was originally a car dealership that opened in the 1920s. The Reserve Roastery in Seattle is a great chance to try Starbucks coffee drinks you won't find anywhere else.

And as a bonus the Reserve Roastery serves up Seattle's famous Beecher's grilled cheese. So enjoy a cup of delicious, small-lot coffee and a tasty grilled cheese.

Caffè Vita: Caffè Vita was founded in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood in 1995. And Caffè Vita has been named one of the top ten places "to get the best coffee in America. Rightfully so, because they serve up some of our all-time favorite coffee.

Moore Coffee Shop: Moore Coffee has two coffee shops near Pike Place Market in Seattle. And while the coffee and espresso at Moore Coffee is good, the latte art is even better. Plus the family owned coffee shop with a loungey vibe serves up delicious sweet and savory waffles.

Where To Go For Dessert

Indi Chocolate: Experience a whole new world of Chocolate at Seattle's Indi Chocolate located near Pike Place Market. Indi Chocolate is a bean to bar chocolate shop. They source cacao beans directly from farmers and cooperatives to make small batch, single origin, dark chocolate.

In addition to their delicious chocolate, you'll find a wide range of cacao based products including teas, spice rubs, and body care products made from cocoa butter. And they also serve up delicious coffee drinks including mochas made with their small batch chocolate.

Top Pot Doughnuts: Doughnuts aren't just for breakfast. And we don't ever need a reason to eat a donut. But they do make a good snack or dessert. Luckily Seattle has some incredible doughnuts shops. One of our favorites is Top Pot Doughnuts. And they do things the old-fashioned way with their hand-forged gourmet doughnuts.

What To Do

Pike Place Market: Pike Place Market is Seattle's epicenter of fresh produce, specialty foods and independent businesses. Within the nine-acre historic district you'll discover dozens of farmers, a bustling crafts market, and more than 200 unique owner-operated shops.

Pike Place Market has more than 80 restaurants to tempt you, from take-out counters specializing in donuts to fine dining establishments. So you'll definitely want to bring your appetite when you are exploring Pike Place Market and savor some of the delicious food options.

Seattle Space Needle: Built in 1962, the Seattle Space Needle has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The Space Needle has an observation deck at 520 feet and the rotating SkyCity restaurant at 500 ft.

The downtown Seattle skyline, as well as the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands can be viewed from the top of the Needle.

Smith Tower: Smith Tower is a historic, iconic skyscraper in Pioneer Square. Completed in 1914, the 38-story, 484 ft tower is the oldest skyscraper in the city, and was among the tallest skyscrapers outside New York City at the time of its completion.

The great thing about the Smith Tower is not only does it offer stunning 360-degree views of the Seattle Skyline but you also have an opportunity to capture great views of the Seattle Space Needle.

Conclusion

Seattle is a vibrant, culturally rich city with an incredible food scene. On sunny days, there is plenty to do in Seattle including catching great views from the Seattle Space Needle or Smith Tower. On those rainy days, grab a cup of coffee at one of Seattle's craft coffee shops. And if coffee isn't your scene, Seattle is also known for amazing craft beer and cider.

Weekend Wanderings: Washington DC Guide

We spent a long 4th of July Holiday Weekend in Washington D.C. Not only is our nation's capital full of historical exhibits, museums and monuments, but Washington D.C. is a foodie's paradise with great restaurants and coffee shops. Here's our Weekend Wanderings, Washington DC Guide.

Where To Stay

Fairmont Georgetown: The Fairmont Georgetown Washington D.C. is located within close proximity to Georgetown, Dupont Circle and only about a ten block walk to The White House. And the luxury hotel is also located just a few blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. It's great location and luxurious rooms make it a great choice for your Washington. D.C. trip.

Fairmont Washington D.C.

Where To Eat

Le Diplomate: We can't even begin to describe how great Le Diplomate is for any meal, but particularly brunch. The French brasserie is a must on your Washington DC Itinerary. Zagat described it as "Maybe the “hottest address in town – after 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue of course”. Do yourself a favor. Their french toast is incredible.

Founding Farmers: Founding Farmers is a Co-op-owned American eatery that dishes out classic comfort cuisine. This place transplants you to your grandmother's dining room with dishes like meatloaf, chicken pot pie and of course cornbread.

FireFly: FireFly is located in the Kimpton Madera Hotel near Dupont Circle. The restaurant is built around a large indoor tree, serving seasonal, local, New American comfort food. It's a place you'll find the locals in Washington D.C dining at. The steak, asparagus and truffle fries were very tasty. And the atmosphere is very quaint yet comfortable. Plus they serve up some delicious cocktails.

Where To Get Coffee

Bourbon Coffee: Bourbon Coffee offers direct-trade coffee from Rwanda. Their espresso featuring coffee blends from Rwanda is delicious. Plus you can grab a delicious sandwich or pastry. Bourbon Coffee has several hip and relaxed cafes across the Washington D.C. area.

La Colombe: No matter what city we are in, if there is a La Colombe, it's always on our list. They roast up some of the best coffee not to mention their draft lattes are incredible. With four locations in the District, it's pretty easy to sneak this place on to your list.

Where To Go For Dessert

Sprinkles Cupcakes: It's not a secret. We love Sprinkles Cupcakes. And they have a Cupcake Bakery in Georgetown. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and try one. Don't worry about the calories, it's vacation!

Baked & Wired: Baked & Wired is a family owned coffee shop and bakery in Georgetown. This place is always packed. Don't worry, it's worth the wait. The coffee is incredible and the baked goods are made in small batches with the finest ingredients.

What To Do

When you visit Washington D.C., places like the Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, National Archives, etc. should already be on your list. Here are a few additions we suggest adding to your Washington. D.C. Itinerary.

Newseum: The Newseum is a dynamic, engaging and interactive museum of news. The museum allows visitors to experience the stories of yesterday and today through the eyes of the media. All this while celebrating the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans by the First Amendment.  The museum offers incredible exhibits including a powerful wall showing the front page of hundreds of newspapers on the day after 9/11.

Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery is the country’s largest military cemetery. It serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family from the fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, the Cold War and America’s Civil War. The cemetery is open to the public 365 days a year with free admission for those who wish to tour the site and pay their respects.

Arlington Cemetery is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, which is a tribute to unidentified fallen soldiers who fought in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a large white sarcophagus that is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by Tomb Guard sentinels from the elite 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

Holocaust Museum: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is another extremely powerful (and somber) place you should visit while in Washington D.C. The Museum is the United States' official memorial to the Holocaust. And the museum provides interactive exhibits showing how the Holocaust occurred, the lives it impacted and how the massacre finally ended.

Conclusion

Washington D.C. is not only our nation's capital, but it's a vibrant hub for culture, delicious food and of course great tasting coffee. If you haven't been to Washington D.C., it's a destination that should definitely be on your list. If you have any questions or need help making your Washington D.C. plans, be sure to let us know! Hopefully our Washington DC Guide helps!