summer in seattle pt 1
Summer 21 was like living for the first time. After over a year of living in my childhood bedroom, it felt refreshing to move out for the summer to a new city and a new place.
Seattle is easily one of my favorite cities today. The weather here was wonderful (like I’m talking pink skies every evening) and it is so green. The nature is just overwhelmingly beautiful, and the food is on another level. (See my food guide here)
Although I did not go out every single day here (I was doing a full-time internship), I wanted to recap the highlights of my trip in my little online journal.
Kerry Park was just a short walk from my Airbnb and I mean this view:
Anyways, touristy items were the first on my bucket list. Space Needle. Pike Place. Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.
Highly recommend going up the space needle right after sunset, it is magical.
Also, go to Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Shorter lines, better menu.
Pike Place was a great experience that first weekend. I really enjoyed the black currant RGB and Beecher’s Grilled Cheese. This place reminded me of LA’s Grand Central but more spread out. Oh, and of course, the market had beautiful flowers – everywhere. So many vendors selling the prettiest bouquets!
The next day we went to Gas Works Park. Again, 5 days in and this city is killing it with the views. We had a nice little picnic with snacks and fruit from Trader Joe’s.
During the week I visited the HQ of the company I interned at and met up with old and new friends! Both were super wholesome experiences. I really do miss the in-person office setting. Productivity is maximized in the focus rooms with A/C! I also stopped by the REI flagship and got myself some hiking boots. There’s something about this city that makes me want to switch out my sundresses and square-toe heels for Patagonia fleeces and Keen sandals (more on this later). Did I mention, U-District has really good Boba, especially if you’re not into milk teas but fruit teas like myself.
This next weekend was more laidback – I visited the Seattle Aquarium which was a bit underwhelming compared to other aquariums, but it was okay. For lunch, Pike Place was the closest, so we went to Piroshky Piroshky and RGB. Also went on a little harbor tour at 3pm and can say I fell asleep on it haha.
Sunday morning, I was up bright and early because it was hiking day! We went up to Rattlesnake Ridge which was just stunning. The view speaks for itself.
Golden Gardens Beach for a chill late-lunch after the hike. Later in the evening, I was craving Malaysian food so we went to Kedai Makan - only to find a 2.5 hour wait. I was super hangry by the time we got in but the nasi goreng was worth it.
During the week, I celebrated my birthday which was super cute! I wanted a lowkey day, so my bf surprised me with the cute cupcakes with candles on them and mocha cake and pumpkin orange cake. My family also sent me the prettiest bouquet of flowers.
That Friday, I went to the Pink Door for a birthday dinner. The place is literally tucked under a pink door and the vibes are perf for a nice fancy-ish dinner. After some salmon and basil raspberry cake, we watched the sunset from the Pike Place market deck. 10/10 day.
Saturday brunch was at Toulouse Petit Kitchen. Chill dinner at Alibi Room which is also hidden in the Gum Wall alley. The next day, I spent most of my time at Ballard, which has the cutest little shops and my favorite brunch spot in this city.
Sphere's were surprisingly enjoyable! I was honestly amazed at how many different types of flora they managed to squeeze into the space. I think every metropolitan city needs a huge greenhouse. It's a nice reminder that there's more to life than the concrete jungle.
Saturday was another night out on the town, but this time at IMO the best Italian spot - Spinasse. Every dish was very unique and light, and the bread was *chef's kiss. Molly Moon's ice cream was followed after.
part 2 will be posted shortly :)