Exploring Seattle: From Space Needle to International District

Introduction

Imagine stepping into a city where lush green landscapes meet cutting-edge innovation, where every corner tells a story of artistic brilliance and culinary delight. This was my journey to Seattle, the Emerald City, in mid-April. This was my first visit to both Seattle and the region in general, and I was immediately captivated by the lush, green landscape that gives the city its affectionate nickname, The Emerald City. (I can’t be the only one who thinks of Oz whenever I hear that name!)

Seattle, known for its thriving tech scene with giants like Amazon, showcases its innovation at every corner. Amazon Go kiosks dot the city, and the iconic Starbucks siren gazes down from their headquarters in the skyline, reminding you of the city’s coffee culture roots. But Seattle is more than just tech and coffee; it’s a place where urban sophistication meets natural beauty, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.

Join me as I recount my adventures exploring this dynamic city—from its iconic landmarks and cultural festivals to its bustling markets and culinary delights. Whether you’re a fellow first-time visitor or a seasoned Seattleite, there’s something here for everyone to discover.

Accessibility and Transport

Once you land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you have a few options for getting to downtown Seattle. You can take the Link Light Rail, which is convenient and economical, especially if you purchase an Orca Card from the airport kiosk (check out the website for more information!)

The Orca Card is handy if you plan to use other public transit options downtown (trolleys, buses, etc.). Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or a driving service. I opted for a driving service for a hassle-free experience, and the 20-minute drive to the hotel was smooth and comfortable.

Seattle Center

My first stop was Seattle Center, a vibrant hub of arts, education, tourism, and entertainment. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it has transformed into a community gathering space that hosts a wide array of cultural, scientific, and civic activities. The lively atmosphere, complete with street vendors and performers, made it a delightful place to explore.

Space Needle

This iconic tower lives up to all its hype. The panoramic view from the top was breathtaking, but the rotating glass floor was my highlight. Visiting the Space Needle on April 13th, 2024, exactly 63 years after its construction began, felt serendipitous. Coincidentally, the Needle first opened to the public on April 21st, 1962—my birthday! (Obviously, I’m significantly younger than the Space Needle.) These coincidences made the experience even more special. The mid-century architecture is beautifully preserved, adding a nostalgic charm to the visit.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass, located at the foot of the Space Needle, was part of a two-for-one ticket deal and did not disappoint. The small gallery of glass art is mind-blowing and jaw-droppingly stunning. Each piece, brilliantly lit with vibrant colors, left me in awe. The live demonstration of glasswork was both informative and mesmerizing, deepening my appreciation for this delicate art form.

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

During my stay, Seattle hosted the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival in the Armory Food & Event Hall and the Fisher Pavilion. Although we missed the prime bloom, the festival itself was a joy. Sponsored by local Japanese communities and organizations, the event offered a rich cultural experience. We watched a Kendo demonstration, tried our hand at rice paddle table tennis, and enjoyed a serene Japanese tea ceremony.

Seattle’s sister city, Kobe, had tables showcasing what Hyogo Prefecture had to offer. There were a few more tables you could check out, like other prefectures and even the JET program! The festival’s celebration of Japanese culture was a highlight of my trip.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market was a lively and unique experience. Vendors sold everything from knitted hats to honey and crystals, with a musician playing a hammered dulcimer adding to the ambiance. Closer to the center, fishmongers tossing fish and chanting created a lively scene unlike any I had seen before.

Fresh off the plane and starving, I was drawn to the scent of clam chowder from a tent on the market’s back balcony. Seattle clam chowder, with its lighter, less thick consistency compared to the New England variety, was a delicious revelation. The use of salmon and cod instead of bacon or salt pork provided a unique, umami-rich flavor that hit the spot perfectly.

The Original Starbucks

Opened in 1971 at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, this iconic establishment marked the beginning of what would become the world’s largest coffee empire. It still retains its vintage charm with some original fixtures and a retro logo, serving as a homage to the early days of Starbucks. The brown interior and the sight of them tossing cups with orders on them to the barista, much like the fishermen do within the Pike Place Market, sets them apart from the regular Starbucks location.

There were beverages only offered at the Pike Place location, and they also had novelty items such as tumblers, mugs, and coffee beans. There was a line out the door in the afternoon, but none in the morning so if you’re claustrophobic, or just want photos without people blocking your shot, I suggest you pay a visit at around 8:30 in the morning.

Gum Wall

I’m not entirely sure if it falls under the Pike Place Market, but I accidentally stumbled upon it while exploring the market, so I’m going to write about it here. I was on route to the Seattle Aquarium when I found myself in the Gum Wall Alley. I knew it existed, and I thought it was just a wall, however, I was shocked to find it was a whole alley of gum walls. It extended up high, and there was some gum on the ground. Once you get over the initial shock and the slight disgust, it does look neat and you start to appreciate it as a street art of sorts. It faintly smells minty and bubble gummy, as well as juicy-fruity in the alley. It was interesting and I’m sure there’s nothing like it elsewhere.

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is a prominent marine conservation facility located on Pier 59 on the Seattle waterfront along Elliott Bay. Opened in 1977, it has been a key attraction in the city, offering visitors the chance to explore the rich marine life of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

I enjoyed the Window on Washington Waters exhibit as it replicates the rocky coastlines of Washington state, and it is filled with native marine life such as sea anemones, rockfish, and kelp forests. I love getting to know local marine biology!

Another cool area was the Underwater Dome. Here, you could see Salmon swimming in schools above and beside you as the water encapsulates you. Not too far from that was the Marine Mammals section, which was the home to harbor seals, sea otters, and fur seals, this section of the aquarium focuses on the charismatic marine mammals of the Northwest, highlighting their habits, conservation status, and the aquarium’s efforts in marine rehabilitation.

The Seattle Aquarium is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. The layout of the exhibits encourages a flow that maximizes engagement with the marine environments. The facility also includes amenities such as a café with views of Elliott Bay, a gift shop, and numerous interactive displays that explain the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.

Pine Street

Exploring Pine Street was another highlight. With stores like Uniqlo, Doc Marten’s, and Patagonia, it offered excellent shopping opportunities. The Westlake train station’s central location made it a convenient hub for our adventures. We also discovered great spots like the Starbucks Roastery on Pike Street and Nana’s Green Tea on Olive Street. Nana’s Green Tea is a Japanese chain that serves green tea sweets and light lunch platters. My favorite is the combo of the matcha ice cream parfait and hot roasted green tea or Hōjicha.

Seattle Chinatown-International District

Coming from Buffalo, which isn’t as large or diverse in terms of different cultures, especially Asian culture, I was excited to visit the International District in Seattle to see what it had to offer. In the morning, we walked from Pine Street to the International District, eager to explore.

Our first stop was the Japanese supermarket, Uwajimaya. It was a delight to purchase snacks and cosmetic items not readily available in Buffalo. Inside Uwajimaya, we also visited the Kinokuniya bookstore, where we browsed through Japanese books and magazines. It’s one of the few places in the US that carries Japanese text books and manga. You can also order online from the website if that’s something you were looking for! The experience was so authentic, it almost felt like we were transported back to Japan!

Next, we crossed the street to Daiso, a 100 yen store, and got excited about the variety of stationery and other unique goods available. For lunch, we chose Momosan Ramen and Sake, partly because my travel companion was named Momo-san, which we found hilarious. The food was delicious and the ambiance added to our enjoyable experience in the district.

Conclusion

As my journey through Seattle came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the rich experiences the city offered. From the lush green landscapes that first caught my eye to the vibrant street performances at Seattle Center, each moment highlighted the unique charm of The Emerald City. The technological pulse of the city, with its Amazon Go kiosks and the iconic Starbucks birthplace, connected me back to the innovative spirit that fuels Seattle.

Exploring Seattle’s main attractions like the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass provided not just awe-inspiring views but also a deeper appreciation for the city’s artistic and architectural endeavors. Meanwhile, the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival was a vivid celebration of culture that spoke to the city’s diverse and inclusive spirit.

Every bite of the lighter, locally influenced Seattle clam chowder was a delicious reminder of the city’s culinary uniqueness, just as every step taken in the bustling Pike Place Market was an encounter with Seattle’s lively community and its seaside heritage.

In conclusion, Seattle is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that engages all senses. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of high-tech hubs, the tranquility of lush landscapes, the artistic streets, or the taste of innovative cuisine, Seattle promises a journey of discovery. So, pack your bags, and perhaps, like me, you’ll find yourself not just visiting a city but connecting with a community that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

Miles from Home