Adventures in Seattle! – An Overview of Some of the City’s Best Spots

Ever since the fall of 2016, I promised myself that I would one day visit the city of Seattle (of course, it was a rejection letter from Amazon that inspired this promise, but that’s irrelevant).

I made good on my word in May 2019, and the Emerald City did not disappoint! I arrived in Seattle with a list of 30 plus things to see and do and I’m proud to say that I accomplished over half!

If you’re thinking of visiting Seattle, or even if you live there, here’s an overview of all the adventures you can get into!

The Places:

Yes, I became the ultimate tourist when I visited Seattle. I wanted to hit all the popular spots if only to check them off my bucket list. Here’s my impression of each one.

Seattle Great Wheel

The Great Wheel is said to be the largest Ferris Wheel on the west coast. At $15 dollars to go thrice around the wheel, I can see where some people might say it’s not worth the experience. But, the Great Wheel allowed me to take some of the best shots of the city, both of the skyline and the horizon. That alone more than pays for its purchase price.

I visited the wheel on my first evening in Seattle. While hanging out with friends and catching up on old times, visiting the wheel was the perfect venue to kick off my Seattle exploration.

Northwest African American Museum

As I get older, I continue to develop a deeper interest in history and culture. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I visited the Northwest African American Museum, but I was quickly captivated by the story of how so many Black Americans ended up in Seattle during the 19^th and 20^th century.

The museum also holds an art gallery featuring modern art from professionals wishing to speak their voice. These two in particular left an impression on me.

The Northwest African American Museum is small, but very thorough with several books and historic artifacts on display. I’m glad I got to experience this hidden gem!

Mind-Body Empowered

If you’re ever looking for a professional massage in Seattle, Mind-Body Empowered is the place to go. Jon Jorgensen with Mind-Body Empowered is passionate about spreading information on the importance and benefits of a deep tissue massage. I didn’t know that something as simple as a massage could assist to remove toxins from the body and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

He seems to know exactly where to apply pressure for a completely soothing experience. I was so zoned out that my hour-long session with him felt much shorter than the 45 minute session I usually get at my local massage parlor in Memphis. Seriously, if you’re in the area, you must give Mind-Body Empowered a try.

Gas Works Park

If you’re looking for a quiet place to have a picnic, walk your dog, or simply gaze at the city’s beautiful skyline, Gas Works is your Park. There are lots of running trails, grassy fields and even a location for camping and for pitching fires here.

Gas Works also holds excellent historic significance, as it contains “remnants of the sole remaining coal gasification plant in the United States” – Wikipedia.

It played a pivotal role in Seattle’s industrial era, and now the iconic pipes remain here, no doubt for our vandalism and climbing enjoyment – not really, but who’s going to stop the rebels?

Bill Spidel’s Underground Tour

One of my favorite activities to take part in was the Bill Spidel’s Underground Tour. It is a fun and highly informative walk through Seattle’s history. The tour guides are so hilarious and engaging! I couldn’t stop laughing as they told the tale of the ridiculous circumstances under which Seattle was formed.

Then of course, the old city made of wood burned down to the ground in a glorious fire. But the fire was so magnificently preposterous that the whole audience was practically rolling on the floor at the tale. Don’t worry. The fire claimed the lives of one million rats, and not a single human soul.

The Underground Tour was a marvelous event; I wish all my history classes were taught in this manner.

Space Needle

Ah, yes. Seattle’s most recognizable structure: The Space Needle. Standing at 605 feet, the Space Needle is the heart of downtown Seattle. Everywhere you look, it’s there. It called my name. I couldn’t stay away.

The Space Needle is definitely a touristy location. It costs $37 to ride the elevator to the top, where you can see spectacular 360-degree views of the city. On the way to the elevator that takes you to the top, you’ll get to see excellent interactive posters on the history of how the space needle was built.

I am glad I got to the top even if only to say that I did it, but my main critique of the Space Needle perhaps isn’t a fair critique at all: it is way too crowded. From the long lines to await the elevator to the top, to the crowd that inevitably blocks your view for the perfect shot, there’s just no getting around how many people there are visiting the Space Needle.

You can kiss any plans you have of a peaceful outlook onto the city goodbye. It’s noisy, it’s packed, and I would even say it’s overpriced.

My verdict: The Space Needle is beautiful to look at, but only ride to the top if it is on your die-hard list of things to do. Otherwise, there are plenty of other outlooks that offer a quiet, yet just as remarkable view of the city.

Pike Place

Pike Place is Seattle’s Famous outdoor Market. There’s certainly a lot going on here. While at Pike Place, you can visit the world’s first original Starbucks. I didn’t go inside because I knew there would be a long line, and I’ve never been much of a coffee drinker, but it was still cool to see.

Pike Place also houses the Fish Market. I looked for the famous “Flying Fish” where workers throw large fish back and forth as they met the high demand of orders, but whether I didn’t go to the right place or arrived at the wrong time, I didn’t see them.

At the Fresh Food Market, you can try samples of the freshest, sweetest fruit you’ve tasted in a while. It’ll give a much better deal and far better quality than the produce at your local supermarket.

Pike Place certainly is lively. Although as a touristy spot, it also attracts large crowds, the majority of Pike Place is located outside, so you feel less claustrophobic amongst the masses.

If I were to visit Pike Place again, I would take a guide with me to show me all the cool spots. I feel like I barely scratched the surface of this magnificent market.

Gum Wall

As silly as it may sound, my main reason for visiting Pike Place market was to view the Gum Wall. The Gum Wall, or perhaps more appropriately named the Gum Alley, resides right below Pike Place Market where thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of pieces of gum reside artistically placed on the walls and pipes. It’s actually a bit disgusting if you think about it, so just don’t think about it and enjoy the experience.

Think of all the people who came before you and left their mark on this particular alley. Now you to can be a part of it too. I walked to a Target down the street and bought a pack of gum. Then I returned to make history as I chewed and popped my gum, and left it dangling off an H shaped pipe. It was meant to be!

The Food:

If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love Seattle. There is no shortage of excellent restaurants to choose from! Here are some of my favorites:

Emerald City Fish & Chips

You can’t visit Seattle without trying some fresh seafood. Ever since I saw this Worth It: Salmon episode, I had been craving the signature Smokey Salmon Chowder from Emerald City Fish & Chips. I got off the plane, checked into my hotel, then abruptly headed out for a strangely southern style lunch.

The fish and chips are crispy and seasoned to perfection, flavored with a familiar southern spice, but no doubt the salmon chowder stole the show. It is so creamy and comforting, like a warm hug on a cold day. Emerald City is by no means a touristy spot, but the small, locally owned shop is a must stop in my book.

Nijo Sushi Bar & Grill

No doubt there are dozens of sushi restaurants in Seattle. At first I had my eye on Shiro’s Sushi, but after hearing of a potential waiting list and necessary reservation, I (and a few friends) decided to check out Nijo Sushi Bar & Grill instead.

Nijo has an extensive menu to suit everyone, from the casual first timer to the hard-core sushi lover. There even are plenty of vegetarian options! The food is presented and delivered so beautifully that it hurts your heart to take a bite. But of course, that’s what pictures are for.

I jumped at the chance to try the fancy salmon roll (whose official name escapes me) that was described to be lit on fire. I was not disappointed.

Tamarind Tree

Ok you’ve got me. I have a weakness for Asian food. This time, we’re having Vietnamese cuisine. The Tamarind Tree is a homey yet sophisticated restaurant on the outskirts of China Town. It gave me decision paralysis because there were so many mouthwatering choices to pick from the menu!

I am 90% vegetarian, so I often know what to expect when I order a veggie rice entrée from an Asian restaurant. The Tamarind Tree surprised me with its presentation of rice, sautéed vegetables and fried tofu. I expected the ensemble to be mixed together akin to a vegetable fried rice. But not only is keeping them separate a prettier presentation, it also allowed me to enjoy their unique flavors both individually and collectively.

Kizuki Ramen

Of the two Ramen shops I visited in Seattle, Kizuki is by far the superior. I don’t eat pork at all, so it is often difficult to find traditional Japanese ramen not served in a pork broth. Also, the veggie ramen I had previously tried in Japanese shops often had a sour, fishy tasting broth that I was never fond of.

Not only does Kizuki have a multitude of pork, chicken and veggie broths to choose from, the veggie broth I ended up getting was so creamy, savory and delicious! I realize that I’m probably sounding over positive here, but I am completely serious when I say that Kizuki’s veggie ramen is the best Japanese style veggie ramen I have ever tasted.

Oh dang it, now I’ve got myself thinking about it! How unfortunate that nothing here in Memphis can compare with what Kizuki offered.

Wayward Café

When I came to Seattle, I knew I wanted to visit at least one vegan restaurant. The reason Wayward caught my attention is because it was described to me as a vegan soul food restaurant, quite the juxtaposition if you think about it.

Wayward serves their breakfast menu all day, and I couldn’t get enough of their tater-tot and scrambled tofu hash. I always love a good tot, and the tofu, scrambled to simulate eggs, were seasoned to perfection.

I also tried their biscuits and gravy, which consisted of two hearty biscuit halves smothered in creamy mushroom gravy. Who says vegan food can’t fill you up?

If I ever return, I’m definitely going to try their creamy Alfredo Pasta. I’m curious at to their ability to turn one of my favorite dishes into a vegan delight, but if their other entrées are any indication, I know it would be simply delectable.

Spring House Thai Kitchen

After taking the water taxi to west Seattle and sitting on Alki Beach for a couple hours, chowing down on Thai food at Spring House Thai Kitchen was the perfect way to end the evening. I always love Thai food because they understand my need for heat. They don’t shy away from the spice. So when I ordered my drunken noodles extra spicy, you bet it had me reaching for a drink after almost every bite. It was Great! Bring on the pain!

I also found something extra satisfying about the texture of the noodles used. They seemed to be wider and softer than the drunken noodle dishes I’ve had before, which gave it a comforting feel that made me never want to stop, despite the fire dance party going on in my mouth.

One thing I noticed about dining out in Seattle is that plastic straws are not automatically offered. If you wanted a straw, you’d have to ask for it. I actually found that I didn’t miss the straw at all; on the contrary, it was a feel good, albeit small, decision to make to ditch the straw for the sake of the environment. I think Seattle is on the right track.

Seattle is such a beautiful city! I was fortunate enough to receive 3 days of sunshine and 3 days of clouds while I was there! I definitely want to return if I ever get the chance. There are so many things I want to try again, and so many things I missed the first time!

Until I am able to travel more often, I plan to take one major trip per year. Seattle was my trip this year, and the experience is sufficient to last a lifetime.

Have you ever been to Seattle? What are some things you’d like to try? What are some things I’ve missed? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Stay classy!

Bonus Content!

Check out my vlog post on my Seattle Experience!