So, Seattle may have just become my new favorite city. For a long time I thought Denver was unbeatable, but Seattle quietly stole my heart. I fell for the vibe, the landscape, the neighborhoods, the friendly people, and the incredible proximity to both mountains and ocean. It truly ranks among the most beautiful cities I’ve visited.
Why did I go to Seattle? My sister Michelle needed a date for a wedding—her husband couldn’t attend—so naturally she asked her favorite (and only) sister: me. She said one word: hiking. That was all the convincing I needed. I love traveling with Michelle: we laugh constantly, turn ordinary moments into adventures, and have no hesitation striking up conversations with strangers. The best part of travel, in my opinion, is meeting other travelers and locals.
<<<< SEE >>>>
Pike Place Market: Pike Place is pure Seattle charm. If you’re a fan of farmers’ markets, you’ll be in heaven—the market blends a classic farmers’ market with a lively flea market atmosphere and is packed with local food vendors. I wanted to try everything. If I worked downtown, I’d visit weekly for fresh seafood, inexpensive bouquets, local honey, and seasonal produce. Musicians and street performers add to the energy, and it’s the sort of place you could easily spend hours exploring every stall and vendor.
Green Lake: Want a quick, scenic 5K in Seattle? Visit Green Lake. It reminded me of Lake Calhoun for Twin Cities residents: a pedestrian-friendly loop around the water with a clear walking and biking path. The loop is roughly 2.8 miles, with lovely views and a charming neighborhood full of cafés and shops worth exploring if you have time.
<<<< HIKE >>>>
Little Si (4.7 mi): Little Si is an accessible day hike outside Seattle in the North Bend area. The round-trip hike is about 4.7 miles with roughly 1,300 feet of elevation gain. I loved the towering trees—so different from the ones back home—and the lookout feels like walking into the clouds. It’s a satisfying, moderately challenging hike with great terrain and panoramic viewpoints.
Mt. Rainier – Sunrise Visitor Center – Frozen Lake + Mt. Fremont Lookout (6.3 mi.): Visiting Mt. Rainier was a top priority. We left early—coffee in hand—and drove southeast toward the park. The temperature dropped quickly as we climbed, but the weather cooperated with mostly blue skies and a few clouds. Saturday happened to be Free National Park Day, so we saved the entrance fee and spent the day hiking from the Sunrise Visitor Center. We completed a 6.3-mile out-and-back loop to the Mt. Fremont Lookout. On clear days you can see the lookout hut and dramatic views of the mountain; we had glimpses between clouds. The hike felt moderate: longer than Little Si but with different rewards, including sightings of mountain goats and their adorable kids. One day I hope to return and attempt a summit of Mt. Rainier.
<<<< EAT >>>>
Seattle’s food scene is a highlight. Here are a few favorites we discovered:
Daily Dozen Doughnuts: A must at Pike Place Market. We grabbed half a dozen doughnut holes—classic, perfectly fried, and addictive. The sprinkle hole was my favorite; the maple bacon flavor was a close second.
Lowell’s: A great lunch spot at Pike Place with water views and a solid menu. I had a Chicken and Apple Salad, and Michelle opted for a Salmon Filet Sandwich. Note: their fries are outstanding.
Oak: Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood—close to our Airbnb—Oak is focused on local, sustainable food. We stumbled on it while grabbing coffee and ended up returning. I loved the Spicy Beef Chili after a long hike; it’s warm, comforting, and clearly prepared with care.
Full Tilt Ice Cream: Ice cream lovers, rejoice. Full Tilt serves creative flavors, including several vegan options made with coconut milk. I went classic and chose pistachio—delicious.
Victrola Coffee: I have a slight obsession with coffee, and Victrola delivered. Charming spot, excellent espresso, and great lattes—perfect for a morning pick-me-up before exploring the city or hitting the trail.
Stoneburner: For brunch we met friends in Ballard and ate at Stoneburner. The menu is well-priced and the atmosphere is relaxed. I ordered the Polenta Cake with Poached Eggs, which was delightful, and we enjoyed their zucchini bread as a starter. Ballard itself is a fun neighborhood with shops and markets to explore afterward.
<<<< Wedding >>>>
The wedding was one of the most beautiful I’ve attended. Bre and Bryan tied the knot on a tree farm in Issaquah, Washington—a stunning setting with a warm, natural feel. Michelle and the bride met in law school and are longtime friends, so it felt special to be part of their celebration. The evening was a perfect fall night with clear skies, and we even caught a glimpse of a lunar eclipse, which was a memorable bonus. The ceremony was simple and elegant, and the food—an all-you-can-eat BBQ—was delicious. My dress came from a boutique my sister recommended, and I felt great all night.
We packed a lot into a single weekend: market wandering, lake walks, mountain hikes, great food, and a beautiful wedding. The more I can experience in a city, the better, and Seattle offered so many layers—urban culture, outdoor adventure, and a thriving food scene. My overall impression: I love Seattle. Someone, please give me a reason not to move there.