48 Hours in Seattle

8AM THE FIRST STARBUCKS

The coffee shop that has taken over the world first opened in Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market in 1971. Stop by for a scone and a java at the flagship store that still maintains its original look and feel. Be sure to go early to beat the crowds (that do line up) and see the market just waking up.

9AM PIKE PLACE MARKET

The historic Pike Place Market is Seattle’s first and largest farmer’s market that’s been in business since 1907. Known for its fresh produce stalls, local artisans, giant flower bouquets, and famous flying fish, the market is popular with both tourists and locals alike. You could easily spend a few hours exploring all the wonderful vendors.

12PM MATT’S IN THE MARKET

94 PIKE ST. SUITE 32 SEATTLE, WA 98101

While there are plenty of places to eat at Pike’s Place, Matt’s on the top floor of the Corner Market Building offers delicious Pacific Northwest seafood and stunning views of the water and West Seattle. Not only will you get fresh, seasonal food, but the ingredients are coming directly from other market merchants - it doesn’t get more local than that.

2PM SEATTLE ART MUSEUM

4PM PIONEER SQUARE

Continue south on 1st Avenue, Pioneer Square is the birthplace of the city and where Seattle’s founders settled in 1852. Wander through the historical neighborhood known for its Renaissance Revival architecture, discovering quirky boutiques and cafes as you go. If you keep heading south you’ll reach the arenas where the Seahawks, Mariners and Sounders play.

6PM UMI SAKE HOUSE

Fresh seafood and Asian cuisine abound in Seattle, and you can get the both of best worlds at Umi Sake House in Belltown. With both traditional sashimi and inventive specialty rolls, the place gets packed nightly - be sure to try the signature tempura Crunchy Seattle Roll with salmon and avocado. (They also have an excellent happy hour from 4 – 6 p.m.)

8PM CATCH A SHOW

SEATTLE, WA

At night, see what the Seattle Theatre Group has going on at one of its three historic theatres: The Paramount, Moore or Neptune Theatre. The opulent Paramount hosts theatrical performances while the Moore and Neptune bring in a range of music acts to aid in Seattle’s artsy vibe.

8AM PORTAGE BAY CAFE

Ask any local where to go for breakfast and chances are, they’ll say Portage Bay. The popular brunch spot is dedicated to using local, organic and sustainable ingredients and is famous for its “breakfast bar” – order any pancake or French toast plate and take it to the bar to load up on fruit, nuts, maple syrup and whipped cream. Portage Bay gets busy, especially on the weekends, so try calling ahead for a reservation.

10AM SPACE NEEDLE

Any trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the iconic Space Needle. Take the elevator up to the observation deck 605 feet in the sky for panoramic views of the city. If heights aren’t your thing, you can always stay on the ground and visit the Experience Music Project or Chihuly Garden and Glass museum, both located at the base of the Needle.

12PM DAHLIA BAKERY

A local lunch favorite from Seattle restaurateur, Tom Douglas, stop in for a quick bite of soup and sandwiches. The classic grilled cheese with bleu cheese, squash and peppers is always a favorite, but daily specials are even more mouthwatering.

2PM VOLUNTEER PARK & CONSERVATORY

1427 15TH AVE. E. SEATTLE, WA 98112

Spend the afternoon enjoying a stroll through Volunteer Park. With more than 45 acres of leafy greenland, paths and play areas, the park is also home to a conservatory, the Asian Art museum and a picture perfect view of the Space Needle.

4PM THE ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY

1521 10TH AVE. SEATTLE, WA 98122

Peruse thousands of titles at this favorite independent bookstore. Filled with personality, The Elliott Bay Book Company has an inviting atmosphere with cedar shelves and a cozy café, perfect for escaping the inevitable Seattle rain.

7PM SITKA & SPRUCE

1531 MELROSE AVE. SEATTLE, WA 98122

Seattleites take their love for natural, sustainable food seriously and nowhere is this more apparent than Sitka & Spruce. The restaurant offers a range of simple, refined small plates featuring plenty of fresh produce, meats and seafood.

9PM CAPITOL HILL DRINKS OR DESSERT CRAWL

Sitka & Spruce isn’t the only good place to eat on Capitol Hill; the neighborhood is packed with excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and watering holes. In fact some of the city’s favorite local dessert chains, like Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop (917 East Pine) or Cupcake Royale on (111 East Pike), are on the hill as are a range of bars, breweries and distilleries. For a drink, try Tavern Law (1406 12th Ave.), known for its craft cocktails and speakeasy vibe, or The Pine Box (1600 Melrose Ave.), with more than 30 beers on tap, many from local microbreweries.

WHERE TO STAY: THE EDGEWATER HOTEL

2411 ALASKAN WAY SEATTLE, WA 98121

A Seattle institution, The Edgewater Hotel places you right in the downtown area with views of Elliott Bay and the majestic Olympic Mountains. The waterfront property combines elegant style with a Pacific Northwest feel and has been a popular getaway spot for decades – The Beatles even stayed here in 1964.