out and about: seattle.

Our journey to Seattle was made primarily for the very special occasion of our friends’ wedding. James was a groomsman and so while we explored as much as we were able, there were suit fittings and rehearsal dinners and dancing the night away to be squeezed into the week as well (no complaints!).

Beyond wedding festivities, it should be remembered that we were traveling with a toddler and an infant in tow. If you haven’t already read Travel Tips from a Toddler, it might be a good time. Perhaps one day we’ll delve into the still more precise, Travel Tips from a Toddler and her Infant Compatriot. 

Still, a few of the Seattle spots that we quite enjoyed, in case anyone else might be planning a PNW ramble:

Things to Do:

Elliot Bay Books: A very good bookstore in a city with lots of them. We loved the time we spent in this skylight filled space. I even had the chance to sign the Simple Matters they had in stock. (Faye gives rave reviews of the castle in the children’s section.)

Pike Place Market: I don’t *think* you can go to Seattle without heading here. The flower stands are very impressive, the tourists very touristy, our general satisfaction with having taken a little stroll around the place quite high.

Seattle Public Library – Central Branch: We saved ourselves getting drenched in one very impressive rainstorm by paying a visit to the Seattle Library. The children’s room was beautiful (and pristine) and a trip up the elevator to the top floor to see the views through the glass walls and roof was definitely worth it, though not at all for the faint of heart.

Discovery Park: This is the largest park in the city, occupying the now-decommissioned Fort Lawton. There’s a beautiful lighthouse on the far reaches of the site and we headed there for stunning views over Elliot Bay. During our visit the tide was way out and the water left behind on the sand rivulets was warm enough for walking in barefoot. (One among us also took the opportunity to take a quick skinny dip.)

Ferry to Bainbridge: We explored Bainbridge Island on our last afternoon in Seattle. The ferry ride and views of the city were treats themselves, and we loved walking the quiet island roads. 

Lincoln Park in West Seattle: We spent a few wedding-themed days in West Seattle and made ample use of its rocky beaches. The playground at Lincoln Park was every bit the PNW wonderland that you might hope for. 

Things to Eat:

Oddfellows Café: So many people recommended this Seattle institution to us and it did not disappoint. Billowy biscuits and perfectly dressed greens, hot coffee, and room enough for a squirmy toddler.

Elm Coffee Roasters: Seattle might be famous for another coffee brand, but it was this little roasters that won us over with their latte, complete with housemade hazelnut milk.

General Porpoise Doughnuts: We ordered a glutton’s feast of creme-filled doughnuts from this highly recommended spot. If we’re ever in town again, we’ll be back for more.

Delancey: It’s a bit strange for New Yorkers to travel to the West Coast  to eat very delicious pizza, but this spot was perfect. We devoured two pies, a beautiful asparagus salad, and the very best chocolate chip cookie I could have dreamed of. They win for friendliest place we ate, too.

The London Plane: I guess they must have been thinking of me when the owners opened up this place. This dream of a restaurant/flower shop was really delightful. I was a very big fan of their delicious toasts.

Bakery Nouveau: Without regret, we stopped by this very delicious French bakery on our way out of town and so were fortified throughout our day of travel with sandwiches and pastry and a very delicious cinnamon roll from this unassuming storefront. 

For the curious:

We stood by our “carry-ons only” commitment and traveled with our two Tom Bihn Aeronauts (the 30 and 45), our Storq Carryall (on James in the first picture), and the very convenient Babyzen Yoyo stroller, given to us to try by Milk & Honey Babies! The small stroller + baby wrap (on me in the fourth picture!) was the easiest way for us to cruise around town, on and off public transportation! (More on that here.)

Other travel posts right this way.