Archive · 2019-01-17

Seattle City Guide: Stuff Around Town

On a sunny day, the view West from the zenith of Melrose Avenue on Capitol Hill is majestic: sunlight reflections glitter in windows of high-rises, the Space Needle complements the skyline of buildings and cranes dotting downtown to Denny Triangle, and the dome of the sky opens to meet the placid waters of Puget Sound beyond the city shores. On a rainy day, the view is somewhat limited, but gauzy layers of clouds and gray brings the sharp edges of the city into stark, fresh, raindrop-laden relief. Seattle is a destination unlike any other, with global culinary delights, international influences, subterranean history, museums, galleries, and night clubs to match its physical beauty. We’ve written a series of blogs for CannaCon attendees visiting Seattle. If you’re looking for dispensaries, restaurants, coffee, or check out our other blogs in this series: Most Lit Dispensaries and Pubs, Grub & Caffeine. If you’re looking for other stuff to do around town, read on!  

Pioneer Square Underground Tour

Seattle is home to a subterranean city beneath Pioneer Square on 1st Avenue between Cherry and James Street. The area was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1889, and it’s possible to see the remains of Rogue’s Gallery and other dated delights. Tour guides are comedians who “regale you with sidesplitting stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with punch lines!”  

Old Town Ballard

Ballard has a large population of Scandinavian residents, as well as Norwegian and Swedish food. Seattle PI says, “From the Leif Erickson statute to the Nordic Heritage Museum to the Market Street plaza frequented by Nordic royals, Ballard is ostentatiously Scandi.” Walk the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, check out a dive-y rocker bar like Sunset Tavern, visit the busiest maritime locks in the United States, or head to the sandy shores of Golden Gardens Park for some of the most beautiful hikes and views in the city.  

Seattle Center & Space Needle

Seeking the quintessential Seattle experience? Take the Monorail from the Westlake Mall to the Seattle Center. If you visit the Space Needle, it’s probably safe to skip the overpriced food at Sky City restaurant, even though the rotating wonder is a great 360-degree view of the city. Check MoPop, or the Museum of Pop Culture - a relic of Paul Allen’s obsessive dedication to music, pop culture, and sci-fi phenomena. Head to the Chihuly Garden & Glass to see the artistry of Seattle’s famous Dale Chihuly or do a Yoga Under Glass session.  

Pike Place Market

Seattle’s original farmer’s market was established in 1907, and remains much the same today. It is one of the oldest farmer’s markets in the country situated on nine acres in downtown Seattle. Its “historic arcade, winding alleys, stairways and lower levels offer a multi-sensory experience of sights, sounds, tastes, aromas and textures,” according to the Pike Place website. Check  Italian deli DeLaurenti for everything from imported cheese, sausage, olive oil, and wine to delicious breads and pizza. Grab mini donuts after you watch them being made, or enjoy amazing macaroni and cheese at Beecher’s. Looking for Argentinian food, fresh fish, abalone, hom bow pastries, tinctures, whoopee cushions, or handmade leather goods? Pike Place is your one-stop-shop. Have you visited Seattle? Any tips we should add to our Seattle City Guide? Please let us know in the comments below! - Sara Jayne Crow helps cannabis entrepreneurs find new customers with communications, publicity, and marketing rooted in authentic storytelling at Meridian Media.