A classic getaway: My first trip to Seattle for a long-awaited friend reunion
I've always wanted to explore the Emerald City, so when I found myself in need of an escape following a breakup, I jumped at the chance to visit.
While the coffee culture, abundance of attractions and distance from home were appealing, it was my desire to visit my best friend Caroline — or Carol, as I'll call her in this story to avoid confusion — for the first time since 2018 that drew me to Seattle.
Carol and I met our freshman year of college and quickly bonded over our mutual love of Chicago. People assumed we were related, and as an only child, Carol became the sister I always wanted.
After college, we spent years apart and only reunited for a brief period back in Chicago. I moved back to the East Coast in 2017 and Carol moved to Seattle shortly before the pandemic, so we've eagerly waited for the day when we could meet in person again.
When I mapped out my first visit to the Pacific Northwest, I invited Carol to join. Despite the sideways rain we encountered at the start of our trip, we had a blast exploring the area. Below are our favorite attractions and activities from our visit.
Related: 5 reasons why Seattle should be your fall vacation destination
[table-of-contents /]
Pike Place Market/Starbucks
Even though I only eat gluten- and dairy-free items due to dietary restrictions, my favorite way to get to know a city is through its food. When it comes to Pike Place Market, most travelers typically think of Pike Place Fish Market, which is famous for its fishmongers dressed in orange overalls who are willing and ready to throw fish upon request.
But I was surprised to find a variety of foods beyond the fish market area, including sit-down seafood restaurants, produce stalls, little grocery stores and stands selling items like soap, candles and flowers.
There was quite a bit outside the market, too. One of our favorites was Cinnamon Works Bakery, which has several baked items I could eat on its menu, plus a selection of regular items. We tried the chocolate chip cookie, blueberry muffin and cinnamon swirl muffin, all of which were delicious vegan and gluten-free options.
Just down a set of stairs was another market must-see: the Gum Wall. Located in Post Alley under the market, this brick wall is covered in chewing gum. This piece of "art" perfectly sums up Seattle — a bit grungy, definitely quirky.
But the star of the show for me was the original Starbucks at 1912 Pike Place, which has operated out of the same 1,000-square-foot space since 1971. I first started consuming Starbucks regularly in 2006 when a store opened by my parents' house. Although my coffee shop preferences have widened since then, I still feel great pleasure in consuming coffee out of the original green-and-white Starbucks cup, which is why I deviated from my usual iced coffee and instead ordered a hot oat latte for the sake of this story.
As you might expect, the line at this Starbucks was long, so do factor in a decent chunk of time when planning your visit. Also note that it's across from the market, so you can easily keep tabs on the Starbucks line while at the market and vice versa if the timing doesn't work out exactly as planned.
Related: Seattle is testing a new system that lets travelers make a reservation at the TSA checkpoint
Coffee shops
Despite the brief departure from my iced beverage consumption, I drank plenty of iced lattes across Seattle's nearly 1,800 coffee shops, including at Cherry Street Coffee House in Pioneer Square and at local Brazilian espresso and bakery chain Kitanda. The latter has multiple locations across the Seattle area, but we went to the one in Redmond as it was en route to our hike of the day. If you stop at Kitanda, be sure to order an acai bowl, preferably one with Brazil nuts. The one I had was the freshest I've tried to date.
The Space Needle
Next up was perhaps the most iconic tourist attraction in Seattle: the Space Needle. While I expected it to be similar to my first ride to the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, where my cousin had a panic attack in the cramped elevator holding cell, I was equally pleased and disappointed that the ride to the top of the Space Needle was nothing like that of the Arch.
In fact, it was most similar to riding to the top of the Eiffel Tower, where about 10 of us fit comfortably in a window-filled elevator.
Although the Space Needle has the potential for epic views, the weather plays a large role in determining visibility once you reach the top. While it's hard to plan around Seattle's overcast skies (it averages 149 rainy days yearly) try to schedule your Space Needle visit on a clear day to enjoy the best views.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
After the Space Needle, check out Chihuly Garden and Glass at its base. You can get a discounted ticket to see both attractions for $57. I knew I had to go to appease my mother, who has repeatedly talked about the artist, Dale Chihuly, since seeing his "Glass in the Garden" exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in 2006.
I'm pleased to report that my mother was right. This exhibition is definitely worth seeing. While it's mostly indoors, there are some outdoor areas to explore, so make sure you bring an umbrella.
Related: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is setting new standards for public art
The original Nordstrom
Another recommendation from my mother was a visit to the original Nordstrom on Pine Street in downtown Seattle. As someone who grew up in St. Louis, few things were more exciting than the arrival of the first of two Nordstroms in 2002. Since the store is a family favorite, I knew I had to work it into our itinerary.
While this store offered an above-average selection of beanies and puffer coats, the best-kept secret about Nordstrom — in my honest opinion — is the salads at Café Nordstrom. I have dreams about the mixed berry and chicken salad my aunt first introduced me to one Christmas at the Nordstrom in Scottsdale. That salad has remained a favorite for many years, though I now have another to add to the roster courtesy of Seattle: the Alderwood wild salmon and Asian pear salad. It features a mix of lettuce, radish, edamame, miso-glazed tofu and salmon, all topped with a ginger sesame dressing.
Whatever you do, do not skip the fried Brussels sprouts. They alone warrant a trip to Nordstrom.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
For accommodations, we opted to stay for free at my friend's place. However, we knew we wanted to check out one property in particular: the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The property remains a classic downtown Seattle hotel where guests and locals go to see and be seen, as evidenced by the large crowds gathered at the Olympic Bar before 5 p.m., so we decided to stop by for drinks and a bite to eat.
Although the bar and lobby area underwent a $25 million renovation in 2020, it beautifully combines elements of its past while feeling fresh and modern. Original terrazzo and marble flooring sit beneath chandeliers straight from Italy, and the ornate woodwork carried throughout the space offers a nice contrast to the contemporary artwork, board games and books accenting the space.
The only downside? The bar's location in an upscale hotel means the drinks and food are expensive. Two appetizers cost us $40, and cocktails run anywhere from $12 to $30 per glass.
Ferry to Bainbridge Island
If you have time, you'll also want to take the downtown ferry to Bainbridge Island for a few hours, a day or even a weekend trip. While we only spent an afternoon there, we had ample time to peruse Bainbridge's various shops, restaurants and downtown area. We especially loved eating at Café Hitchcock on Winslow Way, which serves breakfast all day.
The one-way trip to Bainbridge Island took approximately 35 minutes and cost $9. All return trips to Seattle are free, so there is no toll for the trip back. Washington State Ferries is temporarily operating reduced sailing schedules on most routes, but service from Seattle to Bainbridge typically runs hourly.
Related: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 101: A guide to the lounges at SEA
Snoqualmie Falls
Another must-do, if you have access to a car, is to drive roughly 40 minutes southeast of downtown to Snoqualmie Falls in Snoqualmie, Washington. Although we couldn't actually see the falls due to — you guessed it— more rain, I am told the 268-foot-tall waterfall, which was first discovered by Native Americans in the early 1850s, exists.
I particularly enjoyed the connection to the heritage of the site: Snoqualmie is the English translation of a Salish word for moon, a name that the Snoqualmie Tribe gave the area because of its spiritual connection to several legends.
There's also a 1.5-mile trail to the base of the falls that's suitable for all ages and activity levels.
Mount Si
Another hike to consider is Mount Si in North Bend, which sits about 45 minutes southeast of Seattle. While we did not quite make it to the top of the 3,900-foot peak, 8-mile hike, we thoroughly enjoyed the view and photo opportunity, despite turning around halfway through.
Be sure to check out the overlook near the start of the trail that pays homage to former female state representative Frances North, who pioneered legislation to preserve Mount Si.
Related: Pretty but pricey: Seattle's newest luxury Hilton the Hotel 1000 – LXR Hotels and Resorts
Bottom line
Seattle offers walkability, outdoor activities galore and a variety of interesting neighborhoods, from grungier ones like Capitol Hill to bougie South Lake Union to classic Queen Anne. Its hills rival San Francisco, and its easy access to nature makes it an excellent place for a girl's trip outdoors.
Even though my visit was just for a few days, I was quickly able to leave behind the remnants of an old relationship and find a more gratifying form of love in Seattle.
As I enter my 30s single, I continue to realize the value of my female friends, regardless of our relationship statuses. Female friends are among life's greatest blessings, and I am so lucky to have mine to laugh, cry and explore new cities with.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees