To find out more about this amazing trip, please contact Sophie from our Lewes branch on 01273 472466 or Joanna Kempton in our Tenterden branch on 01580 764344
I was recently lucky enough to have the chance to visit Seattle with American Affair. A place I did not think I would get the chance to visit but now cannot wait to revisit.
Steeped in history with incredible scenery it is a must-see destination.
First stop was our stay at the beautiful and unique Pali Hotel in Downtown Seattle. Set in an incredible location just steps away from the famous Pikes place market. The hotel is warm and welcoming with a great atmosphere. The rooms have a cosy vibe with great amenities. The staff were so friendly and accommodating after our long flight.
We headed to the Alibi Room which is a trendy bar restaurant situated right by the famous Seattle Gum wall. Our tour guide Sam Castillo told us that visitors were known to leave their gum on the wall before entering the well-known comedy bar and over the years the gum wall has become bigger and bigger. Once in the Alibi Room you will be greeted by the friendliest host who made us feels so welcome on our first night. I tried the famous Rainer beer, and we ordered a few pizza pies between us which were incredible.
Day 2 – Pikes market food tour was one of my favourite tours on the trip. Jonathan our guide from Eat Seattle was funny and knowledgeable about the amazing history of Pikes Place Market. A wonderful and quirky hub hosting over 200 stalls. It has a real family feel, Not only does the market host great food, but it has also done great fund raising for
the community and even has a preschool for the locals whilst they work.
We then took the monorail to the Space needle which is a quick and effortless way to get around the busy city. The Space needle had the most incredible views and is great
fun for kids. We then headed to the Chihuly Gardens which is a must see for anyone visiting the city. I absolutely loved walking through the gardens full of glass sculptures. It was then time to visit the MoPop museum which was really fun allowing you to create your own music in the onsite booths filled with lots of different instruments to try out. After checking out the museums we headed for a beer at Fremont brewery a family-owned craft brewery.
Fremont is a lovely area in Seattle which is walking distance to The Gas Works Park from the well know 10 things I hate about you movie offering beautiful views of the city. After lots of walking it was time for an incredible Mexican at Pablo y Pablo for dinner.
Day 3 – I was so excited to visit The Starbucks Reserve Roastery. As a coffee lover I knew this would be perfect for me. The Staff were great, and we got to try out lots of different coffee combinations. My favourite was their Starbucks Gelato with expresso and hot honey.
It was then time to hit the water on the Argosy Harbour Cruise. It was a lovely way to see the city and the seals sunbathing on the docks. We lunched at Ivans fish bar then headed to the Aquarium, Great wheel, and Wings over Washington. This part of the trip would be great for families.
We had a great visit to the Seattle Art Museum, learning about the local artist work. Then Headed to The Underground Tour – Pioneer square.
It was incredible to hear about the history of Seattle and how they built the city.
After the Underground tour we went to Bangrak market for dinner which had the best Pad mama I have ever tasted. Post dinner drinks were at The Nest, A beautiful roof top bar overlooking the whole city.
Day 4 – We met Lisa Kruse from the State of WA tourism. She was our guide on the next part of our trip and first stop was the National Nordic Museum who had only the day before had a visit from The Prince of Norway. So, it was lovely of them to give us a private tour.
Along the next part of our trip, we went on a troll hunt. Created by the famous Thomas Dambo who made six giant hand build trolls. They are spread across Washington state. We found four on our visit. After troll hunting, we headed to Woodinville Wine Country this was my first ever wine tasting and what a wonderful experience. A great destination for wine lovers with over 120 wine tasting rooms in the area. We got to try out tasting experiences at Maryhill winery and Darby wines. Both offered quite different atmospheres and exceptional wine!
We then met Christy from Issaquah tourist board. Who was so friendly and showed us around the lovely town which has great access to Mount Rainer, we also got to visit the unique Boehms Candy factory and got to try out some sweet treats. Changing hotels to the Fairfield by Marriott.
Day 5 – I had been looking forward to our trip to Mount Rainer which I did not realise until our guide Marty from Evergreen Escapes told us is actually a volcano. Covered in snow it was breath taking. We got to snowshoe to the beautiful waterfall. Then Marty made us a locally sourced lunch overlooking Rainer. It was then time to head to The Aloft hotel which is set in Sea tac near the airport. A great hotel hosting live music.
Day 6 – Bainbridge island. It was easy to catch the ferry over to the island. Bainbridge was beautiful and the locals were so friendly. We had a wine tasting at Flecther bay winery and then went to a great spirit distillery called From grain to glass. Bainbridge had lots of bustling shops and restaurants on offer. We had a great lunch then headed to Pleasant beach for a site inspection. A beautiful lodge which was very high end with lots of amenities to offer. We had a wonderful time at one of their music events then headed back in the ferry to the Aloft in preparation for our return flight.
Day 7 – Museum of Flight. A fascinating museum with the most amazing planes on site. We had a great and knowledgeable tour and got to see the planes that Amelia Earhart would have flown and looked at the concords.
After a full filled week, it was the time to head home on our Virgin Atlantic flight. I had the most amazing trip and will definitely be visiting Seattle again
