It’s famous, it’s touristy, it’s insanely crowded—those of us who live in Seattle all love to hate Pike Place (and the people who incorrectly call it PIKE’S Place, gross), but at the end of the day the food here is amazing and if you come to visit me, I’m definitely going to take you just to watch your reaction to the Fish Guys throwing cod at your face. Other highlights include the Gum Wall (weird and gross but good in an Instagram), the Crumpet Shop (yuuum), the OG Starbucks (just to take a picture, don’t bother waiting in line), Pike Place Chowder (skip the line and order ahead on your phone), Daily Dozen Doughnuts (swoon), DeLaurenti Italian Grocery (head straight for the cheese, beg for samples), Michou Deli (sandwiches and zeppole for days), the prettiest and cheapest flowers you’ve ever seen, free samples of Chukar Cherries, and Rachel’s Ginger Beer.

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Fun fact about me: I don't believe in whales. I've never seen one in person, and I'm convinced they're a hoax most of the world is trying to get unassuming children to believe, a là Santa or the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny (sorry if I just ruined something for you) (that wasn't my intention) (it's a tough world out there). I also didn't believe in seals for a while, but then I moved to Seattle and apparently seals are a thing that live in the wild and, in particular, live at the Ballard Locks and chatter to the tourists and eat all the salmon. I love those seals a lot, and I love that I live somewhere that has a Great Salmon Migration (which, coincidentally, also doesn't really sound like it should be a thing, but IS), and I love that I can watch both of these things in action at the locks.

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I’m love a good farmers market, and I love that I live somewhere that has year-round farmers markets. Do you know how impossible this concept is in other places in the US? If you tried to have a farmers market in January in Chicago, for example, all your produce would be flash frozen within five minutes, along with all your potential buyers, and you’d probably have some kind of lawsuit on your head for coercing people to leave their homes against their better judgment and subject themselves to the elements. Anyway. Seattle has a lot of great farmers markets, and you should check out the Ballard, Fremont, and Queen Anne markets above all else. That is all I have to say about that.

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Sometimes a girl doesn't want to drive into the mountains to go hiking. Sometimes she wants to drive five minutes and walk in the beach and on the woods and see a lighthouse and stuff. Sometimes she just wants to go to Discovery Park.

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I was sad to leave Chicago for a bajillion reasons, but one of them was the fact that I had a very special bond with the Harold Washington Library and I didn't think I could ever bear to leave it, as it was beautiful and perfect and had gargoyles. And then I moved to Seattle and was greeted by an even MORE beautiful library and I knew I would be ok. Seriously, even if you hate to read, it's worth popping in because the building is so impressive.

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If you're wondering where you can take a perfect picture of the Seattle skyline and Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound and the Olympics all in one frame, I have an answer for you! It's at Kerry Park. Word of warning, though--you're taking your own life into your hands here because of all the PDA. I don't know what it is about scenic views that leave people all *googly* but the thing I do know is that people who come here can't help themselves from making out with whomever is around. Or proposing. I have witnessed TWO proposals here, which is two more than I've ever witnessed anywhere else.

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Once upon a time there was a magic soda machine in the middle of town that was always full of vintage sodas and nobody knew who stocked it but it was the best thing ever. And it was actually real and you should go see it for yourself, the end.

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So full disclosure, I hate being a tourist even if I’m going somewhere and am, in fact, a tourist. I consider it a win if I travel somewhere and I’m asked for directions, even if I can’t speak the language and the conversation devolves into madness. So I feel a little weird telling you to go and check out what is arguably the most touristy of tourist traps in all Seattle, but did you even go to Seattle if you didn’t stop by the Seattle Center to check out the Space Needle? While you’re here, you may as well tack on the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), the Chihuly Gardens (which is apparently pretty famous, despite the fact that I don’t understand how GLASS can be famous), and KEXP for their fabulous coffee and record collection.

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If you do one thing when you visit Seattle, it should be actually leaving Seattle to go and take advantage of the beautiful hiking that is readily available less than an hour away. I have a very, very, very long list of hikes you should check out, but highlights that shouldn’t be missed include Rattlesnake Ridge, Mailbox Peak, Dungeness Spit, Summerland (Rainier), Mt. Pilchuck, and Mt. Baker (Enchantments!).

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I know, I know. Some of you are clicking through this frantically looking for any reference to Sleepless in Seattle, desperately hoping I will tell you where to go and check out the house boats so you can relive the beautiful moment that was “hello.” No? I’m way off base here? Unsurprising, but you should still go check out Lake Union, ogle the amazing house boats, and rent either a kayak or an electric boat to zip around and take a closer look.

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I just can’t truly tell you to go and visit a city without telling you to go and visit its art museum. I have standards to uphold, people. Seattle’s is SAM, and it’s fab.

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Gather round, kids, and I’ll tell you a story of a magical place where there are dogs as far as the eye can see, off leashes, in offices, cuddling passersby on every corner. This wonderland is called Seattle, and Green Lake is the place to go if you want to pet them all. Also it’s the place to go if you want to picnic, stand up paddleboard, eat in cafes, go for a nice stroll, watch a regatta, and generally improve your quality of life. 

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Anyone who’s watched Grey’s Anatomy will recall that Seattle ferries are a surprisingly recurring trope and I’m here to tell you that Seattle ferries are a surprisingly fun thing to take advantage of. In particular, I love going to visit the islands surrounding the city, my favorites of which include Bainbridge, Vashon, and Whidbey.

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