Seattle in Photos
On New Year's Eve, we visited the Seattle Center where we picked up a quick lunch (seriously, you can't beat Kabab at the Armory) and then visited the Chihuly Garden and Glass where we spent a lot of time soaking in the stunningly gorgeous pieces. We had visited the Chihuly exhibition at the Desert Botanical Garden near Phoenix while visiting my parents last January and had immediately become smitten with his work.
From inside the museum.
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And outside. What is not to love? And so intelligently designed to play off the Space Needle.
And in the garden, while I was taking a selfie:
The hubby was doing this:
Holidays are never a good time to go out to a restaurant for dinner. They are busy and stressed and it is expensive. In hindsight, we probably would have bought some things and picnicked in our room to avoid the crowds. Instead, we went to the relatively new Brimmer & Heeltap and Ballard. Thanks to the power of Twitter and connecting with a few folks there, we had a wonderful table and warm conversation with the owners and the design is gorgeous. But it was the holiday and it was loud and busy. I would love to return on a regular night. The highlight was this venison and black truffle pate which was outstanding!
New Year's Day morning we headed to Gas Works Park. It was a bit of a mess as it seems there were NYE revelers until wee in the hours and they did not clean up after themselves, but it is a really cool spot for photography. Another unfortunate thing was that there was a large number of homeless people who were camped out where some of the pipes were that we wanted to take photos of. Nonetheless, it is a pretty cool spot.
From there we tried out a Seattle classic, Dick's Drive-in a hamburger icon. I probably wouldn't go back again, but it was a decent burger…and cheap!
In the afternoon we headed back to the Seattle Center to photograph the EMP museum (I swear next time we will actually get to go inside!). Mr. Misadventures was a bit mad, we needed to be there about 30 minutes earlier for the light to be good, but I think he took awesome photos! Again, the design of this building is really smart as it uses the elements around it to create great art and photography.
From there we had to hurry (we were running late) to get over to the Dr. Jose Rizal Park bridge, so that the hubby could get this photo:
We weren't the only ones there and you can why it is a popular spot for photographers – depending on the night, the light, the clouds, the moon can change the whole photo.
For dinner, we went into the international district for provincial Vietnamese food. Tamarind Tree is beautifully designed on the inside but you would NEVER know it looks from the outside where it is shoved into the corner of a pretty run-down strip mall!
We were interested in trying dishes we had never seen on menus before like Hue steamed rice plate which was a warm rice pudding with shrimp bits and green onions served with mixed herb fish sauce. We had seen Anthony Bourdain do an episode of Parts Unknown in Hue and the food looked amazing. We had several other dishes but this was the star of the evening. It was too dark in the restaurant, but this is what it looks like:
The next day was overcast so not awesome for photos, but we wandered around Pioneer Square and visited the Art Wolfe Gallery, a photographer that Mr. Misadventures really enjoys. We walked near Pike's Place Market and then it was lunchtime! I was super excited to visit Sitka & Spruce.
It has been on my radar since my last trip to Seattle in March where I met forager and author Langdon Cook who raved about this spot. His raving was merited this was the highlight of our trip. This restaurant is not only aesthetically pleasing, it's food is phenomenal.i
This is what we ate:
– bread with soft butter and Jacobsen (Portland area) flake sea salt
– radish with whipped butter & smoked trout roe
– house~made charcuterie > coppa, goat rillette, guanciale, lomo and salami with toast housemade mustard
– roasted celeriac tahini, pickled currants, nigella and breadcrumbs (for me, and as I mentioned on Instagram, if all vegetarian dishes tasted like this, I would be vegetarian)
– poached egg, dried favs beans, rutabaga, emmer and aleppo (for the misters)
– parsnip cake with salted bay leaf ice cream and walnut praline
We rolled out of there but somehow found the space to add oysters a few hours later at Taylor Shellfish Farms.
Last morning was also my birthday and I planned a special brunch for myself at the new Tray Kitchen. I had originally planned dinner there to try out there Korean Fried Chicken, but then after seeing their bunch menu, I promptly chose it for my birthday breakfast. Congee! I love congee but don't eat it that often as it is so filling and a lot of places are lazy and make really bad tasteless congee. Not Tray Kitchen.
I had duck confit and bok choy congee that I wanted to swim in! The hubby had mushrooms (a fantastic choice as it is mushroom season) also delicious. We also had an amazing seafood pancake – so good that I can not order it again at our local Korean restaurant, I am forever ruined!
After that, we headed back to the airport and home, happy to have escaped home if only for a few days!
How about you? Have you been to Seattle? What are some of your favorite spots? Have I piqued your interest in going?
These photos are GORGEOUS! I’ve only been to Seattle once and loved it. I really want to get back out there and explore some more (I was only there for 2, maybe 3 days). Your blog is adorable…I love it! I tried to sign up for your newsletter in your sidebar, but after entering my email address (which seems to be the only field) it tells me I have to enter all fields (but there aren’t any other fields that I can see! :)). Is there another way to sign up? I looovvee travel & photography blogs, so I definitely want to stay in the loop! 🙂
@Vicky, thanks so much for bringing that to my attention, my developer is actually tweaking some things this weekend, I will bring that up!
Happy Belated BD!! Sounds like a wonderful trip! All that good food!! Omg love it! Seattle is so beautiful when the weather is nice. I also had some great eats there at Pike Place market back in 2013 and a food tour by my cousins who live there but can’t remember the names! We also sampled a lot of Washington wines which were tasty. Chihuly’s work is brilliant. Love the Bellagio exhibit. Your husband takes amazing photos!
@Nadeen, thanks! I want to do a food tour next time! I actually like cold, rainy weather, so Seattle is perfect for me!
I’ve never been to Seattle but love to go one day. I’ll have to tell the hubby that’s where our next trip should be. Great photos and happy birthday…from the looks of it, you had an amazing time!
@Carolann, it is great, you have the water, the mountains, the seafood, love it and hope you do too!
Those are some amazing pictures!!! I would love to travel more!
@Bethany, thank you!
Wow your pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!!
@Krista, thank you!
Love the description of your adventures! The food sounds amazing, and the photos are INCREDIBLE! #upallnightblogging
@Suzanne, thanks so glad you enjoyed the post!
Stunning pix! And you’ve reminded me that I haven’t been to Seattle in years – time for a trip!
@MD, yay! What did you do last time you visited?
I love Seattle! Your photos are gorgeous, and I’m a huge Chihuly fan so I adore that first picture. We went to see his exhibit in Phoenix last year, too.
@Lois, every day we find more reasons to like each other!
What stunning photos of a gorgeous place.
@Karissa, thank YOU!
I’ve been to Seattle a few times but your photos have given me a whole new view of it. Thanks!
@Carol, so glad to hear! What has been your favorite thing to do in Seattle?
The Seattle ARt Museum. By far.
Gorgeous photos as always, Andi! After this reading this post, I’m going to watch “Sleepless in Seattle” again!
@Mai, oh goodness, I haven’t watched that movie in ages, I need to now!
Beautiful post! Seattle seems like a great place to visit.
@Julia, it is, you should definitely check it out!
I have always wanted to go to Seattle. Your pictures are making me hungry!
@Cynthia, you definitely should get up there!
Oh, to tag along with you and Mr. Misadventures for a weekend… Stunning photography, as usual! And those places you picked to eat?? Amazing. (Though yeah… I could maybe skip the burger joint. 😉 ) That sunset skyline photo is just gorgeous!
@Katie, you are always welcome to come! I think the skyline photo is great too, but it was freezing cold!
Gorgeous photos! I have been to Seattle and loved every minute of my visit. You must go to the EMP next time you’re there. The building is airy and gorgeous and if you are a fan of Nirvana you will not be disappointed. I spent nearly half a day there with my camera and just reminiscing on being an angst filled teen.
Your blog is beautiful and I think your branded image is absolutely precious.
What stunning photos! Sounds like an amazing trip…makes me want to go : )
First of all….you got the BEST NAME EVER 😀
I love loved the Dr. Jose Rizal Park bridge photo. It was an awesome capture! It has been a very very long time since I have been to Seattle…so it was nice to see all the photos from there. Good job and keep up the adventures 😀
Your photos are stunning!!! I went to a Chihuly exhibit a few years ago in San Francisco and it was amazing. I would love to visit Seattle some day; I have only seen the inside of the airport on my way to Vancouver. Sounds like you had some pretty awesome meals while you were there too. My idea of a great getaway. Beautiful pots!
Your photos are gorgeous – you have a real gift! I am slightly jealous of your abilities – so beautiful! My daughter is an aspiring photographer and I will be sure to direct her to your site. Thanks for sharing your experience!
We travel all over the country and have seen everything except the northwest. We are hoping to get there this summer – and will be looking for some of the places you pointed out. Thanks for the time to make our experience better!
I haven’t been to Seattle since I was a little girl. These pictures are beautiful. While we were in Seattle, we went to the open-air fish market. I became so disillusioned with the way the men threw the dead fish around for entertainment that I didn’t eat any meat for three and a half years after that. So you could say my trip to Seattle was pretty monumental! lol
The open air fish market is located in Pike Place Market. It is a huge audience grabber. When watching Sleepless in Seattle, when Tom Hanks and his friend are discussing “who has the cutest butt” – the camera pans to the Pike Place Market sign.
Your photography is amazing. I have only been to Seattle once, and it was a blast. I would love to go back, especially if they have Chihuly glass! Your next trip needs to be to Rochester, Minnesota. We have a Chihuly glass display in the Gonda Building at the Mayo Clinic, along with a plethora of art. And the 20 story glass wave wall of the Gonda has produced some of the most beautiful photos. I am putting some of your restaurant choices on my bucket list for my next vaca to Seattle. The food looks amazing!
First of all you have the most adorable blog design I have EVER seen! Love it! Second, your husband is an amazing photographer! It looks like you had a wonderful time and you have definitely sparked my interest in some food I have never heard of before. Thanks for opening my eyes to some new dishes!
I have never been to Seattle but your photographs make it look like a beautiful place with great food. That hamburger and the brunch pictures have my mouth watering. It looks like you had a great trip.
Pardon me for not being original. I am going to echo what other readers have said– the photos in this post are amazing! Even the pictures of the food, left me salivating 🙂 I’ve never been to Seattle but the Space Needle is on my list of places to visit in the near future.
Fantastic pics! I just got back from Seattle a couple weekends ago. I love the city. So many things to do and places to eat. I love the hustle and bustle of the city! Thanks for some new ideas of things to see.
I have always wanted to visit Seattle and the photos make me want to go sooner! Although I’m not a foodie, I love that you were able to fit in so many different foods into your trip. All those cultures! I respect your sense of adventure and your willingness to try so many things. Way to really experience the city!
Born and raised in the South, I have a ridiculous number of friends who live in Seattle and the surrounding area. So many incredible things to do and see there!! Our Columbia Museum of Art has a beautiful Chihuly piece hanging in the entrance. I would love to see more of his work up close and personal.
Gorgeous photos! Seattle looks so amazing! I would love to be able to travel to every state, someday I will make it. I’m glad you had a fabulous time on your trip! I look forward to reading more of your adventures!
Seattle is on my list of places to go. I had a layover at the Seattle airport and was able to purchase a shot glass and magnet as a memory, but I’ve never gotten a chance to explore the city…and have a cup of coffee there. I’ve always associated Seattle with good coffee, but after reading your post, now I can look forward to so much more. OMGoodness, I have GOT to try a slice of the parsnip cake with salted bay leaf ice cream and walnut praline (seriously???!!!) By the way, the hubby took a gorgeous photo of the Dr. Jose Rizal Park bridge.
Your pictures are AMAZING!
Seattle is next on my list of places to go to, I am so glad you mentioned several places, I’ll have to try them out (namely the Tray Kitchen!)
So question, no mention of the coffee… how’s the coffee!? 🙂 We’re huge coffee lovers haha
I’m definitely interested in going to Seattle now! These pictures are absolutely breathtaking – I particularly liked the picture of the city at sunset. The food looked really good too, although I’m not too adventurous when it comes to food…I’d probably be eating at the burger joints rather than the fancy restaurants, but it was awesome to get a peak of the food inside.
What an awesome blog and awesome post! I love your blog name and design. This post is fantastic, amazing photos and tales of great food! I have not been to Seattle, or anywhere on the west coast but will get out that way some time soon! I like that you said you’re not mean in your about page btw. There are too many mean people on the internet these days. Good to know there’s another nice one here!
Thank you for sharing your day in Seattle verbally and with pictures. It sounds and looks beautiful and like you had a fabulous time. I am an east coast girl so don’t get west very often at all. Our family did fly into SeaTac airport back in 2008 while we were on our way to Glacier National Park. My husband enjoys photography as well and took lots of gorgeous pictures to remind us of our trip. I will show him your post and maybe he will be inspired to write a guest post for my blog Thank you for sharing your day with us. I enjoyed visiting Seattle through your post.
I have never been to Seattle before but have always wanted to go! After reading your adventures and seeing all the gorgeous photos, I now have a greater appreciation of all the city has to offer (besides the famed fish market).We too love Chihuly and are dedicated foodie’s. It’s so amazing that you too get to travel together and share so many wonderful things! Love everything about your branding!
Love your photos! Your time in Seattle must have been amazing! The dishes that you tried at your various stops look and sound delicious.
Wow! Everything is so beautiful. I am not an adventurous eater, but these pictures sure make the food appealing. I have family in the Seattle area. I’m going to share this post with them as I’m sure they will enjoy it.
Thanks for the tour of Seattle. I have yet to go there. I would enjoy the Tai restaurant but I have no clue what that other stuff was at the last restaurant. Are you sure it’s edible? lol I enjoyed the great photography. Thanks for sharing.
We flew into Seattle on our way to catch the train up to Vancouver. Your photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Your pictures are beautiful. It looks like you had a great time. I would love to visit sometime.
Andi, I live just south of Seattle. Born and raised in Washington State, I have always lived with two hours of Seattle. It is a fabulous place to visit. (I am happy living outside of City of Seattle.) When you get ready to visit the Seattle area again, I would be happy to suggest some other areas that have great food and can provide photo opportunities. Thank you for sharing about the Emerald City. 🙂 ~Adrienne
Amazing photos! You certainly have a knack for getting a great shot. I love the ones that include the space needle reflecting off another object.
I love the pictures. Its been many years since I’ve been to Seattle. I feel like I’ve missed out and need to return there soon.
The food sounds and looks delicious. It may just be time for a road trip.
I have never been to Seattle but would love to visit it. The closest I have come is Banff, Alberta, Canada which has amazing views of the Canadian Rockies. The mountain views and scenic overlook down to the coast look amazing from pictures that I have seen over the years.
Ohmygoodness I LOVE the photos! I never have been to Seattle, but now you’ve piqued my interest! I might have to add that to my list of places to visit now. 🙂
Love these pictures, especially all the creative ones of the space needle! We have family in Seattle, and I just love to visit. I feel like there is so much to do (coming from a small city) 😉 One of our favorite things to do is to get pieroshkies from Pike Place Market. Also there’s a beautiful little park in a neighborhood that our friends showed us that overlooks the whole city. So much fun!
Your photos are gorgeous! Loved the various angles of the space needle! Loved the walk through the different restaurants you tried. I’ve never been to the West coast and I’m not really sure I’d try Seattle, but it was a lovely, artistic walkthrough of a place I’ve never been.
@Scarlett, the West Coast has so many unique offerings – Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, it really depends on what drives you. I do hope you get a chance to explore some part of this magical area of the U.S.
I’ve never been to Seattle, Andi but would definitely like to visit this town. I really liked reading about your culinary adventures, this is what I mostly do – try meals I’d be terrified preparing at home 😉 And those photographs are so nice to look at I could pack my suitcase and go right away 🙂
@Eli, thank you so much! Seattle is one of my absolute favorite cities and while there are better cities to eat in, there are none with quite its personality!
I have always wanted to visit Seattle! A dear friend of mine moved there a few years back and I’ve been looking for an excuse to go and visit.
@Dorothy, you must, it is such a beautiful, wonderful city, I am sure you will love it! Plus you have a built-in tour guide!
I am in love with this post! I have always wanted to visit Seattle and would love to move there one day. From when I’ve seen and heard, it is a gorgeous city. I love that you can see the oceans and the mountains! I’m a very active person, and the climate is so much more mild than where I live now (The Midwest). I’m definitely filing this away for future reference!! 🙂
@Rachel, Seattle is a dream for people who are active outdoorsman – an absolute paradise!
These pictures are incredible! I am not a photographer by any means and I would never think to get some of the shots that you have, but I appreciate the people who do for the rest of us to enjoy. We live in Michigan and have never made it to Seattle but have heard what a great city it is and the pictures show it.
@Stephanie, thanks, my hubby is the one with the vision. I am just the one he drags around as he takes the photos and the one that is looking for what food are we going to eat next! I hope you do get a chance to see Seattle one day, it is a lovely city!
That Rizel bridge shot is beautiful! I love that you included food shots in your little tour. My hubby and I do the same. We love good food and get so excited about it. 🙂 Wherever we go we are on the look out for good food. Sometimes it’s pricy, but not always. Once in Hawaii one of our favorite meals was $6 kahlua pork from a stand—phenomenal!
@Christy, I definitely travel via my stomach. I love the dichotomy of food experience – from the $2.50 plate to the $25.00 plate!
Love the pics! Makes me want to go back to Seattle and do it this way! Nicely done.
I absolutely love Seattle, but I have not been to the Chihuly exhibit yet. Last time I was there I found this cute restaurant called Sweet Iron Waffles it was a waffle shop that had only about 4 tables but the waffles were incredible!
Thanks for sharing this trip, next time i’m up there I will definitely have to try your restaurant recommendations!
@Christine, thanks for sharing that restaurant! I LOVE waffles, so I definitely have to find that spot!
Wow!! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I’ve only been to Seattle once (for a science teaching conference), but would love to go back for a food tour!
@Carla, oh the food! Yes you definitely must go back for that!