Hannah & Aaron
Things To Do
Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market has been a defining Seattle icon for more than a century. Considered by many “the soul of Seattle,” the Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, visit, eat and discover. Some of our favorite spots in the market: The Crumpet Shop for breakfast Matt's in the market for a sit down lunch (reservations recommended) Old Stove Brewery with an amazing view of the Puget Sound Jack's Fish Spot for fish and chips. Of course... stop to watch the flying fish!
Ballard Breweries
With more than a dozen breweries, Ballard has become a tourist destination for beer. In fact, Ballard is home to more breweries than any other Seattle or Portland neighborhood. If you include Fremont and other next door neighborhoods, there are 22 breweries and taprooms! We frequent this area year round with Lucy! Some of our favorites: Ruebens Stoup Urban Family Fair Isle Bale Breaker Fremont Brewery - ok, this is not in Ballard but deserves a shout out.
Fishermen's Terminal
The epicenter of the fish biz! Fishermen’s Terminal in Ballard Interbay is home for hundreds of working fishing boats that spend months on the open sea off the coast of Alaska. If you can’t wait to buy your fish and take it home (they ship!), you can eat at Chinook’s At Salmon Bay or the Bay Café, both with terrific views of the Terminal and Salmon Bay. Fishing crews love to hang out at the Highliner Pub. Chinook's was a popular spot for the Gottlieb family growing up.
Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club
Close to the Graduate Hotel, this is a lakeside spot for kayak & paddle board rentals, with a Mexican cafe offering waterfront dining.
RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
Seafood lovers, this is the SPOT. If you have time, make a reservation for a phenomenal seafood centric meal. Some of our other favorite seafood spots: Westward - close to The Graduate Hotel! Taylor's Shellfish - for some quick Oysters Umi - for sushi
Ugly Mug Cafe
This is the best coffee spot within walking distance of The Graduate Hotel. It is also where Aaron hops off the lightrail and gets coffee everyday on his way to class at UW. Even when he's running late!
Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Don't let Grey's Anatomy fool you, these ferries are very safe! This is a day long excursion if you have the time but the ferry is such a fun way to see the gorgeous Puget Sound. You can walk right on with a ticket there (free coming back!) and all the places listed below are within walking distance of the ferry terminal on the island. Our favorite spots: Proper Fish Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse Bruciatio Eleven Winery
Water Taxi to West Seattle
If you don't have time for a ferry excursion, you should consider the water taxi to West Seattle. Conveniently located next to the ferries this short ride takes you directly across the sound and drops you off at a great Hawaiian fusion restaurant called Marination Ma Kai. Then, take a walk along the waterfront and work off that Loco Moco and take in the gorgeous view of downtown Seattle across the water!
National Parks
If you've decided to extend your stay, there is not one but THREE National Parks within a couple of hours of Seattle. Don't make us choose which one we love most... but... Mt Rainier National Park is closest. :) Mt Rainier National Park - easiest for a single day trip Olympic National Park - best for a multi day trip North Cascades National Park - this one is for the hikers
Stoneburner
If you are free on Sunday morning, go check out the Ballard Farmer's Market! And make a reservation at one of our favorite Ballard restaurants, Stoneburner!