Kristina & Troy
Seattle To Do's
St. Anne's Chapel at Villa Academy
Neighborhood: Laurelhurst Before we get into our recommendations, we would like to share some history about our ceremony site! In 1903, Mother Cabrini (now St. Frances Xavier Cabrini) and her Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart founded Villa Academy their first orphanage and school in Seattle. St. Anne’s Chapel was constructed in the mid 1920s. One of the miracles attributed to St. Frances Cabrini happened at Villa Academy in 1925. Mother Cabrini appeared in a vision to a member of her order, Sister Delfina Grazioli, who was near death, telling the nun that she would be saved to continue God's work. After that vision, Sister Delfina was cured and worked for 40 more years. That miracle was recognized in 1946 by Pope Pius XII and Mother Cabrini became the first American saint.
Dockside at Duke's
Neighborhood: South Lake Union Duke's Seafood and Chowder House has been a Pacific Northwest favorite and popular tourist restaurant for more than 40 years. Our reception venue (Dockside at Duke's) will be located on the 1st floor. We are so lucky to have our wedding menu exclusively catered by Duke's. All foods are chemical-free, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, GMO-free, trans-fat-free, nitrate-free, and contains no high-fructose corn syrup, and 100% sustainable food. Duke’s famous clam chowder won the "Seattle Chowder Cook-Off" three years in a row. The Dungeness Crab "un-cake" was voted the best crab cake in Seattle. If you can't get enough of the food post-reception, be sure to check out the restaurant upstairs. There are so many seafood spots in Seattle and this is our #1.
Bumbershoot 2019 Music Festival - Seattle Center
Neighborhood: Queen Anne For all the music lovers, Seattle’s annual music festival will be in full force Labor Day weekend (08/30-09/01). Last year's musical acts included: Sza, J. Cole, Chromeo, The Cold War Kids, and Blondie. Check back on the website for the latest details and this year's musical acts.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)
Neighborhood: Queen Anne If music festivals aren't your thing, you can hop over to the MoPop (formerly known as the EMP - Experience Music Project). Founded by the late Paul Allen, this museum features Seattle's finest (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Jimmy Hendrix) and more!
Space Needle
Neighborhood: Queen Anne We know this is cliché but it’s a must see. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle offers Seattle’s greatest views. With its newly renovated glass construction, this Pacific Northwest landmark may not be for the faint of heart.
Smith Tower
Area: Downtown If NYC has the Empire State Building, Seattle has the Smith Tower. The Smith Tower was the first skyscrapper built in Seattle and a historical icon. If you're fascinated by more city views or just over the Space Needle, the Smith Tower offers tours, observatory with an open-air observation deck, and PNW-inspired food and libations
Pike Place Market
Area: Downtown Another tourist favorite but always fun during summer. Places to stop by: Beechers Cheese (only found in Seattle and New York), the infamous Gum Wall, Rachel's Ginger Beer, Piroshki Piroshki (only found in Seattle), and Pike Place Fish to watch the fish fly! If you have time, we recommend doing the food tour. Great for tourists and locals. Samples galore!
Pike Place MarketFront
Area: Downtown Pike Place's newest feature (opened in 2017), the MarketFront has more vendors and views to explore, including: Old Stove Brewing Company, Honest Biscuits, and Indi Chocolate (on Eater's "24 best chocolate shops"). The "Indi Chocolate Mocha" and "Molé Caramel Latte" are amazing!
Pier 55
Area: Seattle Waterfront One of Seattle’s summer time favorites, Pier 55 was where we went on our first date. Many things to do include: Seattle Great Wheel, Ye ‘Ol Curiosity Shop, Argosy Cruise ride, and more.
Wings Over Washington
Area: Seattle Waterfront A flying simulator ride similar to “Soarin over the world” found in Disney parks. Fun Fact: Troy worked on this project!
T-Mobile Park: Seattle Mariners
Area: SoDo (South of Downtown or the Industrial District) Experience a baseball game at T-Mobile Park! Mariners VS. New York Yankees, Wednesday, August 28 at 1:10PM
Paramount Theatre
Area: Downtown We've watched many musical productions at The Paramount and it's just as beautiful every time. The movie "10 Things I Hate About You" features scenes from the Paramount Theatre. If you'll still be in town, there’s a free tour on Saturday, September 7 at 10AM on the corner of 9th and Pine. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes and will be led by staff members.
Private Eye On Seattle Tours
Neighborhood: South Lake Union When we first started dating, we watched a lot of "Twilight Zone," "Black Mirror," and went on ghost tours. Because Seattle has such a rich history, there are many ghost stories to be told and it's a unique way to experience the city. The ghost tours explore Seattle neighborhoods, even a stop at Bruce Lee's burial site. Another highlighted tour explores solved and unsolved murder mysteries around the city. The newest tour features Seattle's gangster & gambling spots and jazz clubs brothels during the Prohibition era. Yup, it's like a real life haunted mansion!
Tulalip Resort Casino
We love hitting the Outlet at Tulalip while our parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents love hitting the slots and tables. If you didn't know, Tulalip Casino is Seattle's own "Pechanga." To our loving families: we know how much you love the casinos. We don't even need to remind you and we're sure you've already made plans ;) Good luck and we hope you win a million!
The Center for Wooden Boats
Neighborhood: South Lake Union Are you interested in sailing the waters of Lake Union? The Center for Wooden Boats offers FREE boat rides every SUNDAY. Sign-ups begin in person at 10:00am. Arrive early to ensure your spot, especially on sunny days and holiday weekends. Boats depart between 11:00am and 3:00pm and are 45 minutes to 1 hour long. The center is less than a HALF a mile away from our reception venue and hotels. Maybe something to do in between the ceremony and reception? :)
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Neighborhood: South Lake Union One of our favorite museums, the MOHAI explores Seattle's unique history throughout time. There are plenty of activities and it's very kid-friendly!
Portage Bay Cafe - South Lake Union
Neighborhood: South Lake Union Nothing too fancy, just simple, delicious, classic brunch :) The menu is extensive - perfect for indecisiveness and morning fog. Ingredients are locally sourced, fresh, and organic. Make reservations or get there early - weekends are busy. One of our faves!
Caffe Ladro - South Lake Union Fairview
Neighborhood: South Lake Union (and various locations) Seattle is the land of coffee and Starbucks. You'll see 2 on every block, however, there are some other great local cafes such as Caffe Ladro. A favorite for 25 years, they have the usual drinks, as well as turmeric lattes or matcha. Simple, reliable, and tasty. Half a mile away from the reception venue.
Serafina
Neighborhood: Eastlake Our favorite Italian restaurant and location of our annual wine tasting. We've celebrated birthdays and plenty of happy hours here. If you're not feeling traditional Italian, stop by their sister restaurant, "Cichetti" next door. They offer small plates inspired by Venetian tapas bars.
Toulouse Petit
Neighborhood: Queen Anne One of Seattle's greatest happy hour spots with over 50 HH selections. Food is Creole & Cajun-inspired. Some of our favorites: fried chicken andouille gumbo, garlic fennel sausage with tomato-basil jam, and muscovy duck. Amazing brunch as well! Don't forget to have some beignets!
Pablo y Pablo
Neighborhood: Wallingford Trendy, upscale tacos with vegan options and kale. Brunch offered on weekends only - the pork belly benedict is delicious!
Dante's Inferno Dogs
Neighborhood: Ballard If you haven't tried a Seattle hot dog yet, we highly recommend it. Dante's Inferno Hot Dogs has veggie and gluten free options. The hot dog stand will be open on Sundays (including September 1) at the Ballard Farmer's Market from 10AM - 3PM. Great place to stop by for lunch. Don't forget to ask for the Seattle dog!
Hot Cakes - Molten Chocolate Cakery
Neighborhood: Ballard Hands down, this is the best place to fix your sweet tooth and chocolate cravings! Molten cakes, caramel sauces, chocolate drinks (some with alcohol), and some delicious vegan options. Here's a bonus - "Salt & Straw" ice cream is right across the street! It's too good and we've surrendered here many times!
Skål Beer Hall
Neighborhood: Ballard Honoring the Nordic roots of Ballard, this Viking influenced Beer Hall offers a rotating selection of local craft beer, cider, & mead, regional wine, sausages, and more food! Interesting experience! There's also the newly re-modeled Nordic Museum (2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107), a little more than half a mile away.
Seattle Water Taxi to West Seattle - Alki Beach
Area: Seattle Waterfront to West Seattle neighborhood Take a water taxi to West Seattle and visit Alki Beach. The entrance at the foot of Madison Street. Departure times available on the website. Once you hit Alki, you can visit Seattle's Tiny Statue of Liberty (Kristina's favorite and homage to the hometown), find the Alki point light house, or just admire more water views of Elliot Bay and the Seattle skyline.
Marination Ma Kai
Neighborhood: West Seattle If you're needing that quick island food fix, this is a good place to go. Delicious food that offers a fusion of Hawaiian, Korean, and Mexican. Kalbi beef tacos? Yum! Kimchi quesadilla with a side of spam mac salad? Yes please! There are other locations - Capitol Hill and downtown (marination 6th and virginia).
8oz Burger & Co
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill THE place to go to for fresh, juicy, grass-fed burgers. It's so good, the burger smell will follow you for days. Bonus for the non-dairy & vegan lovers - walk a block down to "Frankie & Jo's" for plant based ice cream with flavors such as salty caramel ash or brown sugar vanilla.
Optimism Brewing Company
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill If you're not yet in a food coma from 8oz, head down to Optimism Brewery across the street. There is a full spectrum of beer on tap. They offer public brewery tours and tasting every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Book online to reserve your spot.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill Our list would not be complete without a visit to Starbucks, however, this isn't just your everyday Starbucks. The roastery offers a unique experience to all. Try a variety of flavors with the coffee tasting and have a bite of that hazelnut croissant with their in house bakery
Dick's Drive-In
Neighborhood: Queen Anne A Seattle favorite since the 1950's, Dick's is perfect for quick bites and late night snacks. They're usually open until 2AM. Go for the Deluxe burger and fries! (Other locations: Wallingford and Broadway)