Melanie & Matthew
Things To Do
Coffee and Pastries at Le Panier
Yes, it's super cool that the first Starbucks location is still operating in Pike Place Market. Walk by, take a photo, but don't bother getting coffee there. It'll be a long line and taste the same as your usual Starbucks. Instead, go a few shops down to Le Panier and have possibly the best coffee and pastries of your life. A little slice of France is in Seattle, and Melanie & Matthew make sure to visit during every single trip.
Dinner at The Pink Door
This is the best restaurant recommendation we can give that's the closest to the official hotel! It's right above Pike Place Market and has one of the best views of the water. Depending on when you go, you may see live music or even acrobats. The food is delicious Italian and this is where both Melanie and her sister, Andrea, celebrated their 21st birthdays.
Dinner at Musang
Through Matt's incredible internet restaurant researching, he discovered this gem! The cuisine is Filipino and it's out of this world. Chef/Owner Melissa Miranda became an instant inspiration for Matt.
Lunch or dinner at Marination
Since 2009, this beloved Hawaiian-Korean fusion business has expanded from a food truck to four brick and mortar locations! Melanie took Matthew to the West Seattle location, "Marination ma kai" and the bold flavors swept him off his feet. The waterfront seating with views of downtown on a bright, sunny day probably helped too.
Ice Cream at Molly Moon's
The best cone or cup in town according to ice cream connoisseur, Melanie. They are a story of good things happening to good people/businesses. Their products are excellent and their ethos is even better. When Melanie used to go with her friends during high school, there were two locations. Now, there are ten storefronts and they even sell to grocery stores!
Grab a drink or a bite at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub
Located right in the heart of Pike Place Market, this festive spot was a favorite of Melanie's dad, aunties, and even grandma back in the day. Also, in a full circle moment, Melanie got to know the owner's daughter while volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium during high school! We would recommend going in-between wedding events or if you want the night to continue beyond scheduled festivities!
Stroll around the Seattle Art Museum
Located just steps away from Pike Place Market. Per their website "The Seattle Art Museum’s growing collection contains over 25,000 works of art from around the world. Dating from antiquity to the present, the permanent collection represents a wide range of global cultures and historical perspectives."
Walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park
Sitting right on the waterfront, a 17 minute walk from Pike Place Market, this huge outdoor space filled with giant art pieces is truly unique. It's also the easiest place to get a taste of the ocean as there is a little beach area by the water - great for kiddos to explore and play!
Venture to Green Lake Park
Running/walking/jogging, picnicking, pickup basketball, paddle boarding, cute dog watching - this place has it all! Great for a workout or a hangout. Melanie and Matthew go here every time they're in town!
Rent Kayaks from Agua Verde Paddle Club
This is one of the first activities Matthew and Melanie did in Seattle during Matthew's inaugural visit in 2019. Viewing the city by boat, no matter how small, is a must!
Visit the Woodland Park Zoo
A gorgeous zoo that does a tremendous amount of conservation work. Melanie's family has had a membership there for over two decades! A favorite spot that Matthew and Melanie share is the Northern Tundra area where you can catch a glimpse of some grizzly bears!
Explore the famous Seattle Center
Right by where you might be grabbing coffee at KEXP, there are several iconic museums and sights to see. We've been to them all and can never get enough: - The Space Needle - Chihuly Garden and Glass - The Seattle Science Center - The Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP - Seattle Center Armory - The Seattle Children's Museum - The International Fountain - Climate Pledge Arena
Take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
This little island is right across from Downtown Seattle and boasts adorable shops, wineries, gardens, cafes and restaurants. It's where Melanie's grandparents, aunts and dad lived for many years. The George family made the journey during their big trip to Seattle in the summer of 2023!
Hike Little Si Trail
This hike is an excellent workout! Complete with quintessential Pacific Northwest tree shade on the trail and an epic view at the top. When Matthew and Melanie hiked it's much harder big sister, Mt. Si Trail, in 2020, the only way they could get through it was by sharing air pods and listening to a podcast about making chicken parmesan. This trail shouldn't require that!
Hike at Mt. Rainier National Park
Take a step into Washington's own little slice of The Sound of Music. Frolic amongst the wildflowers and marvel at the gargantuan peaks. There are tons of trails available for every level so you really can choose your own adventure.
Curated Pairings
HIKE & DRINK Hike the Discovery Park Lighthouse Loop and grab a drink at nearby Rooftop Brewing. TREAT & WALK Grab a pastry at Sea Wolf Bakery and walk to the top of Gas Works Park for a great view of Lake Union and Downtown Seattle. EAT & BEACH Enjoy a meal at Harry’s Beach House and take a stroll down Alki Beach. EAT & VIEW Have a meal at How To Cook A Wolf and enjoy stunning city views at Kerry Park. SNACK & PICNIC Grab some food to-go in the Ballard neighborhood and have a relaxing beach picnic at Golden Gardens. WALK & SHOP Walk around scenic Seward Park and hit Third Place Books or Chuck’s Hop Shop after. PADDLE & DRINK Rent some paddle boards on Lake Union and grab a drink at Agua Verde Paddle Club afterward.