Rachael & Michael
Things To Do
Bainbridge Island
If you're looking for a fun and feasible ferry ride across the water, we'd encourage you to hop on a ferry as a walk on passenger and head 35 minutes across the water to beautiful Bainbridge Island. Winslow is a neighborhood within walking distance from the ferry with plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. It's about $8.50 roundtrip as a foot passenger, the ferry terminal is located downtown near Pike Place Market, and there are epic views of the Seattle city scape from the ferry. If you time it right, you can do a roundtrip in 3-4 hours. To be honest, the ferry ride alone is worth it! We recommend checking out Eagle Harbor Book Company, Blackbird Bakery, Harbour Public House, Pegasus Coffee, and Mora Ice Cream...just to name a few.
Old Ballard
I (Rachael) have fondly called Ballard home for 13 years. It's a neighborhood on the Sound that was originally settled by Scandinavian immigrants and you can feel that influence throughout the neighborhood. Old Ballard Avenue is quite charming and overflowing with restaurants, cafes and boutiques. There's a delightful farmers market every Sunday from 10am-3pm that's definitely worth a visit. We recommend visiting Miro Tea (Rachael worked at Miro for a season), Thai Thani, Bastille, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, La Carta de Oaxaca, and Sam's Sushi. You can also head just a mile west and enjoy some fresh seafood on the water at Ray's Boathouse Cafe.
Miro Tea
Miro is Rachael's favorite tea shop in the world (she worked at Miro and is good friends with the owner, Jeannie Liu). It's also the site of that infamous talk Michael and Rachael had in November of 2018. :) There are many, many delicious tea options as well as coffee, pastries, crepes, and sandwiches.
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
The Ballard Locks are an engineering marvel built over 100 years ago. It's a fun spot to watch the boats travel through the locks from fresh water to salt water and it's surrounded by a big park with sweeping views!
Seattle Chinatown-International District
Seattle's Chinatown-International District boasts some of the best Asian food in the PNW and represents a wide range of Asian cultural experiences. There are museums, parks, shops, tea shops, and delicious restaurants. Want to do some shopping, don't miss Uwajimaya, Momo, or Sun May in Canton Alley. For delicious Dim Sum, check out Jade Garden or Harbor City. Is it bubble tea you're after? Stop by Young Tea or Oasis Tea Zone. In the mood for Hot Pot, you will be delighted with Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot. You can't go wrong with Green Leaf Vietnamese, Mike's Noodle House, or Maneki. And if you want to get in on that pinball action, don't miss the Seattle Pinball Museum (don't let the name full you...lots of playing to be done).
Pike Place Market
You can't go wrong with a visit to Seattle's historic Pike Place Market. Lots of delicious food and beautiful flowers. The market winds down through six stories and has many off the beaten path spots to explore.
Seattle Aquarium
For those of you with kiddos, the Aquarium is a great little stop to explore and play! It's on the Seattle waterfront and close to Pike Place Market.
Seattle Art Museum
Want to check out some art in the heart of downtown? Head to the Seattle Art Museum.
Asian Art Museum (temporarily closed)
We're hoping this beautiful museum is re-opened by late October as and would definitely recommend spending time here.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Visit the Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park for free! It's a great place to walk, explore art, and enjoy some sweeping views of the city and the Sound.
Oasis Tea Zone
Delicious bubble tea another meaningful place for us as we spent several hours here talking over bubble tea in January 2019!
Green Lake
For a nice stroll around an urban lake and park, head to Greenlake.
Seward Park
Want to take a stroll along Lake Washington amidst old growth trees and a stellar view of Mt. Rainier? Head to Seward Park.
Pine Box
We went on our fist date at this quirky little bar...lots of death and resurrection metaphors!
Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee Grave Sites
Can you really come to Seattle without paying homage to Bruce Lee? Unfortunately you can because Michael has been thwarted (it's been closed) every time he's visited Seattle, though he and Michael Thornhill did contemplate jumping over the fence when they were here for the Story Workshop in August of 2017.