out and about: seattle.

May 10, 2017

Our journey to Seattle was made primarily for the very special occasion of our friends’ wedding. James was a groomsman and so while we explored as much as we were able, there were suit fittings and rehearsal dinners and dancing the night away to be squeezed into the week as well (no complaints!).

Beyond wedding festivities, it should be remembered that we were traveling with a toddler and an infant in tow. If you haven’t already read Travel Tips from a Toddler, it might be a good time. Perhaps one day we’ll delve into the still more precise, Travel Tips from a Toddler and her Infant Compatriot

Still, a few of the Seattle spots that we quite enjoyed, in case anyone else might be planning a PNW ramble:

Things to Do:

Elliot Bay Books: A very good bookstore in a city with lots of them. We loved the time we spent in this skylight filled space. I even had the chance to sign the Simple Matters they had in stock. (Faye gives rave reviews of the castle in the children’s section.)

Pike Place Market: I don’t *think* you can go to Seattle without heading here. The flower stands are very impressive, the tourists very touristy, our general satisfaction with having taken a little stroll around the place quite high.

Seattle Public Library – Central Branch: We saved ourselves getting drenched in one very impressive rainstorm by paying a visit to the Seattle Library. The children’s room was beautiful (and pristine) and a trip up the elevator to the top floor to see the views through the glass walls and roof was definitely worth it, though not at all for the faint of heart.

Discovery Park: This is the largest park in the city, occupying the now-decommissioned Fort Lawton. There’s a beautiful lighthouse on the far reaches of the site and we headed there for stunning views over Elliot Bay. During our visit the tide was way out and the water left behind on the sand rivulets was warm enough for walking in barefoot. (One among us also took the opportunity to take a quick skinny dip.)

Ferry to Bainbridge: We explored Bainbridge Island on our last afternoon in Seattle. The ferry ride and views of the city were treats themselves, and we loved walking the quiet island roads. 

Lincoln Park in West Seattle: We spent a few wedding-themed days in West Seattle and made ample use of its rocky beaches. The playground at Lincoln Park was every bit the PNW wonderland that you might hope for. 



Things to Eat:

Oddfellows Café: So many people recommended this Seattle institution to us and it did not disappoint. Billowy biscuits and perfectly dressed greens, hot coffee, and room enough for a squirmy toddler.

Elm Coffee Roasters: Seattle might be famous for another coffee brand, but it was this little roasters that won us over with their latte, complete with housemade hazelnut milk.

General Porpoise Doughnuts: We ordered a glutton’s feast of creme-filled doughnuts from this highly recommended spot. If we’re ever in town again, we’ll be back for more.

Delancey: It’s a bit strange for New Yorkers to travel to the West Coast  to eat very delicious pizza, but this spot was perfect. We devoured two pies, a beautiful asparagus salad, and the very best chocolate chip cookie I could have dreamed of. They win for friendliest place we ate, too.

The London Plane: I guess they must have been thinking of me when the owners opened up this place. This dream of a restaurant/flower shop was really delightful. I was a very big fan of their delicious toasts.

Bakery Nouveau: Without regret, we stopped by this very delicious French bakery on our way out of town and so were fortified throughout our day of travel with sandwiches and pastry and a very delicious cinnamon roll from this unassuming storefront. 

For the curious:

We stood by our “carry-ons only” commitment and traveled with our two Tom Bihn Aeronauts (the 30 and 45), our Storq Carryall (on James in the first picture), and the very convenient Babyzen Yoyo stroller, given to us to try by Milk & Honey Babies! The small stroller + baby wrap (on me in the fourth picture!) was the easiest way for us to cruise around town, on and off public transportation! (More on that here.)

Other travel posts right this way.

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11 Comments

  • Reply Baltina May 10, 2017 at 11:37 am

    Erin, it sounds like you had such a lovely trip. We are north of Seattle about 90 minutes and everytime we head south I get so excited for a pastry from Bakery Nouveau and then immediately overwhelmed with all the other places to visit. I’m excited to try out a few of your recommendations, The London Plane sounds lovely and I’m looking forward to taking our daughter to see the lighthouse at Discovery Park, it’s been on my to see list. Thanks for this great round up of Seattle treats!

  • Reply Candace JW May 10, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I love these wraps for babies. I’m a soon to be mom due in October. I’m worried I won’t be able to figure it out. Is that not true?

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE May 10, 2017 at 12:40 pm

      Won’t be able to figure out the wrap or parenthood? You got my vote of confidence you’ll succeed at both!

  • Reply Jen May 10, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    Love your writing, but especially the ones that involve travel and kids! Out of curiosity, did you only take carry on luggage on this trip?

    • Reply ERIN BOYLE May 10, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks so much! Yup: just carry on! Our two backpacks, a small diaper bag (pictured above) and a stroller!

  • Reply Dana Leigh Lyons May 10, 2017 at 11:38 pm

    Love these travel posts, Erin! The reviews of resonate spots…and the inspiration to go carry-on only. Thank you!

  • Reply Maddie May 11, 2017 at 5:27 am

    Please do a post on what you packed! You’re such an inspiration for simple living and travel – I’d love to know what you took. We bought the same aeronaut (the 45) after you did your post on all the comparison bags and we love it.

  • Reply Rylie May 11, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    I love your travel posts! This one makes me want to be a tourist in my hometown, sweet Seattle. Bakery Nouveau has been a weekly routine for me for a long time. You mentioned a couple places I have yet to actually visit!

  • Reply Hanna May 13, 2017 at 6:52 am

    What a dreamy post! I definitely want to go to Seattle one day and this has deepened my longing to go even more. Happy weekend!

  • Reply Jen May 19, 2017 at 12:51 am

    Love this post. We’re going to Seattle next month for our 11th anniversary and I’m looking forward to trying some of your recommendations!

  • Reply Marla February 21, 2019 at 12:05 pm

    Seattle is my hometown, (now I live in Los Angeles) but I go back every three months. As I get older, I think of moving back. The fresh scent of pine, the morning mist, the crows cawing, and coffee by the fire!

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