Not So Sleepless in Seattle: 24 Hours in Seattle

by Marika and Analise Flatt on July 1, 2023 in Travels,
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We do love The Emerald City. We’ve brought you articles in the past about Seattle’s abundant museums and fantastic food! Headed out on a cruise or just a visit to the PNW, hit up these spots in Seattle.

 

Thompson Seattle: Sleek and Luxurious Style Right by the Pike

A bird’s eye view of the Seattle cityscape from The Nest. Photo courtesy The Thompson Seattle.

There’s really no need to be sleepless in Seattle when you can stay at a great hotel to revive yourself after a long day! The Thompson Seattle, located one block from the famous Pike Place Market in the heart of the city, offers a unique Seattle hotel experience unlike any other. Thompson Seattle takes your peace of mind seriously, offering more than the usual amenities with lint rollers, deodorant, and even pet waste bags. Since Thompson Seattle is just a few blocks from the water and walking distance to one of the coolest churches (Christ Our Hope Catholic Church on the bottom floor of what used to be a hotel and now serves as apartments for the previously homeless), use the hotel provided garment steamer to get your favorite walking outfit ready. With the ferris wheel in the backdrop, take a moment to snap a selfie with the hotel’s amazing view as your backdrop.

Amazing Amenities with a View 

Enjoying a rooftop refreshment at The Nest (@ The Thompson) with the Seattle Great Wheel in the background. Photo courtesy Marika Flatt.

If walking around Seattle or hitting the free weights at Thompson Seattle’s modern fitness center on the third floor has left you parched for something light, Thompson Seattle’s indoor/ outdoor rooftop bar The Nest offers refreshing cocktails paired with unparalleled views of Seattle. Or, for happy hour, catch a tune from the live music on the back patio located past the lobby on the first floor. Sip on a few drinks before heading over to Conversation Kitchen for dinner where you can pair a hearty pasta with a bold Cabernet while gazing out into the bustling Seattle streets.

Dunk Into the Underground Donut Tour

Donut indulgence at the Daily Dozen, included in the Underground Donut Tour. Photo courtesy the Daily Dozen.

For those with a curious sweet tooth, biting into Seattle’s finest donut shops will have you exploring every corner of the Pike, leaving no donut hole unturned. The Underground Donut Tour starts at Top Pot, which is a very popular eatery in downtown Seattle. With a classic library, full of encyclopedias, the shop has been honored as the “best donut chain in America.” With a history of over 40 flavors offered to Seattle sweets lovers for the past 20 years, it’s easy to see why. Then, if you’re craving more flavors, Dahlia Bakery, owned by restaurateur Tom Douglas, features mochi donuts next to a pie (pizza) shop. The last spot to visit is the Daily Dozen, where 30,000 donuts are punched into existence using a machine called “The Mark 2.” 

While at Pike Place Market, savor a sweet maple donut while studying a peculiar piece of Seattle history known as “the gum wall.” This cool (and kinda gross) tourist attraction started years ago when people started covering a “no gum allowed” sign with, you guessed it, gum. 

Timeliness Charm Meets Classic Italian at the Pink Door

The Pink Door’s ageless bar welcomes all. Photo courtesy the Pink Door.

If all these sweet flavors have you itching for something savory, within Pike Place Market’s busy 9.8 acres is a somewhat secret restaurant called The Pink Door. This once violin shop, now a community gem, engulfs you with a unique experience that combines soul-comforting Italian food, a cozy atmosphere, and the sweetest staff. Walk off the calories by exploring the Pike Place Market, taking in all the smells, sights, and sounds. 

Travel tip: While walking downtown, look for the “pitch points” denoted by musical notes. This is where buskers can perform for one hour at a time.

An Experience That Will Blow Your (Glass) Mind

Glass blowing artisans melting works of art. Photo courtesy Visit Seattle.

A truly unique experience in Seattle is at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio, where we learned that most of the country’s glass comes from the Pacific Northwest. At this studio you don’t just admire all of the beautiful pieces, but create your own to add to your personal collection. An instructor walks you through the process of your creation. Choose from a multitude of different options, such as an ornament or a bowl, and the colors that you would like (bright orange and yellow, anyone!). Taking a trip to the glassblowing studio allows you to not only learn a new skill but you also get a beautiful souvenir you create!

Texas Lifestyle Magazine team taking a stroll in Pike Place. Photo Courtesy Marika Flatt.

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Cover Photo courtesy The Thompson Seattle.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002 with a visit to Hawks Cay in the Florida Keys. She can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, offering travel tips, such as  KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard.

A lover of all things travel, pretty running trails and good coffee, Analise Flatt is newly graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University and is now pursuing a position as a FOCUS Missionary. Check out her Instagram to stay updated on her latest travel adventures.