It didn’t take long for Texas Lifestyle Magazine contributor to realize that a wintertime visit in Seattle delivers a trip filled with “lovely days.”

Despite a life well-traveled, Seattle had always been, for me, a gateway to another destination. I had​ previously had many layovers in the Emerald City’s airport as I headed for Alaska. I had ridden around the city on my way to the San Juan Islands, but until recently, had never spent time in the city that I equated with Starbucks, the iconic Space Needle, and where Nirvana and the grunge scene took off in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Little did I know that my world – and my mind – was about to expand with an all-new outlook on this city. And, to my surprise, I discovered that the off season may just be the best season to visit Seattle.

I spent three full days (and nights) getting to know the city that, true enough, has the big-ticket tourist items like the Space Needle and Pike’s Place Market. But for the true adventurer, there are some secrets worth discovering: things like an Italian restaurant that has no signage other than a pink door, speakeasies, and even a hidden beach. Regardless of the type of experience you want (tourist or traveler), you’ll find it in Seattle.

Seattle for Tea Lovers: Where to Find the Best Brew Beyond Coffee

When I arrived, as an admitted tea drinker who has never particularly cared for coffee, I wondered if I would be able to find a decent cup of tea. I learned that while yes, tourists line up for a block or more to see the original Starbucks (whose original logo is far more revealing than the one you likely recognize today) there are ample places to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea. (And by the way, the tourists line up for that original Starbucks but the travelers know they can walk past the lengthy line, snap the photo of the original shop and logo and purchase a better-tasting cup of Joe without the time-consuming waste, ‘er wait.)

Back to the tea. Thanks to an early-arriving flight, it was well before noon as I set out to discover my new surroundings. Outfitted in layers and prepared for about any type of weather, I popped into a coffee shop to quickly realize they not only served tea, my freshly brewed hot chai was also served with a decorative heart. I didn’t have a lot of preconceptions about the city other than my experience of living on the opposite northern coast and the fact that New Englanders (especially in winter) aren’t generally the friendliest of folks. I was anticipating a similar vibe – after all, it was winter in a northern coastal city. In part of what would be a mind- and heart-expanding experience, I began to notice a discernible difference. Yes, it was winter but people had time to chat and helped point out interesting places on my way to lunch. I began engaging with people on the street and was pleasantly surprised at their willingness to talk.

Whether or not you are a tea drinker, a stop worth mentioning is ComeBuyTea, a Taiwanese chain that specializes in high quality teas hand-picked by professional tea masters in various regions in Asia. The shop, located in the corner-facing Old State building in the charming Capitol Hill neighborhood, only serves tea that passes rigid quality tests and comes from eco-friendly tea farms. At first glance you’d likely think the futuristic equipment is designed to make coffees and espressos – but the shop’s steam-billowing “Teapresso” machine completes a five-step Kungfu brewing method. Hot or cold, you can have bursts of caffeine, cream, and bubbles, the latter which I asked the tea maker to select to ensure I had something that accompanied the hot tea I chose. I grabbed a stool facing the street and enjoyed one of the best cups of tea I’ve ever had while watching the activity in the lively neighborhood. I wasn’t alone. The shop was packed and from what I learned from a customer who sat near me, there is often a line out the door.

Unique Experiences: Candle Making at ELM Candle Bar

A few doors down from ComeBuyTea and tucked into a narrow yet spacious emporium is ELM Candle Bar. Initially, I thought making a candle with a scent I mixed, with oils I chose, would be a great way to spend a chilly afternoon. No doubt, sitting at the bar with brass spoons and stirrers, creating a candle I chose after smelling every one of their three rows of oils was a great wintery day activity. Yet, I could easily see how this activity would be great for families, couples, or to do before brunch with friends in any sort of weather. As I worked on my favorite scents, a group of local employees were there as part of a team-building experience. Visitors to ELM can choose to make a candle or a room spray, and either way, they’ll package it for you so you can ease through airport security.

A Book Lover’s Paradise: Exploring The Elliott Bay Book Company

During my visit, I got lost but not in the way you may expect. I stepped into The Elliott Bay Book Company and knew, before I even made it to the second floor of the expansive book store with exposed beams and high ceilings, that I would be spending some quality time in the rows upon rows of books. A book store may not be on your typical travel agenda (although it always is for me), make a point to visit – and support – this independent bookstore which is also located in the Capitol Hill area.

Seattle’s Music Scene: A Soundtrack for Your Trip

An interesting note (pun intended) is that unlike any other trip I’ve taken, Seattle seemed to serve up a designated theme song. Whether it was a stop for a meal or shopping in any of the fun and eclectic shops (don’t miss The Purple Store), or even waiting to cross the street and hearing the song in a car, Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” was consistent background music. The song, with its repeated chorus is a bit addictive but not in an ear-worm sort of way. In fact, I never made it past breakfast without hearing the song – it was as if the city was setting its daily intention.

Throughout my visit I continued to experience a city filled with friendly locals who were willing to share directions or help me decide what to eat on a menu filled with authentic and aromatic Vietnamese selections. Ba Bar was filled with locals and there was a slight wait for lunch but by the time I sat at the bar, I had learned more about the popular restaurant from a group of locals waiting to be seated.

Pike Place Market: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food Tour

Pike Place Market is a must-see and must-experience place and one highlight of my visit was joining an Eat Seattle Food Tour. The two-hour chef-guided food tour was enlightening, entertaining, and led our group through the crowds and busyness of the popular tourist destination to discover some of the highlights. We enjoyed noshing at every stop along the way, avoiding long lines and hearing directly from the shop’s owners about artisan chocolates, truffles, award-winning chowder, handmade cheese, and the market’s only Ethiopian food at Lands of Origin. Even in winter the market was filled with tourists and locals and the food tour helped make sense of this bustling area. I walked away with more knowledge of not only how the market came to be but also an appreciation for the support it shows its local shops and neighbors.

Seattle’s Must-Visit Waterfront: Overlook Walk and the Seattle Aquarium

The waterfront area is also home to the city’s new Overlook Walk and Seattle Aquarium. The Overlook Walk bridges the gap from the downtown area to the waterfront and is a lovely way to spend the afternoon (it was also another place where the city’s theme song, “Lovely Day,” could be heard). The blues of the sky meet the blues of the water and watching the ferries and ships reminded me that Seattle may be a great vacation destination, but its waterfront is a viable and working area.

Located on Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium is one of the largest in the United States and is nothing less than impressive. I chose to visit on a Saturday which I would not recommend as it is a historically busy time. However, if you only have a Saturday available do not miss this experience. There are a number of “big” attractions and perhaps the biggest is the Giant Pacific Octopus – the largest species in the world. These creatures can weigh up to 150 pounds and are known for their intelligence. You may recall a number of years ago when an octopus named Luna (a.k.a. Octopus Houdini) gained fame for her remarkable escaping skills. Luna would escape at night and snack on crabs in other tanks and then return to her tank. Not until security cameras were installed did aquarium staff learn why their crabs were disappearing. The aquarium celebrates “Octopus Weekend” every February.

Additionally, Seattle celebrates “Museum Month” every February. In my short visit, I only visited a few museums but can vouch for the engaging fun within the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop). Located in close proximity to the Space Needle, MoPop is a unique experience where you can learn about Seattle’s music history and, in my case, how to play the repetitive guitar riff in “Louie Louie.” Kids of every age can learn to play drums and guitars, and how to mix sounds in a real-life “studio.” Book a room at a downtown hotel and during Seattle Museum Month you can enjoy 50% off museum admissions.

Where to Stay in Seattle: Why Hotel1000 is a Top Pick 

With more than 15,000 thousand hotel rooms in the city, it’s easy to find a hotel. But finding just the right hotel could be more challenging. My experience staying at the Hotel 1000 was yet another highlight in a trip filled with “Lovely Days.” The hotel is conveniently located to the waterfront and Pike’s Place Market as well as shops and restaurants. In addition to fantastic food and service, while having dinner at the hotel’s All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar, I began to laugh out loud when I heard “Lovely Day” playing softly in the background.

The hotel’s spa is tucked out of the way, and for a non-coffee drinker, I luxuriated in the Coffee Body Scrub. Spa services begin with a foot soak and tea (which is why they suggest you arrive a bit early) and following your choice of treatments, you’ll have access to a shower prepared for you with towels ready and waiting. I also ventured into the hotel’s TopGolf simulator to experience virtual games including baseball, golf, and zombie dodgeball. As a solo traveler, I preferred the spa but can easily envision the fun this would be with a family or group of friends.

Another sensory experience that I took advantage of all three nights was the hotel’s bath experience. Guests can order the bath accompaniments of their choosing and – spoiler alert – if you think the free-standing European-style soaking tub is filled by your average, everyday faucet you’ll be wrong. I delighted in filling my tub every night watching the water come from the faucet positioned in the ceiling over the tub. Without a doubt, I would return to Seattle with a group or as a solo, and for sure, I would stay at the Hotel1000.

Local Eats in Seattle: Crumpets and More

For someone who loves finding places where the locals go, I particularly enjoyed The Crumpet Shop just a short walk from the hotel. This was my first-ever experience having a “green egg” with smoked salmon cream cheese and the shop carries high-end quality teas and coffees. The staff are friendly and patient and, in my case, Lucas even remembered me when I popped back in one busy afternoon to try a sweet crumpet (ricotta with lemon curd).

Ubers and Lyfts arrive quickly anywhere in the city and while I was excited to return home, I wasn’t quite ready to leave. Checking out and saying goodbye to the hotel’s staff I got into the car that would take me to the airport for my flight back home. As we pulled away, I don’t have to tell you the song that was playing on the driver’s stereo. As I reflected on my experience, I knew it was going to be a “Lovely Day.” 

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Cover photo Rachael Jones.

 Haven Lindsey resides in Taos, NM. She is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience writing on topics including healthcare, addiction, public policy, education, travel, food, and human interest stories. She was recognized by NPR for her solo travel series exclusive to Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Haven’s second children’s book, The Blue Dog and The White Horse ‘The Best of Friends’ will be released by Brandylane Publishing this spring.