What, Where, How, When & What to Wear
Monday, April 30, 2007
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
As jobs, hobbies or good, healthy obsessions go, trailing Matt Lauer as he begins his annual globetrotting trek, "Where in the World..." is not a bad one. While Matt spends another week exploring the far reaches of the earth, I can't help but wonder: "What might he discover if Matt were Mattie?" And from that, "The Girl's Guide to Where in the World" was born.
Where:
Matt's first stop is Boeing Field, the sprawling epicenter of aerospace technology plunked in the middle of beautiful, if not occasionally soggy, Seattle. Boeing Field hosts no commercial airlines, so you won't have a reason to visit unless you're going to the Museum of Flight or you have affection for smart guys with pocket protectors. Visiting Boeing Field will only take you so far without security clearance, so head into Seattle for some sites, bites and shopping.
Let me take a moment to dispel the myth. Seattle is no longer the grunge capital it was in the '90s. It's a vibrant, cultured city that has managed to keep its casual cool despite the rapid growth. You can roll off your boat, still in jeans, and go see one of the best opera performances in the country. (In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I spent five years in Seattle; it's an area that is near and dear to my heart.)
What:
OK, back to what to do. First stop - Pike Place Market; it's a Seattle institution. It's also crowded. Peruse the flowers, veggies, local crafts and then get out of there. Visit the original Starbucks across the street, because you can.
If on the run, grab a piroshky at Piroshky Piroshky (1908 Pike Place; 206.441.6068), because who doesn't love potatoes and cheese wrapped in dough. But my advice: head upstairs to the recently expanded Matt's in the Market (94 Pike Street, Suite 32; 206.467-7909), for the freshest salads...and everything else. (They're just finishing the renovation and will re-open in late May.) You'll find the Market much more enjoyable when watching from above.
What to Wear:
Seattle has some fun, eclectic shopping. Visit the flagship Nordstrom (500 Pine Street; 206.628.211); it's beautiful and you still can't beat the shoe selection. It's probably the only place in the country where you can find sexy, waterproof footwear. Functional and attractive - who knew?
From Nordstrom, go outside and take a left to Sway & Cake (1631 Sixth Avenue; 866.900.SWAY), a fun New York-inspired boutique. For a downtown departure, venture off to the old Scandinavian district Ballard and visit Olivine (5344 Ballard Ave NW; 206.706.4188), the ultimate girl store, for the best in local fashions.
For something special, look to couture designer, Madina Vadache. Known locally for her bridal gowns, she's about to launch her first Ready-to-Wear collection. Enjoy Madina's designs now, before you can no longer afford them. She's on the cusp of moving her store to New York.
Where to Rest Your Head
Splurge:
- The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
(411 University St) - A traditional Seattle landmark with friendly staff, located downtown. Perfect for that romantic getaway.
- Grand Hyatt Seattle
(721 Pine St) - A contemporary hotel with stunning views of the city from the upper floors. No better location for your shoppers!
- Sorrento Hotel
(900 Madison St) - A bit of Europe, perched on a hillside overlooking downtown. Stay for the old world charm.
Hot & Hip:
- Hotel 1000
(1000 First Avenue) - High-tech and high design. Ask about The Golf Club and experience some of the top courses. - Hotel Max
(620 Stewart) - A downtown haven for the chic.
The Art of Fashion...And Art
- Madina Vadache's "The Art of Couture," an installation of fashion with mixed media art from Andree Carter, opens May 2nd at the Patricia Cameron Gallery.
- Seattle Art Museum - (First Ave and Union St) The museum's long-awaited Grand Opening, all 35 hours of it, begins May 5-6. Keep in mind that admission is free on the first Thursday of every month.
- Olympic Sculpture Park - (Elliott Avenue and Broad Street) A former industrial site, this nine-acre waterfront knoll boasts amazing pieces and stellar views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay.
Best Places to Find Your Own Flyboy:
Randy's diner, located just past Boeing Field - a bit dive-y, but it attracts the local pilots.
And, Wings Aloft flight school at Boeing Field...need I say more?
Culture, Culture, Culture:
- From the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera to the INTIMAN Theatre and various other theaters, there is no shortage of seasoned performances in the area.
- Seattle Grace: Keep an eye out for McDreamy while driving by Fisher Plaza (140 Fourth Ave N). The office building serves as the exterior shot for Grey's Anatomy's Seattle Grace Hospital.
For the Short Set:
- Seattle Center: It's the Space Needle - you can't miss it! You also shouldn't miss the Pacific Science Center, The Children's Museum, Experience Music Project and myriad other arts organizations, including the renowned Seattle Children's Theatre.
- Seattle Aquarium (1483 Alaskan Way; 206.386.4300). It's currently open, but will be even better when their $41 million renovation is complete.
Where to Nosh (And Sip):
Mornings
- Macrina Bakery
(2408 First Avenue; 206.448.4032) Scones, pastries, artisan breads - oh my! Hard to know which is better, the breakfast treats or the scrumptious desserts.
- Caffè Fiorè
(3 locations, the newest opening this spring at 5405 Leary Ave NW in Ballard; 206.706.7580) Organic coffee in a great space; a remarkably mellow atmosphere despite all the caffeine.
- Circa
(West Seattle - 2605 California Ave SW; 206.923.1102) Go for the brunch, stay for the chicken mole enchilada.
- Red Mill Burgers
(2 locations, Phinney Ridge and Interbay) You know it's good if endorsed by this vegetarian!
Sip & Unwind
- Vessel
(1312 5th Ave, Downtown between University & Union; 206.652.5222) Designer cocktails in a designer setting, this brand new spot is a welcome addition to the Seattle scene.
- Crush
(2319 E. Madison; 206.30.CRUSH) Chef Jason Wilson, named one of the Top Ten New Chefs in North America of 2006 by Food and Wine Magazine, has garnered nationwide acclaim for his bold dishes.
- Elemental @ Gasworks
(3309 Wallingford Ave N; 206.547.2317) So tiny and hidden, you miss it if you blink. So don't! This tiny gem is a huge hit thanks to their ingenious cuisine and calming decor. Beware, only you and about 13 of your closest friends will fit at any given time.
- Lark
(Capitol Hill - 926 12th Ave; 206.323.5275) Small plates, choice selection, perfect for tasting and sharing, all in a rustic setting.
Quick Guide:
Where - Seattle, WA
What - Perfect vacation spot for couples, families, outdoorsy types, chic artists
How - Fly into SeaTac International Airport. For the full Pacific Northwest experience, take the train to Portland, OR or Vancouver, BC
When - If you're afraid you might melt in the rain because you're just that sweet, go sometime between July 4th and Labor Day. You'll see why it's called the Emerald City. But go now before the 2010 Winter Olympics hit BC and the whole area changes.
What to Wear - Leave your flannel at home. Seattle is a cosmopolitan, yet casual, city.
If you enjoyed WANDER WOMAN's take on Seattle, just wait until tomorrow's secret location! We have another illustrious destination, with no shortage of tidbits to tempt you into traveling.
About MISTY EWING, AKA Wander Woman:
Her jet may not be invisible, but Misty Ewing is the WANDER WOMAN of travel. By day, Misty is the Director of Public Relations for Virtuoso, where she's spent the past eight years doing what she loves most - inspiring people to see the world while wandering about it, herself. With Prada and Blahniks in tow, she bucks baggage restrictions and single-handedly endeavors to bring back the steamer trunk.Talking up the world's best luxury travel company is not exactly the toughest job, especially when you consider the perks. She's sipped champagne in Champagne, private reserve vodka in St. Petersburg, ouzo in Greece and sake in Shanghai. She's strode the banks of the Seine and the beaches of the Bahamas, always in fabulous footwear.
Never one to forget her small-town Texas roots, Misty prides herself on knowing how to travel well on any budget. She defines luxury as having an authentic experience wherever she goes. If it includes scuba diving, her truest travel passion, and no Blackberry service, even better. Misty, along with her shoes, fins and steamer trunks, currently resides in New York City. And yes, Misty is her real name.
Wander women say
I recently stayed at Hotel 1000 in Seattle, and it was a wonderful experience. I was not able to find time for the virtual golf available to guests, but will sure be back again to give it a try.
--Posted by Brad, Highlands Ranch, CO
--Posted by Andy, Seattle, WA
--Posted by Katie, Issaquah, WA
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--Posted by Janet, Hayden, ID
--Posted by Maggie, Seattle, WA
--Posted by Jessica S., TX
photo credit © Misty Ewing
