Seattle

As a teacher I'm one of the lucky few adults who still get to claim Spring Break as a part of my yearly routine. Honestly, it's one of the biggest perks of the job. That and molding the future of our world, I guess. :)

Last year I spent my break hopping around the east to see friends, but this year I decided to be a bit more out there, like waaaay out there. West, out there. If you follow along with my Instagram you know that I ventured out to the Pacific Northwest - specifically Seattle and Portland. I hadn't been to this part of the country since I was a kid and I'm a believer that going somewhere as a kid does not count as "having been." So while I might be spending some of my time technically going back to places I've already been, I'm essentially visiting them for the first real time.

So like any first time visitor, we hit the big tourist spots - the Space Needle, the Chihuly museum, Pike Place Market, riding a ferry, and so on! Above and beyond, the Chihuly exhibit took the cake. If you've never heard of him, he is a glass sculptural artist and his work is ethereal. Look him up, you won't regret it!

Pike Place Market had a magic all its own and it lives up to all the hype you've heard. It's busy, it's smelly, and it's beautiful. Not to mention, it's brimming with fantastic eateries. We started our day with Crumpets from the Crumpet Shop (cream cheese, maple butter, and walnuts really can change your life) and rounded it out with macaroni and cheese from Beecher's Handmade Cheese.

We also spent part of our day on the ferry to Bainbridge Island - what with Seattle being so water-centric it seemed appropriate. And trouncing through the rainy island hills to shops and cafes made me feel like an authentic Pacific Northwester.

Polishing off our trip was a good dose of shopping. I really can't claim to have visited a city if I don't canvas the popular shops and boutiques. Plus I feel like it's one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to get your finger on the style pulse of a city. What's trendy? What's popular? What are people wanting to buy? I loved seeing all the bold patterns and colors, the statement jewelry, the funky shoes, the ethereal trinkets. And all the lavender - who would have guessed? Apparently lavender is a big deal in the PNW, certainly a nice surprise!

Oh - and did you hear about our goldfish?! We stayed at the Kimpton Monaco in downtown (side note - the Kimpton brand is growing on me as a national network of boutique hotels, each with their own unique character.) The Monaco's token piece of character? A complimentary goldfish to keep you company for your stay! How cute is that?! Ours was delivered to our room with a little note introducing her as Pinky. Hands down, this is the sweetest touch of hospitality I have had at any hotel, ever. Cute, right?

So with that, I've checked another city off my list, and I would highly recommend it for you too!