Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to return back to Seattle since 2006, when I discovered what has become my favorite American city. I just happened to stroll past the Megan Mary Olander flower shop after enjoying a morning taking the Seattle Underground Tour, which I highly recommend. The tour guides are very passionate about the history of their city, which can be quite infectious. Between the Pike Place Market and the free downtown buses, it’s a culmination of the little things that got me to love Seattle so much.
As luck would have it, I also happened to take a picture of the first Starbucks, built in 1971. I thought it looked a bit odd, only to see it featured on a travel show 2 years later. Seattle is one of the best places to travel on a weak dollar inside the US and gets less annual rainfall than New Orleans so don’t let the weather scare you. The summer months of June, July, and August are some of the best to visit.
You can see all of my pictures from Seattle, which I haven’t had a chance to feature before, in my Seattle album here.
Anil, I’m with you when you say that Seattle is one of your favourite places. To me Seattle had a mix of so many good things: a lively city centre, energetic market, wonderful natural setting and nearby national parks. Not sure if Starbucks is a great contribution to the world’s coffe, though.
At least they have free wi-fi now to make up for it!
I owe Seattle more travel attention. When I return, I’ll be checking out Megan Mary Olander’s flower shop.
A lovely, lovely city. Perhaps a stop before TBEX 2011? 😉
We lived in Vancouver for 3 years and never made it to Seattle. Can you believe it? We really need to get ourselves there one day.
I’m planning on sticking around that area for a bit next spring. I love that corner of the US/Canada. Surprised you never made it down to Seattle, guess Vancouver really is that great of a city 🙂
I’ve considered moving there but the lack of sunshine may drive me crazy going from sunny Austin. I really need to visit – I hear nothing but good things.
The fall/winter is definitely gray – would certainly seem so if you’re coming from Austin! Worth a long visit though 🙂
I definitely need to go and check it out. I currently work for a video game company and I’m curious what is available up there. 🙂
I was born and raised in Seattle and absolutely love it there. In January I decided I needed to hit the travel trail for good though and live somewhere else for awhile, so it could be quite awhile until I return.
Erica-
Yes, there is certainly a lack of sun in Seattle – particularly this summer from what I hear from my friends.
Most of the rain is in the fall and winter months but the weather and temperatures in the summer are wonderful. Like perpetual spring 🙂 Where are you headed Drew?
A friend of mine was telling me the weather during the “summer” which is equivalent to our winter… I was a wee bit concerned.
Never been to Seattle but it’s definitely on my list of cities to see in US. Happy travels!
It’s a wonderful city, hope you make it there one day 🙂