This week, Emerald City Comic Con returns to the Seattle Convention Center for the 16th year in a row, but even seasoned fans will notice changes in the neighborhood. Downtown Seattle is filled with new spaces for playful minds, whether you’re a cosplayer looking for a photo op or a young family exploring another world for the weekend (or both!). Combine those new spaces with the layers of the city that have stood the test of time, and adventure is calling. 

Here are all the activities Emerald City Comic Con fans should consider while visiting Downtown Seattle this year. 

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For accommodations, we stayed downtown at W Seattle in a Faces room under their Nordstrom Shopping Package. While we specifically stayed in The Stella Room, all guest rooms on the fourteenth floor house an original hand-painted mural by the talented artist, Morgan Zion. Each room and mural tell a fictional story, and ours fit us perfectly, Stella being from Portland and loving Capitol Hill. (You can read more about the rooms before booking your stay, which is also a wonderful way to learn about the different neighborhoods and activities available in Seattle, further helping you plan your ideal itinerary.) If shopping is of any interest to you, the Nordstrom Shopping Package was a unique treat, complete with a gift card, drink tickets, and a special shopping experience (available until November 2024).

After checking into our hotel and enjoying a sweet anniversary treat, we decided to spend the day at the Seattle Center, home to the famous Space Needle and other local attractions. One exhibit I have longed to see is Chihuly Garden and Glass, so we went there first. Though I had seen pictures online, I was not prepared for how large the glass displays were in person. While each delicate piece of art created by Dale Chihuly is spectacular, my personal favorite was in the Sealife Room: the Sealife Tower. It was inspired by the Puget Sound, which is where my favorite animal lives—an animal we saw on day three of our trip. We also enjoyed a mocktail at The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass—a delicious mix of apple cider vinegar, cardamom, and spruce—before going to the food court at Seattle Center, otherwise known as the Armory.

We could not explore the Seattle Center without going to the top of the Space Needle, so we hopped in line for that once we were done eating. While it was a bit of a wait being there on a weekend afternoon, there were informative posters along the walls illustrating and detailing the history of the Space Needle, which we found entertaining. Once to the top, the views were beautiful. We took a moment to walk around the whole observation deck and then we found an empty bench to sit on, enjoying a memorable anniversary moment together, like it was just the two of us, floating above the city.

The following day, we were a little tired from our previous day’s adventures, so we decided to have a restful morning. We ordered breakfast and coffee to be delivered to the hotel, read for a bit, and watched the seagulls fly by our windows. Once we were ready for some fresh air, we walked down to Pike Place Market, grabbed a glass of lavender apple cider, and strolled through the vendors, admiring their art, flowers, and yummy treats before walking over to the Nordstrom flagship store for some shopping. (We love picking out new fragrances when we travel, so the memory of its smell always correlates with that trip.) Continuing our easy day, we opted to have dinner and mocktails at the hotel that night instead of going out, excited for the early morning ahead of us.

We saved the best for last, truly. For as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with orcas. I have dreamed of seeing them in the wild, but it was not until recent years that I realized I could see them in Seattle. Having been on whale tours before, I highly recommend Puget Sound Express—we will absolutely be booking another tour with them in the future! For starters, the boat was extremely nice. You could sit inside and sip coffee while looking out the windows, avoiding the strong winds, waiting for a whale to be spotted in the distance. When one was spotted, we saw not only one orca, but a family of six! The T65As, to be exact. Which brings me to the second reason I recommend Puget Sound Express—they maintain the required distance between the boat and the transient orcas, ensuring they stay safe while taking the time to teach you about the specific orcas you are seeing. There was even a professional photographer on board taking pictures, and afterwards, we were able to purchase all the pictures he took that day. But we also got great pictures (and videos) with our phones! Seeing an orca in person is like nothing I have ever experienced before! Magical, memorable, and honestly, addictive. Watching their dorsal fins break through the water with the Pacific Northwest landscape stretching behind them, it was like looking at a painting. You must see it for yourself!

Our anniversary celebration was exactly what we were looking for, and we are already looking forward to visiting again. See you soon, Seattle!

The post From Land to Sea: A Weekend in Seattle appeared first on Visit Seattle.

The WAC lobby decorated for the holidays. Marielle Jardiel

Let me start by saying that I love being a tourist in my city. With so many new restaurants, new places, and new adventures to discover, writing about the city of Seattle has always intrigued me. Today I’m going to share my first-ever staycation. Yes, you heard that right—I have never had a staycation before!

So, when I had the opportunity to stay at the Inn at the WAC, I couldn’t turn it down. The timing over the holiday break in December was perfect, and my boyfriend was especially excited as it was some well-earned time for us to unwind and relax.

The Washington Athletic Club (a.k.a. the WAC) was founded in 1930 as a private club. The top ten floors house the Inn at the WAC, one of the finest hotels in the city that encompasses many amenities, services, and friendly staff that makes sure you have what you need.

Soaking Tub and Bathroom; Premier Room at Inn at the WAC Marielle Jardiel

We stayed in one of their Premier Rooms, which featured several amazing amenities, including a wine fridge, a large soaking tub, and a separate shower. We took full advantage of the soaking tub by using all our relaxing essentials: bubble baths, bath bombs, and shower steamers. Other perks include free Starbucks coffee/tea Keurig pods and an elegant collection of Molton Brown London bath essentials, my favorite of which was the Heavenly Gingerlily!

On our first night, we went to Hagerty’s Sports Bar inside the WAC. It was Happy Hour and Washington Huskies game night! For Football game days, they have some great specials, such as a cheeseburger with fries or scrumptious chicken wings, which we both enjoyed. I knew there was always the possibility of running into one of my fellow Visit Seattle colleagues during our stay, and sure enough, we did.

The WAC has an incredible five floors of exercise facilities that cover everything from gym equipment and group classes to sports courts and even a swimming pool. We worked out the next day in the co-ed gym on the fourth floor, which also features a private spa. My boyfriend thoughtfully booked us a deep tissue massage there—talk about a relaxing, tranquil escape! Monty was my masseuse, and she was kind enough to explain the entire process and make me feel at ease.

The WAC is in a centralized location in the city, within walking distance of a host of different restaurants, shopping centers, and other city sights. We had a late lunch with a friend for his birthday celebration at a sushi place down on First Ave called Japonessa Sushi Cocina. Japonessa is one of my favorite restaurants in the city and features a great Happy Hour menu that runs from lunch until close every day!

That night, we decided to try the new Asean Streat Food Hall in Westlake Center which encompasses a wide variety of Southeast Asian food from spicy noodles and rice dishes to crepes and bubble tea! We both got the Mee Goreng Kee Mao ‘Cup of Noodles dish’ which was pretty flavorful and spicy.

On New Year’s Eve, we delved into a delicious pizza place inside Amazon Spheres called Willmott’s Ghost (my second time, his first.) They have superb cocktails, tasty, marinated olives, and a delectable pecorino and calabrian chili fritti! However, the flatbread pizza with crispy pepperoni was the hit favorite!

We walked off the calories by heading to the Space Needle and back, then got all dressed up for dinner at Chan’s Seattle, a new Korean fusion restaurant in the Paramount Hotel. First off, we were super impressed with the drink menu! Then we tried the roasted bone marrow, soy-cured king salmon, spicy deep-fried rice cakes, and chili caramel glazed chicken wings. Finally, we topped off this incredible meal with a decadent caramel vanilla custard for dessert!

To celebrate the countdown to 2023, we finished the night at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, just around the corner from the WAC. The Fairmont is one of the oldest hotels in the city and features a classy upscale 1920s-era aesthetic, which I loved! The bar was conveniently nestled right in the heart of the lobby and was extremely busy that evening, with everyone dressed to the nines! We shot off the confetti, rang in the New Year, and closed the night off with some snacks and relaxation back at the WAC.

Overall, our stay at The Inn at the WAC was a memorable one! You will not want to miss this opportunity, no matter which season you visit!

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What do some of the most iconic images from classic and modern cinema have in common? Rain! Whether it is kissing or dancing, singing or splashing, rain adds a key element to any magical moment.

Trent and Jamil dancing in the rain. Jessica Albonico

When Floridian couple, Trent and Jamil, planned their first-ever trip to Seattle, a quick check of the forecast confirmed it would be raining throughout their stay. But they didn’t let a little rain dampen the mood (see what we did there?). Instead, they embraced it and captured some truly magical moments around town.

Here’s how Trent and Jamil embraced Seattle’s cozy season:

What brought you and your husband to Seattle?

We love to travel, but surprisingly, neither of us had visited Seattle. It had been on our “places we want to go” list for a while, and we’re glad we waited! We purchased our trip to the Emerald City during an event benefiting the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. It was truly meant to be! A new experience for us, but most importantly, an opportunity to support the local children and their families who are battling life-threatening illnesses.

Had you expected the rain?

Of course! We were going to Seattle!  Honestly, the cooler, wet weather was a nice reprieve from the heat and humidity in Florida. However, as Floridians, packing sweaters, rain gear, and jeans in late May felt a little odd. We’re so thankful we checked the weather and packed accordingly, though. It turned out to be the second wettest May on record at SeaTac.

How did the rain play a part in your Seattle experience?

Trent and Jamil exploring Pike Place Market. Jessica Albonico

Sure, it rained pretty much every day, but we didn’t let it get in the way of what we wanted to accomplish in just a few short days. We quickly learned the importance of good umbrellas and started checking things off our to-do list. We explored Pike Place Market, savored the clam chowder at Seatown Rub Shack & Fishfry, reunited with friends we hadn’t seen since before the pandemic started, and attended a drag performance in Capitol Hill, to name a few of the things we did. We left Seattle feeling like we experienced it in an authentic way (or at least what we’re made to believe from TV and movies!), and we can’t wait to plan a return trip.

We loved hearing about Trent & Jamil’s rainy adventure. Now it’s time for yours! Grab an umbrella (or just a raincoat if you want to fit in with the locals) and join us this cozy season to make your own misty memories.

Plan your next stay and discover more cozy, rainy day activities to enjoy no matter what time of year you visit at cozyinseattle.com.

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Our guest room at The Sound Hotel had stunning views of the city. Carolyn Yuen Marino

Last weekend, we played tourist in our own city and had a lovely staycation downtown at The Sound Hotel, courtesy of Visit Seattle! Safety protocols in the city were top notch and everyone was masked indoors, so we felt safe while still being able to have fun. Read on for where we stayed, what to do, where to eat/drink, and more!

WHERE TO STAY

The guest rooms at The Sound Hotel showcase the modern aesthetic with unique accent pieces. Carolyn Yuen Marino

We stayed at The Sound Hotel; its name is a play on the word “sound”: it is located right by the Puget Sound, an homage to Seattle’s musical legacy seen throughout the hotel’s decor, and walking distance to concert venues like Jazz Alley and The Crocodile.

Decor and art in the hotel reference Puget Sound and Seattle’s musical history. Carolyn Yuen Marino

Enjoying the views with some local beers at the hotel. Carolyn Yuen Marino

The modern Sound Hotel in Belltown has sweeping city views and is only blocks away from Pike Place Market, downtown shopping, Amazon Spheres, Seattle Center, and more. Yet it’s removed from the hustle and bustle just enough to feel like an urban retreat, as we’d wind down nightly with some beers from Cloudburst Brewing on the terrace overlooking the Space Needle.

WHAT TO DO

Our trip up to the top of the Space Needle was complete with blue skies and views of Mt. Rainier. Carolyn Yuen Marino

The Space Needle has floor-to-ceiling glass walls and the world’s first, and only, revolving glass floor. Carolyn Yuen Marino

What better way to admire stunning views of Seattle than from the Space Needle? I brought my Dad, who is visiting from Hong Kong, and we got free photos included with our tickets, which made for a sweet keepsake. There are two levels: the upper level has floor-to-ceiling glass and the lower level has a revolving, all-glass floor. It was an epic and thrilling way to sightsee! Currently, masks are required indoors so everyone can stay safe.

Sitting beneath the Persian Ceiling in a gallery at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Photo: Carolyn Yuen Marino | Art: Dale Chihuly

Mille Fiori and the Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Photo: Carolyn Yuen Marino | Art: Dale Chihuly

Chihuly Garden and Glass is conveniently located next to the Space Needle, so we wandered over to explore the incredible glass exhibits created by Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly. We took our time appreciating the galleries, strolling through the whimsical garden, and sitting in the Glasshouse, a 40-foot tall structure that is flooded with light and features a suspended 100-foot long glass sculpture.

As for my outfit details, other than tying my hair up, I’ve been using headbands to keep hair out of my face during the hot days of summer and airy linen shorts to stay cool!

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK

Dining at Currant Bistro located within The Sound Hotel. Carolyn Yuen Marino

We popped downstairs from our hotel to Currant Bistro for a delicious dinner. All the food is regionally sourced and the drink menu is full of Seattle craft beers and Washington wines. In the morning, there’s also coffee, freshly baked goods, hot breakfast sandwiches, and more offerings.

Pence Orchard peaches salad & queso dip with chips. Carolyn Yuen Marino

Buttery scallops & prosciutto fig flatbread. Carolyn Yuen Marino

We started with a Pence Orchard peaches salad, which was perfect for summer, and also an addictively tasty queso dip. For the entrees, Husband and I shared the buttery scallops and prosciutto fig flatbread.

I changed for the evening but kept with the hair accessories, opting for a satin headband that paired with this fun polka dot blouse.

HOW TO SUPPORT SEATTLE BUSINESSES

A collection of goodies from local Seattle companies. Carolyn Yuen Marino

• Stamp Act Coffee – in THE city of coffee, this small batch roaster stands out! We’ve been enjoying coffee from their Old School Seasonal Espresso Medium Roast beans all this week.
• Lady Yum – macarons and more. My favorite flavors were Circus Animal, Toasted Coconut, and Lemon!
• Cone & Steiner General – a great neighborhood market that stocks local products like Intrigue Chocolate Co., Estrella all natural bar soap, Girl Meets Dirt rhubarb lavender preserves, and more.
• Bite Society – handmade and delicious treats like these Vanilla Polka Dot cookies.
• Chukar Cherries – the classic dark chocolate cherries were soo good! Loved them with a glass of red wine.
• Pinky Up – love their teas (Earl Grey Macaron is a fave) and accessories (like the Infuser and Travel Infuser Mug).

As we’re still in this ongoing pandemic, it’s even more important to support local businesses as much as we can in order to all get through this difficult time together. Thank you to The Sound Hotel and Visit Seattle for a wonderful time this weekend highlighting our beautiful city!

View the original post by Carolyn Yuen Marino on Hey Pretty Thing.

The post Seattle Staycation Weekend Itinerary appeared first on Visit Seattle.

We invited travel, style, and fashion blogger Antonio Smith to share some of his favorite spots and insider tips with us. Tag along on his Seattle adventure and discover more at iknowaplace.org. Then be sure to share your own Seattle favorites by tagging #IKnowSeattle.

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We invited Washington based travel blogger Veronika Patrashko to share some of her favorite spots and insider tips with us. Tag along on his Seattle adventure and discover more at iknowaplace.org. Then be sure to share your own Seattle favorites by tagging #IKnowSeattle.

The post I Know a Place: @wanderingbackpack appeared first on Visit Seattle.