Stylish Getaway Guide: Downtown Seattle

Those of us lucky enough to call Seattle home know we've got a good thing going on. There's plenty of fresh air, lots of open spaces, amazing places to eat, great local boutiques, a thriving art scene and so many incredible places to experience there's hardly time to see and do it all. Here's our style guide to the best summer staycation in the city. 

Since a staycation in the city means you won't have to pay for airfare, splurge on your accomodations instead and book a room at Four Seasons. You'll be in the lap of luxury as you overlook the Puget Sound and take in sweeping views of the waterfront. In addition to the spa which serves as a "sanctuary in the city", guests staying at the hotel this summer will also enjoy Ethan Stowell's latest restaurant concept, Goldfinch Tavern, scheduled to open in June. 

The Seattle Art Museum is a great place to visit while on a staycation in the city and is conveniently located across the street from the hotel. Now through May 17th check out masterworks of American Indian Art at the Indigenous Beauty exhibit. 

The Pike Place Market is great for those wanting a culture fix in the city. Plus, in addition to stocking up on seasonal fruit and fresh vegetables, visitors can shop nearby boutiques and shops including Zebra Club (1901 First Ave), Maggie's Shoes (1927 First Ave), The Powder Room (1528 First Ave), Fini (86 Pine St.), The Finerie (1215 First Ave) and Bella Umbrella (1535 First Ave).

The Seattle Center is always a fun day in the city. Take a trip up to the Observation deck and look out over the city on a sunny day. While on site, check out the Chihuly Garden & Glass, sit by the fountain and read a book, pop in to the Science Center, or visit the Star Wars exhibit at EMP.

 

You really can't go wrong with the restaurant scene in downtown Seattle so it will really come down to what you're in the mood for. For those that want to stay close to home, check out Goldfinch Tavern (in the hotel) scheduled to open in June. Or, a quick walk across the street will take you to the Seattle Art Museum TASTE restaurant where you can grab a glass of wine and sample local cheeses, indulge in polenta fries with pepper aioli or snack on the ling cod ceviche.

Photo Credit: Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

My absolute favorite restaurant downtown is Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, partially for the ambiance, but mostly for the food. At Purple you'll find gorgonzola dates, Maine lobster mac and cheese, steak frites and of course, an endless wine list to wash it all down. Other best bets include Palomino, RN74, Lola, Dahlia Lounge, Umi Sake House and Il Fornaio. For brunch, don't miss the Icon Grill (1933 Fifth Ave) for fresh seasonal fritters, fried chicken and biscuits, or one of the signature breakfast hashes. 

For shopping in the city, Pacific Place is a good place to start. Located at 600 Pine street, you'll find Barney's New York,  BCBG Max Azria, J. Crew, Michael Kors, 8telier, Ann Taylor and a sky bridge to Nordstrom. Nearby there's also a Zara, H&M, All Saints and American Apparel. For those that want to explore the local boutique scene, downtown is home to several gems including Mario's (1513 Sixth Ave), Butch Blum (1332 Sixth Ave), Baby & Co. (1936 First Ave), Karan Dannenberg Clothier (2232 First Ave) and Ian (1913 Second Ave).

I hate packing hair products when I travel which is why I rely on nearby salons to help keep my hair in check. For girls who love a good wash and blow dry, you've got several options downtown including locally-owned Swink Style Bar located at 611 Stewart Street, or Sassoon salon, located at 1405 Fifth Avenue. Both are great options! Services at Swink Style Bar starts at $40 and Sassoon starts at $45. This is a great service to schedule post-spa when your hair is a mess and you'd rather not deal with it before a night on the town. 

Now, speaking of spas... The Spa at Four Seasons is a great place to relax and unwind in the city. I did a staycation + spa day there earlier this year and it was pure bliss. In addition to great massages and skin care services like anti-aging facials, the spa also offers great body treatments including detoxifying mud wraps and Northwest body scrubs.