Seattle has its fair share of attractions, but if you want to experience this US city not as a tourist but as a resident, here are a few favourite spots that locals love. From great dining with secret menu tips and blissful natural escapes to a hidden skincare sanctuary and making your own glass art masterpiece, this is an insider’s guide to Seattle that you wouldn’t uncover on your own.
1. Be blown away by glass art, and then try your hand at it
After visiting the jaw-dropping, larger-than-life sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass head to the Seattle Glassblowing Studio just a few blocks away in Belltown and browse glass objets d’arts by dozens of local and international artists. If you’re overcome with a burst of artistic inspiration, you can even make your own glass, bowl, ornament or paperweight to take home in less than an hour. Private lessons are available for individuals, couples and small groups and the talented staff makes classes fun without an ounce of pretension as you colour and shape your piece with a helping hand. They’ll effortlessly salvage your piece if you falter so you’re guaranteed a spiffy one-of-a-kind souvenir.
2. Give yourself a glow up with Seattle’s most talented aesthetician
For the best facial massage of your life, find Seattle Facialist tucked in an unexpected location within Shred 415’s high intensity workout studio conveniently located downtown by the I-5 Express. Esthetician Patty Huang previously worked at Lotte Seattle but now she’s working for herself. Rest assured she will help you get your glow back after a long flight with her soft deft hands and cold-pressed botanical skincare from Parisian skincare brand Vie De Mer. Every facial is precisely tailored for each guest, and Huang’s unique “fassage” facial massage technique feels like a natural facelift.
3. Discover exceptional coffee and chocolate away from the Starbucks crowd
There’s always an hour-long line outside the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market, but you’re better off heading down the steps to indi chocolate’s café for far better coffee and drinking chocolate. The bean-to-bar chocolate maker serves a variety of espresso and cold brew drinks, along with tea, chocolates and fresh baked pastries. The mole caramel latte is savoury and sweet and their single-origin mochas are to die for, showcasing the impact of terroir on cacao’s flavour. Pair your coffee with the best chocolate chip cookie in Seattle, studded with roasted cacao nibs and flaky sea salt and buy a few bars to take home as gifts.
4. Meditate in nature
On the East side of Seattle by Lake Washington, Washington Park Arboretum recently launched Outdoor Wellness Fridays, where a certified forest therapy guide and yoga instructor leads guests through breath meditation and gentle yoga suitable for all abilities, followed by a restorative sound bath in nature with a gong and crystal singing bowls. It’s an ideal break from urban hustle and bustle and a chance to meet likeminded nature lovers as you literally stop to smell the roses.
5. Shop a local favourite farmers’ market
While Pike Place Market is definitely worth visiting, locals don’t often shop here because of the congestion and higher prices. The Sunday Ballard Farmers Market is Seattle’s favourite neighbourhood farmers’ market with everything coming exclusively from Washington State farmers. Enjoy live music, loads of samples and stock up on fruit and vegetables from SpringRain Farm & Orchard, cheese from Fantello Farmstead Creamery, sockeye salmon from Eva’s Wild, bread from The French Guys and roasted hazelnuts from Holmquist. Take your treats to go and enjoy a picnic at nearby Discovery Park or Golden Gardens Beach. There are plenty of prepared food vendors too, for crêpes, pastries, popsicles, grilled quesadillas and hot tamales.
6. Imbibe at an under-the-radar wine bar
Wine lovers, head to Le Caviste in downtown Seattle for the city’s best selection of French wines by the glass on a chalkboard menu. There are wine cases stacked in the simple bare bones space, but friendly owners and staff create a convivial atmosphere. They also have cheese, charcuterie and steak tartare, perfect for a light dinner. If you prefer Italian wines, Neb Wine Bar just a few blocks away is your best bet.
7. Dine at Seattle’s fanciest restaurant for less
Canlis in Queen Anne Hill is well-known as Seattle’s fine dining icon. You may try their multi-course dining experience, but locals know there is also an à la carte bar menu if you want to listen to the live music and enjoy the views but aren’t in the mood for a lengthy tasting menu. The cocktails are excellent and you can also order from the full wine list. Pair your drinks with approachable comfort food like the Canlis twist on McDonald’s filet-o-fish sandwich, burgers and a classic ice cream sundae. Walk-ins are welcome, so you’re free to indulge your spontaneous culinary cravings.
8. Explore a charming island getaway
Take a day trip to Bainbridge Island for a low-key city escape and quintessential Seattle experience. The scenic 35-minute ferry ride is convenient and costs US$9.85 (S$13) for adults or around US$17.50-$22.50 (S$23.50-30) for a passenger and vehicle combination. Consider renting a car and driving onto the ferry since rideshares like Uber and Lyft are not available on the island. Once you arrive on Bainbridge there are plenty of beautiful hikes of varying difficulty, along with the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, cute shops and dining.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Seattle, visit the official website.
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