You can not travel to Seattle and not come here. It's a tourist dream spot! But I have to say if I…read morewas a local I'd still be here often getting all my produce, meats and other goodies! I can't think of anything I would need outside of this market. We went it was a beautiful day, during the week. So crowd was not as bad as I assume it is on the weekends. But we decided to do a market food tour, which I would highly recommend doing The market is a nice size and I know for sure if we had not done the food we would of missed some things. The tour was also nice because we got to skip lines in some popular spots for food tasting and samples. Loved seeing them throw the fish. Sad they don't throw to non employees anymore but still a great show. All the stands provided samples and tastings. The flowers were beautiful and well priced. I could go on an on, but I would definitely save a day or two if visiting Seattle to visit, shop, eat, drink and just get some steps in. Lot of the places ship, I did ship home some expensive salmon, but hey when in Seattle ..lol

our last day in Seattle started early with Pike Place Market. pulling up at 7AM, the market was…read moregetting open, some areas already busy and giving out free samples, such as tuna and foods. i bought some seafood for later we also got breakfast here: we went or Le Panier, high end french breakfast. lastly, we took in the market and really spent 2-3 hour here

I love art and I love the Seattle Art Museum! I love most of its permanent exhibits---especially…read moreits African arts collection, PNW tribal art and the Porcelain Room. But I enjoy the temporary exhibitions they install. I've been going to the SAM for more than 20 years. I can't afford to be a member or pay the regular admission, so I'm excited to go on Free First Thursdays. It's such a wonderful opportunity and program to those who can't afford to view art, but appreciate it.

First Thursday means free entrance to this lovely Seattle Art Museum…read more Amazing display of art, Pacific Northwest art and culture. Lots to see. Love seeing this place. Today we witnessed a traveling art by Calder and Tara Donovan.

I peeked into Fireworks Gallery minutes after deplaning in Seattle. Not because I'm an idiot who…read moreshops for souvenirs on the first day of a trip, but because I'm an idiot who forgot to put shoes on her two-year-old before leaving for the airport back home. I kind of thought you could buy most essentials at the airport, but it turns out children's shoes are not a typical travel need, at least when they aren't being worn by traveling children. Fireworks did carry children's slippers, which caught my eye as I passed, as well as a nice assortment of unique, crafty toys and gifts. Unfortunately, my five-year-old followed me into the store and zeroed in on a tiny, colorful finger puppet in the shape of a parrot. He asked me to buy it for him, and I declined, telling him we weren't getting a souvenir before we even left the airport. He was upset by this to the point of tears, but I managed to get us out of there. We had a wonderful time in Seattle, and to his credit, the five-year-old behaved well the whole trip (and the two-year-old got new shoes). When I saw Fireworks Gallery again by our departure gate, I decided at the last possible second to stop in and get him the parrot. It was one of several Folkmanis finger puppets in a wire basket. I picked it up along with a bunny rabbit and went to check out. There was a short line at the register--I guess this shop gets decent traffic--and by the time I was up, my husband was calling to tell me we were boarding. This is how I paid $36.36 for two finger puppets that cost $10 apiece online. Fireworks got me good, but my boys do love their little puppets, which are soft and cute and well made. The wares here are definitely nicer and less generic than at your average airport store. It might cost you, though, if you wander in there with your kids.

I mean EVERYTHING but the kitchen sink is in this joint!…read more Expensive jewelry, stationary, candy, books for the kiddo's, charcuterie boards in the shape of Washington, knick-knacks just perfect for souvenirs to bring home and to carry on board. Service was a plenty here and I was there after 9:30pm on a Wednesday evening. Respectfully Reviewed

This is a great place for all your Mount St. Helen Goodies. My friend and I stopped twice bc we…read moredecided we needed something else. The Women that owns the shop was very nice and helpful, telling us best Restaurants, how to get to the Mountain and just overall knowledge of the Mountain itself. Good Prices on merchandise. I highly recommend stopping here on your way to a Magic Adventure.

This is a little gift shop off the freeway that they get you to stop at by putting up signs that…read moresay they have info on the mountain, maps, etc but it's just a gift shop. I went inside first as we have a dog and my husband stayed outside with her. The clerk inside was obviously sick and coughing and hacking the whole time I was in there so I didn't stay long. I advised my husband of such but also let him know they had some cute stuff. He had seen a shirt he wanted through the window and went in to get it while I stayed with the dog outside. He also wanted a bigfoot selfie, which is just taking a selfie with a bigfoot inside, and he ended up finding another shirt he liked so we did purchase a few items from this place but there was no real information here, and the clerk was not friendly to me (maybe because she should have called in sick). Don't expect much. This is just a store if you want to grab some touristy junk or souvenirs and apparently my husband did...

Visited the Burke Museum at UW today- The Paleontology section is vastly expanded with many…read morecomplete skeletons and good coverage of the evolution of organisms over hundreds of millions of years, paleontology & NW indigenous culture. One downside is they've removed the display of NW Native American masks that used to be a core part of the presentation. When I asked why they said those are now available online. Thursdays admission is free

So much to see here! All of the staff we spoke to were so friendly and gave great customer service…read more- a true rarity these days. We most recently visited so my kiddo could check out the Dino exhibit. Online/on the website they had mentioned fossil digs so my kid was really looking forward to that. When we went through all 4 levels of the museum though, there was no fossil dig to be found. After asking staff , they mentioned it's only once or twice a year. A bit of a bummer since that's the main thing my kid wanted to do! Just 1 star off for that. The husky scavenger hunt kind of made up for it! If you're coming with a kid they'll offer the scavenger hunt & I'd highly recommend it to make the visit more interesting for the little ones! All in all I definitely recommend checking out the Burke Museum & also stop by Off the Rez (connected cafe) while you visit!

Not bad, but quite small. If you've been to the Seattle Museum, you might be disappointed…read more There is designated parking, so don't get towed. The staff is nice. Overall, it's not bad, but it's not great.

I was able to visit this museum for free on the third Thursday of the month. There was also a…read moreworkshop studio and I created a nice journal cover. It was a great experience. Please come and create your own adventure.

Go for the photo opp and the heavenly scent and stay for the snacks…read more The farm came highly suggested on a few travel blogs and I can't resist a stunning photo opp. The farm is really easy to find and is listed on Apple Maps. The moment you get out of the car your nose is tickled with the delicate and subtle lavender scent floating through the air. It's pure heaven. You can either pick your own or cruise around the farm. We loved seeing all the happy, fuzzy, fat bees pollinating and living their best bee lives. Not to worry bumble bees don't sting and left us alone completely. After getting some instagram-able photos we popped into the shop. If the budget had allowed I would have purchased one of everything. We ended up with dog treats and linen spray. The candles and the berry compote are next on my list. The back patio is not to be missed. They have stunning lavender plants in many sizes for purchase as well as fresh made snacks. We tried the lemon lavender sorbet and the lavender lemonade. Both were amazing and not overwhelmingly floral. It was a warm day and these were refreshing ....... And devoured. Basically don't miss this little gem on your next trip to San Juan Island

I visited here several years ago, and I would say it was the highlight of my trip to San Juan…read moreIsland. It was such a wonderful place to visit - a delight for all the senses. You really must sample the lavender treats! The ice cream was surprising and delicious, as were the lemonade and shortbread cookies. Double check the blooming season schedule, and watch out for our friends, the bees! While you're visiting here, make your way around the island. So many fun and interesting discoveries! If you're visiting the Seattle area, the island and this wonderful place are worth the day (or overnight or weekend) trip via the ferry! You'll enjoy the visit and create some great memories -- and get some great souvenirs for dear ones (and yourself!).

Kim is such a sweet heart! Came in to find chalk paint, found that and then some!! Will be back…read moremany many times!!

One of my favorite shops in downtown Arlington. The best place to buy chalk paint! Kim, the owner,…read more is super knowledgeable and very helpful!! I have recommended this place to so many people and will continue to!!!

While not a large museum, it's thoughtfully curated and a calm, accessible space, perfect for a…read moreshort afternoon art break. The Frye is a coalescing of sculpture, painting and a smattering of other media from the 19th century to contemporary. Since it's opening in 1952, the pieces on display have evolved from the original 232 pieces of mostly allegorical depictions of nature, scenes of daily life and portraiture, to include abstract and modern art as well. The museum brings together works collected by Charles and Emma Frye, local owners of a successful meat-packing plant who collected artwork from European and American artists of their time (second half of 19th century and early 20th century). Their original collection was displayed in a "salon style," with paintings hung floor to ceiling so visitors could engage in discourse about the various subjects, interpretations and comparisons while enjoying music and company of other cultural and intellectual counterparts. Bequeathed to the public upon their passing, their collection was first offered to the Seattle Art Museum though due to a number of stipulations set forth by the Fryes' will, was declined. Aside from one of the reasons being that the collection was to be shown free of charge, interestingly this also included a clause that the pieces not be shown together with abstract works. To the benefit of the community though, in 2007, the museum's mission shifted to become a space that also highlights contemporary artists, while still maintaining the spirit of the salon via a large portion of the original works shown this way in a large rectangular gallery. My experience here was pleasant, it took about 45 minutes to go thru, though you could spend less if preferred. There's small lounge seating area to take a break if you need, designed using the museum's art as inspiration, and next to that a cafe and bathrooms (which were in decent shape). A small gift shop is located at the front of the museum next to the front desk. Street parking can be a little hard to find depending on the day considering it's downtown Seattle, and I was lucky to find parking on the same block. For more info: https://fryemuseum.org/about

The Frye Art Museum, located in downtown Seattle, was found on Yelp. I did notice that people said…read morenot to have a car so we walked here from the hotel which is about a 20-minute walk. Some uphill walks but it was a nice walk actually. The museum is free which is nice you walk through and it is pretty much filled with many unique rooms, each with different pieces of art. It was pretty quiet but I do enjoy the placement of every piece. It's not a big museum so this probably won't take up so much time.

What a pleasant visit I had at the Northwest African American Museum. There was so much to take in…read moreas I learned about the history of this area and the many first African Americans who lead in significant areas of leadership. One of the best hidden gems that I encourage you, especially if you are a Luther Vandross fan is to see his exhibit. I was able to see six of his grammys and the show outfits he and his singers wore in his televised concert. It is a must see to see his hand written notes and the manner in which he used his musical genius. The staff is super friendly and knowledgable. Make this a to do on your list if you visit Seattle.

NAAM is such a great place for families! From photos with Santa and crafts in the winter, to bounce…read morehouses and kids crafts on Juneteenth...they know how to put on an event! The feeling of community that I see my children feeling is everything. Performances, artists, art...in so many forms...it's incredible. Inside, family loves the book vending machine and the kids corner area with books and toys. The interactive exhibits are fun and informative. My kids like opening all the doors and using the headphones to hear stories. They love seeing people that look like family having huge impacts on history. Just a great place. Not to mention, The staff is friendly and helpful and never hard to find. I recommend the membership, there's enough going on year round to make it worth it.