Tip if the line gets too long: Order online and pick it up…read moreinside the building hallway. Across from Pike Place Market, there's is a public space to sit and eat(but tables are limited). We got the 4 cup sampler and the New England Clam Chowder is my favorite. It's rich and creamy packed with tons of flavor. Definitely getting it with the bread next time!

Oh the epitome of Seattle tourism, but of course a place we had to visit, both during the day when…read moreall the vendors were present, and in the evening for photos. It was the end of August on a Wednesday when we visited during the day, but it was still crazy busy. Quite frankly, we only went to take a brief stroll and to enjoy a small meal plus drinks at Rachel's Ginger Beer and Pike Place Chowder. Parking prices are insane, but there is a hack to get around having to pay for parking, so long as you only stay for an hour. Playing tourist is fun sometimes, but having to scooch your way through crowds oohing and ahhing at the sights does get old quickly. As I have been to Seattle, albeit years ago, it was nothing too new for me, but I did want to show my husband around, since it was his first time visiting. The gum wall was as disgusting as I remember, but you can't go to Pike Place without seeing it. The fishmongers throwing fish were just as awesome as I remember as well. Walking past the original Starbucks and seeing the people wait in line was amusing. Beecher's Handmade Cheese with their now semi-automated machines is always mesmerizing to witness in person. Overall, it was cool looking at the various vendors and purchasing a few mementos (such as a box of Chukar cherries), but we very quickly got over it. Now, what a difference it is when you visit Pike Place at night! Mind you, we went on a Saturday evening around 21:00 and it was substantially less busy. After hours parking at their designated parking garage is also so much more worth it. Keep in mind that the restrooms do close as well, and I made that mistake assuming they would be open. I had to ask one of the security guards about the restroom situation, and he pointed me to one of the restaurants open late. It seemed like the staff knew about folks needing to use the bathroom at night, and I was graciously granted access. If you want to get cool pics like what I envisioned and made tangible, go at night. While there may be a small line of folks, it's nothing compared to all the tourists vying for the right spots during the day, and nothing screams tourists like people trying to take photos in bright sunlight with a ton of people in the background. Newt, my well-behaved and well-trained Siberian, and I were quite the spectacle that evening. We enjoy performing our piggyback trick every place we visit, and I had the vision to have my husband capture THE shot of us in front of the iconic Pike Place Market sign at night. And of course, we made it happen. I got some solo shots of my boy as well, and they turned out beautifully. A local tour guide and her group were mesmerized by Newt and I, and it seemed to be a highlight of their evening. It was so nice visiting in the evening, and everyone was a lot more chill. I even helped capture a few shots for several couples in front of the iconic sign. After getting our own shots, we quickly went on our way, and explored the rest of the waterfront before heading out. I'm glad we were able to experience Pike Place both in the daytime and evening, and if we wanted to return for some specific vendors and shops, we will, but overall it's not worth how much time we spent circling around (during the daytime) for.

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.

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!).

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

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!!!

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

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.

A Seattle gem, free admission and donations appreciated. Small enough to be comfortable and large…read moreenough to be always interesting. Permanent collection housed in a large room of very well hung various interesting paintings. Always new art collections in other smaller rooms. Excellent programs offered like Wednesday meditation and See You at the Movies. Staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

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.