There are myriad investments in life that have nothing to do with money or security. There is the investment in our health and the investment of time in our friends and family.
But investing in travel?
While not cheap, travel is a worthy investment in one’s soul. It feeds all senses while breaking us outside of our everyday bubble.
Seeking advice on where to invest this spring?
Seattle, just a three-hour flight from the Valley but a world away from the desert, is a sensationally safe bet.
The heartbeat of the city is Pike Place Market, a 9-acre epicurean outpost that sprawls across Puget Sound. It comes alive every morning with flying fish, produce, flower shops, an arcade, dozens of eateries, vintage clothing, sweets, wines, and collectibles.
Home to more than 500 vendors, it can be tough to determine how much time to budget to this bucket-list foodie destination, so planning is key. Eat Seattle Tours is a great option for those to do it in style with a local in the know. The outfitter has a delightful walking tour, as well as a coffee-themed expedition and several custom private tours from which to choose.
Pike Place Market is a short walk from several of the city’s other musts in the Great Seattle Wheel, Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, and Chihuly Garden and Glass, so it is easy to plan a day to knock out these attractions together. The Great Seattle Wheel is a 175-foot Ferris wheel with plush enclosed glass gondolas that offer panoramic views of the city skyline, Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound. The Space Needle is a 605-foot-tall landmark originally constructed to symbolize humanity's Space Age aspirations for the 1962 World’s Fair. You can book tickets to simply visit the Space Needle or pair it with admission to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit next door. This series of galleries highlights artist Dale Chihuly’s work with color, form, and light using glass blowing and larger-than-life art installations. The Space Needle and Chihuly are also walking distance from the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP. This dreamy space features radical exhibits on myths, magic, horror, rock’n’roll, science fiction, gaming, and locally grown musicians, including Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. It even has a sound lab where visitors can record music.
There is also a slew of lesser-known adventures across the city.
If seeking to get on the water, book a Lake Union Hot Tub Boat. These mobile hot tubs (pack a swimsuit) allow you to cruise Lake Union with an easy-to-navigate electric motor. Each hot tub has Bluetooth and ample cooler space for guests to bring their own food or drink.
Should wellness be a focus, Fyre Sauna is, well, fire (as the kids say). This Nordic-style spa experience offers a slew of Scandinavian-style dry saunas and cold plunges in the middle of a blooming orchard just outside of downtown.
And after dark? It is all about spirits and spirits thanks to Nightly Spirits Ghost Tour. A combination pub crawl and haunted tour, each experience explores the spookier side of Seattle, with a drink or two along the way.
Seattle also happens to be among the pre-eminent food cities in America, offering a wide variety of locally sourced Pacific Northwest fare, as well as an impressive array of globally influenced drinks and dishes. Among the best bets for dining are James Beard darling Canlis, artful Atrium, seafood sensation Shuckers, and soulful Communion. For libations, seek out the iconic Von’s 1000 Spirits, British pub Elephant & Castle, speakeasy-style Needle & Thread, wine-focused Sparkman Cellars, handmade spirit house Copperworks Distilling, and bubbly McQueen Champagne Bar.
And finally, where to stay.
The 100-year-old Fairmont Olympic Hotel is considered by many to be the top hotel in the area. The wooded, romantic lobby looks like something out of a movie and even has a secret Founder’s Lounge speakeasy experience hidden in plain sight. The rooms are bright, airy, and spacious with charging ports and access to streaming services. There is a second-floor pool and solarium, as well as an award-winning restaurant in The George, and an epic spa with traditional and innovative treatments alike.
For more information, visit VisitSeattle.org.
If seeking to get on the water, book a Lake Union Hot Tub Boat. These mobile hot tubs (pack a swimsuit) allow you to cruise Lake Union with an easy-to-navigate electric motor.
Seattle also happens to be among the pre-eminent food cities in America, offering a wide variety of locally sourced Pacific Northwest fare, as well as an impressive array of globally influenced drinks and dishes.