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✨ Goldie's Cities That Inspire You
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items Travel has a way of teaching us things we never expected to learn. These cities inspired me to slow down, dream bigger, explore new possibilities, and appreciate the beauty of the journey. Some are well-known destinations, while others are hidden gem...
Sections
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Seattle: RESET & SLOW LIVING ESCAPES
Seattle: DISCOVERY DAYS (CITY EXPERIENCES)
Seattle: HIDDEN GEMS & QUIET PLACES
Seattle: FOOD & LOCAL FAVORITES
Seattle: RESET & SLOW LIVING ESCAPES
For book lovers, thinkers, coffee enthusiasts, and lifelong learners. The combination of nature and urban culture makes it ideal for personal reflection and growth.
I stumbled across Kubota Garden almost by accident—and I’m glad I did. I explored it with my travel buddy, and it quickly became one of my favorite quiet escapes in the Seattle area. The garden is larger than expected, with winding paths, hidden corners, ponds, and lush greenery that invite you to just wander. The best part isn’t sticking to the main paths—it’s taking the side trails and seeing where they lead. We spent over an ... Unlike more formal Japanese gardens, Kubota feels a little more natural and open, which makes it easy to slow down and get lost in the experience. Even better—it’s completely free. If you’re anywhere near Seattle and want a peaceful, low-key escape,...
Kubota Garden
In my quest for discovery and all things unusual, I stumbled upon the iconic Fremont Troll. Hidden beneath the Aurora Bridge in Seattle's eclectic Fremont neighborhood, this massive public art sculpture has been delighting curious visitors since 1990... Created by a group of local artists as part of a community effort to transform an overlooked space beneath the bridge, the troll draws inspiration from Scandinavian folklore—a playful nod to Seattle's Nordic heritage. Today, this larger-than-life cr... There's something wonderfully quirky about discovering a giant troll tucked away under a bridge, quietly becoming one of the city's most beloved attractions. Visiting the Fremont Troll reminded me that the journey of rediscovering yourself often lea...
Fremont Troll
A trip to the San Juan Islands is one of the most peaceful and affordable getaways from the Seattle area. I took the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, and the journey itself—with open water, mountain views, and the chance to spot wildlife—alread...
San Juan Islands
A family - friendly, fun excursion, perfect for whale watching. It's about 90 minutes north from Seattle. Definitely a worthwhile family or solo adventure. It's recommended to dress in layers for comfort, and bring binoculars.
Anacortes: Whale and Orca Boat Tour near Seattle - Expedia
A wonderful adventure to Vancouver, British Columbia. Be sure to bring a valid passport, as it is required for crossing the U.S.–Canada border. The drive is approximately 2.5 hours each way. The tour covered all of Vancouver’s major attractions, prov... The only drawback was that the van was quite crowded, which made the ride somewhat uncomfortable at times. However, given the popularity of the tour, it is understandable that it often operates at or near full capacity. Overall, it was an enjoyable e...
From Seattle: Vancouver Day Trip, Stanley Park & Granville Island
Visiting the Seattle Japanese Garden felt like stepping into a quieter rhythm of the city without actually leaving it. Tucked within the Washington Park Arboretum, the garden unfolds slowly with winding paths, koi ponds, stone bridges, and perfectly ...
Seattle Japanese Garden
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see the Seattle skyline, the ferry is the perfect option. The ride from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island is absolutely stunning, offering beautiful views of the water, mountains, and city as you cros...
Ferries: Seattle to Bainbridge Island
Wear your walking shoes for this informative and interactive tour. It is adult and child - friendly without any age requirements. Be prepared to walk along various types of roadway / surfaces, and,navigate multiple flights of stairs. Explore many of the underground passageways remaining under Seattle's streets. View were historical photos and items. Learn about the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and Prohibition Era speakeasys (some which still remain today). The tour is roughly an h...
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour - Expedia
Calling all nature lovers, adventure seekers, and aspiring photographers—have your cameras ready! This breathtaking trip to Leavenworth is packed with stunning scenery and postcard-worthy views at every turn. The journey from Seattle takes about two ...
Leavenworth Exclusive Tour from Seattle
Seattle: DISCOVERY DAYS (CITY EXPERIENCES)
Small moments, good food, and places that make a city feel alive.
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it! The combination of great food, local history, and engaging commentary made this the perfect way to begin our Seattle adventure. Everything from the donuts, ginger beer, gelato and chocolate - covered cherries was delicious. Overall, it was a fun, infomative, and enjoyable experience that exceeded our expectations.
Pike Place Market: Original Food Tour
Visiting the original Starbucks was high on my list of things to do in Seattle, so naturally I made the stop. I arrived early enough to avoid the longest lines, but it's easy to see why crowds gather here throughout the day. While the shop is small a... The staff were friendly, the atmosphere was lively, and chatting with fellow visitors made the wait part of the experience. Conveniently located next to Pike Place Market, this felt less like grabbing a cup of coffee and more like making a pilgrimag...
The Original STARBUCKS, Seattle - 1912 Pike Place
This was the perfect pick-me-up while exploring the city. The café has a simple, no-frills walk-up concept, with some locations offering outdoor seating—ideal for enjoying a fresh cup of coffee while taking in the sights. What truly stood out was the...
Monorail Espresso – MonorailEspresso
Pure decadence! Everything you've heard about this place—and all the good things are true. I ordered the Chocolate Blackout Cake, while my friend chose the London Fog Cake. From the very first bite, we were blown away. The cakes were incredibly moist... As someone who usually finds that beautifully frosted cakes often sacrifice the cake itself, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the frosting exceptional, but the cake beneath it was equally impressive. The frosting was smooth, flavorful, and fa... The staff were fantastic as well. Despite the busy weekend crowd, everyone was cheerful, patient, and happy to offer recommendations. A quick tip: parking can be a bit challenging on a busy Saturday, but there are nearby paid parking lots that make it manageable. At around $11 per slice, the cakes are definitely a treat, but after one bite, you'll understand why. As my friend put i...
Deep Sea Sugar & Salt
A hidden gem for coffee lovers! If you're visiting Seattle and looking to venture beyond the usual coffee scene, Coffeholic is a must-visit. Their Vietnamese-inspired coffee creations blend traditional flavors with a modern twist, leaving a truly mem... I tried the Bac Siu, and it was love at first sip. Made with rich coffee, sweet condensed milk, and fresh milk, it delivers a smooth, creamy flavor that's both refreshing and indulgent. The perfect balance of sweetness and bold coffee notes makes it ...
Coffeeholic House Greenwood
Located in Seattle's vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, Neko Cat Cafe may just be one of the happiest places on earth—especially for cat lovers! Where else can you enjoy your favorite beverage, whether it's coffee, tea, or even sake, while spending q... The experience is both relaxing and heartwarming, offering the perfect blend of cozy café vibes and playful cat-filled fun. The cats at Neko are more than just charming hosts—they're adoptable rescue cats looking for their forever homes. Guests have ... Whether you're considering adoption or simply looking for a unique Seattle experience, Neko Cat Cafe is a memorable destination that's guaranteed to leave you smiling.
NEKO Cat Cafe Seattle
An excellent tour for coffee lovers and anyone curious about Seattle's rich coffee culture. We discovered several outstanding local coffee shops while learning about the journey of coffee from bean to cup and the role it has played in shaping Seattle...
Seattle Coffee Tour: Capitol Hill Coffee Culture & Tastings
I had a wonderful experience dining here and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my first taste of Ethiopian cuisine. At the recommendation of a friend, I decided to step outside my comfort zone, and it turned out to be one of the highligh... I ordered the meat combo featuring Yebege Tibs (lamb) and Doro Wat (chicken), accompanied by a variety of stewed vegetables. The dish was bursting with rich, authentic flavors, nothing overly spicy, and expertly prepared. The combination of savory m... The restaurant was clean, well-maintained, and offered excellent value for the quality and portions served. If you're looking to explore something new or simply enjoy a fantastic meal, I highly recommend giving this place a try. I will definitely be...
Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant
Hands down, this tour is worth the money! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and funny. The food was tasty and the portions were filling. Plus, they had options for dietary restrictions.
Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market
Seattle: HIDDEN GEMS & QUIET PLACES
Unexpected places I found while wandering — calm, quirky, and worth the detour.
An independent bookstore with a diverse selection. Frequent updates with “staff - picks" / selections. Most of all, they have top - notch service, they even gift- wrap books at no additional charge.
Elliott Bay Book Company
If you're on the hunt for rare, out-of-print, or hard-to-find books, make sure to add Twice Sold Tales to your itinerary. This beloved independent bookstore is packed with character, offering endless shelves of literary treasures waiting to be discov...
Twice Sold Tales
One of my absolute favorite bookstores! Nestled in Seattle's vibrant U-District near the University of Washington, this charming shop is a true haven for book lovers. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a s...
Magus Books
A charming literary treasure, where community spirit and love of books meet. It began as a community initiative for locals to buy and sell pre - loved books and developed into vibrant collection of both used an new titles. Ophelia’s continues to fost... book clubs, and gatherings held in its cozy downstairs space. This is the perfect place for book lovers can easily lose track of time - and happily do so.
Ophelia's Books
Seattle: FOOD & LOCAL FAVORITES
Places I return to for comfort, flavor, and something worth sharing.
First things first—the food here is absolutely incredible! A quick heads-up: there is usually a wait, especially on weekends. The dining area is cozy and intimate rather than large, but trust me, the food is well worth your patience. Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the food! I ordered the signature chicken and waffles, and it did not disappoint. The fluffy buttermilk waffles paired perfectly with the crispy, expertly seasoned chicken, creating the ultimate sweet-and-s... Every bite was packed with flavor and completely worth the wait. I also ordered a side of lemon pepper wings to enjoy later, and they were just as impressive. Even hours afterward, the wings remained flavorful, juicy, and satisfying. From start to f...
Fat's Chicken and Waffles
***FYI: Must be 21+ to enter. If you’re craving a true taste of the Caribbean in the PNW, Island Soul is the spot you don’t want to miss! This vibrant restaurant delivers an authentic experience from start to finish. The food is full of rich, bold flavor and cooked to perfection,...
Island Soul - Seattle
An excellent Thai spot to visit! The decor is beautiful, inviting and sets the mood. The vibe alone is worth the visit. The staff were attentive, friendly, and clearly take pride in what they do. The food was outstanding! Every dish tasted fresh, vibrant, and authentically prepared, packed with crisp, real vegetables and bold flavors that truly stand out. I also loved the variety of drink options available, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, ... Overall, this restaurant delivers on every level: amazing food, welcoming energy, and a genuine sense of community. It’s the kind of place you keep coming back to.
Kaosamai Thai Restaurant
Authentic Mexican food and a favorite of locals. It's slightly off the beaten path but, unmistakably popular. It's a cozy and relaxed environment, there was a wait time before seating but, nothing outrageous Went to this lovely restaurant twice during my exploration of Seattle. The food was flavorful and well prepared although, some portions were less filling than expected. My favorite was the fish tacos and carne asada. It was a good place with affordab...
El Moose - Seattle, WA
Fried chicken and the Pacific Northwest aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath—but this place completely changed that for me in the best way possible! From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, the entire experience was unforgettable. The...
Cookie's Country Chicken
Chances are, you’ve never had a sandwich quite like the ones at Un Bien—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable! This is far from your average grab-and-go lunch sandwich. Every bite is packed with bold, decadent flavor, from the juicy, perfect...
https://www.unbienseattle.com/Menu | Un Bien Seattle, Caribbean Sandwiches & Cuisine