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Trip Report

48 Hour Weekend Trip to Seattle, WA

48 hours in my hometown of Seattle. I went to my old neighborhood for food, coffee, shopping, and 90s nostalgia. Check out things to do from my Seattle weekend trip.

  • My tasty mocktail called the Timeless at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.+ 5
  • Crispy Imperial Rolls at Ba Bar
  • Dinner for the night. Ba Bar on 12th Street.
  • 48 Hour Weekend Trip to Seattle, WA
daniel martin
About Me:Daniel Martin is a beauty authority and social activist with a passion for education and self-improvement. Technically-trained and highly sought-after, Daniel has more than 25 years of experience as a professional makeup artist having work... read more

North AmericaUnited States2 days / October 2021

Highs & Lows

I was able to explore Seattle by myself in the first time in 20 years. Plus, instead of city rats, I saw tons of bunnies!

Seattle's homelessness is real.

Itinerary Overview

The last time I was home in Seattle was back in 2018. This was my first trip in a long time where I had time to explore and discover so much I hadn't seen over the years but more importantly, see what flourished post-Covid. The pandemic really affected tourism in Seattle and a lot of the small businesses in the area were also affected. 

Many individual neighborhoods create the unique fabric of the city of Seattle. I lived and went to school on Capitol Hill in the early 1990s when the grunge movement thrived and coffee shop culture began. 

On my recent trip, I only had 36 hours to backtrack my old stomping grounds on Cap Hill, discover the best place for Pho, a hybrid retail store, and find the best vegan ice cream spot in the country! 

  • 2 Nights: Seattle
    Visiting my old neighborhood and visiting family.
Seattle - Visiting my old neighborhood and visiting family.
1

Seattle Visiting my old neighborhood and visiting family.

Seattle - Visiting my old neighborhood and visiting family. - Crispy Imperial Rolls at Ba Bar
Crispy Imperial Rolls at Ba Bar
Seattle - Visiting my old neighborhood and visiting family. - Dinner for the night. Ba Bar on 12th Street.
Dinner for the night. Ba Bar on 12th Street.
Seattle - Visiting my old neighborhood and visiting family. - null5+

Because Seattle is composed of smaller neighborhoods scattered around the city, I suggest you pick the neighborhood you can explore on foot as your first stop. I stayed in downtown Seattle at the newly renovated Fairmont Olympic hotel so it was easy to walk up to Capitol Hill from there. On my first night, I stopped by the Olympic Bar which serves locally sourced small bites and an incredible mocktail called the Timeless. 

On day 1, I headed to Capitol Hill by foot. First stop was obviously coffee so I popped into the Melrose Market for an oat milk cappuccino. Next door is an awesomely curated clothing/plant nursery called Glasswing. Butch hooked me up with a warm boiled wool men's jacket and introduced me to several great international menswear brands.

After some retail therapy, I spent some time at Elliot Bay Book Company. What The Strand is to New Yorkers, this bookstore is to Seattlites-an institution. I collect photo books and found a great one capturing the early days of grunge called Outcasts & Innocents by Alice Wheeler. When you want a sugary pick-me-up, head to Frankie and Joes for the most incredible vegan ice cream you'll ever have. Their milk alternative base is oat and coconut and my favorite ice cream there is the Salted Caramel Snickerdoodle Ice cream. THE BEST vegan ice cream I've ever had!

Because I travel so much for my job, I try to find a great local Vietnamese restaurant wherever I land for a bit of comfort food. That night, I found myself at Ba Bar on 12th street and it was the best decision. Tyler, my awesome server, had me try the Phó Tái Nam and classic Crispy Imperial Rolls. What makes a great Phó is the bone broth base and theirs had lots of fresh herbs, less fatty oil, and notes of cinnamon which I've never tasted before but was so tasty. Also, try their homemade macaroons! 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I wish I had more time to visit the other neighborhoods like Fremont, and Ballard. So many great restaurants around the city and not enough time.
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    The Olympic Bar at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Ba Bar for Vietnamese, and Frankie and Joes for incredible vegan ice cream. Hands down one wouldn't know the difference between regular ice cream and theirs.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Bring a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. I forgot how many hills are around the city so be prepared to get a great leg workout in!
  • Packing tips?

    The nights do get cooler so pack a warmer jacket for evening walks.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Ride sharing was affordable everywhere but the best way to experience Seattle is on the ground walking.
  • Any surprises?

    The city is having a challenge with bunnies roaming around the streets, gardens and parks! It was actually really fun to see!

Lodging

  • The Fairmont Olympic Hotel - The hotel is beautifully updated and in the heart of the city.