i love seattle so much i could marry it

sorry honey, but i really did fall in love with a city this weekend.  Erin and I flew up to Seattle Friday afternoon to spend the weekend with our dear friends Ian + Reid.  These two are incredible hosts and set to putting together an intensely curated itinerary as soon as we hit purchase on the Virgin America website.  Here's a little peek into our weekend and all of the lovely things we got to see and do.

FRIDAY
Upon arriving, we quickly changed and headed to the Olympic Sculpture Park.  It's a pathway along the water front that winds around and shows off different views of the city and an amazing collection of sculptural art.  My favorite piece was a candy apple red structure called Eagle by Alexander Calder.  Then we made our way towards the cocktails.  (It was Friday after all).  We walked to Tavern law in Capitol Hill.  On a far wall of the restaurant is an old-fashioned black phone.  Reid dialed a number and we were buzzed in.  Following a winding staircase lined with 1940's photos of nude flappers, we entered Needle & Thread, a quaint little speakeasy where we ordered cocktails based on flavor profiles (vodka base with herbal, citrus notes for me).  What came was a beautifully mixed delight made with vodka, Lillet, cardamom bitters and basil.  best. cocktail. ever.  We finished out the night around the corner with dinner at Quinn's Pub. 

SATURDAY
Up bright and early, we grabbed coffee and sweet morning treats at Victrola Coffee on 15th.  Well caffinated and bundled up we boarded the ferry to Bainbridge Island.  The ferry ride (albeit cold cold cold) was a highlight of the trip.  The Seattle landscape is so stunning.  In Bainbridge we did some window shopping (ok, and a little actual shopping too) and hopped back on the ferry back to Seattle.  Lunch was perfect at Oddfellows Cafe.  Exposed brick walls, vintage typewriters, and some great beers on tap.  With full bellies we scooted off to Pike Place market to watch some handsome fish mongers toss their wares around, scour (and later devour) some yummy cheeses at Beecher's Cheese, and pick up a couple bottles of wine from Pike & Western Wine Shop.  Back at the house we relaxed a bit and washed down those cheeses with bubbles, a bit of red and the Ramen Noodle Chocolate bar Erin picked up at the market. Cocktail time again so we headed to Unicorn back in Capitol Hill.  It's sort of a French Circus Burlesque themed bar.  loved it.  The best drink of the night was the Hellicorn - made with Fireball Whiskey and ginger ale.  We walked to the Tin Table (above Oddfellows and next to the cutest dance hall) for a later dinner and then over to Pony for a fun nightcap with the boys.

SUNDAY
Waking up wasn't so easy this time, but thankfully Seattle is riddled with amazing coffee shops.  We drove to Ballard for brunch at Bastille Cafe & Bar.  Then strolled through the farmer's market.  (btw, porta-potties in Seattle are called Honey Buckets - yet another reason to love this city)  Then we made our way through a bit of rain to the mecca of the city: Stumptown Cafe.  I've been lucky enough to sample their genius coffee at the Ace in Palm Springs, but never in latte form.  heaven.  We enjoyed said lattes and a little apple pie pocket.  Then at 3, we scurried downstairs for their daily "cupping".  Much like a wine tasting for coffee aficionados.  I came away a huge fan of their Hairbender blend.  Go figure.  After learning more than I ever needed to know about coffee (and i say that in the best way possible) we headed to Molly Moon's for some homemade ice cream to take the edge off our buzz.  Strawberry Balsamic & Salted Caramel for me.  Full and happy as can be, we packed our bags and waved goodbye to our dear dear friends.  I am completely smitten with Seattle and can't wait to come back.