Washington: Coffee Cups and Colorful Glass
- Kaitlen Daigle
- Jun 24, 2024
- 3 min read
In the summer of 2019, we flew into Seattle to embark on a cruise to Alaska and Canada. Our first stop was at Pikes Place Market. I love markets like this so much. When I'm traveling, if there's some market where I can buy local food and such, I'm in. So we walked through the market and saw them throwing the fish back and forth, and then we picked up some spices. After shopping, we ate at a restaurant in the market that overlooked the water. I had clam chowder in a bread bowl, which was so good. Don't worry I also saw the original Starbucks but I didn't go in and instead opted for a small local coffee shop, because that's how I roll. We peeked into the Amazon building on our walk back toward our hotel. It was like its own little green oasis in there.
Next, we went to the Space Needle which was crazy because some of the floor was glass up at the top, and looking down made me so nervous but we persevered. The Space Needle, an iconic symbol of Seattle, was built for the 1962 World's Fair, also known as the Century 21 Exposition. Designed by architect John Graham, it stands 605 feet tall and features an observation deck and rotating restaurant at the top. The futuristic design and panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains have made it a beloved landmark, showcasing Seattle's spirit of innovation and forward-thinking design. The views from up on the Space Needle are worth it. After that, we headed to a local pizza spot and then went back to our hotel for the night. The next morning we got on our cruise.
Once the cruise was over, we were back in Seattle again. This time we went to the Chihuly Garden and Glass, which is a must-see. This area is filled with a bunch of pieces by Dale Chihuly, a renowned glass artist. Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's fascination with glass began early in life and blossomed into a career that revolutionized the medium. Chihuly's career spans decades and has garnered international acclaim. His signature installations, such as the stunning glass ceilings in casinos, hotels, and public spaces around the globe, showcase his mastery of manipulating glass into forms that evoke wonder and awe. I've seen his pieces at Opryland in Tennessee and in casinos, like the Bellagio, in Las Vegas. Chihuly's creations often reflect the natural world, drawing inspiration from marine life, flora, and the play of light. This is evident in his choice of color and form in his pieces. After walking around, we got hungry and stopped for a bite to eat along the waterfront. Once we were done eating, we packed up into an Uber and headed to the airport to fly home.
If you want to visit Washington, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Mount Rainier National Park: Explore the stunning Mount Rainier, an active volcano surrounded by old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers. Enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Seattle: Visit the vibrant city of Seattle, known for the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market (famous for seafood and the "flying fish"), and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
Olympic National Park: Discover the diverse ecosystems of Olympic National Park, from rugged coastline and temperate rainforests to alpine peaks. Hike along trails like the Hoh Rain Forest or relax at Ruby Beach.
San Juan Islands: Take a ferry to the San Juan Islands, a picturesque archipelago known for whale watching, kayaking, and charming island communities like Friday Harbor.
Wine Country: Explore Washington's wine country, particularly in the Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, and the Columbia Valley, known for producing excellent wines, including world-class Rieslings and Cabernet Sauvignons.
Leavenworth: Experience the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Enjoy festivals, shopping, and outdoor activities like hiking and rafting.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Learn about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens at the visitor center and explore the surrounding area, which still shows the effects of the eruption.
Spokane: Visit Spokane, located on the eastern side of the state, known for Riverfront Park, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and outdoor activities along the Spokane River.
North Cascades National Park: Discover the rugged beauty of North Cascades National Park, featuring jagged peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. Ideal for hiking, camping, and scenic drives along the North Cascades Highway.
Outdoor Recreation: Washington state offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including skiing and snowboarding in winter at resorts like Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass, and hiking and water sports in summer.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Washington, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
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