The Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum

Hello lovely blogging world! In case you missed it, I took a little break. I couldn't force myself to write blog posts despite the fact that I had been on SO many trips! I had all these pictures and nothing to say. Well, after a much needed break from the online world I'm back and super excited to share with you my latest adventures! I believe we left off in Seattle.

Seattle is known for many things. Coffee, Grey's Anatomy, and rainy days to name a few. But the most iconic building in the Seattle skyline has always been the Space Needle, which is why Elle and I decided to make the journey up! 

The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair held in Seattle. Described as the "Eiffel Tower of the future", the structure stands at 605 feet tall and can withstand hurricane force winds. At the time of our visit in September 58 million people had visited the observation deck. You can take the 41 second elevator ride up, or if you are brave enough you can climb the 848 steps to the top.

While the Space Needle may be one of the most iconic images of Seattle, what lies in its shadow can only be described as a hidden treasure. The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum was a destination that was described to us by many people as a "do not miss". Not really knowing what to expect, we bought our tickets and ventured into a wonderland type masterpiece. Washington native Dale Chihuly's comprehensive exhibit is on a scale I had never seen before. His talent is mesmerizing and wonderful, as seen in the pictures below. 

You can purchase joint tickets for the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. A visit to Seattle isn't complete without a trip to the Space Needle, so why not throw in a few extra dollars and enjoy Chihuly's magical work as well? Not convinced yet? I also vlogged our trip! 

What are some of your favorite iconic buildings around the world?

xoxo

Exploring Seattle's Parks

Leaves changing color and a slight chill in the air. These are the things I want during Autumn. I was dying for a little change from the Texas heat. This season has been unusually warm for the South and Elle and I were craving somewhere cooler. Seattle seemed like the perfect place for a girl's weekend. Good food and amazing sites, but most importantly it was a place that actually had Fall weather.  

After spending a morning at Pike's Place Market, we headed north along the waterfront. There were so many parks Elle and I wanted to explore, so we decided to try and hit them all. Give two Texas girls 60 degree weather and the possibilities are limitless! 

Olympic Sculpture Park was our first stop. We wandered amongst the sculptures, which are owned by  the Seattle Art Museum. Only 9 acres, Olympic Sculpture Park is at the foot of one of Seattle's larger parks, Myrtle Edwards Park. This waterfront park provides the most amazing views of Elliot Bay. We watched cruise ships move slowly in the shadow Mount Rainer. We even stood on the beach in hopes of seeing marine wildlife. No such luck on this day, so we regrettably moved on. 

Looking at the hill ahead of us, we Ubered our way up to Kerry Park. This tiny park space is possibly one of the most iconic spots in Seattle. The views alone were enough to make us sit and just enjoy our surroundings. Apparently we weren't the only ones either. The 1.3 acre park was packed with locals and tourists alike. It's easy to understand why. 

What do you like to do on a beautiful Fall day?

xoxo

Pike Place Market | Seattle, WA

  There is nothing more wonderful than a Friday morning stroll through the market. Some stalls are in full swing, prepared for the morning rush. Others sleepily set up, knowing they have a long day ahead. Regardless as to why you find yourself there, Pike Place Marker has a little something for everyone.

With the exception of St. Roch Market in New Orleans, Pike Place is one of my favorite public markets in America. Opened in 1907, it is now considered one of the oldest continuously running markets int he country. Seeing as it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Seattle, Elle and I decided to make it our first stop on our girls weekend to the city. 

Pike Place is home to a variety of stalls and vendors. The market is so much bigger than we expected, so we opted to grab a cup of Starbucks while we wandered. Now, I know what you are thinking. Seattle is known for amazing coffee, so why chose Starbucks? Tucked away in a little shop just across the street from the main market happens to be the original Starbucks. Yes, THE original Starbucks. If you plan on making to basic pilgrimage to the holy store, make sure to arrive early. We were there at 8 and there was already quite a line!

There is something I love about wandering through markets in America. The atmosphere is unique and vibrant, something that can't often be found anymore in most cities across the country. There's a reason Pike Place is the number one tourist attraction in Seattle, and the 33rd in the world. Next time you are in Seattle make sure to spend a few hours enjoying the beauty Pike Place Market has to offer. 

What are some of your favorite markets around the world?
First three photo credit: Elle 
xoxo