Curator’s statement
The Pacific Northwest has an interesting reputation. Known for its towering evergreen forests and Sleepless in Seattle, many people think it’s all coffee, flannel and tech. What many don’t know is that Seattle has something for everyone and while you might not expect it, it’s a wonderful place to visit in the fall and winter seasons with the more moderate temperatures. The Seattle area lights up in the summer season (hello, Lake WA and Lake Union), but really shines during its core more-grey months.
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Where to stay in Seattle
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Things to do in Seattle
Cozy up with a book and a hot drink at a number of coffee shops in the Greater Seattle area, including Mr. West, Little Oddfellows, Miro Tea, Storyville Coffee, Five Stones Coffee Co., or Sidekick.
Visit the Pacific Northwest Ballet at Benaroya Hall for a performance of The Nutcracker, or any of their other winter performances.
Go wine tasting in SoDo or Woodinville to better appreciate the amazing grapes and growers grown in the pacific northwest.
Take a day to visit the museums of Seattle to better understand the city and sense of place, from the Mohai, to the Seattle Asian Art Museum, to the Wing Luke Museum.
Bundle up and visit the University Village, an outdoor shopping mall that feels like a better shopping experience all around. Don’t miss Hello Robin Cookies and Din Tai Fung on your trip here (order the Pork Xiao Long Bao and String Beans with Garlic).
Day trips
Go skiing or snow-venturing!
With three awesome ski mountains within a three-hour drive of the city, you have your pick for a day on the hill. Snoqualmie is the city’s mountain at just over an hour drive through the pass on I-90, Stevens Pass is a part of the Epic Pass (at the time of this guide’s release) and Crystal Mountain is likely the most scenic within Mt. Rainier National Park. And if you’re not into skiing, the Snoqualmie Pass area has tons of snow activities nearby.
Visit Leavenworth (about a two-and-a-half-hour drive) to get a taste of Bavaria.
You can go there and back in a day or do a short one to two night visit. It is also a perfect base if you’re visiting Stevens Pass at about 45 minutes away, with tons of restaurants, bars, and shops. Many of the hotels, inns, and house rentals have hot tubs, making them the perfect apres landing spot.
Places to eat & drink in Seattle
Breakfast
Pablo y Pablo - A stellar Mexican restaurant with a standout brunch offering.
Blue Star Cafe - Classic diner cafe vibes in Seattle.
Portage Bay Cafe - A brunch institution in Seattle with a toppings bar and a wondrous menu.
Biscuit Bitch - Biscuits that are too light and fluffy for their own good.
Jade Garden - Preferred dim sum spot in the International District.
Lunch
Red Mill Burgers - Favorite burger in the city.
Deru Market - Elevated American menu with Italian flare in an unexpected casual setting.
Vinason - Solid Vietnamese spot in case you’re craving a warming bowl of pho.
Dinner
Single Shot - A lovely, elevated neighborhood bistro.
Cornelly - Deliciously chewy yet thin-crust pizzas and hand-made pastas, delicious eaten in, even better taken home.
Canlis - Never gets old, a special PNW spot with serene Lake Union views.
The Peasant - Incredible prix-fixe dinner spot for a meat-lover.
Meet Korean BBQ - Perfect spot for a big (or small) group to get delicious korean barbeque in a modern setting.
Drinks
The Lookout - A divey bar that’s especially welcome in the colder months.
Reuben’s Brews - Great beer with a casual vibe and weekly trivia.
Sol Liquor - Tiki bar with small bites and tasty cocktails.
Bottle & Bull - Restaurant specializing in creative cocktails near the scenic Kirkland waterfront.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Seattle.