Downtown Seatle at It's Best

One of our favorite things to do with people who visit Seattle is give them a taste of our great city, so of course we had to give our most recent guests the "grand tour". Downtown has so many wonderful things to see and do. I know I've posted many pictures of downtown over the months we've been here, but I just can't resist posting more. It's just so fun... and pretty too!

You can't come to Seattle without going to Pike Place Market. So, we drove downtown, parked and walked there via Post Alley, which is famous for it's Bubblegum Wall. This picture shows only a small portion of the entire wall that has been literally decorated with peoples' gum.





















Pike Place has become one of my favorite places. It is full of fresh produce from vendors who generously hand out free samples, knowing that when you've tasted the sweetest, juiciest peach you've ever had you WILL buy it! They also have all sorts of unique, hand-made gifts, beautiful fresh flowers and a variety of ethnic fare to excite your taste buds. For people who like food, like me, it's a heavenly place!
















It's also the home of the first Starbucks. And there really is one on every corner in Seattle... and sometimes two.





















The greater Seattle area has been widely influenced by Native Americans. In fact Seattle was the name of an Indian Chief. Some other fun city and county names we are still learning how to pronounce: Snohomish, Skykomish, Puyallup, Tacoma, Tulalip... just to name a few.





















This looked like an inviting spot, so we grabbed some Russian Piroshkis and had a lovely picnic by the pole. My "little sis" & her friend, who she was touring, even found us for a bit. :)





















You wouldn't know by looking at her, but Kaitlyn enjoys most anything edible.
















We hiked up the hill to Westcenter Mall to ride the monorail over to Seattle Center, home of the infamous Space Needle, along with a variety of museums, Key Arena, & interesting people. Hannah & Kaitlyn, excited to be on the monorail.
















Here's a glimpse of what there is to see at Seattle Center:







































































So much to see & do! Yet, somehow Kaitlyn managed to get in a nap. Who wouldn't find Daddy's shoulder comfy?!
















We walked on to the Bainbridge Island Ferry for a fun ride across the Sound so we could capture this must-see view of the city.
















Isaac approved.
















This is one of our favorite spots to eat downtown and is a Seattle staple. This is where many a seagull have benefited from our left-overs!





















Again, Kaitlyn eagerly awaits more food.





















We called it a day, along with the moon, at Kerry Park.















We all agreed that it had been a beautifully fun day!