I fell in love with the city while designing a new cruise ship for Seattle-based Holland America Line. In spite of the bustling harbor and iconic skyline, Seattle feels like a sophisticated small town. It’s very green, completely walkable and filled with young creative types who—along with many, many coffee shops—bring tremendous energy to the city. The inclement weather is the only reason the city has a population of just 620,000. With the climate of Los Angeles, this would be a metropolis of millions.
Visit
Electric guitars inspired Frank Gehry’s abstract design for EMP, a vibrant, completely original museum that explores the history and evolution of rock ’n’ roll and science fiction in popular culture. At 325 Fifth Ave. N.; empmuseum.org.
Explore
Artist Dale Chihuly’s dynamic glass sculptures are the focal point of the Seattle Center’s Chihuly Garden and Glass, a new indoor/outdoor exhibition space at the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. At 305 Harrison St.; chihulygardenandglass.com.
Shop
Totokaelo offers a thoughtfully curated selection of both men’s and women’s clothing, along with accessories that channel Seattle’s distinctive style. The Illesteva sunglasses are a summer favorite ($260). At 1523 Tenth Ave.; totokaelo.com.
Eat
Perched above Pike Place Market, Matt’s in the Market prepares regional cuisine, like geoduck with pickled radish, using ingredients from its neighboring vendors. The excellent wine list is an added bonus. At 94 Pike St., Ste. 32; 206-467-7909; mattsinthemarket.com.
Stay
The in-room media hub at the futuristic Hotel 1000 lets guests customize their accommodations, from pillow type to the artwork on the walls. The tech-centric property also boasts a state-of-the-art virtual golf club that simulates play on more than 50 of the world’s best courses. Rooms start at $200; 1000 First Ave.; 206-957-1000; hotel1000seattle.com.
Drink
I get my caffeine fix at Milstead & Co. Every cup has been exquisite. $ At 770 N. 34th St.; milsteadandco.com.
A Few More Details
The seasonal Middle Eastern menu at Mamnoon (1508 Melrose Ave.; 206-906-9606; mamnoonrestaurant.com) brings me back time and again. Excellent cocktails and inventive decor make ART Restaurant & Lounge (99 Union St.; 206-749-7070; artrestaurantseattle.com) ideal for a sophisticated night on the town. Chefs from around the world shop for rare ingredients at Marx Foods (144 Western Ave. W.; marxfoods.com). And Greg Kucera Gallery’s (212 Third Ave. S.; gregkucera.com) modern sculptures and mixed media art will impress any serious collector.
