Photographs by Ehren Seeland
Above: A shop window display in the Fremont district of Seattle, WA
Located on the western edge of the northern United States, between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a city that is comprised of hilly neighborhoods, locally supported restaurants and stores, gourmet coffee shops, and a well-educated, health conscious population.
Due to the lush natural beauty of the city (having once earned Seattle the moniker of The Emerald City) and the enthusiastic support of the arts, it is a popular tourist destination for those that wish to explore a cosmopolitan city, while pursuing year-round outdoor recreational activities like rock climbing and kayaking – the perfect destination for design aficionados and adventurers alike!
Stay
Hotel Max
620 Stewart Street, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 728-6299 or (866) 986-8087
Website: http://www.hotelmaxseattle.com/
Email: info@hotelmaxseattle.com
A quirky little boutique hotel, located within walking distance of the local sights, that features over 350 pieces of original artwork by 39 local artists.
Clockwise left to right: The 2nd floor hallway of the Marqueen Hotel;
the main lobby and grand staircase in the hotel; the exterior of the building
Marqueen Hotel
600 Queen Anne Avenue, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 282-7407 or (800) 445-3076
Website: http://www.marqueen.com/
In honor of its history and location, this 1918 brick building (originally used as housing for mechanics and engineers) is decorated in the Queen Anne style. The rooms are huge and feature kitchen suites, massive beds, large windows (I could see the Space Needle from mine!), and cozy reading corners. The hotel doesn’t have an elevator, but the friendly staff will help you with your bags, if this is an issue. While the dimly lit lobby had a poetically spooky feel to it, there was no sign of Jack Torrance, so it was nothing but a lovely stay.
W Seattle
1112 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 264-6000
Website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1154
Email: wseattle.whatwhen@whotels.com
Where the Marqueen Hotel is your kindly great-aunt, the W Seattle is your fabulous jet-setting cousin. Stylish and slick, this hotel is sure to appeal to those with contemporary design sensibilities, and a taste for luxury.
Cocktails
Grey Gallery & Lounge
1512 11th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 325-5209
Website: http://www.greygalleryandlounge.com/
Email: info@greygalleryandlounge.com
Blog: http://greygalleryandlounge.blogspot.com/
This casual spot is good for hanging out with a group of friends, or sipping solo and checking out the rotating art gallery.
Havana Social Club
1010 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 323-2822
Website: http://www.havanasocial.com/
If you want to head for a few drinks and dance the night away, this retro-inspired bar is just the place to do it. Think vintage Miami Beach meets skinny-jean hipster haven.
Shelter Lounge
4910 Leary Avenue NW, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 829-8568
Website: http://theshelterlounge.com/
This lounge is made up of mod lighting, a groovy ski lodge feel, and a creative approach to patio entertaining that works with the sometimes elusive local sunshine.
Eat
Chiso
3520 Fremont Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 632-3430
Website: http://chisoseattle.com/
Email: info@chisoseattle.com
Recommended by Stephanie at Show Pony, the sushi here was fresh, the service excellent, and the décor classy and minimalist.
ETG Café
3512 Fremont Pl North, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 633-3685
From the eclectic chandelier to the antique cash register, this teeny spot oozes charm while serving frothy coffees in antique teacups to a steady stream of regulars.
Green Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant
418 8th Avenue South, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 340-1388
Website: http://greenleaftaste.com/
Email: greenleaftaste@yahoo.com
Some people claim that pho has magical properties that serve as a cure for everything from the common cold to a nasty hangover. While I’m dubious about both of these claims, I do know that it’s delicious, and that Green Leaf is one of your best sources for pho in Seattle. If you have a few people with you, make sure to sample their buns and salads rolls as well – you won’t be sorry.
Above left: My scallop meal arrives at my table at Olivar, like delicious jewels on a plate
Above right: Textured walls and strings of blue lights add to the charm of ETG
Olivar
806 East Roy Street, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 322-0409
Website: http://olivarrestaurant.com/
Email: info@olivarrestaurant.com
This cozy bistro, set in a stone house and adorned with murals from an Alexander Pushkin fairytale, delivers consistent quality, great service, and a warm atmosphere. I didn’t think that anything could top my frisée salad with baked sharp cheese and sautéed hedgehog mushrooms, but their seared scallops with orange butter spaghetti and pomegranate seeds had me floating out of the door like a cartoon cat behind an open can of tuna.
Shop
Essenza
615 North 35th Street, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 547-4895
Website: http://www.essenzaseattle.com/
Email: essenzastore@hotmail.com
Blog: http://essenzaseattle.blogspot.com/
Jim and Becky Buford created this shop as the beauty and home product counterpart to Les Amis, their Fremont-based clothing boutique. Infused with European charm, this tasteful shop is stocked with delicate French soap, pretty paperweights, perfume, jewelry by local designers including Jamie Joseph, and Petit Bateau sleepers.
Above: A section of the shop interior at Essenza, photo provided by Essenza
Burnt Sugar/Frankie
601 North 35th Street, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 545-0699
Website: http://store.burntsugarfrankie.com/
Email: info@burntsugarfrankie.com
Funky shoes, clever stationary by off-the-wall companies like Oddball Press, cute purses, and a jewelry selection by local designers like Angela Pisker and Kristen Ford, make this a great stop if you need to find a hostess gift, or even a treat for yourself.
Clockwise left to right: Exquisite toiletries at Essenza; a display of footwear and
art books at Burnt Sugar/Frankie; my milk glass find at Fremont Vintage
Fremont Vintage
3419 Fremont Place North, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 329-4460
Blog: http://www.atlasclothing.net/blog/
You’ll want to take a bit of time to explore all of the nooks and crannies in this shop of treasures. I flipped through their original vintage food labels for a while (a cute addition for the right kitchen), but eventually left the shop with a pair of white milk glass salt and pepper shakers (above), a 1950’s serving set with a star design, and an antique photograph of a somber bearded fellow.
Great Jones Home
1921 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 448-9405
Website: http://greatjoneshome.com/
Email: info@greatjoneshome.com
A graceful collection of pieces, so beautifully arranged, that it’s easy to picture every inch of this store in your own home.
Monkey Love Rubber Stamps
613 Queen Anne Avenune North, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 283-7897
Website: http://www.monkeyloverubberstamps.com/
Email: mlrstamps@aol.com
If you’ve been thinking about getting crafty and making your own place-setting cards, stationary, and scrapbook pages, there is a good selection of typography-based, animal shapes, and modern design rubber stamps in this shop that will fit the bill.
Above left: Art prints, sunglasses, and bits of home décor at Show Pony
Above right: Night begins to emerge out front of the shop
Show Pony
702 35th Street North, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 706-4188
Website: http://www.showponyseattle.com/
Email: sales@showponyseattle.com
The lower level of this shop is a mix of trendy new wardrobe additions, along with bits of home décor, jewelry, and handbags. The upstairs is full of carefully chosen consignment pieces, one of these being a brand-new Chloé dress (tags still attached) for less than $150! Stephanie, the shop owner, is warm, accommodating, and definitely knows her stuff.
Clockwise left to right: Modern rubber stamp display at Monkey Love Rubber Stamps;
a fragrant window display at Willow & Bloom; inside the shop at Willow & Bloom
Willow & Bloom
3415A Fremont Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 799-9775
Website: http://www.willowandbloom.com/
Email: hello@willowandbloom.com
A beautiful place to pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers, a pretty vase, and a birthday card for your special someone.
Visit
Pike Place Market
85 Pike Street, Room 500, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 682-7453
Website: http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
Email: info@pikeplacemarket.org
A waterfront market that was started by the city in 1907 in order to bring together local farmers and the public; this tradition is one that still exists in the day stalls where you can meet the producer, and feel good about supporting local. Between the fresh seafood, a variety of bakeries, and some of the best restaurants in the city, it’s no wonder this market attracts over 9 million visitors a year.
Siff Cinema
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 448-2186
Website: http://www.siff.net/
Email: info@siff.net
With scheduling that is planned by the same people who organize the Seattle Film Festival, this theatre has screenings that include the classics, documentaries, and newly released international films. They also organize themes based around specific repertoires like the upcoming Noir City: Lust and Larceny from February 19-25, 2010. Get your tickets early, break out your best fedora, practice your smoky voice, and rest assured that you will never see a film with an ex-wrestler-turned-tooth-fairy advertised here.
With a park system that was designed by the illustrious Olmsted brothers (of Central Park fame), intriguing architecture such as the central library, rugged beaches, and a population of about 125,000 dogs (dog lovers, this stat is for you!), how could this city be anything but amazing?
Have a favorite and don’t see it listed? We’d love to hear from you in the comment box below.
Written by Ehren Seeland
Ehren Seeland has over ten years of creative direction, copy writing, design, photography, printmaking, marketing, and publishing experience. She has contributed work to notable organizations and publications such as: Adweek Media, The Aperture Foundation, ALM, Ava Living, Banville & Jones, Bridal Guide, The Cellar Door, Columbia University Press, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Inside Vancouver, Nielsen Business Media, as well as various group and solo gallery shows. She completed her BFA at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver and the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, and currently lives and works as a freelance creative in Vancouver, British Columbia.
To contact Ehren Seeland:
E-mail: eseeland@avaliving.com