I knew about Seattle’s weather — but I still didn’t prepare for it.
And how can you?
The weather report called for temperatures in the low 60s, partly cloudy, maybe rain. But it doesn’t tell you that the rain, well, it doesn’t let up. Even when it’s not raining, it’s still wet. Everything is wet. This place doesn’t dry off!
So I didn’t pack well. I have a wool sweater, a light Patagonia jacket, three scarves and a bunch of tops to layer. But I have to wear all of them in order to stay warm!
Luckily for us, the rain subsided this afternoon and we were able to walk around Capitol Hill and the Queen Anne District, where we’re staying.
This is definitely a cool place to hang. This district — which sits on the tallest named hill in the city and is bordered by Belltown to the south, Lake Union to the east, the Lake Washington Ship Canal to the north and Magnolia to the west — boasts about 32,000 people, most of whom are unmarried, young professionals. Folks here tend to be better educated and wealthier than the rest of Seattle — and the shops, restaurants and bars reflect that demographic.
There are lots of indie coffee shops and bookstores, hip bars, vinyl shops and restaurants on every block.
After Derek’s talk at the American Education Studies Association — it’s one of two conferences he’s attending this weekend here — we strolled around the area. The rain actually let up and we got to see what this place has to offer in the best way: on foot.
Here’s what our first day in Seattle looked like:
22 Comments
How fun! It makes me kind of miss Seattle.
I used to live in Magnolia and work across the street from the Seattle Times.
The electric buses used to be free to ride in the city corridor.
and Seattle is rapidly changing, I’ve been back in Hawaii for almost 3 years and the growth in Seattle is unreal. Lots of landmarks have changed and it’s so built up and dense now.
I hope you enjoy your time there 🙂
The ride was free??!! Wish that were still true!
Thanks, so far, enjoying everything. Weather aside, I can see why people live here!
Sorry Cat, but I can’t help but laugh at “low 60s” and being cold. It’s not much different here, in Portland Metro, and believe me, as a former Hawaii resident, even this is too warm for me to wear a jacket. Believe me, I’ve tried. These past few days have been rainy. I wear the jacket to stay dry, only to get too warm and start to perspire. It’s a vicious cycle. 😛 As far as being wet, yes, that’s the way of the Northwest, or as some call it, the NorthWet. 😉 Although actual rainfall amounts are less than other cities in the USA, it seems like it’s a lot more due to the endless rains this area gets.
Don’t forget, Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday.
Hey, low 60s is COLD for a Hawaii girl like me! How I survived two winters in Chicago I have no idea!
Chicago for 2 winters? Yeah, I don’t know how you made it. You must’ve been bundled up like nothing anyone there has ever seen. 😛 Still, I hope you’re enjoying the trip. Glad to see hubby was surprised. Aloha.
A trip down memory lane… and of course it was soggy 🙂 Yep, Seattle is a different weather town. Used to wear a Gortex Down Coat and not take an umbrella. A baseball cap that was waterproofed completed the look. Take the ferry to Bremerton if the weather is reasonable. The whole waterfront area is pretty cool, lot’s of good restaurants and stores. It might also be cool to take a trip to Redmond to cruise the Microsoft campus.
Pike Place is overrated if you ask me but I suppose it is one of those have to do it things.
I see a lot of guys walking around dressed like that!
Been to Pike Place but heading there next week for a food tour. 😀
Count me in as a member of the Gore-Tex crowd. Most of the stuff I wear at this time of year is Gore-Tex lined, from my bicycling rain pants, to jackets, even my boots are Gore-Tex lined. The only thing that isn’t Gore-Tex lined, is my baseball hat. That’s made by Filson, over in Seattle. If you want to know how things were done before Gore-Tex, check out Filson. They’ve been around since the 1800s or so.
A food tour of the restaurants surrounding Elliot Bay would be WAY BETTER… especially if you hit both sides of the bay. Some of the best food you can eat anywhere. Pike Place is a tourist trap. Beg off there and head down to Elliot’s Oyster House, near ferry terminals or maybe cross the bay to explore Alki Beach. You absolutely must eat at Salty’s on Alki Beach at night. And lastly… broken record here. You MUST eat pizza at the Flying Pie Pizzeria on 30 Front St. S Issaquah, WA 98027. Bit of history, almost bought the place years ago. Lived within walking distance of it. You can’t eat much more than one slice it has so many ingredients on it and the dough is to die for. All other pizza is weak.
It rained each time I visited Seattle. My Seattle friends said “it only rains a few times a year here”. I replied “yeah: winter, spring, summer, and fall!”
Old joke: Seattle people don’t tan…….they rust
Hello Cat,
Seattle will be on my bucket list…
We’re actually getting warm weather in Seattle for this time of year. Temps in the 50s aren’t bad, esp. since we’re supposed to be getting significantly colder next week.
Since you’re staying on lower QA, I also recommend Toulouse Petit (if you can get in). Obasan also serves great sushi (and usually has a Miyazaki movie running on their screen).
What a great reunion for you and Derek!
I haven’t been to Seattle in years. Last time I was there it was so cold I caught a bad cold that turned to pneumonia that lasted a month! Me and cold weather do not get along.
Stay warm Cat!
if you haven’t already, go to a ski shop or sporting good store and get thermals. the new thin kind are barely noticeable under your clothes but go a long way towards keeping you warm.
I’m glad you made it to Oddfellows! We planned to hit 5 Spot the last Christmas we were all home, but made it there at some random time and found it closed. After your pics, that’s at the top of my list for this Christmas’ visit.
When we moved there, I always said it was as good thing for the city that it rained all the time, otherwise it would be overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to live there. And as you’ve discovered, it’s not the quantity of rain, it’s that fact that it’s cloudy and wet alllll the time. I’m convinced my hair wasn’t dry for 90% of the time I lived there. But ps, only tourists use umbrellas 😉
Happy travels!
Mari’s Sister: Thanks for sharing. I liked the ice cream sign where they featured a “Baracky Road” flavor. In a couple of days we will find out. The southern fuud restaurant in Puck’s Alley also uses jars for water goblets.
“Partly cloudy, chance of rain” is the weather report from November to May in the NW. For got about desert advice for Portland: Alotto Gelatto on NW 23rd – been around for years. Don’t get wooed by Salt & Straw across the street! Must try Chocolate Frosted Yellow Cake flavor. Tastes like liking the batter off the spoon.
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Seattle rocks! I would definitely live there if I had to live anywhere on the mainland. Looks like you are having a great time!
Good thing your rode the Light Rail, because if you had taken the Metro (city bus) you would’ve been risking your life!! Either robbed, shanked, assaulted or groped. So yeah…glad you took the rail.
Bobbie’s mom lived in Seattle & worked for the Seattle Times for 25 years. She loved the place and had soo many friends, but When she retired, couldn’t wait to move back to Hawaii. Rains so often and could get depressing…however, she returned each year to spend a month visiting with her friends. She did rave about the variety of restaurants in the downtown district…
Great blog! Sorry to change the subject, but, since Nashville is a big up and coming city, I’m looking for a great Nashville sushi restaurant or Japanese restaurant. Have you read any recent buzz? There’s a new one called Nomzilla Sushi Et Cetera, but I’ve only seen a few reviews. Here’s the address of this new Nashville Sushi Restaurant , 1201 Villa Place, Suite 101 Nashville, TN 37212 – (615) 268-1424. Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!