Lauren Duran | Contributing Writer

A few weeks ago, I was presented with an opportunity to travel up north and visit the rainy city of Seattle. After living in sunny southern California for 20 years, it was interesting to experience life up North. In California that weekend, the weather was in the high 80’s but upon arriving in Seattle it was a whopping 45 degrees…Brrrrrrr. However, the beauty of the city made the chill worth it.

After a short 30 minute ride into Downtown Seattle, it was already evident how beautiful the city truly was. Amongst the industrial buildings were trees, which caused a fascinating combination of city life and nature.

When traveling to Seattle, there are a few must-see places:

Kerry Park

– Kerry Park: About a mile walk from the Seattle Space Needle, in the heart of Queen Anne is a small little park with a full view of the Seattle skyline.

Pike Place Market

– Pike Place Market: The infamous market located along the coast of Downtown Seattle gives you a small taste of what Seattle is all about. Inside the marketplace is a farmer’s market, craft’s market, specialty foods, small businesses, and restaurants. Both locals and tourists fill the aisles shopping for fresh groceries, picking up fresh flowers, or buying the art or speciality goods sold inside.

The First Starbucks

– The First Starbucks: Right across the street from the Pike Place Market is the where the coffee brewing magic began. Although the building is rather small, it is interesting to see where such a large company originated..also, coffee in Seattle is a must.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

– Chihuly Garden and Glass: Artist Dale Chihuly began blowing glass in 1971 and since then has displayed his work in over 200 museums. Located right at the base of the Seattle Space Needle is a museum which houses his extravagant glass work.

For those who have never had the opportunity to experience the beautiful city of Seattle, I highly recommend it. The locals were incredibly friendly and always willing to direct us towards the city’s best kept secrets. There are so many towns to explore and so much to see. Next time you’re looking to escape the busyness of life for a few days, gather some friends together, book a flight, and head to Seattle!