We caught up with It Girl, Ann DeOtte to get the skinny on Seattle's hottest (and not so hot) places. Whether you are planning your next trip to the city or simply spend all year round in this northwestern community, Ann's tips and tricks are sure not to disappoint.
Edibles
Best restaurant in Seattle for the overindulgers?
Ivars Salmon House Sunday Brunch
: All you can eat deliciousness right on Lake Union. Two words: Crab legs! Sunday: $29 buffet, $3 mimosas.
Tip:
Be sure to make a reservation.
Best restaurant in Seattle for the gluten-free or vegetarian lovers?
There are so many great places for vegetarian lovers in Seattle, but my favorite is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant called
In the Bowl
on Capitol Hill (I love some quick Thai).
Must try:
The duck salad is the perfect Indian Summer entree.
Tip:
Sit along the window and youll get in some nice people watching while you eat.
Best breakfast joint?
Corson Building Brunch
must not be missed. Situated in a renovated historic house in Georgetown, Seattle, Chef Matthew Dillon grows his own greens and has a beehive and chicken coup in the yard. Youll eat communal style, have your choice of 2-3 entrees and a full buffet of local, seasonal sides. Sunday morning brunch: $15.00.
Tip:
Get here early to miss the Sunday brunch rush.
Out & About
Seattle Must-Hit Markets
Pike Place Market, Downtown
:
Its always crazy and always worth it. This is the market that Seattle is known for.
Dont Miss:
Beechers Handmade Cheese: Get the mac & cheese
Matts in the Market
Daily Dozen Doughnuts
Sur la Table: Gorgeous kitchen supply store
Tip:
Be sure to pick up a bouquet of local flowers (most range from $5-10).
Ballard Farmers Market, Ballard
:
This market is everything you want to be doing on a Sunday morning. Closing down historic Ballard Avenue, the market is full of local produce, flowers, meats, soda makers, musicians and more. All of the shops are open and at the risk of sounding a little earth-mothery - the energy is just so dang good there.
Local delicacy
Seafood!
Where to find it:
Pikes Place Fish Market,
Downtown:
Ship it home
Rays Boat House,
Ballard:
Head in for Happy Hour
Pike Street Fish Fry,
Capitol Hill:
Battered and fried all to your hipster liking
Top 3 best parks in Seattle
1.
Cal Anderson, Capitol Hill:
Once an above ground reservoir, the recently renovated park now features a large water feature surrounded by lush green lawns.
Tip:
Come here to check out the locals.
2.
Olympic Sculpture Park, Belltown:
Owned and run by the Seattle Art Museum, the OSP has incredible views and is the perfect place to watch the trains roll by as the sun sets over the Puget Sound.
Tip:
Make sure to check their website for tons of great programming such as Yoga in the Park (free on Saturday mornings), SAM Remix (first Fridays) and Get Out (free concerts at the Park).
3.
Discovery Park, Magnolia:
Venture out on the 2.8 mile loop that takes you through open meadows, along a bluff on the Puget Sound and along the waterfront. It feels like youre completely out of the city, but really just a short drive.
Top 5 places for the tourist "in disguise"
There is so much to love about Seattle, but its often the details that make a city. These places are oh-so subtly Seattle to me.
Big Picture:
one of the only spots in Seattle where you can have a cocktail with your movie.
Tip:
Get there a little early and grab a bucket of their champagne popcorn and a martini.
Burlesque Behind the Pink Door:
I love it for the best burlesque productions in the city, located in Post Alley near the market.
Warning!:
This is not for the faint of heart, youll be disturbed, amazed and laughing the whole time.
Tip:
Order the lasagna and a carafe of the house red (Saturday night show starts at 9pm. You can't make a reservation, so arrive a little early to get a good seat. $10).
Shortys:
A pinball & arcade bar in the Belltown neighborhood, one of many great watering holes along 2nd Avenue where youll see a totally different crowd.
Tip:
Be prepared for a heavy pour (it'll be a vodka on the rocks with a splash of soda).
Pike/Pine Corridor:
A great couplet in Capitol Hill filled with bars, restaurants, shopping and cafes including
Elliott Bay Books
,
Oddfellows
,
Molly Moons
,
Bimbos Bitchin Burrito Kitchen
(and Cha Cha, their basement bar) and
Moes
.
Frye Art Museum:
This museum showcases exhibits from the Frye's personal collection and exhibitions featuring contemporary art and artists.
Tip:
This is the number one free thing to do in Seattle.
A must-see
The ferry is such the perfect way to get out on the water for a great price.
Tip:
Leave from the waterfront downtown and enjoy the 30 minute ride to Bainbridge Island. Walk around a bit and hop back on to head back to the city. Youll get amazing views of the Puget Sound, the city skyline and surrounding landscape.
A must-miss
The Post Alley Gum Wall, it really is just that - a wall covered in ABC gum.
Here and There
Best way to get around the city?
Walking - the hills might get you but driving is not worth it. I'd also recommend biking, but I still think it would take a brave out-of-towner to navigate this hilly city.
Tip:
Renting a bike on the waterfront is really the best route for visitors.
Travel tip for people going to Seattle
1.
Pack in layers.
You never know what youre going to get weather-wise, so its good to have outfits that work at various temperatures.
2.Second: Try to find an apartment to rent (
airbnb.com
or
vrbo.com
). Most of the hotels are located in high tourist areas downtown or in less central areas. If I had to choose, I'd pick a one bedroom apt in Capitol Hill, Eastlake or South Lake Union.
What are people wearing in Seattle?
You'll find that Seattle takes all kinds when it comes to fashion. Casual, not lazy is a good way to classify it. Youll find a lot of vintage inspired ensembles (mid-calf pencil skirts, silk tanks, biker jacket and chunky heels) alongside classic northwest (dark denim, crisp t-shirts, leather boots and plaid button ups).
Tip:
If you need some inspiration, check out
It's My Darlin - Seattle Street Style
.
Do they really throw fish at you at the fish market?
They actually throw the fish to each other, but watch out, the crazy-looking monkfish might spit water at you! The team is super friendly and
most are easy on the eyes
.
Tip:
If you dont have the facilities to cook while youre visiting, I recommend packing & shipping something to bring back.
Our It Girl: Let's Get Personal
What brought you to Seattle?
My brother had been out here since 1995 or so, and when I visited for the first time in 2000, it just became a place I always thought I'd live. I like to say that I'm a city girl that grew up in a small town, which made the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle the right fit. I love being close to nature with the luxuries of a sushi dinner and great live music.
Fall guilty pleasure?
I keep seeing two-tone nails and colored tip manicures. Ive always loved bold nails, but then it reminded of tacky acrylics from the mid-90s. This fall, I'm totally sporting some attention getting tips.
Fave fall look?
A fitted, knee-length pencil skirt paired with a perfect fit t-shirt and vintage cardigan. Add an open toe heel and a messy bun for an effortless but polished look, perfect for work and happy hour.
