Seattle: Travel Guide, PART 1

Exploring the CAPITOL HILL Neighborhood

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Last weekend, we took a (much needed) trip up to Seattle to reconnect with old friends and celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. We had been looking forward to seeing our friends, our vacation at the end of summer and another chance to explore Seattle, the nexus of the Pacific Northwest. The last time we visited the city, we stayed in the downtown area, so this time we opted to stay adjacent to the city's center. This was a perfect location for us because our friends stayed less than 1 mile away, the neighborhood was walkable, and featured lots of great restaurants. 

Lucky for us, we discovered a designer townhouse near Seattle University right where Squire Park meets the hip and walkable Capitol Hill neighborhood. 

Read on, to see the neighborhood highlights and why I recommend staying in this location and this townhouse, if it's available when you visit!

The Capitol Hill neighborhood is evolving with new housing nestled in between traditional craftsmen and Queen Anne style housing. It is a mix of old and new developments, which gives the area a rising feel with lots of greenery. 

When looking for places to stay, immediately I was drawn to the art and architecture of the townhouse where we stayed. Nadja, our host's, fine art prints were designed specifically for each room. 

There were so many details that made our stay truly unique. From the living room, where we spent most of our days to the bedroom; the modernity, cleanliness and functionality of the space was a dream come true. ​

During our visit, we cooked breakfast at home in the mornings, which left us plenty of time to explore the local coffee shops and eateries for lunch and dinner in the evenings. 

I began each day with a short walk to Stumptown coffee and their woodblock mocha became my beverage of choice.

Here is where we loved to eat, drink and see in the Capitol Hill/Squire Park area.

EAT: 
Flora: It's a vegetarian restaurant with lots of vegan options.  From the townhouse, it was a short ride down Madison Ave. This was the first meal of our trip and absolutely delicious. There was vegetarian and vegan friendly food. 

Plum Bistro: Up 12th street, featuring delicious vegan food. We wanted to meet up with friends for after-dinner drinks, so we got carry-out there on Friday night.

General Porpoise Donuts: Insanely yummy donuts with creative custom fillings unlike any donuts that I have ever tried 'til date. Walkable from the townhouse, in the heart of Capitol Hill on Union St. near Pike and Pine. 

DRINK:
Stumptown Coffee: One of Seattle's popular coffee shops, originally from Portland, Oregon. I have been a fan of Stumptown for a while now in Los Angeles, so I was excited to visit an actual location in the neighborhood, which became my morning coffee stop. 

SEE:
Seattle Central Library: recipient of multiple design awards, co-designed by architect Rem Koolhaas is worth a visit. 

photo by Chance Anderson via Unsplash

Chapel of St. Ignatius: designed by American architect Steven Holl with it's all white interiors and seven light sources or "bottles of light" is another local building to see. ​

Chapel of St. Ignatius by architect Steven Holl

Capitol Hill and Squire Park neighborhoods, it is hard to say goodbye!

Panoramic view of the neighborhood

During our stay, we experienced beautiful weather, a heart-felt celebration, delicious food and were surrounded by enthralling architecture and design. If you are considering taking a trip to Seattle, I highly recommend this neighborhood as it a short drive to the city center and Pike Place Market, so you will have easy access to all of those popular tourist spots. My list of places to Eat, Drink and See in Capitol Hill, Seattle, is constantly growing and evolving, like the neighborhood itself. Please share with me your recommendations if you have any!

Stayed tuned for Part 2 of our Seattle Adventure, where I will share some ideas for day-trips along with additional neighborhoods and museums for you to explore.