Guide: Seattle.

After spending four years studying in Seattle, I thought it was about time I gave a little insider guide to Seattle. Call it the Seattle 101 tour featuring places that have tickled my heart. Without a doubt, the atmosphere in Seattle just seems to be different than the OC. Maybe it's because when the sun is out, so is everyone else  here, as they take in every inch of vitamin D they can get. Or maybe it's simply how green and organic everyone seems to be here. Or maybe it's how the rain can still be a beautiful thing here, even if it happens everyday. Or maybe because there are coffee shops on every corner you turn. Whatever may be the reason, there are still a few of my favorite places I like to visit every time I have a free weekend. 

So today, I want to take you on a little tour through Seattle, sharing the "must go to places" that will hopefully give you a true taste of what Seattle can color! 

F A R M E R S M A R K E T ____________________________________
Pike Place Market-   Farmer's market seem to be the one place where you know you can always find your fresh products and locally grown produce. From spices, to olive oils, to pasta, to herbed vinegar, to spices, to grains, to curry, you can find it all here. You can even shop for cheese, meat, baked goods, and imported products from different countries. The atmosphere at Pike Place is always fun to be in. The local singers, and not to mention the free samples you get. The one thing that I love about Pike Place Market, is how fresh all their seafood is too. If you walk around the market, you can actually find some exquisite yums featuring these fresh seafood. 

Of course, what else I love about Pike Place Market, is never being disappointed with the flower selections they have there! Each season, they sell the most popular, beautiful, and in season flowers. You can buy a huge bouquet for as little as $10. And I promise you, you won't be disappointed with any of the selection. You can even simply just buy one flower (that's what I usually do- a treat to myself).

Oh, and of course, don't forget to take a photo with the infamous "Public Market" sign!

C O F F E E  ____________________________________
Original Starbucks-  Yeah, yeah there is a Starbucks probably just five minutes away from you right now, but I mean if you are already visiting Pike Place Market, you might as well just visit the OG Starbucks! Even better, it's in the same general area of where Pike Place is. My mom always raves about how delicious their coffee bean is here, which apparently you can only get at the original starbucks- Hi mom, don't worry I already bought two bags for you to bring home in February. So, go check it out, or at least take a photo with the original Starbucks logo!

Slate Coffee- Slate Coffee was actually a recent find of mine close by to my school (UW). It's the most sleek and cool coffee shop I've been too yet. And the best part, they may serve your coffee in a wine glass, classy right?

Broadcast Coffee- Enjoy some roasted coffee at this pretty, simplistic coffee shop. A good place to get some reading done or the last minute planning ventures.

E A T   ____________________________________
Bacco Cafe- This is by far my favorite brunch place to go to! You can get a more read about why I love this place so much here, in cased you missed it. My favorite must be their infamous, Smoke Salmon Eggs Benedict.

Portage Bay Cafe- "Eat like you give a damn". Their slogan says it all. From their french toast/pancake topping bar, to their delicious organic homegrown eggs and produce, this is one place I wouldn't miss for breakfast.

Agua Verde- Mexican food is the one cuisine that I seem to be always craving. This place is absolutely delicious, authentic, did I mention delicious? And this cafe is right by the waters, so you definitely will get a view.

Mamma Melina- Happy hour time! Mamma Melina will grace you with its most elegant happy hour menu, aroma, and atmosphere.

Ivar's- This is definitely Papa Chuang's favorite place to go when in Seattle! Craving fresh, local seafood, this is one for the books. Must try the fish n' chips.

Il Corvo - Craving pasta? Each day the menu changes, and each day you get a different taste of homemade pasta. 

Molly Moon's - Ice cream time! My favorite go-to-place when I am craving ice cream. And each month they have some new seasonal flavors.

V I E W S   ____________________________________

Gas Works Park- This is the one place where you can easily see Seattle skyline.  A place to just sit, relax, and enjoy a beautiful view.

Roastery- Starbucks- Just 9 blocks away from the original Starbucks, see what makes it all. 

Space Needle- What is better than a skyview of Seattle itself? I remember my first trip up the space needle with the pops at night. Breathtaking and unforgettable for sure. 

Gum Wall- Chew some gum, and stop by the Market Theater Gum Wall where a brick wall is covered in used chewing gum just in an alleyway in downtown Seattle.