Welcome to Seattle! Home of the Space Needle, the embattled Boeing, Pike Place Market, good friends, and the incredible Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.
As the Empire Builder rolled into King Street Station, I was immediately struck by the historic architecture dating back to 1906. Located in downtown Seattle, this beautifully restored station was the perfect starting point for my adventure. Stepping off the train, I was greeted by the friendly face of my friend S, ready to show me around the city.
The Museum of Flight
We started our exploration of Seattle by heading to the Boeing Museum of Flight. As the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world, it boasts an impressive collection of over 175 aircraft and spacecraft. This museum is an aviation enthusiast’s happy place. Their collection of iconic planes tells the story of aviation and the growth of the industry, from the Wright brothers to today’s exploration of Mars.
Not only do they have a wide selection of iconic aircraft to view in the museum, but they also have many that you can board. Some standout aircraft you can board include JFK’s Air Force One, a Concorde, and one of the 747s used during the aircraft’s original certification process.
One moment that really stood out to me was getting to go onboard the Concorde. As a kid, the Concorde was always a standout aircraft—the only one that could go supersonic! It was always a marvel of engineering and an aircraft I had always wanted to fly on. Sadly, before I got my chance to fly on one, they were retired from service. Getting to go onboard the Museum of Flight’s retired Concorde was a highlight of my visit. While I didn’t get to sit in the seats, it was still amazing to see the cabin and how small the seats actually were! I had always heard that they were small, but I was surprised nonetheless. The cabin was compact but well laid out.
The museum also showcases the history of Boeing from 1916 to 1958. This exhibit highlights the company’s rich journey from its early days to becoming one of the world’s largest aviation giants. A standout feature is the re-creation of the original factory shop floor, complete with tools and fuselages of early Boeing models. The exhibit illustrates Boeing’s evolution from building single-plane aircraft to supporting the war effort, and finally to the jet age with the introduction of the Boeing 707. The 707 is an iconic plane that marked the beginning of Boeing’s dominance in the aerospace industry.
Pikes Place Market
After our visit to the Museum of Flight, our next stop was the legendary Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks. This market is a whirlwind of activity, with vendors offering everything from fresh seafood and produce to handmade crafts and quirky souvenirs. Although I missed the famous fish-throwing spectacle, I was still amazed by the vibrant and lively atmosphere. Pike Place Market is truly a feast for the senses!
The vibrant atmosphere and lively interactions between vendors and visitors made this a great place for people-watching. The glow of the neon signs, classic pop art logos, and beautiful flowers made this a visually stunning place to visit. We spent hours wandering through the various stalls and multiple floors, soaking in the sights and sounds of the market. Just across the street, one finds themselves at the original Starbucks! While I didn’t wait in line to grab a coffee, it was cool to see the home of this iconic brand.
We grabbed lunch at Lowell’s, where I enjoyed a delicious clam chowder in a bread bowl. It might not have been quite as good as San Francisco’s, but it was still absolutely delicious. Our table was perched above the hustle and bustle of the main floor, giving us the perfect spot for people-watching.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
After a fun morning exploring the bustling Pike Place Market, we decided to continue our Seattle adventure with a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass. In the heart of the Seattle Center next door to, this exhibit promised a colorful and whimsical experience, and it did not disappoint.
Dale Chihuly was born in Tacoma, Washington and is a renowned glass artist who is regularly celebrated for his large glass sculptures. His works are known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs. The gallery showcases many of his great works. Rooms filled with glass sculptures in striking vivid colors twisting and turning together into a symphony of imagination and color.
Our visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass was a great way to wrap up our day in Seattle. The vibrant colors and whimsical shapes amazed us and the quiet stillness of the glass and museum contrasted the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market perfectly. This was a beautiful place to visit and won’t soon be forgotten.
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