Inspiration through Seattle

“Serving the powerful is like sleeping with a tiger.” –Chinese proverb

Power and sleekness combine in a tiger’s body. Likewise, Seattle exudes the same majesty.

I took a recent trip to Seattle for a combination of sightseeing and book talks. Here are some categories in which I was inspired by Seattle’s powerful vibe:

Art

Chihuly

  • Chihuly. Dale Chihuly creates artwork from blown glass. I was first wowed by his work at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Ohio, where his sculptures mixed with exotic plant life. I love how his shapes are so unique; the hues and textures of the pieces change in different lighting and from various angles.
  • Raven Rocks Gallery. Located in Greenbank Farm, this space provides a home for local artists. I was amazed by the stories I read about how people came to the creative life. It was particularly inspiring to read about those who had transitioned from other professions to follow their true dream.
  • Panama Hotel. The Panama Hotel was built in 1910 by a Japanese architect. The basement led to a popular bathhouse for Japanese Americans in its earlier years. During WWII, the space also housed belongings for those interned at camps. Additionally, Panama Hotel was the inspirational building highlighted in Jamie Ford’s NYT-bestseller, HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET.

Nature

Lake Serene

  • Lake Serene. A 8-mile hike takes you to Lake Serene and back. Located near Monroe, it offers spectacular views of some waterfalls, including the Bridal Veil Falls. At the top of the trek, there is a beautiful clear lake nestled between trees and snow-capped mountains.
  • Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. Right next to the Ballard Locks lies a beautiful green expanse. Housing numerous flowers and offering shade to picnickers, it’s a wonderful place to relax. I love how such an oasis exists in the heart of the city.
  • Whidbey Island. A day trip or an overnight stay away from Seattle yields Whidbey. A wonderful island with peaceful driving lanes, it boasts forts, rocky beaches, and forest greenery. The Deception Pass Bridge provides an interesting view of swirling eddies below (as cars rush by your side), and the nearby state park is a quiet place of lush trails.

Food

Pike Place

  • Pike Place Market. Seattle’s original farmers’ market offers flavorful samples. There’s also a nearby crumpet shop which serves the English breakfast treats hot off the griddle. Plus, where else can you see fish throwing (by merchants to wrap up seafood purchases)?
  • Seafood. How can you go to Seattle without trying their seafood? The sushi was top-notch and very fresh, but the mussels really won me over. Local Penn Cove mussels melted in my mouth. They weren’t chewy at all and delivered a tenderness that was heightened by just a bit of seasoning.
  • Local dives. Recommended to me by a friend, I tried out Paseo’s. It serves delicious and huge Cuban sandwiches. A bit messy to wrangle and devour, it definitely hits the taste buds with savory spice. I was also introduced to another place that served a katsu burger. (Find out more about it this Friday on my next foodie post.)
Foodie Friday: Red Bean Smoothie
Foodie Friday: Katsu Burger

Comments

  1. Jennifer,
    Thanks for this “trip” through Seattle. Now I want to go!

  2. I haven’t been to Seattle, yet, and I know I should. Everyone told me that it is a gorgeous and, like you write, Jennifer, an inspirational place. Thank you for convincing me to visit. I’m glad to see that you are also busy promoting your writing.

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