Reminiscing on Seattle from Afar

I miss Seattle.

Yes, I work for Visit Seattle, but I live in the other Washington, the nation’s capitol, representing the Emerald City as the ideal place to host meetings and conventions. Usually, that means I have the privilege of traveling to the upper left corner several times a year for team meetings and site visits. Not this year, though. It’s 2020.

Have I mentioned that I miss Seattle?

So instead of flying there, I am taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing photos from September and October 2019 when I hosted clients at some of my favorite Seattle haunts.

Caffeine badge achieved at the “Original” Starbucks at Pike Place Market Alison LaFollette

Pike Place Market is a must when visiting Seattle – the original Starbucks is always a fan favorite and a great place to get your caffeine boost before heading out to explore the city. (Insider tip: the real original Starbucks address was on Western Avenue, below Pike Place Market. Starbucks moved that location in favor of this one to capitalize on heavier foot trafic. Hence, the current “original Starbucks” is actually its second address.)

After a day exploring the Market, the only logical step is to extend the evening with a delicious dinner. We chose Aerlume, where the quality cuisine may only be surpassed by the view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Group dinner at Aerlume Alison LaFollette

Amazon Spheres at Night Alison LaFollette

The Spheres at Amazon HQ are another must-see. Used as an alternative workspace for Amazon employees, The Spheres house 400 different species of cloud forest plants from all over the world – and they’re just beautiful to look at. Amazon has temporarily suspended tours of The Spheres due to the pandemic, but it’s still worth walking by to take a look from the outside, day or night.

The energy in a packed CenturyLink Field – Go Hawks! Alison LaFollette

Outside CenturyLink Field before a Seahawks game Alison LaFollette

Hands down, one of my favorite things to do in Seattle is attend a Seahawks game at CenturyLink Field. I am a die hard fan and love football and the energy around the Seahawks games during the fall. This, at least, is something I can follow and celebrate from home this season. Go Hawks!

Shout outs to Christine Tambini, Pam Sharo, Curtis Gore, and Steven Humphery from Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine as well as Mary Pat Cornett of American Society for Nutrition, her son Chris, and my former colleague Nicole Stocker. You all were wonderful travel partners. I look forward to the time we can all do this again soon!

About the Author

Alison LaFollete

Alison holds down the fort in our Washington D.C. Office as Director, Mid-Atlantic Region on Visit Seattle's Convention Sales team. That said, she will always be an honorary resident of the other Washington.

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