Seattle Weekend Getaway

It doesn’t get much better than a weekend getaway with the love of your life. My fiancée and I are both from the Seattle area, but we currently live in Spokane so getting away to the city where our love story began was truly a treat.

Sitting on the Skyriser glass benches at the Space Needle. Katherine Grambihler

We arrived at the Hilton Seattle hotel and were blown away by a beautiful view of the water and the Space Needle. We were pretty tired after arriving and were so grateful that we didn’t have to venture far for a delicious meal and drinks as the Redtrees Restaurant + Bar is located conveniently right there in the Hilton! Trying out some of the new items on their menu and sipping on some bubbly was the perfect way to kick off our weekend.

The views from the room at Hilton Seattle. courtesy @taylorraedillard

Redtrees Restaurant + Bar offers onsite dining at Hilton Seattle. Katherine Grambihler

It was one of the hottest weekends of the year so we took full advantage of Seattle CityPASS and spent lots of time in the air conditioned activities the pass offers. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) was vibrant and educational; our favorite part was the Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement exhibit. Walking through this exhibit was a moving and inspiring experience, seeing how far our community has come.

Visiting the Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement exhibit at MoPOP. Katherine Grambihler

A replica of the Stonewall Inn sign within the exhibit. Katherine Grambihler

We also were blown away by the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum! Walking through and seeing the incredible and intricate art left us in awe. Our favorite part was sitting inside the Glasshouse while enjoying some refreshing cider and admiring the beautiful 100-foot-long glass sculpture suspended overhead.

Drinks in the Glasshouse underneath the beautiful hanging art installation by Dale Chihuly. Katherine Grambihler

Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the work of Dale Chihuly throughout the entire building. Katherine Grambihler

Our elevator ride up the Space Needle was incredible and the view at the top was even more spectacular. It was a beautiful day without a cloud in sight. Getting a 360° view of the city, the water, and even Mt. Rainier allowed us to really take in our favorite scenery of our beloved state.

Looking up at the Space Needle with glass art from Chihuly Garden and Glass in the background. Katherine Grambihler

Taking in the 360° views from the observation deck at the Space Needle. Katherine Grambihler

Our last somewhat of an indoor activity was the Seattle Aquarium. I don’t think either of us have stepped foot inside an aquarium in a decade, so we thoroughly enjoyed the touch tanks and of course the adorable sea otters who happily put on a show eating their afternoon snacks!

Standing in the Underwater Dome at the Seattle Aquarium. Katherine Grambihler

The touch tanks at Seattle Aquarium offer a fun hands-on experience. Katherine Grambihler

Every place we visited brought us such joy, but I think our two favorite excursions were the midday cruise through the Ballard Locks with Argosy Cruises and a sunset dinner at mbar. The heat was really getting to us, so we were a little nervous for our cruise but the breeze on the water ended up being the perfect way to cool down and relax while learning a bit of Seattle’s history.

Sailing through the Ballard Locks with Argosy Cruises. Katherine Grambihler

Part of the cruise included sightseeing on Lake Union. Katherine Grambihler

Finishing our last night in Seattle at mbar was ultimate perfection. We caught our reservation right as the sun was going down which allowed for fun sunset pictures. The food was delicious, the drinks were refreshing, and the view was the perfect cherry on top of an incredible evening.

mbar offers a great place for food, drinks, and views of the city. Katherine Grambihler

Enjoying the sunset while at mbar. Katherine Grambihler

Seattle already held a special place in our hearts and after a weekend like this one, we will be gushing about this city forever.

Enjoying the sunshine in Seattle Center by the Space Needle. Katherine Grambihler

About the Author

Taylor Frame

Taylor is a content creator living in Spokane, WA with her wife and two kitties. Taylor uses her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, spreading love and awareness through her photos and encouraging, educational posts on Instagram @taylorraeframe. Native to the Seattle area, Taylor loves returning to the Emerald City where she continues to make lasting memories with those she loves.

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