Tomorrow will be made up of many special bittersweet milestones. First off, I will be 30 weeks pregnant with baby points traveler, which means my flying days will be coming to a halt for a few months, but that’s ok because I’ve had an incredible year traveling to many new places, and I am just a few weeks away from meeting my newest traveling companion :).
With that said, and as the year is ending, I am also only 4,000 PQM shy of United 1k status for next year… which makes this Seattle trip the trip that seals in my status for next year.
Many months ago, I was able to book a really cheap fare, roughly $144, for a round trip flight from the east coast to Seattle. Instead of just making it a solo quick turn around trip, I convinced my parents to come along so that we could spend a weekend in town given that none of us have visited before.
While I am looking forward to exploring a new city, I am definitely not looking forward to the freezing temperatures that await. I am also trying to make this trip as “productive” as possible, by wrapping up and maximizing as many promotions as I can before the year ends.
As far as hotels, we will be staying one night at a cheap Marriott airport property to earn me a free night in a category 1-5 hotel thanks to their current MegaBonus promotion. Our second night will be at a cheap IHG airport location so that we can maximize the “Big Win” promotion for loads of bonus points. We also were able to rent a car at the rate of $7 per day (about ~$43 for the entire weekend including taxes and fees).
Here’s where I need your help – those who have been to Seattle, or who perhaps are Seattle-based, please send over suggestions. What should we see this weekend? Where should we eat? Any cool “not-to-be-missed” attractions?
Looking forward to freezing my butt off!
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Def try to see the Fremont Troll (something fun to get a pic with) and walk around the shops in that area. There’s many good restaurants there as well.
Some different places to consider eating: Wild Ginger, Pike Place Chowder, Jade Garden (Dim sum), Savor Seattle Food Tour, The Lobster Shop.
Definitely need to check out the Museum of Flight.
If you are renting a car, I highly recommend making the drive out around Mt. Olympic National Park; it is gorgeous out there! Take Rt 101 all the way to the west coast.
While in the opposite direction, I also recommend seeing Snoqualmie Falls.
You need to head to Everett, just an hour or so north and get a tour of Boeing. Also the museum of flight is a must see, check out the first 737 and other cool stuff.
Pikes place is a bit pricey and a tourist trap, but the first Starbucks is pretty cool. Stay outta China town at night too
If you are staying at the airport hotel, you can take in the light rail for $2.75 per person. The Seattle Art Museum is having a Peru exhibit that looks to be good. (hint indoors) You can have lunch at Pikes Place Market and get some great photos of the flying fish, perfect food displays, and photos of the sound with the Olympics in the background. There is also the new museum of Chihuly Garden and Glass located next to the Space Needle. I hope this will help. Have a great time!
Mount Ranier is beautiful. Provided the weather is okay.
This weekend is supposed to be clear and cold. Space Needle, Chihuly Glass (near base of Space Needle), Pike Place market, ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island and back,the sculpture park, walk along alki point or golden gardens park, etc. Food wise, there are too many great places – but generally go for seafood and/or asian food as both are naturals…
Dahlia Lounge is a great restaurant. Great views from Maximilian in the Market, and also Matt’s, or for a more scruffy lunch, at Lowell’s or the Athenian.
How did you get a fare of 144?! Anyway, my uncle has been to the Seattle Underground, and he was amazed by it.