Seattle {in 3 days}

It has definitely been the summer of travel for us here at Modernlyfe.  I love traveling to celebrate weddings, especially when they are hosted in fun cites.  The husband and I attended a rustic barn wedding outside of Seattle in July, we were able to play in the city for 3 days and really made the most of the fabulous weather they were having.  Are you heading to Seattle this year? Check out the must do's, see's and eat's below.  

Stay:

W Seattle- Great location, hip but also suitable for small families. We were able to walk to all sights and very close to Pike market. Enjoy a night cap at Trace lounge before heading to bed. To book a room visit here.

Transportation:

Seattle is very walkable (when it is not raining.)  We used Uber to and from the airport as well as into Ballard for dinner. 

Explore:

Chihuly gardens and glass- Located right next to the space needle.  Stroll around the museum and take in the vibrate colors of the twisted glass.  His work is famously displayed at the Belligo in Las Vegas as well as the Seattle airport.

In the gardens

Space Needle- A must for first time visitors but once you have taken in the view explore the city by foot. check out tickets here.

Nordstrom- Lets just say this is the location that started it all.

Pike Market- Check out the aisles of fresh fruit and colorful blooms.  If you time it right you might be able to catch a throwing of the fish demo.

Green Lake- Grab your sneakers and hail a cab.  Enjoy a walk or run around this lake with the locals, just 10 minutes away from downtown.

Don't miss:
Capitol hill and Fremont districts. Emerge yourself in the eclectic and historic areas of Seattle.  Grab dinner at one of the new hip restaurants- see eats-

Eats: 

Pink door- Classic old school Italian food, friendly service with a great patio.  Sit inside and enjoy the band of the night while admiring rustic antiques.  Explore the menu here.

Moorse coffee- Need an afternoon pick me up? stop into Moorse, best all around coffee with unique décor.  Don't be surprised if you get a cute design on top of your latte, that is what they are known for.

cutest latte ever

 Staple and Fancy- Ready to leave the tourist area and visit a “local” spot? Take part in the Chefs tasting menu, which consists of 8-10 small plates of off menu items.  Be prepared to relax, eat and leave overly satisfied. TIP* Go early and visit the attached bar next store.  Reserve a table here.

Café champagne-Don't be afraid to sleep in. Cafe Champagne is great for a late breakfast or lunch, enjoy fresh pastries and quiche that would make the French drool.

Biscuit bitch- Great for breakfast or lunch, we were there for breakfast.  Order at the counter and grab a seat, fast friendly service with gluten free options! So tasty I’m still craving it.

best looking gluten free biscuit 

Marjorie- Enjoy dinner on the cute patio, a local favorite with friendly service. *TIP try the non alcoholic  drinks.

Pike place chowder-Noted for the best clam chowder in town.  They offer many tasty chowder options.  Grab a table outside and rub shoulders with visitors and locals alike. It was 80 degrees when we were there and the patio was full that says something.  Don’t forget to get some sourdough bread on the side.

Crab sandwich 

Drinks:

Radiator whisky- Love trying unique bar/restaurants?  make sure to put this on your list.  They showcase unique bourbons and whisky's of course.  Go for the tasting and try 3 flavors, you will not be disappointed.  Located above Pike Market grab a window seat in enjoy the view.  Review the drink menu here.

enjoying a bourbon on the rocks

Purple wine bar- Very close to the W hotel.  Get the night started at the circular bar right in the middle with a flight of wines from around the world.

The tasting room- Great spot to taste local wines, they have games you can play while sipping.

Clearly we had a wonderful time and did not waste a minute, we finished the weekend just outside of Seattle in Cle Elm for Emily and Davids pinterest worthy wedding.

Hope you enjoy your stay.
XoXo
ML 

Park City: Stein Eriksen Lodge

Every January, hundreds of Hollywood types (along with those aspiring to be such types) and movie buffs flock to Park City, Utah for the film festival.  I was lucky enough to be among them this year to experience all the action.  Its the most exciting time for the mountain town.

While I spent most of my 5 days exploring what PC and Sundance Festival had to offer, I think I could have spent every minute lounging and indulging in the luxurious fabulousness of Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley. In my opinion, this is THE best place to stay.  Albeit my view is slightly skewed and limited as it is the ONLY place I've ever stayed in PC…but nonetheless, I'm pretty sure I'm right (ha!).

The full Stein experience surely deserves a novel, but here, I'll just jump to what's Good, Great and what I'll definitely Do Again.

Good - Food & Wine selection.  The main restaurant, Glitretind, has an amazing selection for every meal:  Brunch and lunch buffets are nothing less than overwhelming with the best of pretty much EVERYTHING my little foodie heart desires…salad, seafood, waffles, wagyu beef, and of course, a dessert bar with the most amazing cakes I've ever seen!

And the Wine - the list would please any sommelier.  

Great - Accommodations.  We were upgraded to the Viking suite.  I mean, no words to explain this 3 bedroom abode, complete with fireplace and direct access to the slopes via the balcony.  I'm not going to lie…I did feel a little like part of Vincent Chase's Entourage. (Love that show!)

Will Do Again - the SPA.  The spa facilities are insane.  I might have gotten lost in the maze a few times but was quickly found by the capable hands of my massage therapist just in time for the best 50 minutes of day.  And of course, any good massage should be immediately followed by the steam room.  And if a cold plunge pool suits your fancy...yes, they have that too! 

And I love when a hotel offers fitness classes…for FREE!  I took advantage of the Yoga, pilates and Zumba classes so I could partake in the previously mentioned buffets. Guilt-free.  

Of course the lodge has other amazing things to offer - Ski-in / Ski-out access, Wine Cellar, Shuttle service to Park City, and Molton Brown of London bath products...…just check it out for yourself, here!

Till next time Park City!