Must see places/food in Seattle? Recommendations please? (Vashon, Starbuck: hotel, house)

[stephiepete]

Hey! My husband and I will be visiting Seattle in July. I could really use some recomendations for the following:

1. Any really good B&Bs close to downtown or Pike Place Market? Or other good places to stay. Looking for something with water view, easy access to everything, under $250 a night, great B-fast would be awesome!

2. What are the LOCAL food places close to central Seattle that we MUST eat at? We love good food and good coffee!!!

3. What are the touristy things we must do? Which ones are overrated?

4. What is the best means of getting around central Seattle? Bus? Trolley? Car?

Thanks so much!!!

[stephiepete]

Oh! And also, we'll be in central Seattle for 2.5 days? Is that enough time? Would shorter also cover it?

Thanks, Seattle-ites, you coffee fiends!

[BetweenYouMeAndTheLampost]

Don't know how you can see anything in 2 days. The Central District also known as the CD is not what I think you really mean, as it is a neighborhood. I think you mean downtown?

[Ira500]

For coffee, Seattle Coffee Works is a great little microroaster on Pike Street just east of the Pike Place Market. Down the road in Pioneer Square, Zeitgeist Espresso at 2nd and Jackson is consistently very good and a nice place to hang out.
Pensione Nichols is a B & B near the Pike Place Market that some people really love, but if you're up for a tiny adventure, I've heard great things about Artist Studio B & B on Vashon Island, a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle.

[stephiepete]

lamppost - Yes, downtown - OK, if you only had TWO days, what would you recommend?

Ira - thanks so much!

[JupiterFire]

Not sure about B&Bs in downtown Seattle. It seems your best bet would be a hotel--check out the Edgewater Hotel on Alaskan Way. It is close to all of the mainstream touristy stuff (if you're into that) like Pike Place Market, museums, the aquarium, Argosy sightseeing tours, Ivar's Seafood, etc.

The Icon Grill on 5th Ave is one of my favorite restaurants! Everything I have eaten there has been spectacular and you can't beat the beautiful blown glass environment...it's gorgeous.

My favorite coffeehouse, The Green Bean on Greenwood Ave, might be too far north for your short stay, but they serve Brown & Co. coffee that is by far the BEST I have ever had in this coffee laden area. The original Starbucks is at Pike Place Market, if you're sticking to the mainstream path.

As far as touristy things, I'd definitely steer clear of the Ride the Ducks Tour--obnoxious!

Some off my personal picks:

I've lived here all my life and I still love going to the Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle. The Center House almost always has (free) public events going on. The International Fountain is one of my favorite spots to hang out and people watch.

If you're into parks, don't miss Gasworks Park. The Essential Bakery Cafe on 34th is in walking distance from there. There is also an amazing kite shop on Wallingford Ave if you have time for your inner child

If you appreciate artsy little shopping areas full of unique boutiques and little restaurants, check out the Fremont shopping area. It's just minutes west of Gasworks Park. The Fremont Troll is there as well if you're into that.

If you enjoy asian food and imported goods, don't miss Chinatown/International District. Uwajimaya is one of the best asian markets I can think of. I love to get bubble tea and wander around through all of the shops in the area.

I would drive since you only have a couple days. Our transit system isn't the greatest--you might end up waiting around a lot and be forced to sit next to smelly lunatics for obscene lengths of time

Have fun and let me know if you have any specific questions.

[stephiepete]

JupiterFire - thanks for the tip on the car and other great recommendations!I can't wait to go. We're staying downtown 2 days, camping 2, and B&B doing nothing for 2.

[tankratt]

The Seattle underground tour is a good one. Pioneer Square for some drinks. And a Mariner Game.

[Topaz]

Eat at Wild Ginger...yum!

[stephiepete]

Thanks, Topaz and Tankratt, great suggestions!