Weekend getaway: where to stay and play in Seattle when traveling solo

What happens when a mom from the suburbs gets away for two days in downtown Seattle alone? Mom rests, reads two books, walks leisurely with no apparent destination and is just “herself.”

This is what I experienced, staying solo in the city and playing tourist in downtown Seattle ;)

Currently, I live outside downtown Seattle forty minutes away from the city. My neighborhood has an enormous amount of beautiful tall trees, three Starbucks within a 5-mile radius and lovely playgrounds. What’s not to love?

Soooo, if you are a mom or have a mom or know any moms, you have heard before how moms need breaks. Breaks from sibling fights, endless laundry, and the cooking, ha. I’m not a huge fan of the kitchen. But in all honestly, I feel bad having to take a break from this blessed life. I get to stay home with my kids, get to craft while they are at school, plan a grocery shopping trip, from a list I’ve written with the coolest fountain pen on a lovely notebook.

It just seems wrong to have to take a break from my life. Unfortunately, I don’t look at my life this way on a daily basis. What I focus on is the 6:00 am alarm clock wake up call, dragging my body out of bed, going downstairs, making three lunches. Then start breakfast, wake up grumpy kids (not always) and time everything so we make it to school on time after an 18 minute drive.

The thing is, it feels like every morning there is some crisis, fights among siblings, tantrums from my youngest and the part that I hate the most: bad sassy attitudes. UGH. I did not sign up for this in my 20’s when I vowed I would never have children.

Yikes, maybe I’m sharing too much and scaring you off from reading the rest of the post or from motherhood altogether. The bottom line, parenting is HARD. You think you figured something out and voila, for the millionth time, my nine-year-old tween gives me a sassy attitude that makes my skin crawl.

I find myself telling my friends that “I’ve heard of compliant children, I just haven’t met one in my family.” I could go on and write about my parenting woes, but come on, is just not fun, at least for me to re-hash my day. And right now, if one of my lovely children is reading this post, I promise never to use your name or embarrass you. I won’t! Pinky promise. You know I love you all so much. I’m beyond BLESSED to have three kids, YOU kids in my life and by God’s grace the hubs and I will survive parenting and see you grow to be kind, loving human beings.

OK, that was a HUGE intro to where to stay and play in Seattle when traveling solo blog post so here are the deets of my getaway in downtown Seattle.

Where I stayed in downtown Seattle : Hotel Max

Hotel Max is the epitome of what an urban hotel should be. Funky, small, friendly staff and stylish decor. I stayed in a “Mini Full” room with a partial view of the city, the room consisted of a super comfortable bed a dresser and tiny bathroom. But who care if it’s just you? And this hallway? How fun is this carpet with so many colors? Where is my Instagram husband to take more photos but with me in them? Also, notice each door for the rooms have a gorgeous black and white photo. Hotel Max has put a big deal of thought in all their decor.

First stop? Lot 63 

Lot 63 sits across The Max Hotel, and what a perfect way to start a walk with no destination in mind. The store has an array of mid-century furniture, old and new. The owner was quite friendly (read not-snobbish by the fact that he owns the coolest furniture.)

Beautiful botanical shop

Outside of “Young Flowers Shop.” I wish this store were open during my outing. At least I captured their lovely plant display ;) They design modern flowers displays and they deliver too.

 

Second stop? Nordstrom 

Nordstrom “Habitant” bar has a delicious drink with champagne and rose wine plus other concoctions that equal to “The Vine Street” cocktail. Try one, with their fig salad. Delicious.

I shopped around and found K-beauty pop-up shop on the second floor of Nordstrom. K-beauty stands for “Korean  beauty” and their products look out of a hello kitty store but with make-up for grownups.

Third stop: Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is magical. There are so many places to eat and gawk around. But what caught my eye? The ladies’ bathroom tile design! And the outdoor “concert” of two cats playing the accordion. You never know what you will find at Pike Place Market. My faves? “Le Panier” where you will find decadent pastries and good coffee. I could live of pastries and lattes. Another place I love?

The Pink Door. It has a patio with a great view of the Puget Sound. The Pink Door is being remodeled until the end of March. As their website says, “The Pink Doors is hibernating.” But in April, I’m heading there for a date with the hubs.

Lunch? Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum shop has modern decor I covet. I bought a Pantone green tray and a tomato soup. That is, at SAM’s cafe. The soup was pretty good and the cheapest lunch I’ve had in a while.
Before I left, I went to the bathroom, and on my way to the bathroom, I noticed a gorgeous white mirror, on a white wall. So that is what this picture is about.

Back to Hotel Max

Back at Hotel Max, it was the afternoon, and they had a “Craft Beer” tasting happy hour. After trying my beer, I decided to head to my room and relax by blogging away.
The photo above of “Group Hug?” is the inside of their small elevator. It fits four people max. I’m very much into the details of their decor and wish I had more photos to share with you.

What is for dinner? 

And ending with a sweet note, my dinner was delicious! I did have real food earlier in the day at Miller’s Guild and a date night with the hubs at “Cinque Terre” restaurant.

Here is a re-cap list of where to stay and play in Seattle when traveling solo:

• Hotel of choice: Hotel Max with no doubts!
• Food: Miller’s Guild, Cinque Terre, Le Panier, Seattle Art Museum Cafe, Habitant Nordstrom.
• Shop: Nordstrom – Topshop, K-Beauty pop-up shop, Shoe section,
  Pike Place Market second floor, full of bookstores. Lot 63 for home stuff and Seattle’s Art Museum shop.
• Happy Hours: Miller’s Guild, Habitant Nordstrom and in the spring, The Pink Door.

Finally, I wrote the first draft of my blog post after a long day, but at this very moment, my oldest is doing his chores, and the younger two are playing happily outside. My motto? Take it one day at a time, with a thankful heart. I know my “problems” are first world troubles and I don’t take for granted that I can stay home with the kids ;) Thank you for reading one of my longest blog posts!