Category: Guides

8 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Seattle

With access to everything, everywhere mere steps from our doors at The Emerald – in true Seattle fashion, we never let a few raindrops get in our way of a good time. Grab your rain jacket and boots and embrace Seattle’s rainy days. Whether you want to get on the water, learn something new, or just want to snap a great selfie, there’s something on this list made for you. Our location at The Emerald opens up to a vibrant mix of local cafés, fresh markets, exceptional shopping, A-list restaurants, and world-class museums and galleries. And Elliott Bay just outside our front door – highlighted by the new waterfront redevelopment and its reimagined plazas, parks and paths connecting the city and the Sound like never before. Rain or shine, Seattle is yours for the taking!

 

 

Make your way to the MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture). MoPOP is home to the world’s most immersive pop culture experiences, showcasing iconic moments in TV, rock n roll music, science fiction, and much more. There’s enough at MoPOP to keep you busy all day long, so allocate at least a few hours. Visit here for current exhibitions and events.

 

Be blown away by Glass Art at Seattle Glassblowing. Bring a hot shop experience into your own home and watch live while a professional glassblower creates a piece of art just for you. The piece will be shipped direct to you and is yours to keep. Want to get out and spy some amazing art in person? Chihuly Garden and Glass always stuns. Whether it’s your first or tenth time seeing it, it’s particularly mesmerizing being inside the glass structure when it’s raining outside. Tip: Watch for the opening of The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass which will offer craft cocktails and delicious bites in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

 

Explore Seattle Central Library, a favorite thing to do on any rainy day in Seattle. This unique building is a great place to get lost in a good story or find a new book to read at home. Thanks to the glass and steel structure, this is also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seattle. With huge glass walls, bright yellow escalators, vivid red hallways, and art all over the place, the Central Library is large enough to hang out at for a while. If you go to the top floor, you can also admire a really nice view of the water.

 

Go ahead. Strike a pose and snap a Selfie at the Original Selfie Museum. This photography studio art space allows you to take pictures and videos with your phone or camera using professional settings, props and light. Charge your phone and enjoy your selfie in the most Instagram-able place in the nation.

 

Catch a show at the Paramount Theatre. Opened in 1928 as the Seattle Theatre, the opulent Paramount Theatre is widely known as the premier performing arts venue in town. With lavish decoration reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles, and a lively roster of vaudeville shows and silent movies, the theatre was the place to be in the Roaring Twenties, and nowadays it’s just as popular.

 

Take a walk along the waterfront and Ferry to Bainbridge Island. Venturing out along the water is easy from our iconic downtown address. The Pacific Northwest beauty of a Bainbridge Island ferry ride from the middle of downtown Seattle is stunning, but the destination this ferry ride grants you is even better. This easy escape from the city offers up opportunity to unplug with scenic vistas, beautiful trails, ultra-local wine tasting, and outdoor adventures. From fine food to the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring your bike onboard, it’s a great spot for some scenic cycling.

 

Pop open the umbrella and enjoy some puddles. Savor your favorite cup of coffee and people watch at our neighboring Pike Place. Did you know? The story of Starbucks begins in 1971 along the cobblestone streets of Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. Grab a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks (or for the full roasting and tasting experience visit the original’s big brother in Capitol Hill), stroll to the top floor of the Corner Market Building for a Storyville sunrise paired with a frosted cinnamon roll, or grab an espresso from a intimate and definitely haunted nook at Ghost Alley.

 

Dive into an undersea experience without ever getting wet at the Seattle Aquarium. A short walk from our doors at The Emerald, the aquarium invites you to wander through the enchanting moon jellyfish ring, toward the giant Pacific octopus. Next, enter the dreamlike underwater dome for a 360-degree view of the Puget Sound aquatic ecosystem. Finish your playful trip with a visit to the ever-adorable otter and seal exhibits.

 

We’ve only listed a few of the many things to do on a rainy Seattle day, get creative and don’t let the rain hold you back from enjoying all our amazing city offers. Discover our defining address. The Emerald is 70% sold and 1-bedroom prices start from $499,000 with move-in ready residences now available. From impressive places to entertain, to calm escapes for wellness and solitude – endless memories and moments await at The Emerald.

DITL: A Walk Down Post Alley

The Emerald’s premiere location at Second and Stewart places you in the center of downtown Seattle – just one block from the iconic Pike Place Market, steps from the waterfront and surrounded by the city’s best culinary and cultural destinations. Considered by many “the soul of Seattle,” the Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, visit, eat and discover. Whether you visit Pike Place daily or have never been, you are sure to discover something new. Within the Market, you’ll find Post Alley which was created with cobblestones from the 1906 San Francisco earthquake brought here on lumber ships that were using the stones and rubble for ballast. The street was originally named Post Street or Post Avenue for the first U.S. post office in Seattle, opened in 1880 on the corner of Yesler Way, which may also have been the city’s first United States Government building. It also served home to the first offices of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Newspaper. View Post Alley: Seattle’s most charming street in photos.

 

 

Join us as we play tourist in our own back yard. Take a stroll down Post Alley to discover some insider tips and well-known Seattle secrets…

 

Along the quaint Post Alley at Seattle’s Pike Place Market awaits one of the city’s most beloved restaurant destinations since 1981: The Pink Door. Offering an unpretentious escape from the everyday with a classic, produce-driven menu, a convivial atmosphere fueled by her warm, friendly staff, and entertainment such as trapeze, cabaret, music, and tarot. Whether nestled inside the dining room, relaxing in the lounge or outside on the view deck overlooking Elliot Bay, the mysterious alchemy of The Pink Door’s food, ambience and service create a habit-forming experience.

 

Some other great sit-down restaurant spots alongside the Alley include: Sushi Kashiba with Chef Kashiba – a three-time James Beard Outstanding Chef Nominee at the helm, Matt’s in the Market which is a local favorite for the Cornmeal Crusted Catfish Sandwich and amazing views, and Radiator Whiskey – the name says it all, but don’t forget to order the Tots and lots of toppings.

 

Get ready for late-night comedy that’s fun for all ages! Unexpected Productions Improv is Seattle’s oldest, and most successful Improvisational Theater Company. The troupe has called Pike Place Market home since 1991. Their shows are improvised, based on audience suggestions. Unexpected Productions produces year-round shows, teaches improv classes, and hosts the Seattle International Festival of Improvisation.

 

Sisters European Cafe specializes in European-inspired grilled sandwiches, soups, and salads. Their outdoor seating in Pike Place Market’s Post Alley makes for a truly European vibe. This spot has great soup and salad options for vegetarians. Stop by for breakfast or lunch!

 

Make a pitstop at Rachel’s Ginger Beer. Partnering with local farmers, this drinkable cheer is made in Seattle using fresh lemons, strong ginger roots, organic cane sugar, and top-quality water. Their simple ingredients are key; brought together and brewed to taste.

 

Step right up and grab your favorite bowl. These world-famous chowders have been being served in our neighborhood for 20-years! Simmered fresh daily and handcrafted in small batches, Pike Place Chowder named America’s Favorite, is a must try. Famous for the briny, robust flavors of the PNW, with a remarkable variety of soul-satisfying, award-winning chowders, each bursting with the sparkling taste and aroma of premium seafood.

 

Jasmine Thai Restaurant is your number one source of Thai food at the Market. They’re dedicated to providing the very best of service, with an emphasis on authenticity alongside mouth-watering and freshly prepared ingredients. Try the Masaman Curry freshly made by Pranee the cook for 13+ years!

 

Craving Persian? Stop by Farvahar Persian Café for a taste of their flavorful dishes including kabobs, stewed meat and rice platters, sandwiches, soups, and salads.

 

Each morning, Pizza & Pasta Bar prepares their homemade sauces, pizza dough, and meats from scratch. Their food is carefully paired with Washington State wines and they keep two local brews rotating on tap. If you dine with them, you’ll notice that their tables are ornamented by fresh-cut flowers bought directly from farmers in the Market. They obsess over the little details, and that’s what drives their success.

 

Choose Los Agaves to experience authentic Mexican street food combined with Pacific Northwest ingredients offered by Jaime Mendez and his family who share some Mexico City flavors with us. Try the Chilaquiles for breakfast or the Tamal Oaxaqueno for lunch.

 

Enjoy the taste of Bolivia and enjoy what has been voted the best patio in Seattle at the Copacabana. Plan a Paella party and sip on some sangria! For over 50-years the restaurant has remained family-owned and operated, where they continue the original informal and friendly atmosphere.

 

Head down Post Alley toward the Market Theatre sign and get ready to enjoy an incredible atmosphere matched with equally amazing food and drinks. For nearly 40 years, IL Bistro has offered regional Italian cuisine in an intimate fine-dining setting. People flock here for their sophisticated sense of romance, consistently naming the dining room the “most romantic” in Seattle.

 

The Market Diner is home to the best burgers in the Market and a specialty Seattle cheesesteak made with gorgonzola cheese in a red wine demi-glace. Offering Caesar and spinach salads, alongside a variety of soups, there’s something for everyone!

 

The Alibi Room is an iconic hip hideaway of the Market. It has long been a favorite bar for Northwest authors, writers, and artists alike. Its speakeasy-style allure with exposed brick and wood beams gives it a cozy, comfortable vibe, and fantastic food and libations make this a staple for Post Alley visitors. The Alibi Room is known for its brick-oven pizzas, salads, and cocktails. Stop by for a delectable meal and refreshing beverage sure to satisfy the hungry tourist or resident alike!

 

Get your caffeine fix at Ghost Alley Espresso, a pint-sized coffee shop offering artisanal espresso drinks from small, Northwest roasters like Middle Fork Roasters handcrafted on a Slayer Espresso machine with in-house made syrups offered. Psst… The caramel is made with Applewood roasted sea salt and brown sugar!  And, this spot sells gum which is convenient for all your selfies at The Gum Wall.

 

If you’re looking to pick up a few Washington made items, wizard themed gifts, or grocery staples, Post Alley is waiting…

 

At Made in Washington, you’ll find gifts for yourself and gifts for the people you care about most. Whether you’re set on a charcuterie box, the most Seattle of coffees and teas, or supporting an up-and-coming artist, you’ll find something perfectly and uniquely Washington here.

 

Harry Potter enthusiast? Alabaster Owl is your destination for wizard home décor and castle-worthy antiques. Just step off the cobblestones of Pike Place Market into this tiny corridor which feels as secretive as Diagon Alley.

 

Calling all aficionados of Latin foods and Latin cooking, get ready for a wall of hot sauces and South American spices! El Mercado Latino is a family-owned and operated Latin grocery store. Every time you walk into this shop, you’ll discover something new, from their wall of hot sauces to unique spices from South America.

 

Choice Produce sits on the corner of Post Alley and Pike Place, a family-owned business providing the city with a splash of color and an affordable alternative to the large impersonal supermarkets. The peppers strings that line their stand are a unique reworking of an ancient practice. Bring one into your kitchen at The Emerald as an art piece, it will provide you with years of beauty. The peppers tell a familiar story as they slowly dry and preserve themselves.

 

And finally, a trip down Post Alley could never be complete without a visit to a hidden work of art dubbed The Gum Wall. This unexpected and colorful display is an intriguing representation of Seattle’s unique charm and character. The Gum Wall started in the 1990s when local patrons and performers at Unexpected Productions stuck their used gum on the wall. Since those days, the wall has grown piece by piece to cover an enormous expanse of brick and continues to expand down Post Alley. By the 2000s, the gum wall reached 50 feet wide and 15 feet in height. Portions of the Gum Wall now reach more than 20 feet in height. The famous Gum Wall is considered to be one of the largest and strangest public art projects in the world. Even as the city planned a clean-up, Seattleites formed a flash-mob to re-install the gum wall. We’re pretty sure that means it’s here to stay!

 

Stop to strike your own pose! Share your snap in front of the wall and tag us on Instagram @theemeraldseattle. The resulting colors and overall imagery are enough to catch the eye of any passersby. To visit, head down a ramp to the left of Pike Place Market’s iconic “Public Market Center” clock sign. At the bottom of the ramp, veer left into Post Alley and The Gum Wall will appear on both sides.

 

More than the city’s beloved public market, Pike Place Market is a vibrant neighborhood comprised of hundreds of farmers, craftspeople, small businesses and residents. Make it a Market day and share your stroll down Post Alley, just one block walk from The Emerald.

Making Milestones Along Seattle’s New Waterfront

Construction of Seattle’s new waterfront continues just beyond our doorstep at The Emerald. We’re excited to celebrate major milestones and look forward to continued future progress. The completion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct program will create nine acres of revitalized open public space adjacent to the downtown Seattle waterfront. With the Alaskan Way Viaduct removal complete, the city of Seattle will continue to construct a park promenade along the water, build a new surface street along Alaskan Way, rebuild Piers, build an elevated connection from Pike Place Market to the waterfront, and improve east-west connections between downtown and Elliott Bay. The first piece of the park — Pier 62 — is now open while the rest of the park is being built. Waterfront Park completion is set for 2025. Pier 62 is the first piece of the future Waterfront Park to open. Just north of the Seattle Aquarium, Pier 62 is a flexible, open space that will adapt to accommodate a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational activities and events.

 

 

Berni Bo, a retired musician who lived in Seattle years ago and now resides near Sequim, was visiting the waterfront on a Saturday in September. She came to ride the Great Wheel and attend a show after dinner at Ivar’s. “The viaduct being gone was like holy wow,” Bo said. “It’s absolutely amazing. Now the viaduct’s gone and (the waterfront) is just an extension of Seattle.”

 

Waterfront Park is a 20-acre linear public park along Seattle’s downtown central shoreline designed to create places for people to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of the Puget Sound region and the company of one another. Waterfront Park consists of a garden-filled pedestrian promenade, boardwalk, and bike path that tie together open public spaces such as action-packed piers, viewpoints, a habitat beach, and stunning elevated pedestrian connection into downtown.

 

“If we do it right — and we’re on the path to do it right — I’m not convinced it won’t be the icon of the city of Seattle,” former Gov. Chris Gregoire, the head of Challenge Seattle, said at a recent Business Journal event.

 

Downtown’s waterfront transformation entered a new chapter recently with this massive upgrade to our state’s busiest ferry terminal. The new Washington State Ferries flagship ferry terminal recently opened on the Seattle waterfront. Passengers on the two busiest routes to Bremerton and Bainbridge Island will now have 20,000 square feet of space to spread out as they await the ferry to at the Seattle Multimodal Terminal at Colman Dock. Washington State Ferries is replacing the aging Colman Dock in Seattle to maintain its critical role as a regional multimodal transportation hub. The renovation of Colman Dock rebuilds a key piece of transportation infrastructure connecting downtown to communities around the Puget Sound. The new passenger building is a vast improvement over the old one. It fully faces the water, with 4,230 square feet of windows looking onto Elliott Bay and the city. Clerestory windows above bathe the space in natural light. This is a key construction milestone on the way to completing the full Colman Dock Project in Spring 2023. Stay updated with rider alerts for information on additional exit closures. More information can be found on the Washington State Department of Transportation’s website.

 

The Union Street Pedestrian Bridge has opened, improving access between the Waterfront and downtown Seattle. The project features a 95-foot-long walkway, a stairway, and an elevator with panels that provide visibility and light. Take a peek at what the Union Street Pedestrian Bridge looks like at night. The bridge features two permanent public artworks by Seattle artist Norie Sato, connecting Western Ave to Alaskan Way. Plus, it’ll improve accessibility between downtown and the waterfront with the new public elevator. The Seattle Times covers the opening of the bridge in Seattle’s downtown waterfront that guides pedestrians under a steel archway sculpture resembling a fern.

 

Overlook Walk is at the center of improvements from Pier 62 up to Pike Place Market and east along to Seattle’s urban core, including Pike and Pine streets. When complete, Overlook Walk will have a sloping pedestrian path leading from Pike Place Market to Seattle’s waterfront, mere minutes from The Emerald’s front door in the center of downtown Seattle. It fulfills the desire for an easily accessible way to the waterfront.  Overlook Walk is going up next to other key projects: the Seattle Aquarium’s long-planned, Ocean Pavilion, and the relocation of Alaskan Way plus the new two-way street, Elliott Way.

 

Seattle Aquarium envisions that Seattle will be reconnected to the ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean through its new Ocean Pavilion – an investment that will help connect downtown, Pike Place Market and the waterfront as a gathering place for all. This major new exhibit will be an extension of the existing Seattle Aquarium on Piers 59 and 60. It will provide several critical public features such as a new public elevator and a publicly-accessible rooftop park that will connect to the Overlook Walk.

 

Ocean Pavilion is a small but complex building — just 48,000 square feet but with 4 million pounds of rebar, or more than what goes into a typical downtown high-rise, according to Stuart Kibbee of Turner Construction Co., the project general contractor. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2024, Ocean Pavilion is the biggest thing to happen at the aquarium since its founding 45 years ago. The conservation and education facility will anchor what the society says will be the “world’s first climate-positive aquarium campus” with fossil-fuel-free operations.

 

The 20-acre linear Waterfront Park will run from Pioneer Square to Belltown. Waterfront Park will feature diverse species of trees, shrubs, and grasses from five upland habitat plant communities, and increase the waterfront tree canopy sixfold, from 183 trees to 844 trees. It will also feature a two-mile bike path, a boardwalk, a promenade, playgrounds, artwork, and many improved east-west connections.

 

“It will be our new front porch,” said Joy Shigaki, a fourth-generation Seattleite and the new president and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Seattle, the city’s nonprofit philanthropic partner on the waterfront redevelopment.

 

Welcome to Waterfront Seattle. Want more details about Seattle’s new waterfront destination at The Emerald’s doorstep? Check out Puget Sound Business Journal’s deep dive into the exciting revitalization efforts along the waterfront and why the final transformation could be iconic for the city. For details on Waterfront Park’s project delivery and construction information, visit waterfrontseattle.org.

 

Claim your very own Seattle waterfront views. Explore The Emerald’s Panoramic Collection. Move-in ready, luxury condominiums with rare views of Mount Rainier, Pike Place, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains are now selling! Contact the sales team to schedule your personal tour and secure one of these homes while the opportunity remains.

Festive Cocktails Above All with Brooke and Kyle at Smith Tower

Smith Tower is a true icon on the Seattle skyline, and in 1914 it became the first skyscraper in the city, and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. For more than one hundred years, it has remained a cultural icon of the city, offering breathtaking, panoramic views and spectacular architectural beauty. Beautiful from the outside, things get even more impressive if you head up to the top of the building. Travel the original Otis elevator to the 35th floor, and arrive at the Observatory and Bar, where you are surrounded with stunning 360-degree views of Seattle and Puget Sound.

 

Brooke and Kyle, of The Emerald sales team, recently shared a trip to nearby Smith Tower to share some festive cocktails and show us around as part of our DITL series.

 

 

“The cocktails offered at Smith tower include the classic favorites, but the bartenders are craft mixologists. I got to try one of Adam’s (the bartender seen in the video) creations; “Elise’s Old Fashioned.” This is a refreshing take on the original, made with new oak cask finished gin rather than bourbon, and some lime bitters. Delicious, dangerously-easy to drink”, said Kyle.

 

Brooke also decided to lean towards something refreshing with her choice of a “Martina-Rita” featuring Milagro Silver and lime with a hint of Siete Doba-Yej mezcal to give it that holiday-smokey finish. If you’re really yearning to taste some coal, Smith Tower offers an impressive collection of limited offerings aged in a charred oak barrel.

 

“The architecture is unique, as are the interior designs bringing in a wave of memories from another century. Gold-barred original Otis elevators are the only way up to the 35th floor 360-degree observation bar. Dubbed “The Chinese Room” as the bar was rumored to be furnished by the last Empress of China as a gift to the owner L.C. Smith, Brooke and I couldn’t stop gazing at the carved teak ceiling.”

 

 

Try buzzworthy cocktails like the aptly named Catch the Buzz (Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon, Montenegro, Amaretto, and honey syrup), or the Oaxacan Old-Fashioned (Xicaru Mezcal, Resposado Tequila, and local honey, finished off with chocolate and grapefruit bitters).

 

Smith Tower says, “You can’t rush art, as they say. That’s why we barrel-age liquors in house to add new layers of flavor and depth to our cocktails. Because if there’s anyone who knows about getting better with age, it’s us.”

 

 

Have you heard the latest buzz? The historic Smith Tower is home to a thriving colony of bees, known as an apiary, on its rooftop. Honey harvested from the 22nd floor beehives goes straight into the cocktails served in the Observatory Bar. The Observatory Bar (with some of Seattle’s best panoramic views) has an enticing fall menu that showcases the sweet liquid gold honey in its dishes and cocktails.

 

Shane James, Director of Food & Beverage for Columbia Hospitality, explains that the Smith Tower apiary began as a collaboration between the building’s property management company and the Observatory & Bar team. The project is a delicious teaching tool for guests. James said, “Honey-inspired additions to the fall menu will help bring awareness to the essential role bees play in our ecosystem.” There’s a viewing area in the lookout lounge so building tenants and special event guests can get up-close peeks of these essential pollinators as they come and go.

 

“The Smith Tower is a must visit. The history and the architecture are absolutely incredible. The bar upstairs gives you an amazing 360 view of Seattle and a wonderful view of Mr. Rainier. Service is excellent.” – Sandy A., Yelp

 

The views are best enjoyed at the outside and breezy Observatory deck, while drinks and bites are served at the speakeasy-style and prohibition-inspired interior bar. The rooftop menu includes in-house barrel-aged liquors for added smoothness and character (try the Old Fashioned Flight that includes a 1 oz pour of each of the old fashioneds), classics and Smith Tower signature cocktails like the Dullahan (Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey, Borghetti coffee liqueur, chocolate bitters) and Seattle Freeze (Rainier Gin, blueberry liqueur, cranberry simple and lemon), craft brews and a locally inspired selection of shareable plates.

 

“Amazing cocktails, beautiful view, and fantastic staff. Highly recommend the Rum Combra and Last Word cocktails if you fancy rum and gin-based cocktails!” – Erin H., Yelp

 

“Smith Tower isn’t just a bar, it’s a whole experience. From the moment you arrive you’re taken back several decades. As far as the ambiance, it feels like a rooftop speakeasy from the Gatsby era. I got an espresso martini but next time I’m definitely going to try their Old Fashioned sampler. Cheers!” – Emily H., Yelp

 

Keep it classy all year long with a Rum Runner Membership Card and enjoy swanky perks all year long. Purchasing this membership includes unlimited access to the Observatory, Legends of Smith Tower Exhibits, and Bar year-round (plus one complimentary guest per visit, per card), 20% off all gifts, souvenirs, food and beverages, and a celebratory cocktail of your choice during your birthday month.

 

The Emerald enjoys a location in downtown Seattle, steps from iconic Pike Place Market and reimagined waterfront. Visit Brooke and Kyle this season to learn more about Seattle’s defining address at Second and Stewart and to tour the model residences. Now 70% sold with studio prices starting from $399,000 plus year-end specials, don’t miss this opportunity to call The Emerald home.

Dining Above All: ‘Friendsgiving’

Join Brooke and Kyle as they visit 3 favorite neighbors at Pike Place Public Market in preparation for a dinner with friends above all on The Emerald’s Outdoor Terrace with sweeping views of the Seattle waterfront and Mt. Rainier. Enjoy secret tips and insights as they source ingredients for the perfect dining experience from Pike and Western Wine Shop, DeLaurenti Food & Wine and Kitchen & Market. Fresh cut pasta? Soul Wine Society? The perfect ‘Friendsgiving’ spread? Pike and Western weighs-in on the 4 best Thanksgiving wines, Kitchen & Market shares the skinny on all the sides plus is offering a complete meal-kit made for 6-8 of your favorite people. Don’t miss the recipe for the perfect holiday cheese spread from DeLaurenti! We’re taking you through the video and sharing the recipe for a perfect meal with friends to celebrate the season.

 

 

The first stop is Pike & Western Wine Shop, where owner, Michael Teer takes us on a short tour. Arranged by regions, the popular retailer offers American wines, showcasing local Washington and Oregon wines as well as a few California offerings. They also have a nice European selection highlighted by a variety of French and Italian wines.

 

Brooke really loves the wonderful descriptions of each wine as she finds these helpful in making her selections. Pike & Western Wine Shop even has a discount club called the Soul Wine Society, where you can pay a subscription membership of $35 a year, $100 for lifetime, and receive a 15% discount off a regular retail price; their Soul Wine Society membership is a great opportunity for all the oenophiles out there. Read all about the membership opportunity here.

 

Pike and Western Wine Shop set out to find you the best wines for the season, keeping in mind what’s readily available, price points, overall quality and, of course, what goes well with the food!  After weeks of exploration, your local wine merchant has chosen their 4 favorite wines for your holiday meal…

 

NV Andreola Bollé Vino Spumante Rosato Extra Dry – Veneto, Italy

Soft and delicate with aromatics reminiscent of red wild berries, followed by a slight hint of floral notes, and a pleasant dry finish.  Seriously, there is no better wine to serve over Thanksgiving dinner than a dry or semi-dry vino spumante (aka sparkling wine) that is low in alcohol and packed with fruit aromatics! For starters, nothing says “special occasion” quite like bubbles do – especially if they come in a pink hue. Secondly, its bright and refreshing acidity along with a slight touch of effervescence makes it the perfect match for a multitude of flavors and textures since they offset the meal’s rich and heavy flavors. It’s also generally less expensive and more accessible than its French counterpart Champagne without sacrificing quality

 

2018 The Eyrie Vineyard Roland Green Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, OR

The key here is to find a wine that compliments your meal as a whole without overshadowing the different range of dishes and flavors, and what better than Pacific Northwest Pinot Noir to get the job done? They show classic fall flavors of wild berries, tart cherries, and baking spices – which are all staple components in most Thanksgiving dinners and you can find exemplary offerings at pretty much every price point.

 

2020 Ver Sacrum Monastrell-Valle de Uco, Argentina

Ver Sacrum is an all-organic winery with very low intervention produced in Argentina. This is a bright and juicy red, on the lighter side but brims with ripe fruit that pairs well with just about any of your holiday fare. Reminiscent of a Beaujolais, it has a little more blue fruit and is really versatile.

 

2019 Dirler-Cade Muscat, Alsace, France

Muscat is a perennial holiday favorite, its bright peach and pear aromas make this wine a pleasure to smell, it becomes almost sweet but never quite gets there, with wildflower and Acacia, bone dry with great acidity helps it play well with just about everything on your table. Muscat’s bright fruit and great acidity makes this perfect for Turkey, Ham, roasted vegetables or the old-fashioned Jello mold.

 

Wine in hand, the team is off to Pike Place Public Market to grab some fresh produce for their bruschetta, as well as some shrimp for their pasta. For your ‘Friendsgiving’ spread, shop the Market for the ingredients to create a locally sourced, Pacific Northwest-inspired stuffing that is sure to satisfy your guests this holiday season. Visit here for the perfect Pike Place Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe.

 

Next stop is Kitchen & Market for some sides. Here you’ll always find great sides for every season and pre-packaged deliciousness. Kitchen & Market does an excellent job by having an interesting variety of dining meal kits not found in a typical grocery store.  When you can’t find what you need at the Market, Kitchen & Market fills the gap and delivers all you need to make or round-out your meals. It’s such a convenient amenity to enjoy near The Emerald and definitely a favorite among our residents. Leading up to Thanksgiving, both small and family-size sides will be available in-store, perfect for Friendsgiving and other early celebrations. Pick up your Autumn Squash Risotto, a lovely vegetarian entrée for two or a perfect side dish for four, plus leftover squash soup for lunch! The Pomegranate Smash Cocktail Kit makes 6-8 cocktails and includes hints of maple and all-spice. Mix it will Vodka, Prosecco or make it a mocktail. Looking for a one-stop-shop for the full feast? You’ve arrived at the right place. The Thanksgiving Feast Kit is made for 6-8 and includes  an oven-ready all-natural brined turkey stuffed with herbs and citrus, accompanied by all the classic side dishes: creamy mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, haricots verts with compound butter and toasted almonds, plenty of honey crisp apple and sage dressing, fresh cranberry sauce with spices and orange zest, and dinner rolls from Seattle’s Macrina Bakery. There’s even a Brown Sugar Pumpkin Pie Kit! Place your order by November 17th for delivery or in-store store pick up on the 22nd and 23rd.

 

Last stop is a little slice of Italy called DeLaurenti. DeLaurenti Food & Wine is your one-stop shop for truly authentic Italian items. For this dinner, Kyle is in search of parmesan cheese, charcuterie and fresh cut pasta, in this case linguini for the shrimp dish.  He makes sure to visit this popular spot at least once per week which is an easy walk when you reside at The Emerald. If you are preparing a beautiful spread for the holidays, DeLaurenti recommends these 12 cheeses complete with pairings. For a beautiful start to your Friendsgiving, try some Carboncino paired with crackers and a light Pal-Ale or a bottle of NV Andreola Bollé Vino Spumante Rosato Extra Dry from Pike and Western Wine Shop. For a main dish with all the seasonal flavors, be sure to pick up some Butternut Squash Ravioli to top with Brown Butter Sage Sauce. Find the recipe here.

 

Back at the Emerald, Brook and Kyle begin to prepare their meal featuring shrimp pasta as well as bruschetta and a nice charcuterie.  Now it’s time to relax, have a few glasses of wine and a delicious meal, all set to the stunning backdrop of water, Mt. Rainier and the Seattle skyline.

 

Watch for more local flavor as we highlight some of our favorite local attractions in our blog series, “A Day In The Life”. Experience guided video adventures by joining us on Instagram at @theemeraldseattle and following along as Brooke walks us through some of our ownership perks, get updates on Seattle’s new waterfront  and peruse picnic tips.

 

We invite you to explore The Emerald’s location, steps from the iconic Pike Place Market featuring 9-acres of amenities and 220+ independently owned shops and restaurants. It’s always an exciting day in the life when you live at The Emerald.  We’re now 70% sold! Take advantage of The Emerald’s incredible location by finding your move-in-ready home today and start exploring our remaining one-bedroom homes priced from $499k!

Go Pro, Catch a Game This Season

Seattle is a haven for sports and leisure. Whether football, baseball, basketball, soccer, or hockey is your game, Seattle has got you covered. Go pro and catch a game this season, all under 1.5 miles from The Emerald.

 

 

Approximately a mile from The Emerald, the most sustainable arena in the world, the Climate Pledge Arena is home to our local hockey team Seattle Kraken as well as Seattle Storm, the four-time WNBA champs. Getting to the Climate Pledge Arena is easy! For most major events they’ll have a bike valet for convenient and safe bike storage, there are also 3 parking garages located on Seattle Center Campus, and you can hop on the Metro and be there in ~20 minutes. The official Kraken + Climate Pledge Arena app is a great feature to store event tickets, pre-purchase parking, and access your free transit pass for Kraken and Storm game days. It’s the best way to stay connected with the most up-to-date information about the Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena.

 

Whether you prefer American football or the European version you’ll find it approximately a mile from The Emerald. Here, Lumen Field offers fans the opportunity to see the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Sounders FC or OL Reign. From traditional bites to savory menus—Lumen has designed menus and built beer lists worthy of Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC fans. Options are many and inspired by Northwest flavors.

 

Head to the Seahawks game early and check out the new Cityside Bars in the north end located underneath the Hawks Nest. Grab one of these specialty cocktails while you enjoy an amazing view of the field: Hendricks Cherry Basil Smash, Peachy Keen Whiskey Mule or a Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita. Continue the fun on gameday and take pictures alongside your favorite Seahawks players using the all-new Lumen Lens augmented reality kiosks located in Touchdown City, Section 103, and Section 331.

 

Sounders FC matches are a unique experience that encourage you to give full 90 minutes of your energy, attention and participation. Each section provides a different experience, so if this is your first match, you are encouraged to reach out to a Sounders FC representative prior to purchasing tickets to align with the experience you are seeking.

 

About 1.5 miles from The Emerald, T-Mobile Park is home to the Seattle Mariners. Explore the Top Eats at the Park including ballpark favorites like hot dogs and pizza as well as limited selections at Ivar’s and The Natural. Pro Tip: The T-Mobile ‘Pen is the hottest spot in town, right next to the Mariners bullpen in center field. Gates open 2 hours before first pitch. Enjoy tasty food choices from local celebrity chef, Ethan Stowell, and happy hour specials all season long.

 

There’s no better spot to root on your Seattle home team. The Emerald Veranda amenity space on the 39th floor is well-suited to any sports soiree. With chef-grade barbecues, lounge seating, dining tables, an outdoor firepit plus fireplace, outdoor TVs and heaters, and incredible views day and night – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy on game day. Take advantage of The Emerald’s incredible location by finding your home today and start exploring what each season offers, mere minutes from your front door.

 

Photo by Frantzou Fleurine