Seattle’s newest neighborhood, home to Amazon’s headquarters, is tech central and the perfect stomping ground for groups interested in grabbing a bite, doing some shopping, visiting a notable museum and even venturing out in a kayak.
1 A stop at Uptown Espresso, one of the locally owned alternatives to the famous Seattle-born and Seattle-based Starbucks, is a great way to start an exploration of the neighborhood. The coffee shop, where espresso is considered “nectar of the coffee gods,” is famous for its velvet foam, found atop lattes, cappuccinos and mochas.
2 Off to the Museum of History and Industry, where four permanent exhibits include the seasonal Still Afloat: A Contemporary History of Seattle’s Floating Homes, running through Nov. 3. The home to 4 million historic artifacts, such as a World War II-era periscope reflecting the history of Seattle’s Puget Sound culture, also offers various venues for private events, including the Grand Atrium and Lakeview Terrace.
3 Northwest Outdoor Center is the neighborhood’s jumping-off point for a waterborne pursuit. From here, groups can paddle around Lake Union and see the Seattle shoreline from a different perspective. Seasonal rentals and sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding classes are available.
4 Assuming a kayaking adventure may build up the group’s collective appetite, drop by Serious Pie Westlake for a bite. Owned by Seattle’s most famous and award-winning chef, Tom Douglas, the eatery serves breakfast and lunch, and specializes in comfort foods such as biscuits and fried chicken.
5 Attendees might like to browse the selection and grab a take-home bottle of red or white at Soul Wine Shop. The purveyor proudly supports small growers and wineries, and while Washington wines are showcased, the collection branches out to include wines from Italy, France and elsewhere.