Solo in Seattle (Day Trip)

Having spent numerous years abroad, a realization dawned upon me—I hadn’t explored many corners of the United States. Determined to rectify this, I initiated my domestic travels while residing in Las Vegas, driven not only by a desire to discover more states but also to achieve the milestone of 100 flights with Southwest for their coveted companion pass. Given my retired status, I could be flexible with travel days, and I discovered a pattern: Southwest flights were notably more affordable on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Opting for a day trip, I strategically sought early morning flights to make the most of my time in the chosen city. Seattle emerged as the destination of choice, and I booked my flight with an aim to arrive by 9:00 am. This time, I deviated from the usual routine of a later return flight and a request for late checkout.

With flights secured, the focus shifted to accommodations. While I generally lean towards Marriott, my priority this time was proximity to downtown attractions. Consequently, the Westin hotel (Marriott property) fit my criteria perfectly.

Touching down in Seattle at 9:00 am, I hailed an Uber from the airport to the hotel, benefiting from a break in the previous day’s persistent rain. At the hotel’s check-in desk, a gracious staff member facilitated an early check-in. Eager to delve into the city’s offerings, I dropped off my backpack, freshened up, and embarked on my urban exploration.

A visit to the front desk yielded valuable insights from a helpful staff member, who provided a map and highlighted key recommendations. Pike Place Market and the Space Needle were the main items on my agenda, but beyond that, my approach was to go with the flow.

Pike Place Market, conveniently located a short walk from the Westin, captivated me for an hour and a half. Witnessing the lively seafood spectacle before departure, I navigated to the monorail, conveniently situated nearby.

The monorail was pretty empty when I boarded so, I took advantage of the opportunity to grab a picture with the conductor. Discounted for military personnel at only $1 each way, the monorail whisked me to the Space Needle in a mere 17 minutes. . Surrounded by additional attractions, I basked in the splendid weather, treating myself to a snack under a tree with a panoramic view of the Space Needle. Post-snack, I meandered through other nearby attractions before retracing my steps via the monorail.

Further exploration of the downtown area, including the mall, unveiled an unexpected dining discovery. While the name of the restaurant eludes me, the server’s recommendation of a French dip sandwich and fries, complemented by a glass of white wine, made for a delightful culinary experience. Expressing gratitude to the server, I concluded my evening and headed back to the hotel.

Not ready to call it a night, I retrieved my laptop and settled in the lobby, positioned by the fireplace with a drink in hand. This proved to be the perfect ambiance, allowing me to unwind and reflect on the day’s activities in a cozy ambiance.

As my day trip to Seattle drew to a close, the time had come to bid adieu. See you around the playground.

Living Life & Loving It