Seattle: local pride, eco (and volcanic) hot spot

I have a mouthful of wonderful things to say about Seattle, one of them being that it is home to two exceptional people, Lizzy and Dave.  During the 4 days I spent exploring the city, my top-notch tour guides took my friends Sarah, Jane, and I to some excellent spots.  As a self-proclaimed wannabe foodie, I took the most pleasure in discovering some of the city’s delicious little restaurants, many of which were organic, sustainable, and/or local.  I could tell just by looking around Freemont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, and even downtown that Seattle takes some serious pride in their local and organic industries.  There were farmers markets, eco-chic boutiques, art galleries, the most delicious coffee I’ve ever had (not surprising), and many a local brewery or winery.  Not to mention it was surrounded by glorious mountains, more bodies of water than I could keep track of, and a ginormous man-eating volcano.  Here are just a few of my favorite Seattle findings (most of which involve food… do I have a problem?):

Molly Moon Ice Cream – local ingredients (some organic; hormone free dairy), vegan choices, fantabulous flavors, compostable utensils, stores built from reclaimed wood and sustainable materials.  Stomach ache was definitely worth the 2 heaping scoops – 1 salted caramel and 1 chocolate.  All around uh-mazing.

http://www.mollymoonicecream.com/

Homegrown – sustainable sandwich shop, compostable utensils, recycled paper menus, fresh ingredients (many of which are organic and/or local), unique menu items, totally delicious.

http://www.eathomegrown.com/

Pike Place Market – local fruits, veggies, treats, knick-knacks, art, more honey and fish in one concentrated area than I’ve ever seen in my life.

www.pikeplacemarket.org

Snoqualmie Falls – get in touch with nature and visit this visual natural masterpiece (taller than Niagra Falls).  Then go get a cup or two of coffee in the lodge’s lounge upstairs and stare at the falls from a warmer, drier lookout point (home of Lizzy and Dave’s new favorite mochas!).

http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

PCC Market – my new grocery mecca, like Whole Foods gone somewhat local.

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/

Freemont Farmers Market – almost anything you could imagine: local everything, fun people, delicious smelling food, candles, and teas.

http://www.fremontmarket.com/

Islandwood on Bainbridge Island – something I have yet to do, however it sounds like eco-heaven.  Teaching environmental awareness, working with the community, all about sustainable living.  My kind of place.

http://islandwood.org/

It is definitely worth taking a short trip up north to check out this lovely little city.  If you want to blend in with the other Seattleites, don’t use an umbrella, drink a ton of coffee that is NOT Starbucks or Peet’s, buy some local beers or wines, and support the local shops/restaurants/farmer’s markets.  And of course go say what’s up to Lizzy and Dave, they’re the best.