If you are a frequent traveler in or out of Seattle-Tacoma International airport, then you know that it can be very congested making for a potentially hectic travel experience. But what if I told you that there is an easier way?
Seattle Southside is waiting to make your travel experience a bit more fun this holiday season. Just 15 minutes south of Downtown Seattle and 20 minutes north of Tacoma, Seattle Southside is the more laid-back (and affordable) version of Seattle. Our November Quest took us to “Seattle’s Backyard” to explore and discover what the Seattle Southside had to offer.
What To Do
“Experience Chocolate” Tour at Seattle Chocolate Company
Seattle Chocolate Company recently opened the doors to their chocolate factory, to pull back the veil on how they create their delicious signature chocolate confections. The tour was not only informative and interactive but also really fun. We learned about how cacao is grown and harvested and Seattle Chocolate’s commitment to the environment and its farmers inside the Chocolate Classroom.
Heading into the factory I had visions of Lucy & Ethel, but instead found an impressively complex system that forges the signature Seattle Chocolate Company’s chocolates, truffle bars, and the Jcoco culinary-inspired chocolate bars. After learning about the magic of chocolatiering, I was salivating and my sweet tooth was on high alert!
Not a moment too soon, we headed into the Tasting Room to sample a half-dozen different varieties and flavor combinations each one more tantalizing than the next. Our tour guide Chris was fantastic, and even showed us the proper way to enjoy his favorite Cayenne Veracruz Orange! I can’t give away the secret, so you will have to visit Seattle Chocolate Company to find out the sweet surprise for yourself!
Visit the Highline Botanical Gardens
The Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens is a unique garden that was created by local citizens who saved the gardens from being demolished due to Seattle-Tacoma International airport construction. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you can take in the sights and smells of varieties of roses, fuchsia, daylilies, and irises. The Garden is open to the public and free to stroll at your leisure. Step into this garden oasis in the city. Experience the sensory garden replete with a rain garden, tunnels of vines, and year-round fragrance. Be sure to walk through the peaceful Seike Japanese Garden, which was constructed by the Seike Family to memorialize their son after he was killed in combat during World War II.
Explore Des Moines Waterfront
Today, Des Moines is often called the “Boating Capital of the Pacific Northwest” and is considered among the best places in the Northwest metro to retire or raise a family. It blends the benefits of waterfront living with the convenience of metropolitan access. The city’s six miles of shoreline offer public beaches, waterfront parks, top-notch restaurants, fishing piers and a well-used boardwalk. It also has a 900 slip, a full-service marina with 1,500 feet of transit moorage and fuel services. Family activities include camping, fishing, whale watching, boating and personal options seem limitless with community sports, skiing, boating, hiking, bird-watching, rock hounding and more.
Holiday Shopping at Westfield Southcenter Mall
Westfield Southcenter Mall is a massive 2-level indoor shopping mall that is complete with robust food choices, over 200 stores, and an AMC movie theater! We could have easily spent the entire afternoon wandering in and out of shops. Westfield Southcenter Mall had all of my favorite brands to shop at including Foot Locker, Coach, The Container Store, but also other local stores where we could find one-of-a-kind treasures for the holiday season.
Where to Eat
Duke’s Chowder House
If you have a taste for locally sourced seafood that not only tastes amazing but is served by some of the most friendly people we have met in the Pacific Northwest then you should head over to Duke’s Chowder House! Duke’s Chowder House is attached to the Westfield Southcenter Mall, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting.
From the moment we stepped into Duke’s we knew that the experience was going to be vastly different from eating in the mall food court. The hostess warmly greeted us and introduced us to our waiter who took excellent care of us. I was overwhelmed with the vast array of seafood choices, but our waiter was ready and willing to make suggestions, and his suggestions did not disappoint! Make sure you stop in to grab a bowl of their 3-time Seattle Chowder Cook-Off winning clam chowder, it is so delicious!
Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Step into the Island Vibe and dine on scrumptious Caribbean cuisine at Bahama Breeze. Dining at Bahama Breeze, I almost forgot that we were still in the Pacific Northwest, with its beachy themed decor, steel drum live performances, island cocktails, and Caribbean dining options!
Mizu Japanese Steakhouse
Who loves dinner and an entertaining show? I know I do, and that is exactly what you get at Mizu Japanese Steakhouse! Seated around a hibachi table, the chefs bring the excitement and fun as they prepare your meal. The best part about Mizu Japanese Steakhouse (aside from the onion volcanoes), is that you if you aren’t in the mood for hibachi, they also offer a sushi bar where skilled sushi masters create fresh creations, or you can enjoy an after work cocktail at their bar.
Where To Stay
The Seattle Southside has an accommodation for every taste, style, and budget, including some of our favorite luxury hotel brands. While visiting the Seattle Southside, we had the opportunity to stay at the Coast Gateway hotel, it’s unique location is a great choice for sparking Wanderlust in all travelers. Read all about our stay at the Coast Gateway Hotel here.
*Disclosure: Our visit to Seattle Southside was sponsored by the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority, however, as always, all opinions are my own.
