Vacation in the City
By Elizabeth Mortenson, Citysearch Contributor
No matter how much you love living in Seattle, sometimes it’s hard not to stare out the window and wish to be anywhere but here. This is followed by looking at your bank account and crying yourself to sleep. Fear not, brave resident, a vacation for you is literally right around the corner. Give us a day, and we’ll show you the world through your own window. First step? Sleep in—it’s free and nothing says, “The good life,” quite like waking up at noon.
France
So Paris won’t be on your immediate itinerary, but you can still do two decidedly French things when you wake up. First, eat a late and leisurely breakfast. Second, have that breakfast be a warm croissant complimented by a delicately rich latte. Don’t forget to casually leaf through the entire paper, making sure to thoroughly read the Life & Arts section.
Le Fournil LTD French Bakery
| Website
3230 Eastlake Ave E,
Seattle,
WA
Brazil
Since you’re on Capitol Hill and have a few hours to kill before lunch, why not take a stroll through the lush tropics or arid desert? Hit up the palm room here to get your balmy fix.
Volunteer Park Conservatory
1247 15th Ave E,
Seattle,
WA
Jamaica
Jamaica, who needs it? Get a tan and brighten your outlook on life with some heliotherapy from the Infrared Sauna. After 20 minutes in this light box, its special UV Bulbs help your body release endorphins and beat the blues. While you're there, get renowned "Waxing Diva" Travis Powell to wax your bikini line.
Salon Dewi
| Website
1525 14th Ave,
Seattle,
WA
Holland
We may not be as liberal as the Dutch here, but this adult boutique gives Amsterdam a run for its money when it comes to creativity in the bedroom. Whether you’re alone or you have company after your late-night happy hour, a little time invested in this store will pay off big: the perfect way to utilize your new tan and trim.
Ethiopia
Dinner isn’t the perfect substitute for a safari in Africa, but it’s not too shabby, and it’s downright good at this Capitol Hill Ethiopian restaurant. Forks are put down and sleeves rolled up in order to scoop flavorful sauces with your bare hands and traditional injera bread.
Queen Sheba
916 E John St,
Seattle,
WA
Japan
One of the few reasons to fight the crowds in Westlake Center is this Japanese gem of a store; you could spend hours in here marveling at all their weird (genitalia ice-cube trays), authentic (porcelain teacups) and absurdly cheap stuff.
Daiso
400 Pine St Ste 36,
Seattle,
WA
Universe
Go…wherever you want, or at least where the films will take you. Hands down the best theater in the city, Cinerama will knock your socks off with its engulfing 90-foot-wide, 30-foot-high screen. Willfully suspending your disbelief has never been so easy.
AMC Cinerama
2100 Fourth Ave,
Seattle,
WA
Hawaii
The day is almost over, but not for you! Hula hoops and grass skirts are shamefully inviting right now, and you can satisfy your island fever at this late-night happy hour. Live entertainment (some of the performers could be your friends if you opt for karaoke on Sunday night), surf boards, and Spam are so thoroughly Hawaiian you’ll forget you haven’t seen the real sun for two months.
'Ohana
2207 First Ave,
Seattle,
WA
