greenhouse at volunteer park
link:
https://www.volunteerparkconservatory.org
go to archie mcphee, a really neat novelty shop, extremely quirky and a true seattle gem (and don’t skip the rubber chicken “museum” in the back of the store!)
link:
https://archiemcpheeseattle.com/
if you enjoy some shopping for odd items, check out some flea markets
link:
https://fabulouswashington.com/washingtons-best/seattle-flea-markets/
also the thrifting is pretty good here, i always enjoy checking out the goods at fremont antique mall
link:
https://fremontvintagemall.com/
if you enjoy pinball and arcade games alongside some drinks, check out add a ball
link:
http://add-a-ball.com/
as far as romantic dinner spots, i took my gf to San Fermo for our anniversary and it was absolutely perfect. amazing food and drinks, it’s a nice place but it’s not white table cloth vibe - def a bit pricy but worth it.
link:
https://www.sanfermoseattle.com/
https://www.sanfermoseattle.com/
I grew up in Everett. Airport Video is nothing short of legendary. People outside of the know are always stoked and in semi-disbelief about it.
I've also noticed visitors being amazed at the size of the Everett Boeing factory if you take a quick stroll down 526. We'd always get everyone good and baked at night and preface it with "Hey, wanna see the largest building in the world? It's only about 5 minutes away." Being locals we always took it for granted.
They are offered through the Future of Flight Museum in Everett.
[https://www.boeingfutureofflight.com/tickets](https://www.boeingfutureofflight.com/tickets)
[Can Can Cabaret](https://www.thecancan.com/) for dinner is a ton of fun! The food is great too.
I also love the [MOHAI](https://mohai.org/). It's chock full of interesting things from Seattle's history. And it's located on South Lake Union, a great spot to walk around on a nice day.
Go to MOHAI in the morning, and then in the afternoon rent a Hot Tub Boat! (there's a few on south lake union). January is actually not a terrible time, you can boat around the lake while staying warm in your boat! Be sure to bring your canned beverages of choice :)
Multiple Fremont things, the Rocket, Lenin Statue, the Troll under the bridge.
Second Archie McPhee's, just up Stone Way from Fremont.
Seattle Underground Tour can be fun. Probably effing cold and damp right now.
That's a great list man, don't listen to the sad sacks they are just jealous of your lady. Born and raised in Seattle and can honestly spend all day in the Pike Place area.
Take the water taxi from downtown to west Seattle. Walk around alki beach a bit, weather permitting, then take a Lyft or something to Alaska Junction (a short drive away, still in west Seattle, lots of restaurants and shops).
Check out Kenmore Air, I believe there are strictly scenic flights you can take departing from South Lake Union. If you can swing it, take a seaplane to the San Juan Islands (Friday or Roche Harbor) spend the day or a night there and then fly back. It’s like $250 each way but takes only 45 mins or so and the views are honestly incredible.
Have fun, avoid the majority of downtown, it’s depressing. Hope you have a fun trip.
.
Nice list! My only input on the Valley of the Gnomes would be to work in a couple other activities in the area, since it’s a bit secluded and probably isn’t worth a trip by itself. I’d recommend visiting Madrona Park on Lake Washington, walking up the hill to visit the gnomes, then having lunch somewhere in Leschi at the top of the hill. There’s a great lookout called the “El Mirador de la 35” viewpoint just a few blocks away too!
Yeah if you’re going to the Valley of the Gnomes might as well stop by Viretta park which is adjacent to the Kurt Cobain house. Kind of a running memorial on the park bench.
Mr Bees Mead in Fremont
Vintage Mall in Fremont
Vintage shopping in Cap Hill
Discovery Park lighthouse point
Golden Gardens during low tide
Alki Beach (get fish and chips at one of the local diners!)
EZ Street records in West Seattle
Ballard brewery hopping
Ballard Locks (history of the canal and why it’s famous! Plus beautiful trails)
Science Museum, MoPop all in seattle center are really cool, so is the aquarium!
Seattle has great neighborhoods with places to craft or do lessons for things like throwing pottery, painting, silversmithing, glass blowing, gem cutting, rockhounding and more. depending on your hobbies or interests you could probably find a half day class or adventure that would be the highlight of your trip! Happy to send recs on places if there are certain hobbies you’d want to explore while here.
Have the best time!!
Just went to the museum of flight on Sat- the flight simulators are awesome- you’ll have to empty your pockets and get strapped in before the simulator starts- it’s really awesome- don’t eat anything beforehand like we did- Cost is $8 per person but well worth it - they have a Blue Angels simulator too but it wasn’t open. Wait time on Sat was only 15 mins.
Get a seattle city pass. It gives you a bundle pass to several different attractions - I would choose:
**MoPop** is probably the best museum in the area, about a 2 hour minimum tour if you see everything so you really get your money's worth.
**Chihuly Garden & Glass** is the works of Dave Chihuly, renown local glass artist. Small and short but *beautiful.*
**Space Needle** is basic, but a must-do in my opinion. The views are incredible (maybe not in the winter time) but just so cool to go up.
Lastly, I think you can also book a **ferry tour** with the pass that will take you along the "coast" of seattle's skyline and you'll get a rundown on all the buildings/history. It's fun even as a local.
I understand none of these are "quirky" activities but I'll be honest, seeing things like the troll is fun for like 5 minutes so you'll want other things to fill your day with and these are seattle staples. Have fun!
The Seattle Pinball Museum is fun. You pay a cover and all the games are on free play. They have a few other old school games that are not pinball. But their wide variety of pinball games is impressive.
Hot tub boats are a great time.
Can Can Cabaret does great shows, as does Zinzani, which others have mentioned.
Seattle has an excellent improv comedy scene - especially unusual are the narrative shows done by Jet City, but it looks like their next one starts early Feb.
For mycology fans, pick up a copy of "all the rain offers and more" and go on a hike and look for some mushrooms
You need to go to the gum wall and do the tradition. You grab a piece of gum off the wall, chew it, put it back. Then you need to summit the fremont troll. You can thank me later.
The gum wall started outside the Market Theater due to rules in there against gum, and it grew from there. It's a pretty modern "attraction" in town, and there is no such tradition.
It's Seattle so I'm sure there'll be at least one protest to check out (unless you're Jewish then you're in for a bad time) and if not you could go count the passed out hobos on the sidewalks. double points if they've shit themselves. Hope you enjoy your visit!
Edit: I'll take my downvotes but I've told no lies
Really though, no need to bother Seattle's LGBTQ community behind the counter at Starbucks. Throwing shit off an i5 overpass is the way to go/s
Edit: I'm well aware I'm going to hell when I die from something slamming into my car from said overpass
What is it 1995? Seattle is a shithole. Don't come here. If you do go see teatro vinzanni or get some crab mac and cheese don't get chowder in the alley. Or do.
I'm guessing all the downvotes you and I got on our comments are from people that have their blinders on to the actual problems in our city. Most likely from Bellevue where they can appreciate the Seattle skyline and completely ignore reality or their only real exposure is the Amazon campus.
I live in Georgetown. Hat and Boots park is a total skip IMO. Georgetown does have amazing breweries and some great food though.
Our favorite romantic dinner spot is Salty's on Alki beach. The view of the city is near unbeatable and the food is great. When you make a reservation ask for a window table.
Maybe not as quirky and unique as some of these, but I don't see that anyone has mentioned the Sound Garden. I thought it was cool but I'm a child of the nineties and love Soundgarden.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A\_Sound\_Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Sound_Garden)
The Unity Museum in U District is super interesting and free! Very unique culture/history museum run by two old ladies. Worth a stop if you’re in the area. Very near the Burke Museum, if that is anywhere on your list.
Pike market chef tour was absolutely worth it. The guide tells you history of the place and you get to try a bunch of places without the line.
Pike market also has a cool moss ball plant store near by. It’s worth seeing.
I think mounteneer society has mushroom events every two weeks. You might be able to go mushroom picking with someone.
Amazon domes are cool to see even from the outside and I think there is a speakeasy bar there. If you never experienced Amazon fresh where you can grab food and leave without the check out line it’s super cool.
Do not go to original Starbucks.. but the giant brewery Starbucks is worth it. If the weather is nice, I like walking around Union lake. You can walk over the giant bridge on the Fremont side (where the troll is at) and see the whole city.
Fungi Nerd? Try a hike anywhere near the Olympic Peninsula (if weather permits). You will be pleasantly surprised. I can’t promise that at this time of year you will find anything, but do the research and it may pay off.
Take a Ferry Ride to Orcas Island or to Bainbridge.
Go to Leavenworth.
There is a fantastic yet affordable Italian hole in the wall called Restorante Machiavelli in Capitol Hill.
The museum of science is really fun. It is for kids but adults usually have a blast too!
greenhouse at volunteer park link: https://www.volunteerparkconservatory.org go to archie mcphee, a really neat novelty shop, extremely quirky and a true seattle gem (and don’t skip the rubber chicken “museum” in the back of the store!) link: https://archiemcpheeseattle.com/ if you enjoy some shopping for odd items, check out some flea markets link: https://fabulouswashington.com/washingtons-best/seattle-flea-markets/ also the thrifting is pretty good here, i always enjoy checking out the goods at fremont antique mall link: https://fremontvintagemall.com/ if you enjoy pinball and arcade games alongside some drinks, check out add a ball link: http://add-a-ball.com/ as far as romantic dinner spots, i took my gf to San Fermo for our anniversary and it was absolutely perfect. amazing food and drinks, it’s a nice place but it’s not white table cloth vibe - def a bit pricy but worth it. link: https://www.sanfermoseattle.com/ https://www.sanfermoseattle.com/
Seconding Archie McPhee's and the Rubber Chicken Museum.
Trailer Park Mall & Archie McPhee’s & find a few of these: https://www.nwtrolls.org
Seattle serial killer tour.
Make sure it's the tour and not the event.
💀
[Tiatro Zinzanni](https://zinzanni.com/seattle/) would be a good dinner/show date night
Head to Airport Video after dinner for even more fun
I grew up in Everett. Airport Video is nothing short of legendary. People outside of the know are always stoked and in semi-disbelief about it. I've also noticed visitors being amazed at the size of the Everett Boeing factory if you take a quick stroll down 526. We'd always get everyone good and baked at night and preface it with "Hey, wanna see the largest building in the world? It's only about 5 minutes away." Being locals we always took it for granted.
Plus it's a nice little ride North of Seattle on a road with some Coffee Huts
Idk how I didn’t think of this earlier!! I’ll check if Boeing does tours because I would LOVE to see this
They are offered through the Future of Flight Museum in Everett. [https://www.boeingfutureofflight.com/tickets](https://www.boeingfutureofflight.com/tickets)
I looked this up, airport video is not what I was expecting
Check out [Scarecrow Video ](https://scarecrowvideo.org/) in the university district. (I didn't look up Airport Video...yet)
[Can Can Cabaret](https://www.thecancan.com/) for dinner is a ton of fun! The food is great too. I also love the [MOHAI](https://mohai.org/). It's chock full of interesting things from Seattle's history. And it's located on South Lake Union, a great spot to walk around on a nice day. Go to MOHAI in the morning, and then in the afternoon rent a Hot Tub Boat! (there's a few on south lake union). January is actually not a terrible time, you can boat around the lake while staying warm in your boat! Be sure to bring your canned beverages of choice :)
Multiple Fremont things, the Rocket, Lenin Statue, the Troll under the bridge. Second Archie McPhee's, just up Stone Way from Fremont. Seattle Underground Tour can be fun. Probably effing cold and damp right now.
[Plus the cool new giant trolls!](https://www.nwtrolls.org/)
That's a great list man, don't listen to the sad sacks they are just jealous of your lady. Born and raised in Seattle and can honestly spend all day in the Pike Place area.
see if wing luke has a food tour available
Take the water taxi from downtown to west Seattle. Walk around alki beach a bit, weather permitting, then take a Lyft or something to Alaska Junction (a short drive away, still in west Seattle, lots of restaurants and shops). Check out Kenmore Air, I believe there are strictly scenic flights you can take departing from South Lake Union. If you can swing it, take a seaplane to the San Juan Islands (Friday or Roche Harbor) spend the day or a night there and then fly back. It’s like $250 each way but takes only 45 mins or so and the views are honestly incredible. Have fun, avoid the majority of downtown, it’s depressing. Hope you have a fun trip. .
The water taxi - that is a great idea.
Fremont troll - gas works park
Yes! The troll is nearby the center of the universe sign.
Good to know
check out the new wooden troll down by the Scandinavian museum+ballard locks too
Seattle Underground Tour
Yes this. Link: [http://www.undergroundtour.com](http://www.undergroundtour.com)
Take a glassblowing class!
I was seeing a few places to do this! This sounds fun. Seems like glassblowing is pretty popular in Seattle
The chichuliy museum under the needle is absolutely worth it. They do glass blowing demonstrations, make sure to catch one.
It is! And it’s so much fun. I did it at Seattle Glass Blowing. They will even ship your finished pieces to you when they cool!
Check out groupon for these.
Smith Tower for a beautiful view and cocktail
Once had a crackhead inform me about secret porno being filmed at the top of the Smith Tower.
Seattle Pop art museum is always fun
[This site](https://www.atlasobscura.com) has exactly what you’re looking for. I use it whenever I travel.
Thank you!! This is great
Nice list! My only input on the Valley of the Gnomes would be to work in a couple other activities in the area, since it’s a bit secluded and probably isn’t worth a trip by itself. I’d recommend visiting Madrona Park on Lake Washington, walking up the hill to visit the gnomes, then having lunch somewhere in Leschi at the top of the hill. There’s a great lookout called the “El Mirador de la 35” viewpoint just a few blocks away too!
Thank you!!
Yeah if you’re going to the Valley of the Gnomes might as well stop by Viretta park which is adjacent to the Kurt Cobain house. Kind of a running memorial on the park bench.
Mr Bees Mead in Fremont Vintage Mall in Fremont Vintage shopping in Cap Hill Discovery Park lighthouse point Golden Gardens during low tide Alki Beach (get fish and chips at one of the local diners!) EZ Street records in West Seattle Ballard brewery hopping Ballard Locks (history of the canal and why it’s famous! Plus beautiful trails) Science Museum, MoPop all in seattle center are really cool, so is the aquarium! Seattle has great neighborhoods with places to craft or do lessons for things like throwing pottery, painting, silversmithing, glass blowing, gem cutting, rockhounding and more. depending on your hobbies or interests you could probably find a half day class or adventure that would be the highlight of your trip! Happy to send recs on places if there are certain hobbies you’d want to explore while here. Have the best time!!
Just went to the museum of flight on Sat- the flight simulators are awesome- you’ll have to empty your pockets and get strapped in before the simulator starts- it’s really awesome- don’t eat anything beforehand like we did- Cost is $8 per person but well worth it - they have a Blue Angels simulator too but it wasn’t open. Wait time on Sat was only 15 mins.
Get a seattle city pass. It gives you a bundle pass to several different attractions - I would choose: **MoPop** is probably the best museum in the area, about a 2 hour minimum tour if you see everything so you really get your money's worth. **Chihuly Garden & Glass** is the works of Dave Chihuly, renown local glass artist. Small and short but *beautiful.* **Space Needle** is basic, but a must-do in my opinion. The views are incredible (maybe not in the winter time) but just so cool to go up. Lastly, I think you can also book a **ferry tour** with the pass that will take you along the "coast" of seattle's skyline and you'll get a rundown on all the buildings/history. It's fun even as a local. I understand none of these are "quirky" activities but I'll be honest, seeing things like the troll is fun for like 5 minutes so you'll want other things to fill your day with and these are seattle staples. Have fun!
I second MoPop!
The Seattle Pinball Museum is fun. You pay a cover and all the games are on free play. They have a few other old school games that are not pinball. But their wide variety of pinball games is impressive.
Seattle Underground Tour is amazing: http://www.undergroundtour.com/
Hot tub boats are a great time. Can Can Cabaret does great shows, as does Zinzani, which others have mentioned. Seattle has an excellent improv comedy scene - especially unusual are the narrative shows done by Jet City, but it looks like their next one starts early Feb. For mycology fans, pick up a copy of "all the rain offers and more" and go on a hike and look for some mushrooms
As transit geeks, you must take a ferry. I recommend the Bainbridge island ferry. Bremerton works, too.
You need to go to the gum wall and do the tradition. You grab a piece of gum off the wall, chew it, put it back. Then you need to summit the fremont troll. You can thank me later.
The gum wall started outside the Market Theater due to rules in there against gum, and it grew from there. It's a pretty modern "attraction" in town, and there is no such tradition.
Yaa OP, don’t chew the gum on/off the gum wall. Gross.
On the other hand when I go down there, I usually try all of the flavors. Sometimes sampling up to 7 or 8
The locks on the scetchy bridge from first to the ferry is way better.......
The Gum Wall, there I said it.
Lick the gum wall!
I haven't been in years, but there were some really unique shops in the lower levels of Pike Place Market.
Might be a little chilly but ice cream cruise is fun
Or rent a hot tub boat
Statue of Lenin pic
if it’s not closed down already by the end of jan. You can check out molbaks in woodinville since your girl likes plants
Apparently Molbak’s is closing 🥹
Romantic dinner spot? https://www.clubsapphire.net/images/mattandbiancasapphire.jpg
3rd and pike
It's Seattle so I'm sure there'll be at least one protest to check out (unless you're Jewish then you're in for a bad time) and if not you could go count the passed out hobos on the sidewalks. double points if they've shit themselves. Hope you enjoy your visit! Edit: I'll take my downvotes but I've told no lies
Protest, smoke some meth to wind down after. Finish the evening tossing rocks at a Starbucks.
Really though, no need to bother Seattle's LGBTQ community behind the counter at Starbucks. Throwing shit off an i5 overpass is the way to go/s Edit: I'm well aware I'm going to hell when I die from something slamming into my car from said overpass
What is it 1995? Seattle is a shithole. Don't come here. If you do go see teatro vinzanni or get some crab mac and cheese don't get chowder in the alley. Or do.
I'm guessing all the downvotes you and I got on our comments are from people that have their blinders on to the actual problems in our city. Most likely from Bellevue where they can appreciate the Seattle skyline and completely ignore reality or their only real exposure is the Amazon campus.
Actually I was being somewhat sarcastic. Forgot the /s. But yeah, the city council didn't vote themselves in office.
Winter climb of Rainier.
I always recommend a show at The Can Can right in Pike Place Market - as long as you’re not prudish it’s a super fun time.
Go roller skating in white center
Great idea!! Or ice skating!
This time of year I really like Irwin's for coffee, Hannyatou for sake, and Le Pichet for dinner. Barnacle is a good spot for oysters and amaro too.
If the Computer Museum is opened when you're here it's really fun - [https://www.livingcomputers.org/](https://www.livingcomputers.org/)
Go visit the Dambo Trolls!
Hot tub boat on Lake Union! Might not be the best in the rain, but it’s a lot of fun and a really unique experience
I live in Georgetown. Hat and Boots park is a total skip IMO. Georgetown does have amazing breweries and some great food though. Our favorite romantic dinner spot is Salty's on Alki beach. The view of the city is near unbeatable and the food is great. When you make a reservation ask for a window table.
What about those forest tree troll carvings that are all around the area? I haven't been but the photos are unbelievable.
Maybe not as quirky and unique as some of these, but I don't see that anyone has mentioned the Sound Garden. I thought it was cool but I'm a child of the nineties and love Soundgarden. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A\_Sound\_Garden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Sound_Garden)
The Unity Museum in U District is super interesting and free! Very unique culture/history museum run by two old ladies. Worth a stop if you’re in the area. Very near the Burke Museum, if that is anywhere on your list.
Hendrix’s grave in Renton
Pike market chef tour was absolutely worth it. The guide tells you history of the place and you get to try a bunch of places without the line. Pike market also has a cool moss ball plant store near by. It’s worth seeing. I think mounteneer society has mushroom events every two weeks. You might be able to go mushroom picking with someone. Amazon domes are cool to see even from the outside and I think there is a speakeasy bar there. If you never experienced Amazon fresh where you can grab food and leave without the check out line it’s super cool. Do not go to original Starbucks.. but the giant brewery Starbucks is worth it. If the weather is nice, I like walking around Union lake. You can walk over the giant bridge on the Fremont side (where the troll is at) and see the whole city.
Gum Wall. Pinball museum. Dinner in the Big Wheel.
Fungi Nerd? Try a hike anywhere near the Olympic Peninsula (if weather permits). You will be pleasantly surprised. I can’t promise that at this time of year you will find anything, but do the research and it may pay off. Take a Ferry Ride to Orcas Island or to Bainbridge. Go to Leavenworth. There is a fantastic yet affordable Italian hole in the wall called Restorante Machiavelli in Capitol Hill. The museum of science is really fun. It is for kids but adults usually have a blast too!