As Deputy Director of International PR for Holland America Line, Jerrol Golden travels the world but she’s more than happy to call Seattle home. Possibly one of the coolest cities in north-west US, Jerrol’s insider tips will ensure you fit right in with the hip and happening locals.
Best coffee
Café Zeitgeist in Pioneer Square! The coffee is as good as the name and they feature local artists work on rotation.
Best cocktail
This may sound a bit odd but Sundance Cinema offers a full bar and makes the tastiest Sazerac, one of my favorite cocktails! Good movie and great cocktail make for a very pleasant evening.
Top favorite bar
Most definitely Canon that features a 100-drink menu-book, antique glassware, barrel-aged cocktails served in glass flasks and more. True cocktail artisans are behind the bar.
Best breakfast
Duck Confit Hash with poached egg served at Petit Toulouse on lower Queen Anne. Not exactly the low calorie special but oh so delicious.
Best local view
There’s a sneaky tiny park with a bench on Puget Sound located off a quiet street called Bigelow Lane in the neighbourhood of Magnolia. It’s a magical spot where you want to bring a bottle of a favorite tasty beverage and watch the sun go down – you’ll be the only one there. Don’t tell the neighbours!
Runner up: There’s an excellent view of downtown from Kerry Park in the neighborhood of Queen Anne. When the light is right it’s glorious, but not such a secret.
One fun thing you can do for free
Walking around either Discovery Park (three-mile loop) in Magnolia or through the Olympic Outdoor Sculpture Park is always a pleasure unless the rain is coming down sideways. In the summer the sculpture park features local musicians and food trucks are available if you’re hungry (not free) – a definite fun after work activity.
Runner up: Walking across the Ballard Locks and watching the boats go between Lake Union to Puget Sound.
Something only a local knows about
Best fish and vegetables, and also the easiest on your pocket, is Lam’s Seafood market located in the International District. You’ll be arm wrestling with the local Asians to get to the checkout! Worth the effort but don’t wear clothes that can’t be thrown in the laundry.
Favourite thing to do in and around the city/region/town
I’m an avid hiker so I head to the mountains for fresh air and a great workout. There are more than 100 hikes within a three-hour drive. Maple Pass Loop off Highway 20 near Rainy Pass is a top favorite seven-mile hike. It’s both scenic and challenging and chances are you’ll see a bear afar and wild flowers abound.
Why do you love this town?
Seattle has gone from a provincial, to a robust vibrant city. We’re in a definite growth spurt, which means a whole new host of restaurants, shops and diversity in population (downside is horrible traffic). This city offers lakes, the Puget Sound, local islands that can be visited by ferry or float-plane, and of course glorious mountains. If you’re an active sort, you’ll love it here, but make sure you bring good rain gear just in case. Yes, it does rain…
