A Sunday Stroll: Exploring West Seattle's Delights
As the sun rises over West Seattle, there's a sense of calm and anticipation in the air. Sundays here are meant for leisurely exploration, culinary delights, and family bonding. Join me on a typical Sunday in West Seattle, where we visit all of my favorite local shops in one day!
Stop #1 The West Seattle Farmers Market
The day begins with a trip to the vibrant West Seattle Farmers Market. This is one of the rare Farmers Markets in Seattle that is open year round! Every Sunday- rain or shine - unless Christmas falls on a Sunday. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods and the lively chatter of locals. Among the crowds, Lily's Salvadorean stands out, offering irresistible pupusas that never fail to satisfy our cravings. With pupusas in hand, we navigate through the maze of booths, filling our bags with farm-fresh produce and artisanal treats.
Stop #2 Coffee, Please
No Sunday is complete without a visit to Pantarelli, where Jacques himself crafts the perfect cup of coffee. Paired with a delectable choux pastry, every sip and bite is a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. As we savor our treats, the bustling ambiance of Pantarelli becomes the backdrop to our morning conversations and musings.
Stop #3 Easy Street Records
Stepping into Easy Street Records feels like entering a musical sanctuary. We lose ourselves amidst shelves stacked with vinyl records, exploring the latest releases and reveling in the extensive local section. Meanwhile, at the cafe, locals are voraciously eating their Johnny Cash Specials and Woodie Guthrie Farmers Omelets. This place is historic - where music transcends boundaries and connects us to the soul of Seattle's vibrant music scene.
Stop #4 No, not THAT Troll.
After bidding farewell to the Farmer's Market, we venture into Lincoln Park. Our mission: to find Thomas Dambo's legendary troll, Bruunidun, hidden amidst the lush greenery and towering trees. My 2 year old, Dashiell leads the way and waves to the passengers on the ferry that are arriving at the dock.
Stop #5 Nap Time and Shopping
Back home, it's time for Dashiell's afternoon nap—a brief respite for both child and parent alike. While he dreams of homemade banana ice cream and clenches his Toy Story doll tight, I seize the opportunity to explore my neighborhood's newest gem: Hoste. With its curated selection of vintage and modern goods, it's a testament to the neighborhood's ever-evolving charm and creativity.
Stop #6 An Afternoon Indulgence
As the afternoon sun bathes West Seattle in golden hues, I make a pit stop at Hotwire Coffee for my much-needed pick-me-up. The aroma of lavender lattes fills the air, enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth and tranquility. With each sip, I'm reminded of the simple pleasures that make Sundays in West Seattle truly special.
Stop #7 Home Sweet Home
As evening descends, it's time to transform our Farmers Market bounty into a culinary masterpiece. My trained chef husband kicks me out of the kitchen like he does most days, while he imagines a meal that surely we've never had before. It's perfection.
As my day nears its' end and the anxieties of Sunday evening kick in (you too?), I'm reminded how lucky I am to live in the last true neighborhood of Seattle. In West Seattle, I'm not just living in Seattle—I'm living in the Best Seattle.