Our time in the Emerald City was short but sweet, filled with ballpark excitement and iconic sights. We touched down in Seattle around 9 pm and checked into the Hilton Motif. While the hotel staff were welcoming and helpful, we felt the rooms left a bit to be desired. If you make the trek yourself, try exploring other accommodation options.
Exploring Seattle’s Iconic Spots
One of the perks of visiting T-Mobile Park was its retractable dome, allowing us to be less worried about the weather. With only two nights and less than 48 hours in the city, we hit the ground running. Our first night in Seattle was low-key, with a simple dinner and an early bedtime.
Our game was scheduled for 6:40 pm the following day, so we had time to explore. Our first stop was Pike Place Market, where we marveled at the fish market, visited the very first Starbucks, and encountered the simultaneously cool and disgusting gum wall in Post Alley.
With time ticking away, we took a Lyft to the iconic Space Needle. The views were spectacular, and we took advantage of the complementary photos taken by photographers on site.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to explore both floors if the Space Needle; the revolving glass floor on the first level and the observatory deck on the second.
Adjacent to the Space Needle is the Chihuly Museum. We saved on tickets by purchasing a combined pass. The museum was a stunning showcase of Dale Chihuly’s glass artistry and added a touch of culture to our sports-centered trip.
The Ballgame and Meeting Fans
As the game time arrived, we headed to T-Mobile Park. Though the Astros ran away with the lead, the energetic crowd and the new friends we made from Texas made it an unforgettable experience.
Justin Verlander delivered a vintage performance for the Houston Astros, pitching into the ninth inning with just three hits allowed and eight strikeouts against the Seattle Mariners. While he fell short of a complete game, his efforts helped the Astros secure a crucial 5-1 victory in the American League playoff race. This win extended their lead in the wild card race to 1 1/2 games and kept them 2 1/2 games behind the division-leading Texas Rangers. The Astros’ offense provided ample support with a key second-inning rally and solo home runs from Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker. Verlander’s outstanding outing showcased his ace status, and this victory marked his 256th career win, tying him with Andy Pettitte for 42nd all-time.
A Culinary Highlight
After the game, we decided to indulge in some fine dining at Cinque Ristorante. A last-minute reservation turned into a pleasant surprise when we discovered their late-night happy hour, with a menu offering 50% off after 9:00 pm. We savored grilled octopus, Kusshi oysters, frutti di mare, Bucatini al cinghiale, Bistecca di manzo al vino rosso, and topped it all off with a complimentary tiramisu.
Cinque Terre Ristorante was conveniently located just half a mile from our hotel, allowing us to take a leisurely stroll back before calling it a night. The following morning, we packed our bags and headed to the airport early, ensuring we had enough time to savor a meal before our flight. The long security lines only confirmed that we’d made the right choice.
Our whirlwind visit to Seattle was a perfect blend of ballpark excitement, iconic landmarks, and memorable experiences. Next stop: Denver! Stay tuned for the next leg of our MLB ballpark tour.