Overview: Beaches, Wine Bars & Spring Adventures

As a creature of habit, I wanted to start this monthly series as an excuse to try out new places in Seattle. The city has so many beautiful parks, views, and wonderful small businesses that I am excited to visit. Every month, I will take you along and give a recap of my favorite spots!

April is my ninth month living in Seattle, and I have finally entered the phase where I am branching out of the neighborhoods that I know. This was the first month that really felt like spring here, with most of the weekends giving us lots of sunshine and clear, blue skies. I spent April exploring the outdoors, going for long walks, and dining al fresco.  

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Hidden Gem of the Month: Point Shilshole Beach, Ballard

I love exploring and categorizing my destinations on Google Maps. When I was saving Secret Congee, (this month’s spotlighted restaurant), I saw a patch of beach right down the street. This beach feels tucked away, with public access through a dirt path hugging a parking lot. I walked past the sign the first time, but it’s worth the effort. The views from Point Shilshole Beach rival an alpine lake in Switzerland or Italy, and you forget you’re standing in Seattle. A small stretch of sand looking out across the Puget Sound towards the Olympics, this beach is oh-so charming. It is the perfect spot to bring a thermos of coffee and a book, launch a paddle board, or look for seashells.

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Best Park: Golden Gardens Park, Ballard   

I’ll admit my bias: I loooove a view where water meets the mountains. Golden Gardens Park does just that, providing more dramatic views of the Puget Sound. The park offers walking paths, volleyball courts, public restrooms, and driftwood to sit on. If you park in the upper lot (like I did accidentally), you also get a fun walk down through the woods towards the water. I noticed lots of people braving the cold water to swim in the morning, as polar plunging is clearly a hobby here in Seattle. There’s plenty of room to picnic, walk your dog, or just relax with a book. I also saw a baby seal swimming in the water, which really did make my whole day.  

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Best Meal: Secret Congee, Ballard

Ever since moving to Seattle, I have been craving a warm bowl of congee. I was feeling under the weather the week leading up to my visit, so I decided that congee was no longer a craving, but a need. This spot did not disappoint! The chicken congee was warm, thick, and creamy—it’s the food equivalent of a hug. The dish balanced the freshness of green onions with the spice of ginger and the umami of the chicken broth. This spot, which offers outdoor seating, a long drinks menu, and many more flavors of congee, is perfect for when you want a bowl of something comforting.

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Favorite Drinks Spot: RESPITE Wine Bar + Bottle Shop, Wallingford  

Sitting outside with a glass of wine and gossiping with a friend is one of my favorite things on earth. If you agree, this wine bar in Wallingford is perfect. I ordered the “flight” of wines, three half-glasses of red wine that the server poured for me based on my “energy.” To her credit, she was spot on—I loved every glass she selected. For two hours, I sat outside in the sunshine trying (and failing) to guess the tasting notes of the wines. Not only were the wines delicious, but the interior of the shop was very cute. RESPITE Wine Bar is the perfect casual date spot or place to dress up after work with friends.

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Best Adventure: Tulip Fields, Mount Vernon, WA

I wrote a whole post on visiting the tulip fields, but it really is the perfect “adventure” for Seattleites in April. Grab a few friends, a few snacks, and hop in the car and head toward the Skagit Valley. You’ll see dozens of varieties of tulips, beautiful scenery, and views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Cascades on a clear day!

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