As a meetings professional, you know attendees love access to great food, drinks and shopping within easy walking distance to the convention venue and hotels. They’re enticed to come early, stay late and take advantage of what the destination has to offer.
The Washington State Convention Center lies at the heart of Downtown Seattle’s retail/entertainment core. Within a six-block radius of the center, you’ll find many of the city’s top restaurants and hotels, three theaters, a symphony hall, many live music venues and local and national retailers.
Ground Zero for Shopping
Seattle convention-retail district features the Nordstrom flagship store (full remodel complete Spring 2016) and, next door, the multi-level Pacific Place shopping center where you’ll find national brands like Tiffany and Co. and Club Monaco, as well as local favorites like women’s tailored shirt maker Farinaz Taghavi. Fashion-forward boutiques just down the street include Marios Seattle and German clothier OSKA. Trendy “athleisure” apparel is found at local Do the Extraordinary (DTE) and Canadian Kit & Ace.
Historic Farmers Market
Just west, the historic Pike Place Market is perched near Puget Sound and not only is a famous farmers market with fresh seafood, produce and crafts, but is home to local favorites for lunch, dinner and cocktail spots. Many of these celebrated eateries offer choice views of either the Public Market sign or Puget Sound.
Modern Markets and Trendy Food Halls
Just east of the convention center on Capitol Hill, Melrose Market, is a prime example of a repurposed building brought back to life as a curated collection of shops, bars, restaurants, butcher, florist and more. Peruse the shops and then stop for a glass of sparkling wine and fresh oysters. Farm-to-table dinner awaits at Sitka and Spruce and its next door sister wine spot, Bar Ferd’nand. Private event space Melrose Market Studios is located just below the market (receptions up to 250 people), and carries the same hip, urban feel as the upstairs market.
Neighborhood for Nightlife
The Capitol Hill neighborhood boasts some of the city’s hottest restaurants and star chefs, not to mention coffee bars, cideries, wine bars, distilleries and live music venues. You’ll share the experience with the locals – musicians, artists, chefs and their foodie followers. And, it’s a few blocks from the convention center and hotels. Most meeting attendees walk a few blocks from the center or hotels or take a short cab ride.
Video Inspiration Before You Go
Visit Seattle makes trip planning easy, fun and much more visual via VISITSEATTLE.tv. Watch it for insider Seattle music and travel videos, including the popular “Sounds by the Sound” series, currently in its fifth and final season on Revolt TV, which explores Seattle through the filter of music. Also featured is “Seattle First Takes”, a series of films featuring first-time Seattle visitors being introduced to city-specific experiences like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Great Wheel, a ferry trip and more. “Culture Trippers” explores Seattle’s take on dance, street food and more through the eyes of locals and visitors. And “Been There, Made That” follows makers who draw inspiration in the Emerald City.
