Do you want to have the perfect sober day in Seattle? Let’s pretend you’re visiting me from out of town. I’m going to treat you to my curated sober itinerary of places I love in the Emerald City. This is just one example of how I might spend the perfect day alcohol-free, entertaining a friend from out of town. There will be many more sober days in Seattle soon!
First stop – food!
We’ll have a busy day, so we better get fueled and ready to go. The good news is we’re sober, so we are starting off the day hangover-free. YAY us! Let’s head to The White Swan Public House for brunch near the waterfront in South Lake Union.
Hours for brunch on the weekends are between 10a-1p. Worried about germs? Don’t be. Not only is this place clean, but they also offer outdoor dining and to-go orders. Thanks to COVID-19, they aren’t taking reservations, so tables are first come, first serve. They also have a walk-up window. In the worst-case scenario, if you don’t get a table, use the walk-up window and find a spot along South Lake Union to enjoy the beautiful waterfront view.
Get in my (pork) belly!
The White Swan Public House strives to serve everything fresh and has a rotating menu. You’re in Seattle, so I vote to try their Smoked Fish Platter. You also can’t go wrong with their Pork Belly & Grits. Do you feel like treating yourself? Then don’t leave before you order the Monkey Bread, which is butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It’s worth every calorie. We’re going to walk it off anyway! While they don’t currently have mocktails on the menu, they do have top-notch bartenders, and I’m confident that if you ask them to make you tasty alcohol-free bevies, they will be more than happy to oblige. You will also find the usual assortment of alcohol-free options.
Two words that will change your life: Donut. Boat.
Lake Union is the heart of Seattle, loved by locals and visitors alike. Donut boats are the easiest way to hit the water and be at the center of it all. They are just a short walk from The White Swan Public House.
Seattle Donut Boat Co. is just what the forecast calls for when it calls for fun! Grab your friends, reserve your spot, and get ready to have a blast! Check-in goes fast; they will have you on the water in 10 minutes.
Donut Boat videos! See the experience for yourself
I’m fortunate to work my weekday 9-5 with some entertaining and talented people who explore the city professionally.
Let’s motor on! We have more to do!
Seattle is home to many fantastic art and history museums. One of my personal favorites is the Museum of Pop Culture. I’ve attended events there, thrown events there, and sometimes go there for some quiet time alone in my head. Make sure to check out their site before you go for updates on COVID-19 restrictions and current exhibits. Embrace the nostalgia as you peruse the Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Science Fiction exhibits.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Are you obsessed with pop culture? Then do not miss the gift shop. (Star Wars fans, Sci-Fi nerds, and music junkies, I’m talking to you.)
Selfie-care time!
Let’s head towards Pike Place Market as we begin our day. But first, let me take a selfie at the Seattle Selfie Museum. Earlier this year, this super fun selfie pop-up experience became a permanent “museum” fixture in Post Alley, right near the ever-famous gum wall. Yes, it is Instagrammers heaven. I went a few times before the pandemic, and I can promise you you’ll get your money’s worth.
Rates vary depending on the day of the week (between $29-34 per person), and you will want to make reservations for your time in advance.
Sober Curator Selfie Pro Tips:
- Bring your selfie some hand sanitizer + use on your selfie frequently
- Dress your selfie in layers – this isn’t a place for wardrobe changes, but if you want to freshen up your look between shots, dressing in layers is the most efficient way.
- Don’t go by your selfie! It’s way more fun with a friend
- Keep your selfie moving – be thoughtful of others. Snap a few great shots and keep it moving. We don’t have all day! There is more to do!
- It gets HOT! All that magic lighting will keep you warm!
- If you do not like Instagrammers – do not go here. You will be annoyed.
Selfie Museum Videos!
That’s right! More cool videos from my co-workers. Is it just me or do they get to have all of the fun?
Street Art Hunting
I am obsessed with hunting for street art. My iPhone is always at the ready. It’s one of the things Lisa C. and I bonded over when we first met. Lisa is also a Co-Founder of The Sober Curator. You should check out her post about the street art in the Deep Ellum Arts district in Dallas.
Some Seattle street art is located right near and around Pike Place Market.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: Tour like a local. If it starts raining, don’t use an umbrella. You’ll be fine.
Shop the market!
Snack time! Make sure to roam Pike Place Market for some yummy afternoon snacks. Love cheese? Me too! Make sure to swing by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. Do you love ginger beer? I can’t get enough of it. Stop by handcrafted Rachel’s Ginger Beer and see what’s on the alcohol-free tap. Is it caffeine you crave? Well, you’re in Seattle. That means we have a Starbucks on every corner. If you want to visit the very 1st one, it’s also located in the market and will probably have a very long line. However, there are usually amazing buskers roaming the brick streets of the market that will keep you entertained while you wait.
Last stop! You don’t have to go home, but you MUST go here!
Whew! I’m tired, but hey, we aren’t drunk! By now, we have our 10,000+ steps in for the day, so there is no problem. Our sober day in Seattle will not be complete without stopping by Wings Over Washington, my favorite tourist trap. It’s a trap, and I can’t wait to get stuck in it. (This happened once with my mom. They were nice about it and let us go a second time.)
I have lost count of how many times I’ve been on this ride. I can’t get enough when I find something I like. If you’re familiar with Disney’s Soarin’ Ride, you’ll be pleased to know some of the same engineers who created this little waterfront gem in Seattle.
That’s a wrap on our touristy sober day in Seattle!
Sobriety in the City is our way at The Sober Curator, showing how much fun sober living can be, booze-free, one day at a time. We have many more days ahead, one day at a time, so check back regularly for new cities!
SOBRIETY IN THE CITY – SEATTLE: Sober living in greater Seattle doesn’t have to be boring; living free of substances opens the door to a world of new explorations and experiences. With our Sober in Seattle section, you can access some of the Emerald City’s hottest spots!
Do you have an event, product, restaurant, experience, or story based in the Pacific Northwest? We want to hear about it! Email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com or slide on into our DMs on social media.
Are you looking for recovery resources in the greater Seattle area? Check out our ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCE GUIDE and scroll to the Seattle section.
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