A Bird’s Eye View of Seattle

A Bird’s Eye View of Seattle
Seattle's waterfront. Beverly Mann
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With a deep breath, I adjusted my earphones and buckled my seat belt. The seaplane took off, and we soared above the clear waters of Elliott Bay amid crystal blue skies for a thrilling panoramic view of metropolitan Seattle. Our pilot picked one person to be his co-captain and sit next to him up front, and for some reason it was me. 

I couldn’t think of a better way to be introduced to this clean, green city than experiencing an aerial view and learning some history along the way. I knew then that this 30-minute ride was just the start of a great visit to Washington’s capital city. For the record, Kenmore Air provides passengers with a window seat so that everyone can have a good view.

As we literally glided back on the water, I was ready to get grounded for my three-day Seattle sojourn. I stayed at the newly renovated Fairmont Olympic Hotel in the heart of downtown. Built in 1924 on the original site of the University of Washington, the hotel blends classic elegance with mid-century modern design. I lunched at Shuckers Oyster Bar with its original carved oak paneling from the 1930s, where I delighted in seafood specialties prepared by executive chef Paul Shewchuk.

The taste of the oyster appetizer of melted cheeses and veggie mix still haunts my palate. My walleye fish main dish was perfectly prepared with a savory side of crispy eggplant. The restaurant even produces its own honey from beehives on the hotel’s rooftop and an array of dishes and desserts—truly from farm to table.

Lobby at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. (Courtesy of Fairmont Olympic Hotel )
Lobby at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Courtesy of Fairmont Olympic Hotel