Seattle is the home of Starbucks, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ciara and Russel Wilson, but it’s also a great travel destination. The Emerald City, located in the Pacific Northwest is the largest city in Washington state and is filled with places to explore, things to see, and amazing food to eat.
Here’s our favorite way to explore Seattle as a Black traveler:
Henry Art Gallery
Get your art fix at Henry Art Gallery, located on the campus of the University of Washington. The gallery pushes the “boundaries of contemporary art and culture” and is the first to show new work by both established and emerging artists.
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Check out artist Paul Mpagi Sepuya’s Monsen Photography Lecture exhibit from June 4th to September 25th which showcases Sepuya’s interest in how images are created, seen, and circulated.
Pam’s Kitchen
As soon as you step into this Trinidadian eatery and smell the rich aroma of curry, your mouth is guaranteed to water. This Seattle staple has been around for over 20 years and teaches locals about the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Caribbean.
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When dining at Pam’s Kitchen, you have to try the Sorrel Rum Punch and curry goat.
Scoop Du Jour Ice Creamery
This Black-owned ice cream shop opened in 1984 and has been serving up fresh, creamy, locally made scoops ever since! The shop is the only Black-owned ice cream shop in the Greater Seattle area!
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Indulge in a waffle cone with flavors like rocky road and cookies and cream. The ice creamery also serves sandwiches and burgers.
Seattle Art Museum
You can’t visit Seattle without exploring the Seattle Art Museum. Located in downtown Seattle, the museum is within walking distance from Pike Place Market and houses global art collections, special exhibits bridging cultures and centuries, and temporary installations.
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Currently, artist Lauren Halsey’s work is exhibited in the third-floor galleries. Halsey “shows works in which proud declarations of Black-owned businesses intermingle with images of Egyptian pyramids, the Sphinx, and pharaohs and queens.” Her work will be exhibited until July 17th.
Pike Place Market
If you love farmers’ and flea markets, you’re in for a treat. Pike Place Market has been in business for over a century and spans nine historic acres in downtown Seattle.
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You can find everything you would need here including groceries, crafts, food, and knickknacks. The market has over 150+ craftspeople, 70+. farmers and over 60 businesses, many of whom are Black.
Seattle Aquarium
Make Seattle a family trip and visit the Seattle Aquarium, located next to Puget Sound. Here, you’ll be able to learn about and observe tropical fish, octopuses, seahorses, seals, and more!
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Space Needle
The Space Needle is to Seattle’s skyline what the Empire State Building is to NYC’s. This iconic structure was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, where the theme that year was “The Age of Space.”
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According to the Space Needle’s site, “the tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity’s Space Age Aspirations.”
Chihuly Garden & Glass
Be prepared to be stunned! Located next to the Space Needle at the Seattle Center, the exhibition houses work by the iconic artist, Dale Chihuly.
The exhibit includes eight galleries, a centerpiece glasshouse, and a lush garden.
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If you’re craving a Chihuly piece in your home, the fit store has worked, ranging from $500 – $8,000!