As daylight broke on my first day it was very apparent why Seattle is often referred to as the “Emerald City” – lush greenery surrounds the city with numerous parks and green spaces.

First on the itinerary was a visit to Pike Place Market, one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks and one of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the United States. The fish market is perhaps the market’s most famous attraction, known for its tradition of fishmongers tossing whole fish through the air to fulfil orders. It’s an entertaining spectacle that draws crowds of onlookers. Of course, no visit to Pike Place Market is complete without a coffee from the very first Starbucks store in the world.

After the market, we took the monorail to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibition which showcases the breathtaking glasswork of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. As you step into the exhibition, you’re immediately greeted by an explosion of vibrant intricate glass sculptures set against the lush backdrop of carefully curated gardens. This is also the perfect place to get an artistic photo of the Space Needle which towers above the exhibition.

We were lucky to be given priority passes to the Space Needle which meant we didn’t need to queue; something I would recommend as the queues can get quite long! We took the 43-second lift to the top of the Space Needle, 520 feet above Seattle, boasting 360-degree views of the city. The more daring in our group took the walk on the world’s first and only revolving glass floor giving a unique perspective on the city below. In addition to its observation deck, the Space Needle also features a fine-dining restaurant, SkyCity, which rotates 360 degrees, allowing diners to enjoy different vantage points of the city throughout their meal.

Our tour guide Tom from First Nature Tours took us on a drive around the city and over the bridge into Fremont, home to a thriving arts scene. The streets are adorned with colourful murals, sculptures, and quirky statues, reflecting Fremont’s creative spirit; one of these being the Fremont Troll situated under the north end of the Aurora Bridge, where it appears to be emerging from the earth. On my personal bucket list was a visit to see “Frasier’s” apartment located in the Queen Anne neighbourhood!

That evening we were taken to watch the Seattle Mariners baseball game, something that should be on everyone’s itinerary. This was everything I expected it to be, from the hot dogs to the camaraderie of the fans, there really was an electric atmosphere.

The morning of our second day, we were up early to travel 30 miles outside of Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls. This really is a must-see when you visit Seattle! We took the short hike to the top of the breathtaking natural waterfall, where the picture-perfect setting looked like one from a film set. We had brunch at Salish Lodge & Spa at the top of the falls with panoramic views as you dine – I would recommend calling ahead to book a table by the window! One of their traditions is their honey-from-heaven experience. This special honey is produced by bees that gather nectar from the abundant wildflowers and flowering plants surrounding Snoqualmie Falls. The staff serve the honey uniquely and memorably to highlight its connection to the local landscape, holding it high above your plate and letting it trickle down like the falls.

In the afternoon, we were introduced to Woodinville Wine Country’s boutique wineries and tasting rooms. It’s situated in the scenic Woodinville area, just northeast of Seattle, and offers a diverse array of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. We started at a small tasting room with a very intimate experience right next to the barrels as we were educated on how they make their wine’ it was clear how passionate they were about their wine.

On our final morning, before we departed for the airport, we had time to explore the stunning waterfront. We had tickets for the virtual flight simulation ‘Washington Wings’ and the great wheel, and there are plenty of souvenir shops and eateries along the waterfront including Ivar’s fish bar where you are encouraged to share your lunch with the seagulls.

The flight back was with Virgin Atlantic and again we had premium seats, but this time we had the front row with the extra legroom, which I would absolutely recommend for the extra comfort.