• Email
  • Instagram
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Faith
  • Wellness
  • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

Anna Mae Groves

A vessel sharing positivity through beauty, wellness, and personal style.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Faith
  • Wellness
  • HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES
    • Email
    • Instagram
You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Travel to Seattle During Covid

Travel to Seattle During Covid

November 5, 2020 By Anna Groves No Comments

Conversations Restaurant at Thompson Seattle

This post is sponsored by the Thompson Seattle, who graciously hosted my family.  Thank you, Thompson Hotels!

Why we flew to Seattle

My Dad died over 10 months ago, but he never received a proper burial. After talking and crying with my sister, we knew the time had come for some closure, especially for my grandmother who lost her youngest child. She needed to honor her son while she was still here and we needed to say goodbye to our Dad. We made the arrangements -we just needed a place to stay. Thompson Hotels generously hosted our family while in Seattle.

aerial view of city buildings
Photo by Josh Fields on Pexels.com

For almost a year, most of us have been staying safe at home. Some have found ways to see friends and family who are near, or we’ve taken short staycations or road trips close to home to get a mental health break. I had done these things, but now I needed to fly to Seattle.

Is it Safe to Fly?

For many, getting on a plane is out of the question, but I found that airplanes are pretty safe (safer than some stores I have visited!) We flew Delta- they use advanced technology and Hepa Filters to clean the air and they take so many precautions to ensure passengers are safe. The interior of the plane is totally sanitized before and after landing. Everyone stays masked up, they hand you a sanitizing wipe, and they do not serve food on the plane. They also keep the center seats open which was important to us. We received a plastic baggie with wipes, water and a snack. Be sure to pack your own food!

Is Seattle a Safe City During Covid?

The last place people are considering visiting right now is Seattle.  With Washington state being the first place in the US where the virus took root, plus the protests that you probably heard about, it may not sound appealing.  You could think that the city is closed, there is nothing to do, and it is a dangerous place to be. If so, you’re wrong.

concrete building under blue sky
BUT SEATTLE IS NOT CANCELLED! Photo by Jeffrey Czum on Pexels.com

I found that Seattle might be one of the safest cities to visit right now, whether you’re far from the Northwest, or you’re simply up for a little road trip staycation near your home.  It might be a good time to explore, even if you live IN Seattle! If you don’t like lines, now is the time to get out and explore a bit.

Since some people need to travel to Seattle, I’m answering a few questions here.

What is it like in Seattle during Covid?

Upon arriving, I noticed that almost everyone had masks on. In fact, I rarely saw anyone with no mask- even outdoors. This may be the most mask compliant city I’ve seen since Covid 19.

Seattle use to have a lot of traffic. Now most people work from home. They don’t need to come downtown at all, so there were way less cars on the road.

Not only were the streets open, but most of the stores and restaurants were, too. It was sad to see a lack of hustle and bustle, but it also meant no enduring long lines to get into popular attractions. I hope that travel picks up soon so the businesses in Seattle thrive– even if just through tourism, since so many people are working from home indefinitely.

Where to Stay in Seattle during Covid

We arrived at Thompson Seattle and Valet greeted us. The front desk ran down everything and told us that Conversation Restaurant was closed but the cafe was open from 8 to 11 am.

Sitting area just inside of Thompson Seattle lobby, perfect for working

They informed us that the rooftop bar (The Nest) was closed, but they said we could gather in a small group if we wanted to see the view.  Most restaurants and coffee shops nearby were open.  More on that in a moment.  Let’s get to the cleanliness. 

Our oldest son Isaac on the Rooftop at The Nest

Cleanliness

Thompson Hotels did a great job of ensuring the rooms were sanitized and clean. Housekeeping not only put newly sanitized items in the room, but everything was shrink-wrapped….even down to the hot water kettle.  The front door was sealed and the mini fridge was also. If we needed our room cleaned, we made an appointment and the staff would come to tidy up, as long as we were not there.  They take every precaution to ensure that their guests and staff are safe.

Hotels in Seattle
Our Cozy Room at Thompson Seattle

The Views

The views from the Thompson are breathtaking.  The puget sound, Olympic mountain range, Pike Place Market, Great Wheel and waterfront could all be seen from our window.

Just unreal!!! I think I almost cried when I opened the blinds. 

Hotels with a view Seattle
Seattle Hotels with Water Views
View from our West facing Room at the Thompson Seattle
Thank you for our goodies!

We got our phones hooked up to the complimentary wifi and sat down to rest and enjoy the view for a bit.  When we got hungry, we had many choices.

Waterfront Views Seattle Hotels

What Restaurants are Open in Seattle During Covid-19?

A LOT OF THEM.  The Thompson Seattle is so conveniently located.  You don’t even need a car.  It is literally one block from Pike Place Market, with some of the best coffee (the original Starbuck’s and about a million other coffee shops are there within walking distance), bakeries, restaurants and more.  If you didn’t already know, Seattle is a foodie city, and here you will find the freshest fish, best steaks, delicious coffees and world renowned chefs.  Pick a food from any region of the world and you’ll find it here. You name it-Seattle has it.  Below are some places we visited:

Breakfast

For Breakfast we had Portage Bay (Located in South Lake Union) Bacco (delicious breakfast right across the street from the Thompson) and a couple of days we dropped by The French Bakery, La Panier for a delectable and flaky almond croissant and coffee. I mainly eat paleo, but this was worth a break from the grain free life!

These almond croissants from La Panier are to die for!

Lunch

Lunch: Funny- we didn’t really eat lunch. We filled up on breakfast and then just snacked until dinner. But I did have an incredible Teriyaki Pork stick from the infamous food stand, Meesum Pastry in Pike Place Market (YUMMMM), and I also MAY have had a salted caramel cheesecake bite for lunch (I know-it’s crazy!) from The Confectional.

Dinner

Dinner: There were two standouts for dinner while we were there. Matt’s in The Market was incredible. The ambiance, the views, the staff, and even the playlist (EnVogue Radio, anyone?) were just perfect. Their cheese board was out of this world, and so was the charcuterie. Don’t even get me started on their icy cold fresh oysters- to die for! I couldn’t decide between the salmon (I LOVE SALMON) and the halibut, so my friend and I each got one and shared.

Matt’s in the Market is in the heart of Pike Place
The seafood at Matt’s in the Market is insanely good- and fresh. Scallops, halibut, and salmon pictured here.

For Rob’s birthday, we went to The Phoenecia in West Seattle. My daughter in law Judah saw it on Tik Tok and suggested we try it. Loved it! It is owned by a Lebanese family- it was perfectly intimate and familial. I had the empress cocktail, and I don’t even drink cocktails. The lavender put it over the top. Rob had the braised lamb shank and I had their gluten free pasta with chicken. So good! Below are a list of other great places to eat in Seattle.

The Empress Cocktail from The Phoenecia

Other restaurant recommendations

  • Shiro’s Sushi Jiro Dreams of Sushi- ever hear of the documentary? His apprentice, Shiro, started this joint and I recommend Shiro’s Sushi Course. A delicious adventure.
  • Purple Cafe and Wine Bar Great wines, of course, and good food and atmosphere.
  • Dicks Drive in (This burger joint may only be good to me because I am from Seattle, but give it a try!) their fries are double drop fried in sunflower oil and then salted. So good dipped in their sweet tartar sauce.
  • Pike Place Chowder You must have a good clam chowder while in Seattle. Don’t miss it.
  • Piroshky Piroshky Yummy Russian food stand at Pike Place.
  • Metropolitan Grill Some of the best steak and service you’ll find.
  • Oddfellows cafe In Capitol Hill and known for yummy brunch.
  • Molly Moon’s Ice Cream My favorite Ice cream! I like one scoop of salted caramel on the bottom and one scoop of honey lavender on top. (Check their cookbook- you might see a familiar face in there!
  • Six Seven Restaurant (At the Edgewater hotel- ask for a window seat on the water- it’s all about that view! And their cedar plank salmon.)

What is there to do in Seattle during Covid?

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market

  • Pike Place Market

We were obviously here for my dad, but it was also the first time my daughter-in-law had ever been to Seattle.  Naturally, we had to take her to a few iconic places.  We started with Pike Place Market.  I was surprised to see all of the Flower vendors, and other places open. The produce stands were just as beautiful as ever and nearly all of the brick and mortar shops were open.  One of the benefits to traveling to Seattle now is that there really are no lines for doing some of the most popular activities in the City.  

Seattle Waterfront

  • Walk or run along the Seattle Waterfront 

We went running along the waterfront some of the mornings that we were there, and it was gorgeous. The scent of cool salt water and the sound of gentle waves along with the city skyline and beautiful foliage…. Seattle is just SO PRETTY.

The Space Needle

  • Is the Space Needle Open during Covid?

Not only was it open, but it was sooooooo clean and had brand new features!  In order to enter, there was UV sanitization, where we slowly turned in a circle three times while the lights killed all of the germs and bacteria. 

We had to make an appointment to ensure no over crowding. We made our appointment for 15 minutes from the time we signed up- the lines were non existent!  For safety, the elevators only allowed one to two parties at a time depending how large your group was. Once we were at the top, we were in for a huge update! 

The sides of the space needle are now pure glass, so nothing really obstructs your view -and they installed a glass walkway the length of one half of the level, and it was amazing!! Walking on a rotating glass walkway is something I will never forget.  The view below was insane. And they have a team dedicated to keeping everything sanitized – constantly wiping the glass and floor throughout your visit. 

Other Things to do in Seattle

Here are other things to do during covid in Seattle (and other places in case you’re up for a little road trip):

  • Starbucks Reserve https://www.starbucksreserve.com/en-us/locations/seattle
  • Gum wall– nasty but a must see
  • Smith Tower
  • Fremont Troll
  • Gasworks Park
  • Walk along Alki
  • Drive to Anacortes and visit Washington Park, the Loop Road and Deception Pass
  • Hike Rattlesnake Ridge
  • Head to Mount Rainier
  • Visit Leavenworth

Experience at the Thompson Seattle

Each day when we returned to the Thompson, our hosts made sure we were well taken care of.  When I asked for more bottles of water for our room, I was told a little secret:  All of the water in the hotel is filtered!!! For some, it may not mean much, but coming from a girl who drinks 150 oz of water a day, it meant I didn’t need to go out and buy water like I normally do when I visit a hotel.  And let’s not forget that the water in Seattle is already pretty dang pristine- right out of the tap :).  When they heard it was Rob’s birthday, they gave us a bottle of champagne and let us gather with 6 people in the lounge of the restaurant as long as we were masked and distanced.  What service!

Come to Seattle – Stay at The Thompson

If you need to go to Seattle, now is a great time to do so.  It is a very compliant and cautious city when it comes to Covid. You will find few lines to do some of the most iconic things, most restaurants are open, (just call ahead and ask if they are dine in) and it is beautiful! 

And of course, to get the full experience, you have got to stay at the Thompson Hotel. Friendly, attentive, clean and safe, this hotel really rounds out the Seattle experience with epic views and easy access to all things Seattle! I hope one day you all get to stay here!

Thank you, Thompson Hotels- We came to Seattle under sad circumstances but you really made the trip an incredible experience, and I know where we will be staying when we make it back home again.


Filed Under: Lifestyle, travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: pike place market, seattle covid travel, seattle hotels, Seattle restaurants open during covid, Space needle, Space needle covid, things to do in Seattle during covid, thompson hotels, thompson seattle, travel to Seattle during covid, what to do during covid in seattle

Primary Sidebar

Latest Posts

Father’s Day Gifts from Nordstrom

How to Style Long Denim Shorts

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

how to style tshirt tshirt style tips

How to Style a T shirt

Archives

Categories

Footer Widget Header

SUBSCRIBE

Join Anna's List!

Footer

  • Email
  • Instagram

The Links

  • About
  • Home
  • Contact

Categories

  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Faith
  • Wellness
A vessel sharing positivity through beauty, wellness, and personal style.
I LOVE this Grilled Peach Salad with Lemon Blackbe I LOVE this Grilled Peach Salad with Lemon Blackberry Honey Dressing! #sponsored Everything’s from @aldiusa which means fresh, affordable, high quality ingredients for summer grilling and entertaining! I picked up the Crofton acacia wood bowl and wood block in ALDI Finds aisle, too! #ALDILove 
 
Here’s what you’ll need for the salad: (Serving Size: 2 Cups) 
1 package Simply Nature Organic Arugula & Spinach Mix  
6-8 small peaches  
4 Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts, cooked to your desire  
1 cup blackberries  
1 Emporium Selection Goat Cheese Log 
1 cup Southern Grove Shelled Pistachios, roughly chopped  
2 tbsp Simply Nature 100% Avocado Oil 
 
For the salad dressing:  
1 small lemon, zested and juiced 
2 Tbsp Specially Selected Raw Honey  
1/2 cup blackberries  
3 Tbs Priano Balsamic Vinegar 
1 1/2 tsp salt  
1/4 cup Simply Nature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
 
1. Preheat grill to 400 degrees.  Slice peaches in half and remove pits.  
2. Brush halved peaches all over with avocado oil, and place sliced side down on preheated grill. Let cook 3-4 minutes, moving as needed to achieve more grill marks. Flip over and cook 3-4 more minutes. Meanwhile make salad dressing.  
3. Take peaches off the grill and assemble the salad.  Place greens in bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. 
4. Slice peaches and add to top of greens. Lay sliced chicken on top.  
5. Slice and add the goat cheese, then sprinkle on blackberries and chopped pistachios. Drizzle with a little salad dressing and serve with additional dressing.  
 
While peaches are grilling, make your dressing:  
1. Pour lemon juice and zest in small bowl.  
2. Add honey and salt. Mix until combined. 
3. Add 1/2 cup blackberries and smash with a fork. Add balsamic vinegar.  
4. Whisk mixture while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until emulsified.
Lots of q’s about this dress- it has pockets…. Lots of q’s about this dress- it has pockets…. Because as you know, we carry lots of important things in our dress pockets 😂 A perfect vacay dress if you’re going somewhere warm- Tarte gifted it to me when I was in Miami (swipe) and I’m gonna bring it with me to florida when I go again pretty soon ! Linked in stories and LTK for you:)

#liketkit #LTKtravel #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3I8i5
Wanna know a fun fact? Something about Rob that I’m super grateful for?  
 
He was born 10 years before his three sisters. He was the best big bro and built-in babysitter… and it was the greatest preparation for being a father.  
 
Rob was always ready to change diapers, hop up in the middle of the night, feed hungry babies… he carried just as much weight as I did over the years raising our four sons.  
 
And can I be really honest? Of the two of us, he is the best parent. The most aware- always the one asking the right questions and making sure parents were present at parties.  The one who kept one eye open - not falling asleep waiting for our sons to come home safely on New Year’s Eve. The first one to check in, every single time.  
 
Rob Groves, I’m so proud to call you my partner and father to our four sons. Thank you for being a remarkable example. Happy Father’s Day to a real one!
I’ve said it to you before, but as long as there I’ve said it to you before, but as long as there is someone within earshot who is afraid to pursue their dream, it’s worth saying again and again and again: You have to start.  
 
I saw this picture last night and cried. I remembered that as a small child, I’d often pick up a pretend mic and speak to an imaginary crowd. I knew I was going to talk to people. I didn’t know about what, but it was a seed planted in my heart by God.  
 
It dawned on me last night that it came to pass. But not how or when I’d imagined.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 5, or a teenager, or in my twenties, or when I turned 30.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 37 and buying domain names.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 38, reading blogs about how to start my own.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 39, watching friends pursue their dreams while I was watching YouTubes about how to begin mine.  
 
It didn’t happen when I was 40, writing secret blog posts but not publishing them, paralyzed by the inner critic telling me it was too late. That I’d look dumb. That the space was too saturated.  That mocked, “They’re gonna see you fail.”  
 
It didn’t happen when I turned 41, or 42 or 43.  
 
It happened after I STARTED. When God told me to put those lies in the trash where they belong and to just GET GOING, even though I didn’t know how to do everything.  
 
It’s year three. Every morning I get up and speak to thousands on this app. I recently shot a commercial for Toyota. And yesterday, I sat down in this chair to host a web series with the same company who I purchased that domain name from.  
 
I don’t know if you want to go to med school, make pottery or teach kindergarten. I don’t know If you dream of getting your masters, or your AA. Maybe you want to design clothing, take up photography, start coding, become a nurse, or you want to write that book.  
 
Whatever it is, it’s not too late.  But if you don’t START, it’s not going to happen.  So please, take it from this 46 year old with tears of gratitude and hope streaming down her face: GET UP AND GET GOING.
Mom and Dad. 🌺🌼💮🌸 By the grace of God, Mom and Dad. 🌺🌼💮🌸 By the grace of God, we really did that. #4Boys2Men 😭
23 years ago, I remember looking at Rob and whispe 23 years ago, I remember looking at Rob and whispering, “I want a noisy house.”  
 
I was pregnant with my oldest of four, and visiting my friend’s house.  She was pregnant with her youngest of four.  Her house was filled with joy… and noise.  
 
Welp, here we are- four grown boys later. That whisper became reality.  I got that noisy house, and sometimes when I start to complain, I remember- this was my desire, and God really did deliver.  
 
Thankful for my crew and 23 years of yelling, wrestling, “look at the camera!”, bickering, tears, holes in walls, super hero comparisons (still), “did you brush your teeth?!”, music versus battles, “STOP touching me!”, video games, one word answers, “MOMMMM!!”, boy hugs, and all of my most cringy mom moments. 
 
I hope you had an amazing weekend, and if it wasn’t very amazing, please know that I thought of you on Mother’s Day, and I hold space for you in my heart.
Rob and I are in a very strange season. What we be Rob and I are in a very strange season. What we believed was “next” is no longer. Many people around us are either trying to solve it like it’s a problem to be figured out, or asking us, “So…what’s next?”   
  
I get it. We also want to know.  But the truth is, we don’t know.  We are waiting to hear from God. It’s hard. It’s uncomfortable. It certainly hasn’t been fun. We feel discouraged at times. That’s where we find ourselves.   
  
But I am thankful. For friends who are fine to sit and wait WITH us. And a God whose greatest desire is to just BE with us in every moment- especially the ones that aren’t epic. The ones when life looks plain. When it seems there is no movement, no vision, no plan, no seemingly huge accomplishment, or mountaintop moment.   
  
What a miracle it is that Peace Himself sits down beside us, scoots in close, and whispers contentment, joy and that He is proud of us into our ears. Proud of us in the mundane. Proud of us in this stillness.   
  
I receive it. I hold onto it. Let me grasp it so tightly and fully that I don’t CARE what’s next, and instead savor who is next to me.   
  
Let right now be our next, and let us find the utmost peace right here.  
  
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.”  
‭‭  
Psalms‬ ‭62:5‬
#3MinuteMakeupChallenge You guys this was SO hard #3MinuteMakeupChallenge You guys this was SO hard 😂😂 you gotta try this and tell me how it went!  #makeup #quickmakeup #quickmakeuplook #FearlessFriday on a Wednesday
💇🏽‍♀️Did I leave you hanging???! I had 💇🏽‍♀️Did I leave you hanging???! I had an epic April fools day hair reveal to share but then decided maybe it’s too soon in the decade for more jokes 😂 Here’s the actual new hair :) 
 
I was using black box dye, and as my grays were coming in, they were very obvious, with a line of demarcation showing the grow out.  
 
As a solution, Brittany gave me “lived in color” to camouflage my gray -instead of covering it- by subtly and strategically lightening my hair so the gray “blends.” 
 
She said that camouflage instead of covering is the more modern way of coloring and I’m here for all of the dimension!  
 
First and last slides are day 3 hair, and I kid you not, I hadn’t done anything to it since Brittany styled it on Friday!! I wish I could curl my hair like she does!  
 
Also I like seeing the different tones in varying lights- at sundown (day 1 slide 2) morning light (day 2 slide 3) and golden hour (day 3 slides 1 and 4)  
 
The goal will be less and less red and more warm browns as we progress and slowly go lighter over the coming months!  
 
Love it!
Just found out it’s husband appreciation day so Just found out it’s husband appreciation day so here’s my appreciation post for Rob Groves! Best father, friend, leader and overall person I know! Dances with me in an empty party bus before the party ever starts, puts up with my “dancing”which is saying a lot, puts God, me and our family first, makes me laugh, is always striving to grow for the better, sings Tender Roni with me (which is all I ever wanted ever since 8th grade and needless to say it was worth the wait!) I appreciate him for waiting patiently until I’m done with my try ons, that he loves good food, does a good Daniel Russo, is the finest dookie picker upper, and that I finally broke the “can’t be pranked” door down (last slide). I Love you and I like you Rob Groves!
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Anna Mae Groves · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy