my love for seattle // the upper left usa

Hope you all had a beautiful New Year! When I woke up on the first day of 2015, I thought to myself - boy, I am beyond lucky and grateful to be where I am. Seattle is just absolutely gorgeous.

Fremont Bridge // image via

My main squeeze and I started our first day of the year with our annual walk through the city and by the waterfront (a snippet of our beautiful city above - a little moment captured on our quiet, cold morning adventure). Yes, yes... you may think I'm biased, but hey, I can't help it. I've lived in Oregon, Arizona and Texas prior to Seattle -- and there's just something about the fresh, crisp sea-salty air, all the green that is found in the ever so tall trees, the bustling noise of the city and those mountains... need I say more? Nature - city lights - open waters -- Seattle's got it all.

Green Lake // image via 

Don't even get me started on the food scene. Yes, I know I know... I'm technically supposed to be eating clean/paleo-ish BUT on the weekends when I get my cheat meals... I CHEAT. And there's such an amazing restaurant scene in Seattle.

From top left corner and clockwise -- my favorite spot for oysters in Seattle: Walrus and the Carpenter; a delicious happy hour place with an amazing lemon ricotta cake dessert at Black Bottle in Belltown; green curry pork dumplings one of the best Korean short rib rice bowls at Revel; world famous soup dumplings, spicy wontons and shu mai at Din Tai Fung. 

From top left corner and clockwise -- Korean BBQ, a parfait truck and a noodle bar at Trove; homemade, slow churned ice cream and sweet-smelling waffle cones at Molly Moon's; amazing sushi at Shiro's; my favorite go-to pasta and Italian appetizer dishes at Tavolata (it's an Ethan Stowell restaurant, and his other places are super yummy, too). 

And of course, you can't go wrong with any of the Tom Douglas restaurants - all of his spots are divine. Even Anthony Bourdain is a big fan. 

For those of you who haven't had a chance to visit yet or are planning an adventure to the emerald city -- be sure to check out my a few of my favorite spots! Here's a round-up of seattle restaurants and seattle sweet treats to enjoy.

Need more reasons to travel to the pacific northwest? Follow me on Pinterest (below) as I share more reasons why I heart Seattle - including beautiful landmarks, sights to see and more.

Follow Amanda B.'s board Seattle // Where the Heart Is on Pinterest.