Cougs on Cougs: Along the Trail to Seattle for BYU Football vs. Washington

Are you part of the BYU contingent headed to Seattle for the top-20 matchup between BYU Football and the University of Washington? Or will you be watching at home and daydreaming about being in The Emerald City? Either way, this post is for you.

Jess and Mary’s friend Randi Shamo, a Seattle-area native, has compiled a list of places to eat and things to do that will keep you busy for the whole weekend. Leave additional suggestions in the comments, or comment and let us know if you tried any of these things out!

Here’s Randi:

First, a note about getting around. Anything bad you’ve ever heard about Seattle traffic and/or parking:

Seriously. Be prepared. A drive that took 20 minutes during the middle of the day could easily become 90 minutes at rush hour. UW can be a maze of parking lots (I may or may not have lost my car on campus one day for about an hour…) and the area around campus is an absolute mess on game day.

However, there are some great alternatives to driving, including a light rail station at the stadium. Here are some great details, courtesy of UW.

Or, if you want to make an experience of it, several services provide “Sailgating” transportation to the stadium.

Things to do:

1. Pike Place Market. The quintessential Seattle stop. Since it is so popular, if you can go on a weekday that is your best option. Of course, watch the fish throwers, browse the huge farmers market, and check out some cool artisan crafts. There are plenty of great places to eat here, and plenty of samples to try. A few of my favorites are the smoked salmon from the fish market just north of the fish throwers, Chukar Cherries, Piroshky Piroshky, and Beechers. I think the gum wall is strange and nasty, but others tell me it’s a must see.

2. Get out on the water. If you don’t have a lot of time, the West Seattle Water Taxi or a ferry to Vashon or Bainbridge Island are quick but nice routes. Argosy Cruises also does some very fun water tours, including options which will go through the Ballard Locks, which is interesting. If you have more time, make a whole day or more of it and head to the San Juan Islands.

3. Safeco Field. You’re in luck – the Mariners are in town! Grab yourself some garlic fries and a favorite beverage and enjoy some mediocre baseball in a gorgeous ball park.

4. UW Campus. UW campus is beautiful. Walk through Red Square, go inside Suzzallo Library, and explore the Montlake Cut.

Places to eat:

1. Salty’s at Alki. When I go to Seattle, one of my primary goals is to consume as much seafood as possible. Salty’s is a favorite place to do this for 2 reasons. 1. Location – Alki is a beautiful place to look across the water at the skyline, and Salty’s was designed to take advantage of the views. 2. Weekend Brunch to die for. It’s a splurge ($$$), but you may not need to eat again that day. Make a reservation now if you want to go to brunch.

2. Green Leaf Vietnamese. There is an amazing Asian community in the Seattle area, which has shared many wonderful dining options. This restaurant has three locations, including one in the heart of Seattle’s International District.

3. Bakery Nouveau. Three locations so you can pick where to get your fill, this is hailed as one of the top bakeries in the west. Sweets to die young and happy for.

4. Wally’s Chowder House. Sneaking in a classic from my actual hometown, Wally’s is close to the airport, so it’s a good spot for a bite on your way in or out of town. I’ve heard Ivar’s recommended, which is somewhat of a Seattle institution, and it’s fine. But Wally’s is the chowder that the relatives from San Francisco come to get because it’s better than what they can get at home. They also sell chowder base which travels easily so you can bring it home with you.

Other recommendations from some of our VTF Staff members who live in the Seattle area:

• Dick’s Drive-In is a must. Inexpensive and delicious option for burgers.
• Thanh Brothers Pho
• Kizuki Ramen
• Ma’Ono Fried Chicken in U Village inside of Rachel’s Ginger Beer.
• Paseo in Freemont is out of the way but has the best Cuban sandwiches around.
• Sisters and Brothers in Georgetown for Nashville Hot Chicken.
• Fat’s Chicken and Waffles in the Central District
• Seattle Teriyaki is also a must try. My personal favorite location is Teriyaki & More in Eastgate (near the Temple).
• SPUD Fish & Chips