A Seattle Reunion

View from the train 

I met a lovely young woman in Chicago through Couchsurfing several years ago. She became a dear friend who got married, moved to Seattle, and recently had a baby. It was time to pay a visit to this seaport city. 

The Link light rail is the perfect method of transportation from the airport. The train runs frequently, is inexpensive, and will take you all the way downtown, if need be.

My phenomenal tour guide (aka Cricket) supported all my preferences including vegetarian food, beer, culture, and street art. I found Seattle to be hilly, laid-back, artsy, stimulating, and full of coffee shops:)

Let's begin with my favorite neighborhood - Fremont. I say this because of its wonderful quirkiness. I fell hard for Fremont Brewing. I drank some of the best beer of my life here and have been begging them to distribute in the Midwest. Babies and dogs are welcome, and the brewery offers an impressive urban beer garden. 

All my brews had me seeing stars.

While I could have spent all my free time here, we did stroll around this colorful area. Craft beer and frites are highly recommended under the gargoyle's watch at Brouwer's Cafe.

The Fremont Troll stands guard

Yes, Lenin

The Fremont Rocket

Another Seattle must is Pike Place Market. There are oodles of things to feast your eyes and stomach upon. Make a beer stop at Pike Brewing and be sure to walk along the Great Gum Wall of Seattle while heading there. Across the street from the market is the first Starbucks with an entertaining mural above it.

Swinging from a chandelier above Starbucks

My favorite detour off the beaten path was Gas Works Park. It was unfortunate that the weather wasn't in our favor; however, the views were still astonishing. 

My taste buds were completely satisfied with all the vegetarian food introduced to me and you may begin drooling now.

*Soybean stew at Tofully - 502 S. King St. (in Chinatown)

*Popeye's Last Stand at HeartBeet Organics Superfood Cafe - 1026 NE 65th St.

*Tofu Delight at Paseo Caribbean Food - 4225 Fremont Ave N. I was SO hungry there was no time for a photo!

*Fancy Spring Rolls and Garlic Wokked Vegetables at BOL Test Kitchen - 900 NE 65th St.

*Vegetarian Banh Mi at BOL - 918 NE 64th St.

Last, but not least, I'm elated with the street art that I discovered in Seattle. I'm so glad I had my face smashed against the train window while traveling from the airport, otherwise, I wouldn't have known about the impressive murals along the SODO track. 

The reunion exceeded my expectations and made me miss my friend even more. And Seattle, you were marvelous. I'm already looking forward to a return visit.

Couchsurfing in Kentucky

First glimpse of this fine city

Louisville is a no hostel zone, which led me to return to Couchsurfing. What luck, because I met one of the most remarkable humans on the planet. Susan is a travel enthusiast like myself and we shared interesting conversations, along with delectable food and beer. We topped off our last night together with Four Roses Kentucky Bourbon. You can't leave Kentucky without bourbon, right?!

Louisville is a funky, upcoming, and friendly city that beckons wandering. Getting to downtown from the airport is a breeze and CHEAP. I traveled from the airport to Susan’s home with only one transfer for a mere $1.75. The city is walkable and I was able to get around on foot for the duration of my visit. I highly recommend trendy Frankfort Avenue and Bardstown Road for shops, restaurants, bars, and people watching.

Where to Eat and Drink:

*Against the Grain Brewery at 401 E. Main St.

The space is industrial style and hip. I consumed a Flex Arcana while noshing on a chickpea sandwich. I left there feeling all warm and fuzzy. Thanks for the excellent intro to Louisville!

*Vint Coffee at 2309 Frankfort Ave.

Pretty, delicious soy milk lattes refueled me. Sip while chillaxing on their lovely sidewalk patio.

*The Weekly Juicery - Nulu at 632 E. Market St.

Healthy quick bites can be found here. I had the Elevate Quinoa Taco Salad and it was out of this world.

*Akasha Brewing at 909 E. Market St.

Catch a flight here! I imbibed on Bordeaux Barrel-Aged Piper, 1314, Oatmeal Stout, and Cherrywood Smoked Porter Piper.

*The Silver Dollar at 1761 Frankfort Ave.

This stylish venue is a must for food and drinks. I had the Tuesday vegetarian meatloaf special and the entire meal was something to write home about.

*North End Cafe at 1722 Frankfort Ave.

I highly recommend dining on their spacious patio, where I indulged in a mouthwatering Curry Saute with Tofu.

Despite my brief journey, I was happy with the street art content that I found. Admittedly, I’m partial to the “Gettin Lucky in Kentucky” mural:)

Strolling along the Ohio River is a great way to spend the day, especially if your weather is as picture perfect as mine was. Lots of green space awaits you at Waterfront Park, and you can catch a breeze at the Swing Garden.

I had scheduled a ride on the one and only Belle of Louisville; however, had to cancel due to extreme time constraints. I was able to capture this beauty from a distance and look forward to a ride next time.

Random Shots

Fashionable tree

Adorable storefront

What would you write?

Clever!

Blessed with a gorgeous sunset

This might be the best surprise to date! Wandering around Frankfort Avenue, I came upon this collection of goods. I wasn't sure what to think, so I asked a guy on the street if he knew the scoop. He shared that a man by the name of Jerry Lotz lived there. Google told me that "Jerry's Junk" is featured on https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/20850.

Invite me in next time for a bourbon, Jerry?