Have you heard of the "cozy season"? Yes, it's a real thing—and much more enjoyable than winter! Cozy season takes place between October and April in the Pacific Northwest.
As part of the Travel With Meaning collaboration with Visit Seattle for the “Celebrating Seattle” three-part podcast series, with a bonus fourth episode recorded in Spanish, we were invited to experience a cozy season. Joined by our friend, award-winning bilingual journalist Jeannette Ceja aka Jet Set With Jeannette, who had never been to Seattle, we embraced all things cozy there from popular must-visit attractions to hidden gem small businesses.
Click here to listen to parts one and two of “ Celebrating Seattle” with Mike and Jeannette in Seattle.
A Cozy Season Adventure in Seattle with Mike Schibel and Jeannette Ceja
Seattle in the cozy season is a magical experience: offering the perfect blend of iconic sights, vibrant culture, and warm community connections. Mike Schibel from Travel With Meaning and Jeannette Ceja from Jet Set With Jeannette embarked on a journey to explore the Emerald City during this special time of year, and the trip was nothing short of unforgettable.
Exploring Seattle’s Iconic Landmarks
The adventure kicked off with a visit to one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks, the Space Needle. As the city’s skyline glowed in the crisp evening air, the panoramic views from the top provided a breathtaking setting for reflection and inspiration. Standing tall since the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle remains a symbol of Seattle’s innovative spirit and enduring charm. The views from the observation deck were awe-inspiring, but equally thrilling was the experience of looking down on the city from the revolving glass floor, the first of its kind, which opened in 2018 and offers a unique perspective from atop this historic landmark.
Next on the itinerary was a stroll through the vibrant Pike Place Market, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the bustling energy of local vendors create an atmosphere that is both invigorating and heartwarming. Mike and Jeannette made sure to visit a few standout spots within the market.
At Maíz, you can taste traditional Mexican street food, including tamales and esquites. Jeannette noted the flavors were just like those she had experienced in Mexico City a few weeks earlier.
Pro Tip: Maíz is conveniently located next to the original Starbucks. So, if you're planning to wait in line for coffee, grab a tamale from Maíz to enjoy while you wait!
We visited Copacabana, the first Bolivian restaurant west of the Mississippi, established in 1964. Its stunning patio, overlooking Pike Place Market, offers not only delicious food but also breathtaking views, making it a must-visit spot.
Our final stop at the market was Los Agaves, where Chef Jaime Mendez served up authentic Mexican cuisine. Famous for winning "Best Burrito in Seattle" a few years ago, it was the perfect way to conclude our Pike Place Market experience.
No trip to Seattle would be complete without experiencing the stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass. The intricate glass sculptures, crafted by the renowned Washington Native, artist Dale Chihuly, seemed to glow even brighter against the soft, gray Seattle skies. Walking through the garden, surrounded by the vibrant colors and organic shapes of the installations, was a truly enchanting experience.
Pro Tip: Visit Bar Chihuly for lunch, where you can savor incredible, locally sourced food and drinks while admiring unique items from Dale Chihuly's personal collections on display.
Coffee and Pastries
No visit to Seattle is complete without having a cup of coffee. For our visit we went super local,
visiting Station Coffee House and meeting co-owner Luis Rodrigues who shared his story of coming to Seattle to visit his brother many years ago. We sipped on the iconic drink ‘Mocha Mexican’, which Luis said reminds him of growing up in Baja, Mexico in every sip. Luis told us it’s important for him to inspire his kids and community that they can do anything.
Nearby, we explored the White Center Neighborhood and visited the Salvadorean bakery that boasted some of the best pastries we've ever tasted. Established in 1996 by sisters Ana and Aminta Castro, the bakery was created to share traditional Salvadoran dishes and pastries, along with the customs of El Salvador with the Seattle community.
We had the pleasure of meeting Ana, along with her son and nephew, who expressed their love for being part of the Seattle community. It was clear how well-loved they are, as everyone we spoke to was excited when they learned we had visited the Salvadorean Bakery, raving about the delicious pastries!
Fun fact: Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the United States, after California?
For a unique wine experience, we visited Footprint Wine Tap, the only keg wine bar in Seattle. Owner Ken Dillon has crafted the perfect Pacific Northwest wine bar vibe—relaxed, intimate, and eco-conscious. It’s the type of place where you can unwind with a glass of local wine, surrounded by good company. The cozy atmosphere and focus on sustainability made it a memorable stop. Click here to learn more about Footprint Wine Tap from episode two of the “Celebrating Seattle” series.
Comfort Food FTW
What goes well with the cozy season is comfort food, and the food scene in Seattle is fantastic. We were fortunate enough to dine at some of the city’s most remarkable restaurants. At Musang, we had an incredible meal from acclaimed chef Melissa Miranda that introduced me to Filipino cuisine for the first time. The flavors and variety were unlike anything I’d experienced before—each dish was bold, comforting, and full of heart. The passion Chef Melissa brings to her cooking made Musang an unforgettable highlight of our trip.
Another standout was Ciudad, where the Mediterranean-inspired dishes were both flavorful and comforting, perfect for the cozy season. We also enjoyed a delicious dinner at Dakalious in Pioneer Square.
Through every bite and sip, we found that the cozy season in Seattle is more than just an idea—it’s a feeling that permeates the city’s food, culture, and community. Whether it’s enjoying a warm meal at a local restaurant, savoring a coffee made with care, or meeting the people behind these establishments, Seattle offers an abundance of experiences that make you feel right at home.
As Jeannette and I wrapped up our podcast recordings and reflected on our time in Seattle, it was clear that cozy season is the perfect time to visit this incredible city. From iconic landmarks like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle to hidden gems like Musang and The Station Coffee House, Seattle offers a unique blend of culture, comfort, and culinary delights. We can’t wait to return and experience even more of what this season—and city—has to offer.
Live Podcast With James Beard Nominated Chef
Travel With Meaning and Jeannette Ceja, along with our friends from Visit Seattle hosted a live post recording with two-time James Beard Nominated Chef Kristi Brown from Communion Restuarant in Seattle. Kristi shared with us her love for Seattle, defined Seattle soul food, and discussed the emergence of Africatown in Seattle. This is an amazing evening in Venice Beach and an even better episode we highly recommend taking a listen - click here to listen to part three of the “Celebrating Seattle” series.
Hispanic Heritage Month
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recorded a special
#travelwithmeaning podcast episode in Spanish. During our time in Seattle recording the Celebrating Seattle series, we had the privilege of meeting inspiring business owners within Seattle’s Hispanic-Latino communities. We listened to their stories, explored the evolution of these vibrant communities in Seattle, and discovered what makes the city so special to them. Click here to listen to this special podcast episode.
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