Sam Fu’s Local Guide to Seattle
We asked Seattle local and photographer extraordinaire, Sam Fu, to shoot some photos, share some insight and create a Visit Seattle Local Guide full of tips and local secrets just for you.
ksName: Sam Fu
Occupation: Photographer
Can you sum up Seattle? Seattle has a rich culture in the music industry. It’s home to a lot of famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Shabazz Palaces, Macklemore and various other artists. The seafood here is amazing. Pike Place Market is where you can get fresh seafood. And I’d say Seattle feels small only because the community here is so tight. Running into people you know happens often. Oh, and Starbucks originated here as well, so we’re also known for coffee.
Tell us about the photos you shot for this Visit Seattle Local Guide: Seattle is definitely known for its lush green trees. We have a lot of beautiful mountains and lakes. Some of the popular ones include Rattlesnake Lake (there are no rattlesnakes, don’t worry), Mt. Rainier and Lake Serene. The city itself contains hidden gems here and there: beautiful architecture and a mix of modern and old housing.
Where is the best place to watch a gorgeous sunset in Seattle? The first place that comes to mind is Kerry Park. It’s a well known touristy spot because of its view of the Seattle skyline. The park is small, simple and has a large art sculpture in front. It’s located in Queen Anne, which is the northern part of Seattle. Another beautiful location to watch the sunset is Elle Bailey Park –probably one of my favorite spots.
What is a perfect day in Seattle? For me, there are multiple ways to have a “perfect day” in Seattle. Here’s just one: A perfect day in Seattle would include 70-degree weather. I’d start my day with a solid workout in the morning followed by brunch at Oddfellows Cafe + Bar with some friends, a walk around Discovery Park followed by dinner at Tsukushinbo Japanese restaurant.
What do you love about Seattle? I love the community here in Seattle. I’m always running into friends when I’m in the city. I also love how we’re surrounded by mountains and forests. You don’t have to drive very far to escape the city. It’s really nice.
What would be surprising about Seattle to an outsider? Funny thing: I would say it doesn’t rain as much as everyone thinks. Most people think Seattle is known for how much it rains. When it does rain it’s usually light or average rain.
Can you give a couple tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? Having more content is better than not having enough. Always shoot a lot. Try different perspectives. And most of all shoot for you. Don’t shoot to impress others or for the “likes”.
City:
Seattle
Best place to eat:
Oh man! I don’t think I could decide on a single favorite place. I’m not a very picky eater either. The Wandering Goose and Odfellows Cafe + Bar are two of my favorite places for breakfast, lunch or brunch. Kick n’ Boot BBQ is probably my favorite for BBQ.
Best place to drink:
There are a number of spots I love. For cafés I’d suggest Amandine Bakeshop and Little Oddfellows in the back of Elliott Bay Book Store. Stumptown Coffee is also amazing. As for bars I’d highly suggest Still Liquor and Rhein Haus.
Favorite Park:
I have a few, but one of my favorite parks is Discovery Park. It’s one of the bigger parks in the Seattle area. One of the main reasons why I love this park is because of how many different locations there are within the park. One of them includes a beach with a lighthouse at the end.
Favorite Neighborhood:
My favorite neighborhoods would definitely have to be the areas surrounding Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. Each house is different and unique. On a nice summer day these neighborhoods are very nice to walk around.
Local tip:
Definitely plan what you’re going to do before coming because there’s a lot you can do out here. Oh and always have a jacket on you no matter what the weather is like if you plan to stay out the whole day.
Tip for visitors:
I’d suggest Pike Place Market and the Gum Wall to anyone visiting Seattle for the first time. I’d also recommend hiking Rattlesnake Ledge and checking out Rattlesnake Lake as well. Snoqualmie Falls is also another popular short hike. Those are just a couple of the most popular hikes to do. As for food, I definitely suggest Oddfellows Cafe + Bar, Tacos Chukis, El Camion and Ba Bar. I’d also check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle.