48 Hours in Seattle

Tragically, Market Theater Gum Wall was scraped clean in November of 2015...but of course, The Man can't keep such an important piece of Seattle history down, and within hours, the first few wads of gum were back on this alley wall in Pike Place. When they cleaned it, though, they removed over 2,000 pounds of chewed up gum.

If you're not too grossed out by the gum to grab a bite to eat, you should sample one of the city's favorite dishes: chowder. They offer different kinds at Pike Place Chowder. The Market Chowder is a great way to go, since it just has whatever the chef thinks looks best that day, but they also make a mean smoked salmon chowder, and even have a vegan, gluten-free option.

Olympic Sculpture Park is a 9-acre public park, sculpture museum, and beach, and it's a great way to appreciate the coastal views of Puget Sound. It makes for an especially pretty stroll right at sunset.

At Ballard's Archie Mcphee, you can find some of the absolute weirdest novelty toys you've ever seen in a store filled with stuff you don't need at all, but desperately want. Displays of bizarre creatures, like the mysterious "Wallingford Beast," line the walls, bacon-flavored candy sits near the register, and toys like boxing nuns, unicorn horns for your cat, and boxes of bedpans all beg to be bought. You'll buy this stuff to give to friends, but we all know you're going to keep it for yourself.

Meet Seattle's most beloved citizen: The Fremont Troll! This massive public sculpture is located under the George Washington Memorial Bridge, and is a play on the classic Scandinavian Billy Goats Gruff fairy tale.

You can text for a reservation at Knee High Stocking Company if you want, but when you arrive, ring the doorbell, don't be freaked out that there isn't a sign, it's all a part of the speakeasy theme. They offer awesome craft cocktails, and use pretty much any and all booze, so there's sure to be something for everyone.

Still Liquor is a converted 1920's garage, and is a little quieter and more laid-back then Knee High Stocking Company, with a selection of awesome beers and wines to go with their cocktail menu.

Free admission and parking are great, but the exhibits in the little but still impressive Frye Art Museum are worth paying for. Their rotating offerings can lean more offbeat (they recently had Russian propaganda posters), and it's a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

You haven't had salami until you've had it from Salumi Artisan Cured Meats. Different spices and flavors, like mole, oregano, and paprika, among others, are combined with amazing cheeses and fresh bread to make mouthwatering sandwiches.

It's hard to believe, but the Seattle you see today was literally built on top of the original city. Flooding, fires, and plagues caused the city to decide to regrade the streets a level above the original, and what was once the street level of the buildings became hidden. You can tour the Seattle Underground Tunnels and old basements, which have been decorated to look as they did in the 19th and early 20th centuries, for an interesting look at the city's history.

The Seattle Pinball Museum is all about pinball. They have machines from as far back as the 1960's, the world's largest pinball machine, and a massive collection of classics. Plus, it's a flat rate for unlimited free play, so you don't have to worry about quarters.

You'll have to make a reservation at Maneki in order to get a table, but it'll be worth it. This Japanese restaurant has been open for over 100 years, and has consistently served up some of the city's best sushi. Plus, the prices are shockingly reasonable.