Birthday Getaway

Photographer: Coty |
Route: Pike Place Market, Seattle, United States


Nicole

United States
@@mrs.nicolecook

Travel Story

This year, we decided to celebrate our birthdays with something a little extra special—a quick trip up to Seattle. It was our first time away from Ollie since becoming parents, and while we adore every second with him, mom and dad were overdue for a little break. We wanted a chance to slow down, reconnect, and indulge in some grown-up fun before diving back into the joyful chaos of family life. The inspiration came from two things: birthdays and balance. After months of sleepless nights, diaper duty, and learning the ropes of parenthood, we knew it was time to step away for just a few days to recharge. Seattle felt like the perfect choice—a mix of vibrant city life, stunning scenery, and of course, endless coffee shops. There were so many highlights, but hands down, our favorite memory was the food. Seattle has no shortage of incredible restaurants, and we tried to sample as much as possible. One standout was 84 Yesler in Pioneer Square. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, the kind of place that immediately feels special. But the star of the evening? The parmesan churros. Crispy, savory, and paired with a smoked tomato aioli that we’re still dreaming about—they were absolutely to die for. It was one of those meals you know you’ll be talking about for years. Of course, Seattle offered more than just good food. We wandered Pike Place Market, weaving through stalls of fresh flowers and local treasures. We found ourselves laughing while sipping espresso in Post Alley and admiring the energy of the city around us. We even stopped to listen to street performers, the kind of little detours that make a trip feel more alive. We also booked a Flytographer session with Coty, who not only captured us beautifully but also acted as our unofficial tour guide. She showed us corners of Pike Place we might have otherwise missed and shared fun tidbits about Seattle’s history. The photos we got back are such a perfect way to remember this milestone trip. One of the funniest moments came when we realized just how much we talked about Ollie the whole trip—our first getaway as parents, and he was still front and center in our conversations. Every espresso stop or market stroll turned into “Oh, Ollie would love this.” It was a reminder that even when you’re away, parenthood comes right along with you (and we wouldn’t have it any other way). This trip to Seattle was exactly what we needed—a chance to recharge, eat incredible food, explore a beautiful city, and celebrate another year around the sun together. It was meaningful not just as a birthday getaway but as a reminder of the importance of carving out time for ourselves, too. Seattle, you treated us well—we’ll be back (with Ollie in tow next time).

Travel Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, we highly recommend staying at the Four Seasons—it was wonderful and perfectly located for exploring the city. Make sure to grab dinner at 84 Yesler in Pioneer Square (the parmesan churros are unforgettable), wander through Pike Place Market and Post Alley with an espresso in hand, and if you want to make your memories last, book a Flytographer session for photos and a local’s perspective.

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