Capitol Hill. Seattle’s most eclectic neighborhood and home to many of Seattle’s young entrepreneurs, hipsters, and LGBTQ community. Here you’ll experience many of the wonderful things Seattle has to offer. From fabulous park views and specialty boutiques, to a plethora of fusion restaurants and speakeasies. Capitol Hill is THE hip place to visit!
Capitol Hill was named by chief developer, James A. Moore in 1901. It’s believed that the naming was part inspiration by his wife’s hometown neighborhood outside Denver, Colorado and an effort to entice the Washington government to move the capital to Seattle from Olympia. While the political move didn’t happen, the Hill has always been a place for progressive thinkers. It remains the epicenter for political activism and social justice and when it comes to gay pride…Capitol Hill is full of pride!
Tour guide: Kylie Soder
In the first half of the 20th century, auto dealerships and car related businesses filled Broadway, Pike, and Pine streets terming the area, “auto row.” Soon, furniture stores took over and “furniture row” was born. Then, “decorators row” after the influx of interior designers. Constantly reinventing itself, the Hill boasts a mixture of old and new.
Home to Volunteer Park and Lake View Cemetery – where Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee, and Seattle pioneers are buried – it’s also home to Cornish School of the Arts, one of the nation’s premier college for the visual and performing arts, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Want to play some bubble soccer or watch outdoor movies? Then just hang out at Cal Anderson Park!
And let’s not forget to mention the music scene. Neumos is one of the hill’s hippest joints showcasing national and local acts that span a variety of genres from hip-hop, metal, punk, country, and much more. Chop Suey is another great venue offering a groovy nightclub vibe with red retro Chinese decor. If electronic and the underground feel is more your thing, then visit the Lo-Fi Performance Gallery. Have you heard of the Capitol Hill Block Party? It’s an event worth attending! Just imagine an annual 3 day music festival and block party held each July! Past festivals have included various celebrity acts including: Macklemore, Jack White and The Presidents of the United States of America, to name a few.
As far as food, restaurateurs know this is the spot to break in and showcase their expertise. After all, Seattle has always been known for its fusion cuisine. If you come on our “Hip On The Hill Tour,” we’ll introduce you to some of the neighborhood’s hippest restaurants such as Capitol Cider – an all gluten-free restaurant with exceptional ciders from Washington state. Eltana Wood-fired Bagel Cafe gives you a taste of Montreal style bagels as well as a chance to play the city’s largest crossword puzzle. Gnocchi Bar a concept by chef extraordinaire, Lisa Nakamura, Marination Station – voted America’s Best Food Truck by Good Morning America!, and more! Our tour will give you a taste of some of the best eateries on the Hill.
Top right photo: chicken sausage, stoneground mustard, kraut, baby lettuce salad.
Left photo: Polenta and Sweetie Pie Gnocchi
Right photo: The Gay Cupcake
What more can we say? Our friends at Vancouver Foodie Tours are planning a Road-Trip Guide to Seattle. Aside from the Pike Place Market, there is so much in the Capitol Hill neighborhood for Vancouverites to enjoy! If you’re looking to see another side to Seattle’s most prominent nightlife and the center of the city’s counterculture communities, then make it up to Capitol Hill! It’s too hip to skip!
