Summer on the Seattle Waterfront-Views of the Norwegian Bliss and Dinner at Kidd Valley

There's just something about summer on the Seattle Waterfront. The views of the city, the Great Wheel, spectacular sunsets, and fresh seafood. And this summer for the first time ever, the Norwegian Bliss, a cruise ship over one thousand feet long, is docking in Seattle while it cruises to and from Alaska. The ship was built this year and is the largest to sail on the West Coast. It has over four thousand passengers and they get to enjoy many cool things like waterslides and a race track. I've never been on a cruise, so in the meantime I'll get my kicks by just looking at the ship. We walked to Pier 66 and got up close so I could take some photos. The waterslide was our favorite part and we were close enough to watch the passengers taking a ride through the clear tubes. The Norwegian Bliss dominated the waterfront and made for some beautiful photos.

After walking around in the hot sun, we were hungry. We walked to the end of the waterfront and ate dinner at Kidd Valley. They're a local Seattle chain that opened in 1975. Last year they opened a location on the waterfront bigger than their other spots and they also serve beer and wine. Kidd Valley is a nice addition to the Seattle Waterfront for kid friendly options other than Red Robin. Most of the spots on the waterfront are either counter service or fine dining.

Their menu isn't very big and except for chicken strips, everything is either a burger or sandwich. Get the fries, they are hand cut and of higher quality than most fast food joints. Everything's sold separately so the food prices can add up, so I suggest splitting some items, like the fries. The four of us shared one order and that was plenty. My husband had a fish sandwich, pretty fitting since we were on the waterfront. I had the Chicken Club Sandwich, which had bacon, yum! The whole thing was pretty messy with a lot of sauce, but otherwise enjoyable. Our boys shared a grilled cheese from the kid's menu and that came with organic apple juice, apple slices, and a yogurt. To wash it all down, I had a hard apple cider which was crisp and refreshing and my husband had a local beer.

After we ate, we headed back to where our car was parked on the other end of the waterfront. We got to burn some calories and soak up more of the summertime vibe. The cruise ship was gone, probably headed back to Alaska. I felt lucky we had the chance to see it earlier. Then it was time to head home and wrap up another memorable summer day.