Microsoft Veteran’s 15-Year Insider Guide! Half-Day Seattle Tour: Snow

Microsoft Veteran’s 15-Year Insider Guide! Half-Day Seattle Tour: Snow-Capped Mountains + Fresh Seafood 🦀🏔️ Who would’ve thought? Just landed in Seattle in the afternoon, still jet-lagged, and my uncle (a 15-year Microsoft veteran) kicked off an express local-style tour—covering 3 amazing spots in half a day, ending with a crash at the Hyatt. Perfect for adjusting to the time zone! 😴✈️ ✨ Microsoft Insider Easter Eggs: Visitor Center + Treehouse First stop straight from the airport—Microsoft! My uncle got us into the exclusive treehouse 🌲, which most visitors can’t access. Friday at the campus was super quiet—peaceful and great for photos. No crowds, just lush forest backgrounds perfect for nature-style shots 🌿. The Visitor Center is free and open to the public. Saw photos of Bill Gates and other Microsoft partners—so cool to stand where tech legends once did! 🦀 Seafood Lovers, Skip the Crowds: The Crab Pot Bellevue Avoid the long lines at the Pike Place location! This hidden gem has been run by a Greek family since 1909 and was featured in Sleepless in Seattle (the Pike Place one was in the movie, but this branch offers lovely lake views 🏞️). No hour-long wait—we sat right down and dug into king crab legs and corn, smashing shells with wooden mallets. So satisfying! At ~$60 per person, it’s a way better deal than tourist traps. Plus, free parking! 📍Address: 10300 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 ❄️ Must-Visit Before Sunset: Kerry Park’s Snow-Capped Views Arrive around 5 PM for the perfect light! Distant views of Mount Rainier 🏔️, soft golden hour glow—photos turn out stunning, no filter needed. Hardly any tourists, so you can snap pics freely. Just a 20-minute drive from the restaurant, and after shooting, we headed straight to the hotel. 🏨 Jet-Lag Savior: Hyatt Regency Seattle Staying near Pike Place Market is a game-changer! A 5-minute walk to the pier, super soundproof rooms, and the comfiest beds—I passed out instantly 😴. Woke up to waterfront views right outside my window—ready to tackle Day 2! 📍Address: Hyatt Regency Seattle, 808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101 In a nutshell: Beat jet lag and explore Seattle efficiently! Follow a local’s lead—save time, skip lines, and snap gorgeous pics. 👉 Pro Tips: Kerry Park is free with nearby parking. Best light is 5–6 PM—the mountain views are breathtaking in person. Call a day ahead to reserve at The Crab Pot—avoid waiting! Hyatt’s location is unbeatable for jet-lagged or busy travelers—walk to multiple attractions. #SeattleTravel #SeattleGuide #MicrosoftCampus #HiddenGems #USATravel #SeafoodFoodie #JetLagJourney #HyattReview #LocalPicks #KerryPark #SleeplessInSeattleFilmingLocations