The Gasworks Park Gelato Diaries

I thought it was hot last weekend. This week things got even hotter. Seattle hit an all time record high of 103 degrees. People were freaking out. Businesses closed early when internal temperatures neared 95 degrees. It was like Black Friday as hoards of people lined up outside department stores waiting for shipments of air conditioning units and fans to arrive. Seattleites are quite temperamental about their weather apparently. I however endured the heat wave, sans AC or fans. I wonder if perhaps my distant ancestors resided closer to the equator because I find the heat quite enjoyable. While everyone else acts out doomsday scenarios and performs rain dances, I bask in the heat and reminisce of past trips to the Mediterranean.

On one of the cooler evenings this week (it was possibly as low as 80 degrees!) I made my way to Gasworks Park to take in the sunset as it lit up the magnificent Seattle skyline. Gasworks Park is every photographers dream with contrasting elements of steel, rust, and grassy hills. In 1906 the current location of Gasworks Park played host to a plant which processed coal into oil. Fifty years later the plant closed and natural gas was imported to the area. Soon after the city acquired the site and turned the area into a park but kept many of the original structures. Now Gasworks Park is a Seattle hotspot for its incredible views, picnic areas, and waterfront location.

I used my evening in Gasworks to capture the tranquility of the surroundings. Most visitors lounged on the grassy hills, too hot to move a muscle. Others took their hot yoga class outside and sweated it out on the harbor front.

Gasworks Park encompasses much of Seattle’s character. Calm waterways, lots of green grass and hills to roam, and a view of the iconic skyline all with a touch of that elite hippie attitude that so defines the Seattle experience.

My trip to Gasworks Park would not be complete without heading to neighboring Wallingford for ice cream. Now, the last time I blogged about Wallingford I stumbled upon an ice cream shop with a line literally down the street. I have since been to taste the wonders of Molly Moon’s handmade ice cream and can say with conviction that there is no better taste in the world. On this trip however I wanted to try something new and was lacking the patience to stand in line for 45 minutes at Molly Moon, so instead I wandered up the street to a little place known as The Fainting Goat. This European style shop serves up Italian style gelato within a rustic, charming interior. On a side note, I recently heard on the local radio station that Seattleites consume the third most ice cream in the United States. I find this interesting coming from a city whose average day is 55 degrees and drizzling. Either way, I am not going to argue with the stats. In fact, it doesn't surprise me given that a local ice cream shop can be found on virtually every street in Seattle. And you thought we were known for coffee?!

With my caramel gelato in hand I sat down in the late afternoon sun and enjoyed the heat wave so many are avoiding. Maybe that’s why I enjoy this weather so much. When it’s hot I have an excuse to eat ice cream and popsicles, skip the gym, and lounge at the park all day. With that, I’m getting out of the house and heading to the beach right now!