Everybody knows Seattle is a cool city. What I didn't realize was how beautiful Seattle is. And definitely worth a visit. The residents are friendly and interesting. And if you go during the summer and early fall, the rain that gives the city its nickname is not in evidence. The city is hilly, and the easiest way to get around is to walk, so bring your walking shoes.
One "must see" is the Pike Place Fish Market. There are a lot of stalls and booths in the market with incredible produce and flowers, but the one that draws the crowds is the famous "flying fish" seller. Made famous by corporate motivational speakers and the tourist bureau, the stand's attraction is a group of witty, zany employees who literally fling fish at each other and the crowds. The fish are huge, as are the crowds, and the interaction is a great way to start your day.
Right across the street is the first Starbuck's Coffee, which is worth visiting for the delicious aroma alone. The coffee scent has permeated the creaking old floors and wooden counters and the cozy ambiance is everything a coffee house should be. There is quite literally a coffee house on every corner in Seattle, and still this one is special.
The most iconic symbol of Seattle (aside from the coffee mug) is the Space Needle. This landmark was built for the Worlds Fair of 1962. It's 605 feet high, and there is a taller building now, but you have to visit the Needle for the premier views of Seattle it's environs. If its clear, the views of Mount Ranier are worth the trip. She (Seattleites call the mountain "she" as in "she is out today") floats like a benevolent guardian over the city.
Right below the Needle is the Seattle Music Experience, housed in a Gehry - designed guitar shaped building. The Music Experience Project Museum offers music memorabilia (especially that of Jimi Hendrix), music labs, and hands on interactive exhibits. Great for teens and budding rock stars.
Pioneer Square is the heart of the original downtown area, and well worth a (daytime) visit. One of the best bookshops in America, Elliott Bay Bookstore is located there. A wonderful warren of nooks and books, spend a few minutes browsing in one of the last bookstores with character. But the real attraction is the Seattle Underground. When most of the downtown area burned in the Great Fire of 1889, Seattle decided to rebuild in brick, and two stories above the original street level to prevent flooding. The criminal element of the city quickly moved in to the old storefronts underground, and a subterranean city of bars and brothels quickly sprang up. You can still tour this fascinating underground world several times daily.
There are two great tour operators in town.
1) Tour Seattle at your own pace with a hop-on, hop-off Double Decker buses. Get on and off at seven different stops around the city and explore at your leisure.
2) A stranger option is Duck Tours of Seattle. A 'duck" is an amphibious craft that the company uses to take guests through downtown and then onto nearby Union Lake. Union Lake is where the house from "Sleepless in Seattle" is located, as well as some of the ships from "Deadliest Catch". The tour operators are crazy, and if your dignity is important, this is not the tour for you. If you are looking for a fun, 90 minute tour, see www.ridetheducksof seattle.com. Prices are about 25.00 adult and 15.00 child. Open daily.
To make the most of the Great Northwest, plan at least one outdoor activity. One inexpensive and easy option is to ride one of the commuter ferries across Elliott Bay.You will enjoy the beauty of the Bay and if you are lucky, the dolphins will playfully escort you.
A great place to stay is the Italian Renaissance grand hotel called the Fairmont Olympic. Built in 1924, this beautiful hotel is the only five diamond hotel in the area. It plays host to literally every social event in Seattle, including most weddings. The opulent lobby, with its marble columns and huge crystal chandeliers is the best place in Seattle to celebrity watch. While I was there a certain Lama visited a certain rock star in his suite. The rooms are very tasteful and elegant, but not large. You may want to treat yourself to a suite. The hotel offers a spa, several incredible restaurants (the chef is fantastic) and impeccable service. The location couldn't be better. You can walk to all major attractions and shopping, or arrange to use the hotels town car.
Seattle is a fun-filled, artistic haven. The people are warm; the food is great; the scenery is fabulous. Give yourself a treat and visit this lovely city soon.
One "must see" is the Pike Place Fish Market. There are a lot of stalls and booths in the market with incredible produce and flowers, but the one that draws the crowds is the famous "flying fish" seller. Made famous by corporate motivational speakers and the tourist bureau, the stand's attraction is a group of witty, zany employees who literally fling fish at each other and the crowds. The fish are huge, as are the crowds, and the interaction is a great way to start your day.
Right across the street is the first Starbuck's Coffee, which is worth visiting for the delicious aroma alone. The coffee scent has permeated the creaking old floors and wooden counters and the cozy ambiance is everything a coffee house should be. There is quite literally a coffee house on every corner in Seattle, and still this one is special.
The most iconic symbol of Seattle (aside from the coffee mug) is the Space Needle. This landmark was built for the Worlds Fair of 1962. It's 605 feet high, and there is a taller building now, but you have to visit the Needle for the premier views of Seattle it's environs. If its clear, the views of Mount Ranier are worth the trip. She (Seattleites call the mountain "she" as in "she is out today") floats like a benevolent guardian over the city.
Right below the Needle is the Seattle Music Experience, housed in a Gehry - designed guitar shaped building. The Music Experience Project Museum offers music memorabilia (especially that of Jimi Hendrix), music labs, and hands on interactive exhibits. Great for teens and budding rock stars.
Pioneer Square is the heart of the original downtown area, and well worth a (daytime) visit. One of the best bookshops in America, Elliott Bay Bookstore is located there. A wonderful warren of nooks and books, spend a few minutes browsing in one of the last bookstores with character. But the real attraction is the Seattle Underground. When most of the downtown area burned in the Great Fire of 1889, Seattle decided to rebuild in brick, and two stories above the original street level to prevent flooding. The criminal element of the city quickly moved in to the old storefronts underground, and a subterranean city of bars and brothels quickly sprang up. You can still tour this fascinating underground world several times daily.
There are two great tour operators in town.
1) Tour Seattle at your own pace with a hop-on, hop-off Double Decker buses. Get on and off at seven different stops around the city and explore at your leisure.
2) A stranger option is Duck Tours of Seattle. A 'duck" is an amphibious craft that the company uses to take guests through downtown and then onto nearby Union Lake. Union Lake is where the house from "Sleepless in Seattle" is located, as well as some of the ships from "Deadliest Catch". The tour operators are crazy, and if your dignity is important, this is not the tour for you. If you are looking for a fun, 90 minute tour, see www.ridetheducksof seattle.com. Prices are about 25.00 adult and 15.00 child. Open daily.
To make the most of the Great Northwest, plan at least one outdoor activity. One inexpensive and easy option is to ride one of the commuter ferries across Elliott Bay.You will enjoy the beauty of the Bay and if you are lucky, the dolphins will playfully escort you.
A great place to stay is the Italian Renaissance grand hotel called the Fairmont Olympic. Built in 1924, this beautiful hotel is the only five diamond hotel in the area. It plays host to literally every social event in Seattle, including most weddings. The opulent lobby, with its marble columns and huge crystal chandeliers is the best place in Seattle to celebrity watch. While I was there a certain Lama visited a certain rock star in his suite. The rooms are very tasteful and elegant, but not large. You may want to treat yourself to a suite. The hotel offers a spa, several incredible restaurants (the chef is fantastic) and impeccable service. The location couldn't be better. You can walk to all major attractions and shopping, or arrange to use the hotels town car.
Seattle is a fun-filled, artistic haven. The people are warm; the food is great; the scenery is fabulous. Give yourself a treat and visit this lovely city soon.
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