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.
While you are there, you have to visit the Pike Place Fish Market. The market is worth a visit just for the fabulous produce and flowers. Everything seems to grow bigger and better in the Northwest. But the big draw is a booth that sells fish that has become very famous due to some motivational speakers recently. The employees of this booth are very witty, love their jobs and fling fish at each other and customers. A crowd gathers everyday to see the show and enjoy the repartee. Grab some coffee and a hot doughnut from one of the stalls and have a ball.
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 Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, taking in over 2.3 million visitors. The Space Needle is 605 feet high, 138 feet wide at its widest point and weighs 9,550 tons. It can withstand 150 mile winds. This is the iconic landmark of the Seattle skyline. On a clear day, you will see Mount Ranier, the volcano that seems to float over the city in a surreal backdrop.
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.
The Seattle Underground: The Great Seattle Fire in 1889, destroyed 33 city blocks. The original structures were built of wood and on filled-in tidelands which often flooded. When they rebuilt the city they did so two stories above the original street level. The less desirable elements of the city literally took their businesses underground. Tours are offered several times a day through subterranean warren of original storefronts, speakeasies and dives.
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.
Grayline Double Decker Tours Pricing: Adult $19.00 / Child $9.50 -plus tax Times: 9am – 6pm Buses depart every 30 minutes from seven centrally-located stops. www.graylineseattle.com
2) A fun and interactive way of seeing the city is aboard a “Duck”. This is an amphibious landing craft developed during WWII. The tour explores both downtown Seattle and a nearby lake familiar to “Sleepless in Seattle” fans.
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.
