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Seattle Washington

Seattle Space NeedleSeattle is known as the Emerald City. Its greenness stems from its abundant rainfall which encourages the growth of lush vegetation and also from its reflection in the clear blue/green waters of the Puget Sound. Visiting Seattle creates a mosaic of colorful impressions that shimmer in the imagination long after the visit ends.

Mt. Ranier looks down on Seattle from its majestic heights. Driving through Seattle on a clear day has been compared to floating on a cloud in an emerald sky.

From the dining room atop the Space Needle, a meal can be enjoyed along with a panoramic view of the whole city.



 

Pikes Place MarketPike Street Market is a medley of fresh fish, fruit, vegetable and flower shops right on the water. Sitting at a sidewalk café, one can watch the men who work in the fish markets throwing the fish from back to front. As a customer asks to purchase a fresh fish of a certain size, one man selects a fish from the barrel of ice, throws it to the weigher who is positioned in front of him, who in turn calls out the weight and throws it expertly to the wrapper who packages it and hands it to the customer. It is not unusual to see huge tubs of Alaskan salmon, king crab legs, and dungeness crab awaiting this process in the market.

 

The old fishing village of Ballard sits on the locks. Relax for a while and watch the ships go from Lake Union to the Puget Sound. A short drive north of Ballard leads to the Woodland Park zoo. It is a distinct pleasure to stroll through the acres of well kept grounds and to watch the animals enjoying their spacious natural habitats.

When visiting a city, there is always the decision to be made as to whether to have a car available or to rely on public transportation. A car is not necessary in Seattle as there are several choices of bus, trolley and monorail routes. There are even convertible buses dually equipped with gasoline and electrical systems that go underground to double as subway cars! It is easy to drive in Seattle, however, and there is ample parking. An automobile is handy for exploring the sights beyond the city. Walking is another alternative. There are many interesting and beautiful walking tours. Remember, though, that Seattle, like Rome, was constructed on seven hills. Downtown is built on a slant, so a walk will provide a good workout and may be tiring to small children.

Seattle ParksFamily attractions are everywhere in the city and suburbs. Seattle Center has a children's museum and interactive science center; Imax theater and several buildings with hands on exhibits. Around Green Lake in the center of Seattle children can roller blade, ride a bicycle or jog. Nearby at the University of Washington which sits on tranquil Lake Washington is a beautiful arboretum. There are parks everywhere.

Venture back in time to the days of the original settlers and take a ferry ride on Puget Sound to Blake Island. Arriving at the Island, visitors are greeted with the offering of steaming cups of clams and broth prepared and served by Native American merchants. A delicious fresh salmon feast is then brought to the table after being cooked authentically in the traditional style in a Longhouse on the island. During dinner, dances are performed by Native American dancers.

The Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest ballet are world class. Their performances are rated as "fabulous."

Sports fans enjoy the Seattle Mariners, Sea Hawks, Thunderbirds and Supersonics (NBA Basketball). TWO new stadiums host baseball and football teams.

There is something for everybody in Seattle!

Photos Courtesy of Dave Scott


Popular Hotels in Seattle

Days Inn Downtown Seattle - Economy
2205 7th Avenue, Seattle WA US 98121
Seattle By the Space Needle Travelodge
- Economy
200 6th Ave. North, Seattle WA US 98109
Sutton Suites & Extended Stays
- Economy
3423 South 160th Street, Seattle WA US 98188
La Quinta Inn Seattle Sea-Tac
- Midrange
2824 S 188th St, Seattle WA US 98188
Wyndham Seatac Hotel
- Midrange
18118 Pacific Highway South, Seattle WA US 98188
Mayflower Park Hotel
- Midrange
405 Olive Way, Seattle WA US 98101
The Westin Seattle
- Midrange
1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle WA US 98101
Fairfield Inn By Marriott Seattle Sea-Tac Airport - Midrange
19631 International Boulevard, Seattle WA US 98188
Doubletreeæ#131;⦣128;šæ#130;® Hotel Seattle Airport - Midrange
18740 Pacific Highway South, Seattle WA US 98188
Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport - Midrange
17001 Pacific Hwy South, Seattle WA US 98188

Interestng facts about Seattle

Seattle hosts several festivals each year. Among the most popular with all members of the family are: Bumbershoot Arts Festival featuring artists and performers from around the world which is held toward the end of summer around the time of Labor Day; and the summer food festival called Bite of Seattle which offers samplings of the best of over 50 restaurants. Another favorite is the two week long Maritime Sea Fair in mid-May which opens with the arrival of pirate ships approaching on Puget sound and ends with a display of fast speed boats with many maritime competitions and concerts in between.

Seattle is a city of great beginnings. Nordstrom's, Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon.com and Eddie Bauer all started there. Seattle is the largest city in the Northwest with more than a half a million residents in the city itself and another two and a half million in the surrounding suburbs, yet it is very clean and beautiful. It is a memorable place to visit, and one to which the visitor will never tire of returning.

Businesses for which Seattle is world famous include Nordstrom, Microsoft, Weyerhaeuser, Starbucks, Amazon.com and Price Costco. There were also the three college students who opened a little coffee stand called "Starbucks." In the 1990's Seattle revolutionized the music industry with the advent of punk rock bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The city's progressive politics, inventive culture and ready access to outdoor recreation continue to attract people to Seattle steadily.

Seattle Washington Tours and Attractions

Choose from one of our many Seattle Sightseeing Tours, Activities, and Seattle Tourist Attractions

Seattle Tours List

  • Seattle CityPass
    Seattle's CityPass contains an actual ticket to six of the city⦣128;™s best attractions, and saves you 50% off box office prices if the attraction tickets were purchased individually.

  • Experience Music Project
    EMP is a one-of-a-kind music museum combining interactive and interpretive exhibits to tell the story of the creative, innovative and rebellious expression that defines American popular music, from its roots in jazz, soul, gospel, country and the blues, to its influence on hip-hop, punk and other more recent genres.

  • Royal Argosy Dinner Cruise
    Every guest is assured a private table, and every seat offers a spectacular, ever-changing view.

  • Whale Watching from Friday Harbor
    Spring, summer and fall find the magnificent Orca whales plying the waters of the west side of San Juan Island, Washington.

  • Locks Cruise
    Live narration teaches how the Locks function, all while experiencing fantastic city and mountain views from Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, Lake Union and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. You will also enjoy seeing the unique "Sleepless in Seattle" floating houseboat community.

  • Harbor Cruise
    Enjoy a narrated cruise on Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor, as well as spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and panoramic mountain ranges.

  • Seattle Highlights
    The Highlights Excursion visits all the must-sees in Seattle plus a few places off the beaten path. You will begin downtown with a familiarization drive along the major avenues and corridors leading to each distinctive district.

  • Royal Argosy Lunch Cruise
    Come aboard and step back in time as you enjoy turn-of-the-century elegance, stroll the cork decks and savor a first hand look at the Seattle waterfront and city skyline.

  • Sea Kayak Trek from Roche Harbor
    Become one with nature as you smoothly glide amongst the wildlife native to the San Juan Islands north of Seattle. Enjoy an easy 3 hour kayak trip (no experience necessary) and see first hand the beauty and diversity of this natural marine habitat. The Pacific Northwest is waiting for you⦣128;格/p>

  • Lake Cruise - Seattle
    From picturesque houseboat districts to luxury waterfront homes and the Husky Stadium - home to the NFL's Seahawks - this two-hour cruise is an unforgettable way to experience the best of Seattle. See dramatic scenery and the volcanic Mt Rainier as the tour cruises Lake Washington.

  • Mt Rainier Day Tour
    A dormant volcano locked in ice and snow - views of this 14,411 foot mountain are a true Northwest thrill! Pack rolls of film for this day. The rolling farmland hide the violent past of Mt. Rainier, and provide plenty of ooh⦣128;™s and ahh⦣128;™s on your comfortable ride to Paradise.Take the time to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this alpine wilderness.

  • Lake Cruise - Kirkland
    The best way to see Seattle is from the water, and Argosy Cruises have been perfecting their tours for over 50 years. On this Lake Washington Cruise, you'll pass by luxury waterfront homes, Husky Stadium and the spectacular Mt Rainier, an active volcano draped in snow and ice.


 

 

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