Count me as a Seattle super-fan. I’ve been traveling to the Emerald City for a long time. Since 1962, actually…when Seattle hosted the World’s Fair and the Space Needle was erected.
I still enjoy going up the elevator in the Space Needle…and riding the Monorail from Westlake Center. A new edition: the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum…is an amazing exhibition showing off the work of the museum’s namesake creator: Dale Chihuly. Don’t miss it.
After marveling at the expansive views atop the Space Needle, head toward the water. You’ll run into the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) Outdoor Sculpture Park, which is loaded with art and sculpture. Make your way across the railroad track and walk down to the beach. Last time I saw a sea lion frolicking just offshore. It’s a great place to watch the boats on Puget Sound…and to spy the Olympic Mountains on the other side of the water.
Check out “The Charter”, a Hilton property at the corner of 2nd Ave. and Stewart. It’s sandwiched in between Westlake Center and Pike Place Market, so shoppers and eaters both will be satisfied. The rooms are pretty, with floor to ceiling windows, although the views are basically the building across the street.
The best views are at the “Fog Room” on the top floor. There, you’ll get a nice view of the waterfront, including Seattle’s Big Wheel, which is lit up at night. The Fog Room boasts “the only year-round outdoor deck”, which is possible because it’s covered in case of rain! Stop in for a beverage and check out the views.
The Charter’s feel is sleek and modern. HHonors members can pay with points. The in-room tv is huge, the wi-fi is fast and free, the bathrooms have big, fluffy towels, there’s a 24-hour in-lobby shop for essentials (and snacks) and the lobby-level restaurant serves up a mighty-fine breakfast. I even used the gym for my pt regimen. I noticed a sauna…but didn’t need the heat. HA
After expliring SAM’s Outdoor Sculpture Park, head south along the waterfront. It’s easy to spend the whole day there. CHeck out the massive Seattle Aquarium. If you brought your passport, you can hop aboard the Victoria Clipper and head up to Vancouver Island for a couple of days.
Or, take a harbor cruise with Argosy Cruises. My favorite? The Ballard Locks cruise on the Goodtime III, which goes from the waterfront to Lake Union.
You can’t miss Seattle’s Big Wheel. If you love the Space Needle’s explansive views (who doesn’t?) you’ll love the pics you can get of the waterfront from this HUGE Ferris Wheel.
Further down the promenade is the dock for the Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. Even just riding back and forth to Bainbridge Island is a great way to get a beautiful view of the waterfront.
The entire Harbor Steps retrofit following the sinking of the elevated freeway is nothing short of magnificent. Burying the freeway opened up the space between Pike Place Market and the waterfront. It’s glorious.
Keep walking to Lumen Field (Seattle Mariners) and T-Mobile Park (Seattle Seahawks). The Seahawks will be playing the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 11.
Awhile back I walked from downtown to Ballard for a taste of “Ballard Bitter” back when Redhook Brewing had their brew-pub there (they’ve since moved to Woodinville, where it was sold to Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch). Since then, the company has changed hands again…it was sold to pot-sellers Tilray Brands ( https://www.tilray.com/ ).
This time, my trip to Ballard was more wholesome: to see the National Nordic Museum. It’s a great showcase, documenting Seattle’s Scandinavian heritage and the region’s penchant for boats, exploring…and hard work.
In the 19th century, there was a massive out-migration of Scandinavians. This was due in part to political events, as well as agricultural disasters and regional wars. Many of the emigrants came to the U.S. and to the Pacific Northwest.
At the museum, there are timelines and narratives detailing the Nordic influence in shipbuilding, agriculture, fishing, logging, mining and other industries based in and around Washington State. It’s worth a visit.
Just outside, there’s a path that leads to the Ballard Locks, which opened in 1917. This path from Puget Sound (saltwater) to Lake Union (fresh water) is an interesting collection of engineering marvels. But it’s fun just to watch the boats come and go! Enjoy the nearby botanical gardens, a small locks museum from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the surrounding trails.
Thirsty? I recommend Metier Brewing in Seattle’s Central District. An Alaskan friend recommended this as a meet-up location. The beers and snacks did not disappoint. I opted for a flight of four varieties, including a Kolsch, a pils, a nitro stout and a pale ale. Two thumbs up!
I’ve spent a long time enjoying the museums around Seattle, including the Seattle Art Museum, the Burke Museum, MOHAI, the Museum of Flight, Chihuly Garden and Glass (next to Space Needle).
My new favorite off-beat Seattle museum? That would be the Pinball Museum in the International District.
Pinball played an important role in my own misspent youth, so it was great to relive some of the fun machines that I fed endless quarters into….way before Pong and Pac-Man ever showed up.
Pay one entrance fee ($25) and play endlessly…no quarters required. My favorite was “Wizard”…modeled after “Pinball Wizard” by the Who. Click through for the whole list of games.
Are you going to Seattle? I know you’ll have a great time. Check in with the folks at Visit Seattle for the latest on what to do and where to go in the area. Tell ’em Scott sent you.
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