On the way to and from the Alaskan Cruises, the largest and most famous city in Washington is the port that serves the ships, bound to sail to the 49th state of the USA. Having had the pleasure of staying there many a time, it is in my opinion a place worth visiting. Aside from having close friends who live there, there is such joy I derive from this North Western city, that even if arriving for a cruise, which usually takes off on Sundays, I like to get there a couple of days early, book a hotel room well ahead of time and hike, take yoga classes, and elevate my spirits in this town, which has never let me down, with it’s clean air, temperatures which are never too cold or too hot, and a general air of healthy living.
The birthplace of Starbucks and headquarters of Costco – whose own brand, Kirkland is named after the town it originated from – is filled with lush greenery, a history that contains famous characters and events and has an endless amount of activity one could fill their day with, feeling healthier and smarter than before they arrived. Seattleites are known as a brainy lot having produced many brilliant and eccentric people.
Since the city is where the Klondike Stampede in the mid 1890 began, bringing men and women from across the world here, the Northernmost point of continental USA, on their way to depart for Dawson, heart of the Gold Rush. New hotels were built to cater to the influx, as the Gold Fever gave local merchants tens of thousands of customers. Stores like Cooper and Levy stocked trousers, bicycles, dog sleds and even sled dogs. The quantity of provisions was so vast it had to be stored in the street near the stores, because according to Canadian law each prospector had to have year’s supply of everything they might need. Of course, the city had to cater to the multitudes of people who came thru it, with many returning after the Rush petered out and settled there.
People like Elmer Fisher, the brilliant architect that established the face of early downtown Seattle, whose elegant stone and brick creations still decorating the city’s skyline, from Jackson Street to Belltown. Then there was Reginald H. Thompson, The King of the Hills, who had an obsession with leveling the city’s hills, giving it a facelift it had never seen before or will probably will not see again.
Nowadays, Seattle has become a place filled with things to see, experience cultural events such as the Seattle Philharmonic or the exceptional Ballet co.
But first things first: The Space Needle is an absolute must see, the equivalent of the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Willis "Sears" Tower of Chicago. It’s an iconic building was erected in 1962 for the World’s Fair and is 605 feet high. After the elevator ride, a speedy 43 second ascension where the elevator operator usually gives the quickest verbal tour of Seattle and it’s surroundings. When you reach the observatory, open views of downtown Seattle, Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sounds, Lake Washington and surrounding cities. The view is spectacular, despite not being the tallest building anymore in Seattle’s skyline, because of a city ordinance that preserves the sight lines from the tower. For the best view of the Space Needle, and in fact the whole of Seattle’s skyline, is actually a few steep blocks away, at Kerry Point, made famous by TV’s ‘Frasier’.
Then, off to Pike Place Market, where fresh fish (mainly wild salmon), farm produce, crafts, and original Starbucks can be found and enjoyed. The vegetables and fruit are so fresh and crisp they feel just picked and oozing nutrients. The Waterfront is an awesome experience, especially with it’s newest addition- the Seattle Great Wheel. It is only two years old but has the drawing power to attract visitors in vast numbers. It’s the largest observation wheel on the West Coast at 175 feet in height 42 fully enclosed gondolas, each holding eight people. Since Seattle is blessed (or cursed, depends on your outlook) with a rainy climate, you can be dry and snug as you ride the Wheel and take in the views on the three revolutions of the ride. It’s great fun for both kids and adults. The Aquarium is also at the waterfront, where the attendants have hands on experience with Marine preservation and education.
The art museum is a post modern building with a wonderful collection to savor and the Klondike Gold Rush Museum is a free museum, telling the city’s history beginning with the tragic fire which burnt it down and the Gold rush which rebuilt it. The city is a cornucopia of activities, vibrant and alive with special events and festivals. If you happen to be there on the first Thursday of the month, you could partake of the ‘art walk’ in the historic Pioneer Square, with free admission to galleries and local artisans set up booths in Occidental Square, selling their ceramics, jewelry and art. Every month has a specific themed festival and to find out which festival is happening when you happen to be there just go to http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60878-s408/Seattle:Washington:Events.And.Festivals.html
Enjoy!
Sarity
‘Love is the most powerful way to create profoundly tangible transformation in everyone who crosses our path. Yet we must be mindful to endow the self with pure, unconditional love and acceptance, which will result in an infinite fountain of empathy and joy, readily available to give others.’