| Why
Travel to Seattle?
Seattle is home to the
most successful high technology industry in the world, so the ambience
generally is young, vibrant and high on money though it still rocks on the grunge scene of the early nineties and boasts
Jimi Hendrix as a favourite musical export.
The city is situated in a very scenic region and is surrounded by
countless outdoor activity possibilities as well as being just down from Canada if you are looking for a double-country
experience.
Downside:
- It's conservative side compared to its Californian cousins, San
Francisco and LA.
- It drizzles a lot and is a little on the cool side.
When
to Travel to Seattle:
Best: June-September
for least rain, except for winter sports October-February, April-May
east of the mountains for flowers.
Okay: winter - for indoor culture, but cold,
windy and rainy outside unless skiing nearby.
'Funny
thing this Seattle rain. Not a whole lot of it, but
it sure takes a long time to come down' R.L.Walker
Length
of stay not incl. flights:
Minimum worthwhile: 1 day for major sights and a coffee.
Recommended: 1 week, 2 days in Seattle, the rest exploring the beautiful
surrounding landscapes.
Main Attractions:
Seattle center: the cultural heart of the city, where you can climb
the Space Needle for panoramic views or dining, ride the 'futuristic'
monorail, and goggle at the visual feasts of the Pacific Science
Center and the musical ones in the Experience Music Project.
'U' District: the university district for campus life and Washington Park Arboretum
for plant life.
Capitol Hill: Volunteer Park
for the Victorian glasshouse; Asian Art Museum; the Henry Art Gallery
and Burke Museum for Native American objects.
Pioneer Square: where it all started
- the Klondike Gold Rush Historic Park and totem pole filled Occidental
Park will tell you all about it.
Short
Trips:
Bainbridge Island: by
ferry to see Seattle from a watery persdpective.
Tacoma: worth a day to see the impressive
Union Station and visit museums.
Also:
Olympic National Park, Mt Rainier National Park, North Cascades
National Park, San Juan Islands - see Pacific
Northwest Travel
Arts
and Culture:
Museums
and Galleries:
Seattle Art Museum, Burke Museum [native artifacts] and Henry Art
Gallery.
Classical
Music and Dance: Seattle
Symphony Orchestra at Benaroya Concert Hall, Downtown; Seattle Opera
and Pacific Northwest Ballet at the Opera House, Seattle Center.
Nightlife and Entertainment: plenty of live music venues and clubs
catering for all sorts.
Cuisine:
Generally
good and of many kinds, but sea food in particular.
Head Downtown to Belltown for the most exclusive city nosh, Pike
Square Market for fresh sea critters, and the International District
for Asian.
Festivals
and Parades:
Jan-Feb,
Chinese New Year, International District.
May, Northwest Folklife Festival, International
District.
Jul-Aug, Seafair.
Sept, Bumbershoot, International District.
|
