Seattle, home to such American institutions as Starbucks, indie music and Microsoft, is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. Known as the Emerald City for the surrounding lush forests, the area is a unique mix of stunning mountain views and a thriving city-center. Cutting-edge culture and art venues rub elbows with elegant theaters and restaurants. At the heart of Seattle, luxury hotel suites provide a fantasy escape from everyday life.
Pike Place Market
A piece of Pacific Northwest history that should not be missed, Pike Place Market – or simply, the Public Market – is a Seattle landmark. Pike Place is one of the country’s longest continuously operating public markets and features several levels of shopping overlooking Elliott Bay. On the upper street level, you’ll find fishmongers bringing in the day’s catch, fresh produce, local artisans displaying their handiwork and the most gorgeous array of locally grown tulips available in practically every color of the rainbow.
On lower levels, the market offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants, including antique dealers, art galleries and the very first Starbucks location. Families traveling together will appreciate the kid-friendly restaurants and discerning shoppers may discover a hidden treasure in a dusty antique market. Whatever your passion, Pike Place Market has the answer.
The market opened in 1907, and today enjoys more than 10 million visitors annually, making it one of Washington’s premier tourist destinations. In addition to sightseers, Pike Place is home to some 200 commercial businesses, 300 farmers and artists who rent tables by the day, 240 street performers and 300 apartment units reserved for low-income, elderly residents.
The Space Needle
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the Space Needle. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, today the Space Needle is home to Sky City, the revolving restaurant that serves up a spectacular view of the Seattle skyline along with superbly prepared local delicacies. You’ll gaze upon the vistas of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay, all without leaving your seat.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the view from the observation deck, perched 520 feet above the city. On a clear day, the view of the surrounding mountains and islands that dot Puget Sound is stunning. On any day, the 43-second ride to the top in an elevator traveling ten miles per hour is alone worth the trip.
Wine Tasting and Tours
The Pacific Northwest is home to a large and successful community of winemakers and vineyards, and downtown Seattle sports more than 29 wineries and 21 wine bars. If wine is your passion, you’ll find many places to savor the area’s offerings. Local vineyards, wineries, and boutique hotels schedule tours and tastings, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample
flavors you might otherwise miss.
Whether traveling on business or pleasure, take some time out to enjoy the unique sights of Seattle. Boutique hotel accommodations, modern musical fashion, the catch of the day at Pike Place Market, world-class wineries and more all combine to make Seattle an eclectic, exciting vacation destination.
By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved
