Seattle, Washington
Seattle embraces its geek chic. Maybe it’s just hard-wired that way. It’s a city that looks to the future while building it, totally unfazed by a slight chance of afternoon showers. A unique mix of pioneering spirit, coffee counterculture, grunge and good will, Seattle continues to create its own unique blend. Boom or bust, this “Emerald City” has stayed true to its promise as a prominent cultural powerhouse and enduring natural beauty.
The Lowdown
Water Works: There are so many wonderful things about Seattle. One of the best things about living here is the water. For most of my life I have lived on or near the water—it’s immensely inspiring to my work.
Bowled Over: There is this great Italian restaurant on Ballard Avenue called Volterra—it’s terrific. I’m a regular there and I really enjoy the food.
View From The Top: I absolutely love the Space Needle because it is such an icon here in Seattle.
Thread Count
If you find yourself sleepless in Seattle, at least be comfortable. The Hotel 1000 (206-957-1000) is a sophisticated boutique hotel with unexpected discoveries, including a bathtub that fills from the ceiling and wired-to-serve technology. The Ace Hotel (206-448-4721) is affordable, unscripted hip—a perfect alternative for the trendsetting urbanite. At The Fairmont Olympic Hotel (206-621-1700), unrivalled service distinguishes this AAA Five Diamond property.
Food Fix
There’s no place like Tilth (206-633-0801), where organic “New American” cuisine is served up inside a renovated bungalow. Belltown’s chic Tavolàta (206-838-8008) dishes up rustic Italian fare and handmade pastas over a communal dining table. A real catch is Ray’s Boathouse (206-789-3770), where Northwest seafood and bayside views inspire lively dinner conversation in an elegant setting. Eating on the fly? There’s always Serious Pie (206-838-7388), the latest pizzeria creation from Tom Douglas.
Night Out
Timeless yet modern, The Triple Door (206-838-4333) is the top destination for a double-bill of fine dining and first-class entertainment. Watch your favorite performers on a gold-framed stage from the comfort of sleek half-moon booths. Two left feet? The Century Ballroom (206-324-7263) is bound to sweep you off of them: learn swing, salsa, and lindy hop before the house band hits the stage. The Lower Queen Anne neighborhood charmer Crow Restaurant and Bar (206-283-8800) plays to a packed house in a funky converted warehouse space.
Don't Miss
Explore two different passions—the rock star life, and life in outer space—as they intersect under one roof. Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (877-367-7361) takes you on a wonderful journey through hands-on interactive displays and engaging exhibitions. Pike Place Market (206-682-7453) is fi lled with antique shops, fi shmongers, fresh produce stands and encourages a “meet and greet” with area producers. At the Museum of Glass (253-284-4750), experience contemporary art glass in a dynamic learning museum where you literally feel the heat radiate from molten, in-progress pieces.
Stone's Throw
Seattle’s second most-visited natural attraction (Rainier is number one), Snoqualmie Falls draws crowds in the millions. A picture-postcard setting and cascading 270-foot waterfall are the main attractions, with a two-acre park, hiking trail, and gift shop as supporting cast. Next door, the Salish Lodge and Spa (800-272-5474) offers indulgent man-made luxuries—from oversized whirlpool tubs to wood-burning fi replaces. From downtown Seattle, a scenic 30-minute ferry ride to Bainbridge Island (206-842-7633) leads to rare art and nature walks.
On The Scene
The Seattle art scene isn’t just limited to visual arts. Still hip after 105 years is the Seattle Symphony Orchestra (206-215-4700), performing hits from groups like retro-jazz ensemble Pink Martini. Think ballet is old-school? Tell that to Pacifi c Northwest Ballet (206-441-9411), with a line-up of high-energy contemporary works including the dance festival “Laugh Out Loud.” Fairly new on the scene but here to stay is Theatre Puget Sound (206-770-0370) proving that experimental fringe-theater means big entertainment.
Events - May & Jun 2009
2009 marks the 100th year of this annual event celebrating the culture and diversity of the Pacifi c Northwest with approximately 1,000 performances and over 19 stages.
Seattle’s favorite street event commences every year at the summer solstice. The two-day event includes local music, food, crafts and artcars, with all proceeds benefi ting the Freemont Public Association.
The 35th Annual Seattle International Film Festival offers 25 days of intense film viewing featuring more than 300 entries from filmmakers around the world.
