I'm planning on taking a much needed vacation, somewhere that's not balmy, humid, 95 degrees or involves putting on a swim suit or kicking sand out of my shoes. Narrowed it down to to the Seattle area to experience a totally different environment, culture and scenery. Having never been there before I was curious if you guys had any experience in the area and could recommend any must see sights or make sure you don't miss this items. Any ideas are much appreciated....
Ralph, I was born in Seattle when my Dad was there on a defense radar installation during WW2 (1944). We moved away 18 months later. My wife and I went back in 1996. We knew that it rains a lot there, but we were blessed with sunny and pleasant weather the entire time. The scenery was great. I didn't do any formal planning, so we winged it and saw some neat things. Today on the internet you have a plethora of sources which can provide you with suggestions for things to see and do. We took a 2-day trip via hovercraft to Victoria Island, British Columbia, which I would recommend. Again, there is much to see and do on the island. From there we took a ferry to Vancouver, where we spent our last day. To this day I regret not having planned better, because we could have seen more in Vancouver than just the downtown area, which itself was a cool experience. We flew home from Vancouver. If you take advantage of planning either yourself or through a travel agency, I'm certain you'll enjoy the trip. Seattle is a beautiful city in a beautiful part of the country. In my opinion, it's well worth the trip.
I've been to the Seattle area three times on extended business trips in the past 8 years and during thiose trips I drove all around Seattle and to areas north like Anacortes and Bellingham and I have taken the downtown ferry across Puget Sound to Bremerton and the Kitsap Peninsula on each of those trips as well. That is a pretty neat ferry ride and people say be on the look out for whales when you make that crossing. The area offers some very scenic sites to be had with snow capped mountains in the distance and evergreen forests along with fields of tulips and other plants. It's a great place to get out of the city and drive that rental car. Otherwise downtown Seattle is really cool also with terrific seafood restaurants and cool bars.
"Rain" is a relative thing. I went to Seattle multiple times when I worked for Boeing (if you've seen all the natural scenery you can take, a tour of the Everett facility is an impressive diversion) and they mostly get mist. It never really rains. Not like what we in thunderstorm country call rain. It is a TOTALLY different scene, and culture. I'm sure you guys will enjoy whatever you decide to do.
Been there a few times. Love it. Mount Ranier dominates. The ferry to Victoria Island is a winner. Great seafood at the waterfront. Olympic Peninsula is beautiful.
I took Mary out there for her 40th birthday. (Gave her 3 more hrs. of being 39. On one of the days we had a rental car and took a ferry up to Victoria on Vancouver Island. We then drove up the east coast of the island to Nanamo where we took a ferry over to the city of Vancouver. We watched the cruise ships sail on their way up to Alaska and then had dinner in a revolving restaurant on top of a tall building that overlooked the city. We then drove back to Seattle. Saw a lot of beautiful country that day. Mary had a meeting with the Wash. state Oncology society at a beautiful inn called the Salish Lodge. It's in Snoqualmie which is east of Seattle. It's located on a beautiful waterfall. Lots of things to see in that part of the country.
I highly recommend the Apple Cup on 11/25. Wear Crimson if you want to see the local IQ drop 50 points.
And this is why I call Skybox home, thank you everyone I appreciate it.... Kes I thought if you put on a Texas Longhorn hat your IQ drops 50 points, I have to keep this stuff straight....
Victoria is really beautiful. Seattle has a lot to see. Only city I've ever been in where you're hotel room comes equipped with an umbrella.
No Rick I haven't yet, my hernia surgery pushed back my plans a bit but I still plan on making it happen this summer. Any thoughts or ideas???
Sorry for the late response. Here you go... Fairmont Olympic. Very nice older hotel and we've gotten good rates on mini-suites depending on the season. Salumi. For house-cured meats, this place is incredible. It's owned by Mario Batali's parents, so it's generally always busy. Lamb prosciutto. The Brooklyn. Very clubby oyster bar and grill. They always have about six types of oysters, and they designate one as the "bar oyster" during happy hour for $2 each. Steaks are great, too. Spinasse. Piedmont cuisine. If you like northern Italian food, do not miss this place. It's that good, but it's relaxed and the prices are reasonable. It's small, so reserve well in advance if you go. Elysian Brewing. Just a couple of blocks away from Spinasse, it's my favorite Seattle beer (even though it's now owned by Anheuser Busch). Big Time Brewery. Good brewpub in the University district. Triangle Pub. Near the ballparks in the (very old) Flatiron building. It's a drinking bar and a little bit of a dive in what was at one time a brothel, but it's fun, has outside seating and attracts sports fans. Someone will ask you to ring the bell. Don't do it. Underground Tour. Look it up. If it appeals to you, definitely do it. Big Four Ice Caves. Very cool natural formations and an easy hike, but it's getting a little late in the season so if you're interested check on it before heading out. Whidbey Island. A fun day trip and a great drive, particularly if you take advantage of both the ferry and the Deception Pass Bridge - one in and one out. That's all I have for now. If I think of anything else I'll add it. Enjoy your trip.